What Do Roman Catholics Believe About Mary? | Pastor Daniel Batarseh (Gospel of Mark Bible Study Series)

Well again, it's so good to be back with you all.

I've seen some of your faces just not too long ago and so

from Joe and I thank you for all those who are able to make it to

the wedding. And we know that some couldn't

really wanted to be there, but your love and your support even

from a distance was felt. And so we're just so blessed

that we can be part of a church family.

That is so supportive in so many ways and so thank you from the

bottom of our hearts. I don't want to take too much

time talking about that though. I want us to go to the word of

God and so meet me. E in Mark, chapter 7.

Mark 7 · chapter mention

And let's go to a few verses that we already covered

together, but it's going to help us springboard into specific

topic. That is worthy of our time.

This Sunday afternoon let's go to verse 10 and Mark chapter 7,

Mark 7 · chapter mention

Here's what the word of God reads.

For Moses said, honor your father, and your mother, and

whoever reviles father, or mother must surely die.

But you say the man, tells his father, or his mother, whatever

you have game from me, is Corbin.

That is given to God, then you no longer permit him to do

anything for his father or mother.

Thus making void the word of God by your tradition.

That you Have handed down and many such things you do.

Lord, we pray. Give us Grace for this message.

Unmistakably clear. Free from confusion free from

error, even with a subject, like this may the presence of Christ.

Be felt May, our hearts be wooed to love him and Adorn him with

greater devotion, and greater Zeal Lord set.

The captives free, those who might be confused or deceived,

bring Clarity, bring guidance, bring Deliverance be exalted and

be honored. Lord, our hearts are ready for

what you have to say and we trust in your wisdom and in your

wisdom alone. Amen.

I draw your attention to this passage again, because I want to

remind you that the elevation and the indoctrination of man

made, religious, or spiritual tradition, is something that

Jesus during his Earthly Ministry often confronted and

exposed and the leaders, and the perpetrators who pushed often

man-made tradition. During the time of Christ were

the Pharisees. And here we see the Lord, not

only addressing the error of their ways in a general sense,

but he specifically points out a flaw in their belief system and

even calls it out by name. The Lord here speaks about one

of the things that they were pushing and teaching and

discipling, that was actually eclipsing the word of God.

And Jesus goes on to tell exactly what commandment this

teaching was overshadowing. And it was obviously concerned

to him and it should be concern to us.

That's what we see here. In verse 11 is a not the

Pharisees implemented. What was known as Corbin, it was

a pseudo spiritual All that enabled them to avoid the

responsibility ordained by God. In the fifth commandment and

honoring your father and your mother, which was a lifelong

commitment, even into their old age, to watch over them, and to

help them in every way possible, including financially.

But this core bond. This, this supposed principal

made it seem as though in piety, what was supposed to be given to

them was actually given to God, when in reality, they could do

whatever they wanted with that. charitable cause This is just

one this is just one of the Traditions.

Jesus tells us that the end of his statement here verse 13 and

many such things you do. This teaching was only one of

the many errors that the Pharisees were promoting to an

undiscerning people. Many such things you do with

that being said, my aim today and I have a very specific goal

is to bring forth to you and to unpack a korban of our day, so

to speak. More specifically, I want you,

and I to look at a man-made tradition that is still being

imposed on the masses. In the name of God and is

effectively making void the word of God in the lives of many as

it was, in the days of the Pharisees.

And my intention in doing this, is to make one simple and

crucial point that you would never forget.

And it relates to what we discussed in our last time

together. And that point is this, that

there is a serious spiritual danger and deception that awaits

anyone Anyone who does not uphold the scripture, as a

supreme authority regarding all matters of faith and practice.

In other words, if the Bible does not rain, sufficient

concerning your convictions about the revelation of who God

is and what he demands of us then.

No, this the possibilities of embracing erroneous beliefs are

inevitable. And you will hear one of the

most. Heartbreaking examples of that

in a few moments. But before before we proceed,

allow me to lay a groundwork from the word of God turn with

me to the Book of Revelation, Book of Revelation is filled

with wonder filled with amazing truths and observations.

You're aware of that, it has cost people too.

Study and wonder and for some to speculate, it's just from cover

to cover overwhelming with so much Rich Revelation and

content. And in this book though, I

believe there is one observation that many have missed, even

those who are eager to master. Its contents.

Found here in Revelation, 19 verse 9.

Revelation 19:9

What do we read here Revelation 19?

9 says, in the angel said to me, this is John the Apostle

writing. And the angel said to me, write

this blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper

of the lamb and he said to me, these are the true words of God

verse 10. Then I fell down at his feet to

worship Him. But he said to me, you must not

do that. I am a fellow servant with you

and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus worship.

God for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of Prophecy.

Go to chapter 22 of Revelation. Verse 8, revelation, 22, verse

Revelation 22:8

8. I John am the one who heard and

saw these things, and when I heard and saw them, I fell down

to worship at the feet of the Angel who showed them to me.

But he said to me, you must not do that.

