Why Mother Mary is Honored?

By Shaila Touchton Mother Mary is Saint and she is venerated by Catholics with love as part of our spiritual family, and they ask their aid and prayers because in the Book of Revelation we are told clearly that the prayers of the saints rise as incense before the Lord's throne (Rev. 5:8). However they believe salvation is through Christ our Lord. Saints in Heaven, and the angels in Heaven, share in Christ‘s role as a intercessor even though 1 Tim 2:5 reads as follows: “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…”.. God seeks intercessors. We know this from Moses Prayer, Interceding For Israel(Exodus 32:11-13),Elijah Asks God to Reveal Himself to the People (I Kings 18:36-37), Daniel's Prayer, Identifying With The Sins Of His People. Daniel 9:4-19), Stephen's Prayer, For His Murderers, At The Point Of His Death.(Acts 7:60). Intercession among members of the body of Christ is pleasing to God (1 Tm 2:1-4) and even commanded by him (Jn 15:17). 1. Mary is the Mother of God. She was chosen out of all the women in the world that ever existed. Mary is the mother of Jesus because Jesus is God so Mary is the Mother of God. Mary was full of grace, without sin, Jesus can not be born of sinful women. She has been virgin, Pure, Godly conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-25). Mary was saved from all sin because She bore our Lord Jesus Christ. Hence she has to be sinless to give birth to Christ because Jesus can not exist by original sin of Adam. Mother Mary is the one who nursed, fed, taught Jesus Christ, she was made a pure vessel for the Word of the Lord. Galatians 4:4-5 says But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Mother Mary is the only woman who is mentioned both Old Testament (Gen 3:15, Isaiah 7:14) and New testament (Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:22-30). 2. Isaiah 7:14 says that The Lord himself will give a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel,” Here we know that the mother of Christ would have to be a virgin. GOD needed Mary to be the vessel to give birth to His Divine Son. 3. Mary said her soul doth magnify the Lord, And her spirit hath rejoiced in God her Saviour.( Luke 1:46-47).Her mind was saturated in God's Word whom the Holy Spirit blessed her so abundantly. 4.In Luke 1:38Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. This shows Mary's humility and obedience to God and she herself responded to grace with faith. The way the description reads (Luke 1:35 )that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the power of the Highest will overshadow her, reminds me of Moses being overshadowed by the cloud on Mt. Sinai. Mary carried the Word of GOD, the Power of GOD, and the Bread come down from heaven. 5. Luke 1:48"...behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed...". Mary points us to Christ, she brings glory to God, and she exemplifies as a true disciple, a model for discernment and obedience to God. 6. Luke 1:28 says "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women." . Mary is the only person in the entire Bible to be called "Blessed among women”. 7.Mary is the only women who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and carried the Divine Person of GOD in her womb for nine months. Luke 1:35-38. 8. Mary is the only mother who gave us our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ and for us to imitate the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Mary is not a distraction from Christ but a reflection of Christ. 9. Mary was twice called "Blessed" by Elizabeth, being filled with the Holy Spirit, in Luke 1:42- 45. 10. In Judith 13:18 says And Uzziah said to her, “O daughter, you are blessed by the Most High God above all women on earth; and blessed be the Lord God, who created the heavens and the earth, who has guided you to strike the head of the leader of our enemies." 11. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby (John the Baptist) leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41 12. Jesus obeyed the command to honor his mother(Matthew 15:4). One of Jesus’ last words as he hung on the cross were his words to Mary and to the apostle John. To Mary Jesus said, “Woman, here is your son,” and to John he said, “Here is your mother.” (John 19:26-27) 13. Mary is the one who, in the Lord's words, "heard the word of God and kept it." (Luke 11:28) Through her personal sinlessness she fulfilled all the hopes and prophecies of Israel. (Isaiah 7:14) 14. Mary is not a pagan earth goddess because she is the mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was qualified to give birth to the sinless Son of God because God chose her and miraculously caused her to conceive by the "overshadowing" of the Holy Spirit.Luke 1:42 says she is blessed among women and has a favor from God. All generations will call her blessed (Luke 1:48).So definitely she is not a pagan Goddess. By praying to saints and angels, the Catholic Church can not be accused as pagan worshippers. The Bible shows us the importance of the witness of angels and saints and the Bible teaches the communion of saints (Luke 12:8-9). Saints in heaven are as the angels of God, they are intimately involved in man's salvation under Jesus Christ. When one prays to them, they in turn pray to God who commonly grants His graces on their behalf and because of their close relationship with Him. The Bible also teaches that angels are present in the assemblies of the faithful.(Ref verses 1 corinthians 11:10,Hebrews 12:22-23,2 Thesslonains 1:10,Daniel 7:10,Matthew 25:31,1 corinthains 6:2,Romans 8:38-39,Psalms 90:11,Revelation 8:2-4). 15. 1 Timothy 2:1 says “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men. “So asking for intercessory prayer is a very biblical thing to do, especially from a holy person like Mary (James 5:16) because she is a Saint.