I am a fellow servant with you and your brother's the prophets.

And with those who keep the words of this book worship God.

If you were to ask the Apostle John brother, John, who alone is

worthy of praise and honor and Glory, who alone is worthy to be

ascribed. This adoration.

This Love This devotion. Will there be any doubt in your

mind that he would answer correctly?

The same John, who saw touched felt and heard, the Living Word

made flesh. The same John, who penned the

words of the Masters Statements like I am the way the truth, and

the life, the same, John who has given us the Gospel of John, the

Epistles of John, and even this very glorious book.

Is there any doubt in our minds that he would be completely

faithful to answering that question?

There shouldn't be the end of the same time, the same John,

who gave so much glory and honour to the Lord.

Jesus Christ, not once but twice felt the Temptation and the urge

to worship an angel. To worship a creature.

To worship a messenger of God. There are many things that we

can take from this many things that we can absorb, but let me

make one point that's relevant to the message.

Today mankind is very capable of giving equal if not more glory

to a creature than the Creator who alone is worthy to be

praised. Mankind.

Can feel that pull can be a Lord to give inappropriate glory to

an object apart from the only one who deserves it.

Now, I want you to think about this more deeply.

This is John, this is the Apostle, John.

And if the Apostle, John himself felt that impulse to Bow before

a creature, should it surprise us?

That there are millions across this globe.

Who do not have a true Fidelity to the word of God, who do not

have an adequate understanding of the scriptures?

Is it any surprise to us that the masses?

Would feel the urge and would even live in a way in which they

give and proper adoration, and tribute to a created being

rather than the Creator. It shouldn't surprise you.

It shouldn't surprise any of us but it should still break our

hearts to know that. There are many today who like

John Our Miss placing their worship.

And have never been challenged for it even by those who know

the truth. And I believe one main reasons

because they're afraid and they have a false understanding of

unity. False understanding of love. but

my goal today is to be a simple messenger and Echo the

exhortation that this heavenly messenger urgency urgently gave

to John, you must not do that. Worship God.

God Alone. Some of you perhaps know where

I'm going with this. But let me be clear from the

beginning that we are going to spend our time today to deal

with a very common elevation of a creature.

Not an angel, but an instrument that God has used two thousand

years ago and a special way. One who has chosen to fulfill a

very specific and unique role in Redemptive history.

But who I was unfortunately been esteemed on a pedestal in a

manner that is completely foreign to the Bible.

I'm speaking about Mary and there are different traditional

churches who proposed various views about Mary though?

Many of them overlap. But what I'm going to do for the

sake of order and a flow of thought, I'm going to focus on

what the Roman Catholic Church teaches about Mary and I know

what you might be thinking. Why, why are you doing this man?

Why don't you just stick to what you believe in what we believe?

No need to do this, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of

You might think that I'm being inflammatory or unloving by

taking this approach but let me tell you what I'm doing.

Is the most loving thing I can do.

It's the most loving and most compassionate thing to do.

And I'm not here to give you something that came from my own

imagination or my own ideas or from some random blog that I

read online to give me some ammo to attack unnecessarily.

People who might hold to a different understanding of this

person know my prayer and my preparation is 21.

Equip the believer. Is to equip the believer to know

how to reach out to those who are in deception and second to

that if somebody who might claim and confess to venerate, Mary

that in light of what is going to be presented, a to be open

enough in heart and mind to re-evaluate.

What the Roman Catholic Church actually teaches and even your

own Devotion to her. And to see if it lines up with

the word of God. So just be open, be honest, if

you're hungry for the truth, I'm not here again to present my own

ideas. In fact, this is going to be a

very different message. At least for me, at least for me

because what I want to do is quote as many sources as

possible. I'm going to give you what Rome

says, I'm not going to give you what I think or my understanding

or what I heard from what this person said.

Without any credible reference. So my head is going to be down a

lot. That might not be the most

engaging or emotionally stirring message this afternoon, but

absolutely vital. I want to follow the master.

We go verse by verse chapter, by chapter throughout, the Bible

were in Mark chapter 7, Jesus dealing with tradition and I

Mark 7 · chapter mention

want to deal with tradition to Jesus called out a specific

false tradition and I endeavored to do the same.

There's a lot of confusion out there a lot.

And they're even good-hearted people who know this to be the

true word of God, but don't understand differences.

And don't understand nuances. And my goal here is to make you

more confident in what you believe.

And for those who might hold to this tradition, I want you to

also see Perhaps, you don't understand the depths of this

tradition and what it really implies.

And I want you to see that something perhaps that you've

grown up with or something that you've been sharing with your

family. Something that's very familiar

to your culture is in fact dangerous.

How are we going to do this? Well, let me start by saying if

I give you. Everything will be here for

three hours. I don't want to overwhelm you at

the same time, I want this to be sufficient enough for you, to

have a basis of understanding. And so I always have to give

this disclaimer, this is not exhaustive because I'm prepared

for people to perhaps approach me after and asked about this,

or about that. I'm prepared for that Beyond

this Pulpit. But for the sake of our time,

for the sake of your tolerance, in mind, this is a very focused

message that will deal with specific things and what were

specifically going to deal with that.

At this time. Are the main dogmas of Mary in

the Roman Catholic Church, the main dogmas, right?

The main teachings. And let me remind you what

dogmas are. They're infallible and

obligatory beliefs that are binding on all professing

Christians. They are non-negotiable their

irrevocable and they are absolutely a part of the core

tenets of the Catholic faith. So when you hear the word dogma,

that's what you're hearing. These are not.

Just Fringe things. These are sensual things so

believer, be ready to be equipped.

And and the person who does not understand the differences or

the depths of Mary ology, be prepared to digest.

Some things that might not be easy to hear.

How are we going to do this? Let's deal with the four main

dogmas. Actually three there are four

there are four of them and the one that I'm going to exclude is

the belief that Mary is the mother of God.

That's a very specific title. May, I had a very misleading and

unbiblical title, the mother of God, it's a very loaded title,

and it's not just a nice way of referring to her.

It's not just an honorable way of identifying her, it is low.

loaded with application and implication concerning devotion

and perception of her person that is exaggerated And

violation of the word of God, but I'm not going to touch on

that one. Instead, I'm going to touch on

the three other ones and these are the three that we're going

to look at in the short time together.

The first one, the first one. If you're taking notes, if you

can, memorize this stuff, God bless you.

The Immaculate Conception of Mary.

In 1854, Pope Pius the ninth solemnly established what is

known as the Immaculate Conception as a universal Dogma.

This article of faith was issued under the title of infallible is

DUIs with translate as gods and affable God ineffable.

The Immaculate Conception. Is the teaching that Mary was

conceived without original sin or stain.

Let me say that one more time, Immaculate Conception is not the

belief that Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary without sin,

but that Mary herself when she was conceived the womb of her

mother was conceived without a trace without any pollution of

original sin. in essence, it is the belief that God has granted

a specific Grace over her from the moment that she was

conceived, that preserved her from the curse of Adam

Protecting her from. The original curse and stain of

sin that affects us all. And why would they believe that?

Well because in their idea if Mary hosted the presence of

Jesus Christ, who is God, who is perfect, then she herself and

sharing flesh with them, cannot be contaminated with sin.

Here is the exact definition from that document that I

quoted, right? God ineffable from 1854, Pope

Pius. The ninth quote we declare

Pronounce and Define that the doctrine, which holds that the

Most Blessed Virgin Mary is the first instance of her conception

in the first instance of her conception by singular, Grace

and privilege. Granted by almighty God and view

of the merits of Jesus Christ. The savior of the human race was

preserved, free from all stain of original sin, is a Doctrine

revealed by God and therefore, to be believed firmly and

constantly, by all the faithful and quote, There's a lot being

said there and it's very straightforward.

It's unmistakably clear, but did you catch a specific phrase?

It is a Doctrine revealed by God.

Now, your reflex should be. Well, where does it say it in

the word of God? But that reply doesn't apply to

Roman Catholicism. Why?

Because in their understanding it's not just scripture the

magisterium of the church has equal Authority and if they're

honest, more Authority than the word of God and that kind of

authority that they claim to have enables them to receive

divine. Ation and Define divine

revelation. Regardless, if it's found in the

scriptures are not She comes down to Authority.

That's why I taught on is the Bible enough before we begin

this because that's where it all stems.

From is the Bible sufficient. And if not, then you open ways

to embracing things such as this.

And in the same document that defines this Doctrine, you have

a warning issued to those who choose not to adhere to it.

Quote, hence if any one shall dare, which God forbid, to think

otherwise that has been defined by us, let him know and

understand that he is condemned by his own judgment.

That he has suffered shipwreck in the faith that he has

separated from the unity of the church.

And that furthermore, by his own action, can cures the penalties

established by law. If he should are to express in

words or in writing, or By any other outward means the errors.

He thinks in his heart and quote, you doubt this, you

question this, you publicly criticize it in writing or in

speech, you deserve to be punished by law.

You've made shipwreck of your faith.

You are not part of the church. If you do not believe that Mary

was conceived without sin anathema.

Is this some Fringe document know this was declared by a pope

infallibly? This essential This is what they

believe and if you don't believe it either, you're not a

Christian. This is serious.

If you expect, if you express any resistance or question,

you're in danger. And we think here that this is

again, something that is out there, but let me prove it to

you from this This is the catechism of the Catholic

church, you can purchase this, you can find this online.

This is a book that summarizes the doctrines of their faith.

I'm going to be quoting from this book a lot because I want

you to see exactly what they believe.

Not, again my opinion or my interpretation of their

principles and their rituals and their ceremonies and their

doctors know, straight from the book, straight from the horse's

mouth. From the catechism paragraph.

508 Here's what we read. This is Doctrine again.

This is theology. From among the descendants of

Eve. God chose the Virgin Mary to be

the mother of his son full of grace.