Is Praying the Rosary Scriptural?

By Shaila Touchton Saying Rosary is nothing but confessing or Meditating Gods word. Most of anti-Catholics have taken scriptures out of context and accused Catholics pray rosary which is unscriptural etc. Below I have explained that Rosary is scriptural. 1. The prayer we say “Our Father in Heaven” is Biblical (Matthew 6:9-13). 2. The prayer Hail Mary is Biblical as well. HAIL MARY, FULL OF GRACE, THE LORD IS WITH YOU(Luke 1:28) BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF YOUR WOMB, JESUS (Luke 1:42). HOLY MARY MOTHER OF GOD.( Mary was Virgin ,Pure and also she is a saint hence she is Holy because she bore God in her womb by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20)and she was a Mother of God(Luke 1: 43) because Jesus is God.( II Peter 1:1, John 1:3, John 1:14) PRAY FOR US SINNERS, NOW AND AT THE HOUR OF OUR DEATH .AMEN Bible says to pray for one another (James 5:16).This is a prayer of intercession. In 1 Tim 2:1, says that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for everyone, for this is good and pleases our Savior." But many anti-Catholic say "Those in Heaven can't hear you, they are dead!" No, their bodies are dead, not the souls themselves. Jesus Christ himself tells us: "But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."(Matt 22 :31-32) . Those in Heaven, their bodies have departed from us but Christ tells us they are alive and continue to be part of the Body of Christ. (Col 1:18, 24, Eph. 6:18 ). The Saints are described in Rev. 5:8, offering up their prayers on behalf of those other Christians in the Body of Christ still on earth. Rosary is not vain repetition. Reading Bible verses again and again and confessing it is not a vain. That Christ Himself prayed in repetitions. Matthew 26:44: "And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words". Mark 14:39 reads: "And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words." Also we can see that the angels pray repetitiously. Revelation 4:8: "...and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES 1st — The Annunciation (Before the "Our Father") "All ages to come shall call me blessed." —Lk 1:48 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "Blessed are you among women." —Lk 1:28 2. "How blest are the poor in spirit: the reign of God is theirs." —Mt 5:3 3. "Blest too are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled." —Mt 5:4 4. "Blest are the lowly; they shall inherit the land." —Mt 5:5 5. "Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill." —Mt 5:6 6. "Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs." —Mt 5:7 7. "Blest are the single-hearted for they shall see God." —Mt 5:8 8. "Blest too the peacemakers; they shall be called sons of God." —Mt 5:9 9. "Blest are those persecuted for holiness' sake; the reign of God is theirs." —Mt 5:10 10. "Blest is she who trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled." —Lk 1:45 2nd — The Visitation (Before the "Our Father") "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." —Lk 1:41 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord." —Lk 1:46 2. "My spirit finds joy in God my Savior." —Lk 1:47 3. "For He has looked upon His servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me blessed." —Lk 1:48 4. "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name." —Lk 1:49 5. "His mercy is from age to age on those who fear Him." —Lk 1:50 6. "He has shown might with His arm; He has confused the proud in their inmost thoughts." —Lk 1:51 7. "He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places." —Lk 1: 52 8. "The hungry He has given every good thing, while the rich He has sent empty away." —Lk 1:53 9. "He has upheld Israel His servant, ever mindful of His mercy." —Lk 1:54 10. "Even as He promised our Fathers, promised Abraham and His descendants forever." —Lk 1:55 3rd — The Birth of Jesus (Before the "Our Father") "Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up!" — Is 45:8 (Before the "Hail Marys") 1. "In the beginning was the Word; the Word was in God's presence, and the Word was God." —Jn 1:1 2. "The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name Him Immanuel." —Is 7:14 3. "He has pitched a tent there for the sun, which comes forth like the groom from his bridal chamber and, like a giant, joyfully runs its course." —Ps 19:5-6 4. "Then was I beside Him as His craftsman, and I was His delight day by day, playing before Him all the while, playing on the surface of His earth; and I found delight in the sons of men." —Prv 8:30-31 5. "For when peaceful stillness compassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent, Your all-powerful word from heaven's royal throne bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land." —Wis 18:14-15 6. "But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One Who is to be Ruler in Israel." —Mi 5:1 7. "When the designated time had come, God sent forth His Son born of a woman." —Gal 4:4 8. "He emptied Himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men." —Phil 2:7 9. "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us; not because of any righteous deeds we had done, but because of His mercy." —Ti 3:4-5 10. "She gave birth to a Son — a boy destined to shepherd all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and to His throne." —Rv 12:5 4th — The Presentation of Jesus (Before the "Our Father") "I beg you through the mercy of God to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God." —Rm 12:1 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life." —Dt 30:19 2. "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." —Jos 24:15 3. "How long will you straddle the issue? If the Lord is God, follow Him." —1 Kgs 18:21 4. " 'And you,' He said to them, 'who do you say that I am?' " —Mt 16:15 5. "You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with all your mind." —Mt 22:37 6. "Someone asked Him, 'Lord, are they few in number who are to be saved?' He replied: 'Try to come in through the narrow door.' " —Lk 13:23-24 7. "Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life." —Jn 3:16 8. "For if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." —Rm 10:9 9. "At Jesus' name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!" —Phil 2:10-11 10. "Here I stand, knocking at the door." —Rv 3:20 5th — The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Before the "Our Father") "The Child grew in size and strength, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him." —Lk 2:40 (before the "Hail Marys") The Ten Commandments 1. "I, the Lord, am your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery. You shall not have other gods besides Me." —Ex 20:2 2. "You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain." —Ex 20:7 3. "Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day." —Ex 20:8 4. "Honor your father and your mother." —Ex 20:12 5. "You shall not kill." —Ex 20:13 6. "You shall not commit adultery." —Ex 20:14 7. "You shall not steal." —Ex 20:15 8. "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." —Ex 20:16 9. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house." —Ex 20:17 10. "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife." —Ex 20:17 THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES 1st — Jesus' Agony in the Garden (Before the "Our Father") "Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and He placed there the man whom He had formed." —Gn 2:8 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "When they heard the sound of the Lord God moving about in the garden at the breezy time of the day, the man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden." —Gn 3:8 2. "When He expelled the man, He settled him east of the garden of Eden; and He stationed the cherubim and the fiery revolving sword, to guard the way to the tree of life." —Gn 3:24 3. "For He was deeply grieved that they had closed their minds against Him." —Mk 3:5 4. "Coming within sight of the city, He wept over it." —Lk 19:41 5. "When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had accompanied her also weeping, He was troubled in spirit, moved by the deepest emotions." —Jn 11:33 6. "Jesus grew deeply troubled. He went on to give this testimony: 'I tell you solemnly, one of you will betray Me.' " —Jn 13:21 7. "My heart is nearly broken with sorrow. Remain here and stay awake with Me." —Mt 26:38 8. "At that time Jesus cried in a loud voice, ... 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?' " —Mk 15:34 9. "They are crucifying the Son of God for themselves and holding Him up to contempt." —Heb 6:6 10. " 'Woman,' He asked her, 'why are you weeping? Who is it you are looking for?' She supposed He was the gardener." —Jn 20:15 2nd — Jesus' Scourging at the Pillar (Before the "Our Father") "He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, upon Him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by His stripes we were healed." —Is 53:5 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "I will strike the water of the river with the staff I hold, and it shall be changed into blood." —Ex 7:17 2. "The frogs will swarm all over you and your subjects and your servants." —Ex 7:29 3. "The dust of the earth was turned into gnats throughout the land of Egypt." —Ex 8:13 4. "I warn you, I will loose swarms of flies upon you and ... your houses." —Ex 8:17 5. "I warn you, the Lord will afflict all your livestock in the field ... with a very severe pestilence." —Ex 9:3 6. "Take a double handful of soot from a furnace...scatter it toward the sky. It will then turn into fine dust over the whole land of Egypt and cause festering boils." —Ex 9:8-9 7. "Tomorrow at this hour I will rain down such fierce hail." —Ex 9:18 8. "I will bring locusts into your country. They shall cover the ground, so that the ground itself will not be visible." —Ex 10:4-5 9. There was "such intense darkness that one can feel it." —Ex 10:21 10. "At midnight the Lord slew every first-born in the land." —Ex 12:29 3rd — Jesus is Crowned with Thorns (Before the "Our Father") "They throw down their crowns before the throne and sing." —Rv 4:10 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "My loins are filled with burning pains; there is no health in My flesh." —Ps 38:8 2. "I am numbed and severely crushed; I roar with anguish of heart." —Ps 38:9 3. "They who sit at the gate gossip about Me, and drunkards make Me the butt of their songs." —Ps 69:13 4. "Insult has broken My heart, and I am weak, I looked for sympathy, but there was none." —Ps 69:21 5. "The Lord is King, in splendor robed; robed is the Lord and girt about with strength." —Ps 93:1 6. "He shall be raised high and greatly exalted. Even as many were amazed at Him — so marred was His look beyond that of man." —Is 52:13-14 7. "I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven...He received dominion, glory, and kingship." —Dn 7:13-14 8. "We do see Jesus crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death." —Heb 2:9 9. "But Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins and took His seat forever at the right hand of God; now He waits until His enemies are placed beneath His feet. —Heb 10:12-13 10. "A name was written on the part of the cloak that covered His thigh: 'King of kings and Lord of lords.' " —Rv 19:16 4th — Jesus Carries the Cross (Before the "Our Father") "The message of the cross is complete absurdity to those who are headed for ruin, but to us who are experiencing salvation, it is the power of God." —1 Cor 1:18 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "We preach Christ crucified — a stumbling block to Jews, and an absurdity to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." —1 Cor 1:23-24 2. "The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it." —Gn 3:6 3. "They took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb." —Acts 13:29 4. "Christ has delivered us from the power of the law's curse by Himself becoming a curse for us, as it is written: 'Accursed is anyone who is hanged on a tree.' " —Gal 3:13 5. "Blest is the wood through which justice comes about." —Wis 14:7 6. "Abraham took the wood for the holocaust and laid it on his son Isaac's shoulders." —Gn 22:6 7. "Though He was harshly treated, He submitted and opened not His mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter." —Is 53:7 8. "Jesus said to all: 'Whoever wishes to be My follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in My steps.' " —Lk 9:23 9. "It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in Him and, by means of Him, to reconcile everything in His person, both