Mary is the most excellent fruit of redemption from the first

instant of her conception, she was totally preserved from the

stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal

sin throughout her life. The reason for this belief

again, as I said is because Jesus is sinless and surely the

one hosting Jesus should be sinless, the one carrying him

for nine months. And so what's this belief that

God? Predetermined chose Mary?

To be the first to be redeemed in a sense to be redeemed before

even existing. So that she can be the proper

carrier of the son of God. What does the Bible say about

Mary's moral condition? Well, it's fascinating because

the holy spirit gives us the very words of Mary and in Luke

1, 46 to 47. It says in Mary said my soul

magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, what?

My Savior, My Savior. Here's this, humble servant of

God who gladly and willingly confesses what many cannot

accept that she was aware of her need to be saved.

She was aware of her need of the saving grace of God, regardless

of her privileged role in God's program.

She knew she was not exempt. From the need to be redeemed, to

be saved to be transformed, but like many false teachings.

When you introduce error and all it takes.

Is a little leaven, oftentimes, you're going to need more error

in order to keep the original thought of float.

And so we have a strong Dogma, the Immaculate Conception of

Mary, but it is followed by another which is a second, very

important pillar in this idea of who she is.

The Perpetual virginity of Mary The Perpetual virginity of Mary,

something that I'm sure you've heard that you're familiar with,

but we need to unpack. It still 649 Pope Martin the

first at a lateran council, again he clarified and

solidified. This jock doctor not as an

opinion piece. But again, as a teaching

sanctioned with Divine Authority, the statement ever

virgin came from this Pope. And what is it a firm exactly?

Well, that Mary was. Not just a virgin before she

conceived Christ, that's something you and I agree with.

We believe that Mary was a virgin before she conceived

Christ, but it goes beyond that that she was a virgin during and

after the birth of Christ and that's where we have contention.

That's where we have an issue. That's where we disagree.

We know that in scripture there many evidences that say, the

contrary, and I know that there every single verse I bring up,

I'm fully aware that the traditional churches has a

response almost every one of them, but let me let me just

give it to you. Regardless, we have Jesus

siblings mention his half-brothers and sisters even

by name by Mark even by Matthew. But a Mark 6:3 we're told is not

Mark 6:3

the, this, the carpenter The son of Mary and brother of James,

and Joseph, and Judas, and Simon, and are not his sister's

here with us and they took offense at him.

Now, Roman Catholics attempt to refute this simple reading of

the text by going to the original Greek word and saying,

well, the original Greek word for brothers is a wide thing.

It can it can include distant relatives, include cousins but

if Mark really wanted to convey that, it was Jesus relatives or

his cousins. Then why wouldn't he use the

Words, for those very things. Because in Luke 136 where we're

told about Elizabeth, I know the King James says cousin, but in

other word for word translation, you have the word relative.

The original Greek word is sugan es su G NS which actually means

of kin the same kin of being of the same family, the same blood

though, this then or close. It's a more General

understanding of relatives. So again, s Elizabeth was that

kind of person to marry in a human relationship but in

Colossians 4, 10 you have Paul telling us about Barnabas has

cousin in Colossians 4 10. I know again the King James says

the son of his sister but if You go to the original of Barnabas

has cousin. The Greek work.

Is there an up ciose? Which actually means cousin

cousin. So you have a Greek word for

distant relative. You have a Greek word for cousin

when it comes to Mark 6:3. Here, the Greek word is Al

Mark 6:3

dafoe's for my greek-speaking. Friends, I apologize for the way

I am pronouncing these words. It speaks of someone related to

you with the same parents. It's the closest word that you

can use to refer to a brother or a sister.

So why not sugan is why not an up ciose, why use a word that

brings you closer to the meaning of Jesus?

Having a half-brother half-sister, but Roman

Catholicism can't accept this. They can't, they have to rely on

strange analogies and illustrations to prey on those

who don't have a proper way of interpreting.

The word of God. Let me give you the most famous

one. Mary is the Ark of the Covenant,

and its fulfillment. What I mean by that on the same

way that the Ark of the Covenant, the Old Testament

hosted the presence of God that was a shadow of Mary who was to

host the glory of God. In the person of Jesus Christ.

Sounds nice. Sounds poetic sounds deep.

But what's the Practical and Theological implication?

This. That in the same way that no man

could touch the Ark of the Covenant and like manner, no man

could touch Mary. No man could touch Mary by

virtue of her role, as hosting the presence of God.

And so with that train of logic, no man touched Mary including

her husband Joseph, Just like the Ark of the Covenant refused

to allow. Here's a statement from this

book again. Paragraph number 499, quote the

deepening of faith, and the virginal motherhood led the

church to confess Mary's real and Perpetual virginity even in

the act of giving birth to the Son of God made, man in fact

Christ's birth did not diminish. His mother's virgin Integrity

but sanctified it and so the Liturgy of the church celebrates

Mary as the ever virgin What does this mean?

Exactly, well, there's debates. Even among Catholics of the

implications of this. But a common view is that the

conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary was not the only

miraculous thing that that occurred in relation to her

body. Not just the conception listen

very carefully, but the very event of the birth itself.