on earth and in the heavens, making peace through the blood of His cross." —Col 1:19-20 10. "May I never boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! Through it, the world has been crucified to me and I to the world." —Gal 6:14 5th — Jesus' Crucifixion and Death (Before the "Our Father") "They shall look on Him Whom they have pierced." —Jn 19:37 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" —Mk 15:34 2. "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing." —Lk 23:34 3. "I assure you: this day you will be with Me in paradise." —Lk 23:43 4. "Father, into Your hands I commend My Spirit." —Lk 23:46 5. "Jesus said to his mother, 'Woman, there is your son.' In turn He said to the disciple, 'There is your mother.' " —Jn 19:26-27 6. "I am thirsty." —Jn 19:28 7. "Now it is finished." —Jn 19:30 8. "Suddenly the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom." —Mt 27:51 9. "The earth quaked, boulders split, tombs opened." —Mt 27:52 10. "The centurion who stood guard over Him, on seeing the manner of His death, declared, 'Clearly this Man was the Son of God!' " —Mk 15:39 THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES 1st — The Resurrection of Jesus (Before the "Our Father") "He was seen by Cephas, then by the Twelve. After that He was seen by five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have fallen asleep. Next He was seen by James; then by all the apostles. Last of all He was seen by me." —1 Cor 15: 5-8 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "Jesus rose from the dead early on the first day of the week. He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons." —Mk 16:9 2. "They hurried away from the tomb half-overjoyed, half-fearful, and ran to carry the good news to His disciples. Suddenly, without warning, Jesus stood before them and said: 'Peace!' The women came up and embraced His feet and did Him homage." —Mt 28:8 3. "The Lord has been raised! It is true! He has appeared to Simon." —Lk 24:34 4. "With that their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; whereupon He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, 'Were not our hearts burning inside us as He talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?' " —Lk 24:31-32 5. "On the evening of that first day of the week, even though the disciples had locked the doors of the place where they were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood before them. 'Peace be with you,' He said. When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side." —Jn 20:19-20 6. "A week later, the disciples were once more in the room, and this time Thomas was with them. Despite the locked doors, Jesus came and stood before them. 'Peace be with you,' He said." —Jn 20:26 7. "The eleven disciples made their way to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had summoned them. At the sight of Him, those who had entertained doubts fell down in homage." —Mt 28:16-17 8. "Later, at the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus showed Himself to the disciples (once again). This is how the appearance took place." —Jn 21:1 9. "Finally, as they were at table, Jesus was revealed to the Eleven. He took them to task for their disbelief and their stubbornness, since they had put no faith in those who had seen Him after He had been raised." —Mk 16:14 10. "Then He led them out near Bethany, and with hands upraised, blessed them. As He blessed, He left them, and was taken up to heaven. They fell down to do Him reverence, then returned to Jerusalem filled with joy. There they were to be found in the temple constantly, speaking the praises of God." —Lk 24:50-53 2nd — The Ascension of Jesus (Before the "Our Father") "Yet I tell you the sober truth: It is much better for you that I go." —Jn 16:7 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "God mounts His throne amid shouts of joy; the Lord, amid trumpet blasts." —Ps 47:6 2. "You have ascended on high, taken captives, received men as gifts — even rebels; the Lord God enters His dwelling." —Ps 68:19 3. "What, then, if you were to see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before...?" —Jn 6:62 4. "I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these. Why? Because I go to the Father." —Jn 14:12 5. "Go to My brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God!' " —Jn 20:17 6. "It is like the strength He showed in raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in heaven." —Eph 1:19-20 7. He "ascended high above the heavens, that He might fill all men with His gifts." —Eph 4:10 8. "God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name above every other name." —Phil 2:9 9. "He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit; seen by the angels; preached among the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up into glory." —1 Tm 3:16 10. "Her child was caught up to God and to His throne." —Rv 12:5 3rd — The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Before the "Our Father") "Together they devoted themselves to constant prayer. There were some women in their company, and Mary the mother of Jesus." —Acts 1:14 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "The angel answered her: 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you." —Lk 1:35 2. "If you, with all your sins, know how to give your children good things, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him." —Lk 11:13 3. "Scripture has it: 'From within Him rivers of living water shall flow.' (Here He was referring to the Spirit, Whom those that came to believe in Him were to receive.)" —Jn 7:38-39 4. "Then He bowed His head, and delivered over His Spirit." —Jn 19:30 5. "He breathed on them and said: 'Receive the Holy Spirit.' " —Jn 20:22 6. "All were filled with the Holy Spirit." —Acts 2:4 7. "The pair upon arriving imposed hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit." —Acts 8:17 8. "Saul, my brother, I have been sent by the Lord Jesus Who appeared to you on the way here, to help you recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." —Acts 9:17 9. "Peter had not finished these words when the Holy Spirit descended upon all who were listening to Peter's message." —Acts 10:44 10. "The Holy Spirit came down on them and they began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies. There