Was a miracle. Did you hear what the statement

of faith said, even in the act of giving birth to the Son of

God made, man? So here's the belief and it's

spelled out clearly, Mary, remained a virgin, not obviously

before, conceiving Christ. But during, and after now, I've

always understood as the after But no, it goes deeper than

that. Even during what does that mean?

Well, here's the argument, because Mary was sinless.

She escaped the experiential curse.

That was issued to Eve and her descendants, which according to

Genesis, 3:16 deals with pain and bringing forth children.

But again, you have to connect it.

She was conceived without sin, and so as a result of that

privilege status, when it came to this occasion, the pain was

not present, but it's even more than that.

It's more than just a painless labor.

No, no, because in seeking to defend the integrity, Eddie of

Mary's sinless body. The belief is this, that during

the natural arrival of the Savior, some believe that Jesus,

they're not even enter through the birth canal at all.

Here's a quote from article, 3 from the catechism of Trent,

which expands on the details of the birth of Christ quote.

You can hear me say that a lot. And speaking about Jesus here it

is quote just as he afterwards went forth from the Sepulchre,

while it was closed and sealed the tomb and entered the room in

which his disciples were assembled, the doors being shot

or not to depart from everyday examples, just as the Rays of

the sun penetrate without breaking or injuring in the

least, the solid substance of glass.

So after alike but More exalted manner.

The Jesus Christ come forth from his mother's womb, without

injury to her maternal virginity and quote The case that's being

made here is that in the same way that Jesus escaped, the tomb

without tampering with the seal, the mouth of that tomb.

And the same way Jesus appeared in that room where the disciples

were fearfully hiding without engaging with the door.

So in the birth of Christ, there was no obstruction of the body

of Mary when he entered into our world.

Her frame was untouched. There was no wound.

There was no scar. And think this is silly.

Why are these details even important?

Well, it's silly to you, but it's very important to them

because it's just an edge and the grand fabric.

Of her being. Of promoting her and

complimenting. Her distinct nature from all

other creation. All of these details matter

because it protects and promotes the skewed perception of who she

is concerning her person, her position in the kingdom of God.

But even in this, we know that the Bible provides Clarity, what

happened to Mary's body during the birth of Christ.

What did Mary do after? She gave birth to Christ.

What does the New Testament tells us in Luke Chapter 2?

Luke 2 · chapter mention

Let me read it to you and Luke 2:22.

Luke 2:22

And when the time came for their purification according to the

law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him

to the Lord. Verse 23 of Luke to as it is

written in the law of the Lord. Every male who first opens the

womb Shall be Called, holy to the Lord.

So, Mary herself, honor the levitical law by going through,

the rites of purification that occurs after you give birth to

her firstborn male, child. And she went through the whole

process of cleansing. Is an act of Devotion to the god

that she loved and honored. And I know there are objections.

One of the common objections is this.

Well, if Jesus did have half-siblings then why on the

cross that he bestow the honor and responsibility to John the

Beloved. Why not one of his many

siblings? You probably heard it yourself,

right? There's a very simple answer to

that, you know, this and this is why it's important to know our

Bibles. Did the brothers of Jesus

believed Jesus for who he was before his resurrection answer.

No, they didn't. And what did Jesus say about who

his mother? And his brothers were those who

do the word of God are My mother and my brothers.

And so being consistent with his teaching, he gave that Grace to

a brother. John.

And what Catholics do with that reference in John 19 is say that

in the same way that John received Mary into her home,

that was symbolic for what the church should do in every single

one of you must Embrace marry into your home.

See, it's not just a matter of recognizing the Bible.

It's a matter of how you interpret the Bible.

You can make the Bible say anything you want.

If you come with your preconceived notions and ideas,

The Perpetual virginity of Mary. Now you would think okay, well,

if Rome has something to say about the birth of Mary, of Rome

has something to say about the life of Mary than surely Rome

has something to say about the death of Mary and they do.

And you've heard me refer to this not too long ago but I'm

going to bring it up to you because it's important to

understand. We know that Pope Pius the 12th

right and 1950 codified another dogma and that Dogma is what the

Assumption of Mary the bodily Assumption of Airy.

And it's a very simple belief that at the end of her life and

you can believe whether she died or not died, but at the end of

her life, Mary assume Marius was ascended into heaven.

Not just in her soul but with her body and it makes sense,

right? You were sinless from birth, you

were sinless throughout your life.

And so naturally, the effects of death do not apply to you.

Death has no claim on you, so to speak.

And so you are able to experience.

This miracle. And this is what this book says.

In the catechism of the Catholic Church.

Paragraph number nine, six six. This is a lengthy one but make

it as engaging as possible quote.

Finally the immaculate virgin preserved free from all stain of

original sin. When the course of her Earthly

life was finished was taken up body and soul into Heavenly

glory and exalted by the Lord. As Queen over all things.

So that she might be the more fully conform to her son, the

Lord of lords and Conquer of sin and death.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular

participation and her son's resurrection.

And in anticipation of the resurrection of other

Christians, hold up. Jesus is the first fruits of the

Resurrection In anticipation of the resurrection of other

Christians in giving birth. Now, they turn it.

Another dressing Mary and giving birth.

You, kept your virginity in your dormition.

You did not leave the world. Oh, Mother of God, but were

joined to the source of life. You conceive, the Living God and

by your prayers will deliver our souls from death.

End quote. Why is the bodily Assumption of

Mary important to Rome? Because it is her exaltation.

It is her exaltation by the Lord listened as you heard as Queen.

Over all things. And in her exaltation, she was

not only honored with some adornment.

She was not just crowned with a beautiful identity.

No, she was granted a startling position in heaven.

That still applies today. And what is that role?

Exactly, well look, I can tell you but let me just read it.

This is a general idea. This is an overview of what Mary

is doing according to Catholicism at this very hour

and this is found from Catholic answers.

One of the most reputable and sought-after apologetics for

Roman Catholicism. Quote understanding Mary as

Queen Mother sheds light on her important intercessory role in

the Christian Life. Life.

Just like the Queen Mother of the davidic Kingdom, Mary serves

as an advocate for the people in the kingdom of God today.

Thus, we should approach Our Queen Mother with confidence

knowing that she carries our petitions to a royal son and

that he responds to her. As Solomon did to Bathsheba.

I will never refuse you. Do you know why there's such an

emphasis on praying to with the language of the Catholics with

praying through, Mary? Do you know why that is Because

Mary has a certain influence over Christ just like any mother

would over her child. So go to Mary, you have a better

chance of having your prayers answered, if you bring your

prayers first to her, and then her bringing it to the royal

son. And what text to they use for

that. John Chapter 2 wedding at Cana.

John 2 · chapter mention

When Mary approached Jesus about the issue of their lack, there

being a lack of wine. Jesus responds to Maryam, Mary

turns and says, to the servants, do whatever, he tells you, And

then the miracle came came about.

You see bring your need to marry.

Mary will bring it to Christ and Christ would be more willing to

hear your petition and plea and answer it.

What a misreading of that text. If anything.

Let's let's let's actually honor.

It Mary said, do whatever he tells you to do, then do it.

What does he tell you to do? And so this is really the heart

of the matter and this is why if you've ever engaged with a Roman

Catholic and you touch on merry men, you really touch your

nerve. Because she's immediate risks.

So many Graces flow from her. And this is this is why this

personally disturbs me. And I see this as a perverse and

demonic Doctrine. I'll tell you why.

Because whether it's willingly done and I don't think anybody

would confess that it's willingly done, but it's being

it's being done regardless to see Mary in this position.

Puts Christ in a place where he seems less compassionate, less

understanding less willing to engage with you and your need

and your pilgrimage Mary with her maternal, affection is much

more understanding and because of her position as Mother of God

as Queen of Heaven, like Bathsheba she will sit at the

right hand. She will come to the royal son

and she will be more convincing and effective with your request

if you rather choose to go directly.

Him. So this is now, if this, this

affects the person of Jesus Christ, this now touches on his

personality and his character and his nature toward us.

And this belief makes the Lord seem indifferent, it makes him

seem distant, makes him seem reluctant, whereas Mary seems

more tender and open-hearted and more than that, more

influential, don't believe me, here's another quote.

From paragraph 969, quote, taken up to heaven.

She did not lay aside, the saving office, but by her

manifold intercession. Continues to bring us the gift

of eternal life. Or Eternal salvation rather.

Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the church under the

titles of advocate Helper benefactress and mediatrix.

Those are her titles Advocate helper benefactress in

Pediatrics. Remember Pope Pius who

established the Immaculate Conception Pope Pius, the ninth

in that lengthy document you have.

You have a confirmation of what I'm saying and even a command of

how Roman Catholics or in their language, Christians should

perceive and engage with Mary I'm sorry, I'm reading all this

to you, but I think it's more effective than me just saying

things from memory, listen to this.

This is painful quote, let all the children of the Catholic

Church were so very dear to us. Hear these words of ours with a

still more Ardent Zeal for piety religion and love, let them

continue to venerate invoke and pray to the Most Blessed Virgin

Mary Mother of God, conceived without original sin.

Let them fly with utter confidence to this most sweet.

Our of mercy and Grace in all dangers, difficulties needs,

doubts and fears, under her guidance, under her, patronage

under her kindness of protection.

Nothing is to be feared. Nothing is hopeless because

while our Salvation she is solicitous about the whole human

race. And since she has been appointed

by God to be Queen of Heaven, and Earth and is exalted above

all the choirs of angels and Saints even stands at the right

hand of her. Only begotten, son.

Jesus Christ Our Lord. She presents our petitions in a

more ethicist, man. When she asked she obtains her,

please can never be unheard and cold. now, if you ask somebody

who holds the Roman Catholic faith, And you inquire, do you

guys worship her? Without hesitation, no, no.

We venerate We venerate her. Call it what you want.