were in the company about twelve men in all." —Acts 19:6-7 4th — The Assumption of Mary into Heaven (Before the "Our Father") "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." —Mt 23:12 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "Then Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him." —Gn 5:24 2. "A flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." —2 Kgs 2:11 3. "The queen takes her place at your right hand." —Ps 45:10 4. "He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places." —Lk 1:52 5. "Jesus replied, 'I assure you: this day you will be with Me in paradise.' " —Lk 23:43 6. "I know that this man — whether in or outside his body I do not know, God knows — was snatched up to Paradise." —2 Cor 12:3 7. "I am indeed going to prepare a place for you, and then I shall come back to take you with Me, that where I am you also may be." —Jn 14:3 8. "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him." —1 Cor 2:9 9. "Both with and in Christ Jesus He raised us up and gave us a place in the heavens." —Eph 2:6 10. "The woman was given the wings of a gigantic eagle so that she could fly off to her place in the desert." —Rv 12:14 5th — The Queenship of Mary (Before the "Our Father") "You who have followed Me shall likewise take your places on twelve thrones.' " —Mt 19:28 (before the "Hail Marys") 1. "How can this be since I do not know man?" —Lk 1:34 2. "I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say." —Lk 1:38 3. "Near the cross of Jesus there stood His mother." —Jn 19:25 4. "He has looked upon His servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me blessed." —Lk 1:48 5. "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name." —Lk 1:49 6. "I will give the victor the right to sit with Me on My throne." —Rv 3:21 7. "Then I saw some thrones. Those who were sitting on them were empowered to pass judgment." —Rv 20:4 8. "A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars." —Rv 12:1 9. "Do whatever He tells you." —Jn 2:5 10. "There are still many other things that Jesus did, yet if they were written about in detail, I doubt there would be room enough in the entire world to hold the books to record them." —Jn 21:25

A Tribute to the Priesthood!

By Shaila Touchton Priest is the image and likeness of God He has chosen the highest service which God has called him He humbles himself and taken the vow of celibacy for earthy ministry and vocation. He is ordained as a Priest to preach and to teach the flock He has received the power of exercising authority in Christ's Name. Lord Jesus works through him to save souls Jesus is the perfect example of the Priesthood. He sacrifices all the worldly pleasures and work hard to build the Kingdom of God. He reflects the life of Christ through his humble spirit, chaste and obedience. He dresses in plain and simple attire fulfilling the roles of holiness while living separate lives from the secular world. His Joy is in the heavenly relationship with God He finds joy in serving those in need His joy is in searching, pondering, and studying the scriptures He is called to fulfill the Great Commission to preach the Gospel, baptizing and making disciples. He has forsaken his families, loved ones, and pleasures, earthly cares and desires in order to follow and serve Christ with servant attitude. Through his Gift of Priesthood ,he blesses, encourage, comfort, and strengthen others. Through his Priesthood he prays and blesses and strengthens families and individual lives. He has the privilege to serve in the Holy place and the most Holy place of the Tabernacle. Through the Priesthood, he receives the power to offer the sacrifice of the Mass. Through the Priesthood, there is an eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood, God blesses, redeems, and exalts his children, nation and opens the door to rich spiritual blessings. Through the Priesthood, he ministers others with love, compassion, and charity. Through the Priesthood, he makes atonement for entire congregation and others and so their sins are forgiven. Jesus Christ holds all the keys of the priesthood. God uses the priests as his instruments of reconciliation to forgive sins. Priests earnestly strive for Holiness, Long-suffering, Gentleness, kindness, Meekness, unfeigned love being filled with Holy Spirit as constant companion. Priesthood unites millions of churches all over the world to celebrate the Holy Mysteries of Mass and Holy Communion. Through the priests, God hold the world together in prayer and morals. There is a goodness and holiness in their lives which is life worth living. Their commitment to Catholic Church, a universal and true church is incredible. Their love for Christ, for the Sacraments, for the People of God is remarkable. Their commitment to Gods commandments and to live a moral and chaste life is magnificent. They are the instrument of God while Jesus Christ being the High Priest They are the guardian and defender of God’s truth and His creation. I appreciate Priesthood and Proud of Priests as they are a blessing to many. I appreciate their work, their God given ministry I am praying for all Priests every day as they have one of the toughest jobs in the world. They work so hard with self-sacrifice attitude and all profit goes towards the communal fund for their brothers in Christ. Let the world know that Christ is working in them. Despite of their critics around them, they still love all the people around them. Their precious smile has the healing power to heal million souls. Their smile can save a distressed soul, gladden a sad heart, and heal a broken spirit. May Christ’s Light shine in their life to bring glory to God the Father. May Gods Glory shine through their words and actions. May God walks each step of their Priesthood journey with them as they walk through life. May they strengthen the lives of others and bear much fruit bringing great glory to our God. May God bless them and graciously guide them in every area and bring peace and joy to their life and protect them from all evil. May God bless them and give them the grace to function on Gods purpose and mission. May the God of peace, equip and protect them through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen

Power in the Touch of our Lord Jesus Christ!

By Shaila Touchton Lord reveals his glory to all who ask and seek for it diligently The Touch of God is so precious because it is intimate and personal It is divine, life-giving and consecrating It is filled with the spirit of God and its anointing. Touch of Jesus Christ is cleansing, purifying and healing Even the storm calms down because of Jesus Christ The possessed man is healed by Jesus Christ in Capernaum The woman with the issue of blood was healed as soon she touches Jesus Christ The lepers were healed when Jesus Christ touched him He touched blind eyes who was born blind and made them see He touched deaf ears and they could hear. Jesus touched the casket, and the dead man came back to life. Jesus’ Touch is powerful for it brings salvation, repentance, Deliverance, miracles, protection and Healings. The Touch of Jesus Christ healed and restored people His Touches set people free, proclaimed freedom to the captives Everything that Jesus touched prospered and received a blessing. Everyone whom Jesus touched received a blessing and healings The Touch of Christ brings life to all that receive his Touch Because He is the resurrection, and the life His Touch gives power to preach the Gospel to all people And to bring revelation of God’s love. When Jesus touches us, He makes us saints, holy people and holy places. He leaves us sanctified without defiling us, white as snow from head to toe. The Touch of Jesus Christ gives us peace and happiness which world can’t offer. Through Jesus Christ we’re promised an abundant life. Through Jesus Christ We are acquitted from Sin .released from guilt of sin We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. There is victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Prayer of Protection at workplace.

Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [Ephesians 6:11-12] In Jesus mighty Name I confess and speak your peace, grace, mercy and your perfect order in the office I work. I acknowledge your power over all that will be spoken, thought, decided, and done within the walls of my office. I confess that I put God first in everything I do. He directs my efforts and crowns them with success. I am strong and courageous, and I do my work. I will not be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord is with me. He will not fail me or forsake me. He will see to it that all of my work is finished correctly. The Lord blesses all of my skills, and He is pleased with the work of my hands. The Lord rewards my work. He pays my wages in full In Jesus Mighty Name. In Jesus Mighty Name, if any demons attached to anyone harassing me with overload work, confusion and threat to my job with any authority I bind them and cast it out under the feet of Jesus Christ and by the powerful Blood of Jesus Christ. I confess that I do not have any types of issues at my work place and I cover myself with the precious Blood of Jesus Christ I am safe and protected from all types of harm and evil people and I claim God is my refuge. Let all the evil people encamping against my goodness become confused and be scattered in the Powerful Name of Jesus Christ.Let every evil tongue uttering curses and other evil pronouncements against my employment, work and against my life be completely silenced in the Mighty Name of Jesus. In Jesus mighty name I cover myself and my workplace with the precious Blood of Jesus Christ and I bind up every demon in here and I ask the angels of God to protect me from all terrors ,disasters, every violence, injustice and from every evil and ungodly influence at my work place. Holy Spirit protect me at all times and guide me. Amen.

Protestant Churches are Man made Churches.