What is this sound like, just be honest.

What does it sound like? Now this all makes sense to why

there's such an emphasis on prayer to or through.

Mary, it's your best option. This is what this is, what makes

your prayer life more effective? Your, your walk with God.

Now, that's what man says, but what does God say?

What does the Holy Spirit? Tell you and I according to

Hebrews 4:15, here's what we're told for.

Hebrews 4:15

We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our

weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we

are yet without sin. Therefore let us with confidence

draw near to the throne of grace.

Let us with confidence draw near to that sympathetic high priest

who has been tempted in every Single way.

And unlike the king of Esters time.

His scepters continually extended to us and we have all

access to him at all times for all things, and I'll manners,

that's Christ, that's Christ and that Glory belongs to him alone.

Oh, that we may receive and find Grace to help in time of need,

what more can be said. What more can be shown that?

What is called veneration is actually something more.

And dare, I say atrocious in the sight of God, God.

What more? Not only do these beliefs, have

no basis in the word of God. So many of the attributes that

are exclusive to God are shared with her.

And among the many one of the most disturbing to me in my

studies is her being referred to as all holy all holy.

Pope, John Paul. The second who is Pope in 1978.

He wrote a book called The Book of Mary.

And I just want, I'm just going to read the table of contents.

And it's going to give you an idea.

I'm not even going to read the content.

I'm just going to read to you the table of contents.

And he obviously wrote this in honor of Mary.

And here's some of those chapter titles Gate of Heaven.

Mediatrix of all Graces mirror of perfection Mother of Mercy,

pillar of Faith, Queen of All Saints, Queen of Peace Seat of

Wisdom. Veneration.

Respect. What do we make of these titles?

What do we make of these statements?

And their own catechism paragraph, 971 quote, the

churches Devotion to the Blessed Virgin is in strength intrinsic

to Christian worship. The church has Devotion to the

Blessed version. Its intrinsic to Christian

worship. That is why you'll find prayers

and hymns given to Mary. That is why you will hear things

like from Pope, John Paul the second and totus tuus.

This is a prayer. I'm going to read this prayer.

I'm gonna try to stomach while I read it, but I'm going to read

this to give you an idea to challenge what people claim to

be mere respect. And reverence here it is.

Totally yours, Immaculate Conception Mary.

My mother live in me act in me. Speak in me and through me,

think your thoughts in my mind, love through my heart.

Give me your dispositions and feelings, teach lead me and

guide me to Jesus. Correct, Enlighten and expand my

thoughts and behavior possess my soul.

Take over my entire personality and life replace it with

yourself, inclined me to constant.

Adoration. Pray in me, and through me, let

me live. Live in you and keep me in this

Union. Always on men.

No, no I'm n. Here's another prayer from Pope

Pius. The 12th.

It's called the consecration to the Blessed Virgin.

Most Holy Virgin Mary tender mother of all to fulfill the

desires of the Sacred Heart and the request of the vicar of your

son on Earth. We consecrate ourselves and our

families to your sorrowful and Immaculate Heart.

Oh, Queen of the most holy rosary and we recommend to you

and all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration dearest mother and use us as you

wish to accomplish your designs. Upon the world.

Veneration. I'm going straight to the source

veneration or something more we can continue but I won't.

I just want to say these thoughts and conclusion.

Is this the tone that you read of in the New Testament?

Is this the language that is ascribed to her.

In fact, it's not scripture has very little say about her says,

great things about her, says wonderful honorable things about

her. But very little there's no

elaborate description. There's no.

Morning of these different attributes and titles.

There's nothing about her life. Beyond what we see in Acts

Acts 1 · chapter mention

chapter 1. And what we see in Acts chapter

one is that she was present with, Jesus have brothers, in

the upper room and her being present.

In the early church. You would think that you would

see something echoed, you would see some kind of foundation,

right? You see some kind of basis for

why these things are being taught and tolerate and promoted

but she has no influence of leadership in the church.

None. She's not venerated in any way,

even close to this. She's not honored and some

special manner she's in the background.

Even when Paul and all of his wonderful feces of the, the

gospel, and all his discussions. And writings about the depths of

justification by faith, when he defines Redemptive history, I'm

thinking of one example. In Galatians, chapter 44, we

tells us about Jesus who is born of woman born under the law.

Like how much More General. Can you get than that?

Born of woman. Does he make?

Give the name born of woman, you would think that, if Rome is

trying to be faithful to the word of God that Those things

would be found things that I just read to you.

Mother of all Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, nothing of the

sort. What about Jesus?

I can't think of a better way to close this session.

Then to go to the very words of Jesus.

Interestingly, somebody makes an attempt to bestow honor to to

marry. And if you want to turn there

before we close our Bibles, it's in Luke 11 verse 27.

Luke 11:27

Luke 11:27. As he said these things a woman

Luke 11:27

in the crowd raised her voice and set them blessed is the womb

that bore you and the breasts at which you nursed.

Now pause, you would think that at this point Jesus would take

advantage of this moment and expand upon the glories of Mary,

the privilege of Mary The role of Mary.