1. Protestant churches have lost their roots and the history can not be traced back to Early Church Fathers, and it is not True Church founded by Jesus Christ Himself in Mt 16: 18 not Confirmed by the Apostles in Mt 28: 18-20 nor Church Built on Simon Peter in Mt 16: 18 and nor was defended by God Himself in Mt 16: 18-19.Catholic simply means “universal.” Or “worldwide.” The early Church Fathers used Greek word katholikos.Protestants are the protests of the only Holy True Catholic Church. 2. Their Churches are man made, created in 16th century by Martin Luther who broke away from Catholic church. They follow the church which Luther named after himself which is against 1 Corinthians 11:17-19. Until reformation by Martin Luther they were Catholics. 3. Their Churches do not have a priesthood which is biblical both in Old Testament and New Testament and they deny universal priesthood gathering all believers together in the unity of Faith while Jesus Christ being the High Priest. Pope, Priests, Bishops, and Deacons are the lawful unbroken successors of the Apostles which can traced back to Jesus Christ. 4. They believe Bible only as sole authority and neglect the scriptures Matthew 18:17, Hebrews 13:17 to obey the church and to keep traditions (1 Corinthians 11:2, Thessalonians2:14-15). 5. They do not have alter sacrifice nor they are partakers of the alter according to Matthew 5:23-24, 1 Corinthians 9:13, 1 Corinthians 10:18, Hebrews 13:10, Rev 8:3. Catholic Church is Christ centered worship while Protestant Church worship is pastor centered. 6. They believe that they are Justified by Faith Alone and salvation is one time process, they believe once saved is always saved but ignore grace, faith and work (Gal 2:16, Lk 12:46, Heb 6:10)is required . We are justified by faith apart from works in the Sacraments (Romans 2:130). 7. Protestant follow easy believism and emotional experience of salvation. Just by reciting the Sinners Prayer or with invitation to simple altar call they think they are saved. Sinner’s prayer" cannot even be found in the bible, and is really not the scriptural means for one to come to Christ. It is false assurance of salvation. No one in the scripture ever prayed for their initial salvation. Matthew 6:5-15 says when you pray, you are not to be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, in order to be seen by men. So how the Sinners prayer can save? Salvation is not a not a personal feeling. Salvation is ongoing process and one can loose salvation (Matt 6:14-15, Matt 7:21,Matt 24:44-51, Matt 25:31-46, Mark 11:26, Luke 10:16, John 14:21, Rom 11:22, Rev 21:8, 21:27). 8. There are at least 39,000 different Protestant denominations in the world today and all of them express personnel opinions and they all interpret Scripture individually dividing the Body of Christ saying they had a revelation from God and inspired by Holy Spirit. There is one truth, One Holy Church, One baptism and One Holy Spirit which was founded by Jesus Christ himself which guides to all truth(John 16:13).These 39,000 denominations of Protestant churches are everyday divided into macro and micro churches. These Protestant Denominations are False Divisions that break off of God’s church.(Titus 1:9 Acts 20:30). 9. Protestants claim to be solely biblical, God's inspired Word and bible based churches but yet rejected the deuterocanonical books which had supported the doctrine of purgatory, existence of the priesthood and supporting the Catholic doctrine. They rejected because it did not fit in with their new doctrines because of pick and choose attitudes. Hence they only 66 books in bible instead of 73books. They twist the Scripture to suit to their false doctrines. 10. Most of Protestantism approves adultery, divorce and remarriage .Even the scripture says whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her ( Mark 10:11,Luke16:18) Sexual immorality is rampant among Protestantism and they have always have excuses to continue in sin. They rebel against Gods word in many things. They do not have seven holy sacraments. Bible says without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Protestants profess to be Christians deny holiness. They have replaced holiness with legalism, easy grace, liberal admiration and heresy. 11. Many Protestants prove themselves to be false prophets by falsely predicting the time of Christ's return and Spreading worldwide message about Apocalypse, and rapture. Even though Jesus plainly taught that NO MAN knoweth the DAY nor the HOUR when the Son of Man will return (Matthew 25:13). 12. Protestantism is a false religion because they are ignorant of God's righteousness, and have established their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God (Romans 10:3-3, Titus 1:10-13). 13. Many Protestantism churches approve and support abortion ignore Exodus 20:13, Genesis 9:6, Mt 15:19,Mk 10:19,Luke 18:20. 14. Majority of the Protestantism churches Insult, degrade, Mary the Mother of GOD and she has become the biggest obstacle and denial for most of Protestants. Protestant denominations are Bible Twisting cults. They often ignore to understand simple truth that Jesus is God, Mary is the Mother of Jesus and hence Mary is the Mother of God. We know that within the body of the Lord Jesus Christ, the fullness of God dwells. (Colossians 2:9). Hence Mother Mary is a God bearer or Mother of God. All generation to be called Mother Mary as blessed but they talk too loosely about her (Luke 1:48). 15. Protestantism has unbiblical invention of new doctrines and they have incompatible personal interpretations of the Bible .Their divisions are growing among themselves everyday for doctrinal issues, splitting and dividing themselves with their partial truths. They are busy in spreading malicious lies about Catholic Church which Jesus founded in (Matthew 16: 18) by appointing Peter to be the visible head of the Church. 16. Protestants always blaspheme Catholic Church teachings and they have a habit of misinterpreting Bible literally and by exaggeration. And their thinking and interpretation is just mere human level by taking out of context. Isaiah 29:13 is reminded about these protestant teachings. Protestants refuse to acknowledge the truth in life because of their close mind and arrogance attitude. Proverbs 12:28 says the way of error leads to death.

Blessed Mother Mary is the Ark of New covenant!