He doesn't. No looking for 28 but he said

blessed. Rather are those who hear the

word of God and keep it. He doesn't he turns This Woman's

attention and our attention away from that puts our focus on the

blessing, that is available to all of us.

And that blessing comes through obedience to the word of God

more over by what he is saying. He clarifies that obedience to

the word of God is of Greater prominence and importance than

any veneration given to Mary. Blessed, rather.

Are those who hear the word of God and keep it?

It's a shame. It's a shame that Millions even

today are doing the very opposite of what this text

presents. Instead, they emphasized the

blessedness of married to the point where they have robbed

themselves of the blessing that comes from adherence to the word

of God because in their praise and veneration and honor and

tribute to Mary, they have made void the word of God.

I know that this isn't an easy sermon to hear Sunday, but I

think it's absolutely necessary especially with what's happening

in our climate culturally speaking.

I just praise God for his Providence.

That even in these past two, three weeks, even on political

platforms their discussions about Roman Catholicism and

protestantism and Sola scriptura and all these different things.

And I just thought to myself, wow, it's amazing that we're

touching on these things at this time.

Here's what I want to say to you.

In closing, before we prepare our hearts to partake of the

Lord's Supper. Pray for a Roman Catholic

friends. Pray for them.

The reason why I'm bringing this up to you is because we have to

determine Are these people who believe these things?

Are they partners with us in the gospel?

Are they in need of the Gospel? That's what we have to

determine. Do they need the gospel or do

they have the same gospel are extending our hand to them to

reach them with the truth or we putting our hand in their hands

and reaching others with the supposed same truth.

This is what we have to decipher pray.

Equip yourself know, the word of God.

More familiar side familiarized with their up with the truth and

be loving enough to engage in serious conversation.

For those who are willing to have those conversations.

Secondly if you grew up if you grew up with, This view of Mary,

you know what's so fascinating? Is that I think this is one of

the strongest strongholds for people when they walk to come to

Christ, they can't shake off Devotion to her.

And I understand why when reading into this because so

much is dependent on her so much is accessed through her.

It's no wonder to me how people are fearful of moving on and

giving appropriate honor to her. Instead of the exaggerated one

that they've lived with this for so long.

But I want to assure you this book, you can rely on this truth

will set you free if you just come to this book and this book

alone concerning what you believe about God, and what he

asked of you, you will know true Freedom.

You will know true Liberty. True Faith, true experience of

God's relationship with the living Christ.

Come to the word of God. And if you have any questions

come to us, we want to sit with you, we want to answer you, we

want to, we want to look at what's going on in your heart

and your history and your research even.

But know this, if our conversation is going to go

anywhere, we have to determine what is final Authority.

Now, tell you from now, we believe it's this book and this

book alone As we prepare to come to this table, how do we

transition? Here's what we transition with.

I pray that you're more motivated than ever to give all

glory to Jesus Christ. That's what we're motivated with

Satan wants to Rob That Glory Satan wants to fail That Glory,

he's willing to give it to anybody else.

Even if it's a saint, if it's an angel doesn't care, doesn't have

to be to him, but he hates Christ so much that he's willing

to put any obstacle in front of him so that he doesn't receive

what is his do. But we will not let that happen

today. Now, we will give a maximum

Glory. If anything, we will attribute

to him, what belongs to him alone?

Would you pray with me before we sing NG O, Lord.

The true Christ, the true savior, the true deliver the

true Refuge, the true Sanctuary, the high priest of Mercy, the

lover of our souls, the sympathetic Shepherd, the kind

and merciful one, the all knowing the all seeing the king

of the universe who does not share his throne with anyone.

Lord, we give you the glory and we give you the honor and we

give you the praise alone in this place.

And while we recognize that you are the one mediator, and we

recognize that because of what you've done, we have been given

and we are showered with Grace upon Grace Lord.

As we come to this table, we reflect on the exclusivity of

the gospel. And we remember that it's by

your blood, by your body alone that we are saved that, we are

Sanctified and that We will be redeemed for ever and ever.

We, thank you that you are the way you are the truth.

You are the life. And there is no one who can come

to the father, except through you and you alone.

Oh God Lord, you are infinitely, beautiful infinitely, Majestic,

oh Lord. Help us to exalt you with our

lives. Help us to exalt you with our

understanding of the truth. Help us to honor you in our

defense of the truth. But that defense to be done in

the love and compassion and understanding.

We too were once and darkness. We too are once blinded.

We too, were once deceive, but you set us free.

You set us free. We pray that there would be more

freedom as a result of this time.

Lord cleanse us of all sin, cleanse us of all unforgiveness.

There's anything that contradicts our devotion to you,

as we come to this table and declare a Unity not just with

you, but with one another show it to us so that we can honor

you at your table. Oh, Lord, our hearts are heavy,

but help us. Help us Lift Our Heads.

Now, to look at The Wonderful Grace that is ours in Christ

Jesus. In Jesus name, we pray.

Amen.