By shaila Touchton Mother Mary is the biggest obstacle and denial for most of Protestants. Protestants have distorted the doctrine, mislead, misinterpreted the scriptures and misunderstood Mother Mary. Protestantism denominations are Bible Twisting cults. They often ignore to understand simple truth that Jesus is God, Mary is the Mother of Jesus and hence Mary is the Mother of God.We know that within the body of the Lord Jesus Christ, the fullness of God dwells. (Colossians 2:9).Hence Mother Mary is a God bearer or Mother of God. In the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant, overshadowed by the Spirit of God which was the instrument through which God came to dwell among men and in the New Testament, Mary, overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and was the instrument through which God came to dwell among men. Hence Mother Mary is the Ark of the New Covenant. We also know from Genesis 3:15 that God promises to defeat Satan through a woman” and “her seed.” And the woman is no one but Mother Mary and the seed was our Lord Jesus Christ. The woman of Genesis 3:15 is same as the women of Revelation 12. Many Protestants will accuse Catholic Church and label as an exaggeration to exalt Mary. But they are false. 1. In Old Testament we know that David was afraid of the Lord that day, and he said, "How can the ark of the Lord come to me?" (2 Samuel 6:9)can be compared in the New testament when Elizabeth says to Mary: And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (Luke 1:43) 2. The Old Ark was the dwelling place of God in the Old Covenant ((Exodus 40:34), so the New Ark, the Virgin Mary, is the dwelling place of God in the New Covenant(Luke 1:35). 3. In the Old Testament the Ark of the Old Covenant was “overshadowed” by the power and presence of God (Exodus 40:34 -35) and in the New testament, the Virgin Mary was “overshadowed” by the power and presence of the Most High (Luke 1:35). 3.In the old testament when the Ark of the Covenant is brought before David, he danced when he saw the Ark of the Covenant in (2 Samuel 6:14) and he was wearing linen ephod which is a priestly vestment . So does in the New Testament we know John the Baptist belongs to priestly line of Aaron. John Baptist(Baby) leaped in her womb hearing the Ark of the Covenant(Luke 1:41) . 4.In the Old Testament After David dances before the Ark of the Covenant, the ark remains three months(2 Samuel 6:11) and likewise in New Testament Baby John the Baptist leaped in his mothers womb at hearing Mary, she remains three months(Luke 1:56). 5. In the Old Testament the ark traveled to the house of Obed-edom in the Hill country of Judea(2 Sam.6:1-11) and in the New testament we know that Mary traveled to the house of Elisabeth and Zechariah in the Hill country of Judea( Luke 1:39). 6. In the Old Testament David shouts in the presence of the ark(2 Sam.6:15) and in the New Testament Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry in the presence of Mary(Luke 1:42). 7. In the Old Testament, the house of Obed-edom was blessed by the presence of the ark.(2 Sam 6:11) and in the New testament the word is used 3 times and the house is surely blessed by God( Luke 1:39-45). 8. In the Old Testament, the ark returns to its home and ends up in Jerusalem, where Gods presence and glory is revealed in the temple.( 2 sam6:12,1kings8:9-11) and in the New Testament ,Mary returns home and eventually ends up in Jerusalem, where she presents God ,the incarnate in the temple( Luke 1:56,Luke2:21-22). 9. In the Old Testament, The Word was written by God on Tablets of Stone (Ex 25:10) placed inside the Ark (Deut 10:1-4) and In the New Testament the Word of God became Flesh (John 1) conceived inside Mary (Luke 2:38) which means Mary carried the Word of God. 10. In the Old Testament, The Ark of the Old Covenant contained the written word of God (Deut. 10:5) and In the New Testament the Virgin Mary contained the Word of God made flesh, Jesus (John. 1:1). 11. In the Old Testament, The Ark contained the manna from the desert( Hebrews 9:4) and in The New Testament Mary contained the manna from Heaven which is our Lord Jesus( John 6:48-51). Woman in Revelation 12 is not Israel But Virgin Mary: 1. In New Testament Rev 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. Here The woman ‘clothed’ with the Sun, moon and stars represents Mother Mary, and her child is Christ. There is no indication in Scripture anywhere that the Nation Israel gives birth to the Son who is the messiah. Everything here is individual and reality nothing symbolic. But For Protestants everything is symbols and symbolic meanings and personal opinions. And In Old Testament, in Isaiah 7:14 which says” Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel”. Here too clearly says the only person who gives birth to Jesus is Mary not Israel. When we look at the Scriptures, both Old and New Testament we will not find a single reference to Israel either being a ‘woman’. In New Testament, Rev 12:2: And being with child, she cried travailing in birth, and was in pain to be delivered is same as Isaiah 66:7 “Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. 3.Rev 12:3-9. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. We see here this "red dragon" Is Satan which is individual. those who are fighting against the dragon are Michael and the angels they are too individuals and real. John speaks also of a dragon who is seeks to destroy the child, and goes to war against the angels of God (Rev 3-4 and Rev 7-9). Again clearly here the child is Jesus, and the Woman is Mother Mary and Michael is real angel and the angels and as the Devil is real Satan. There are no symbols. Still Its reality. 4. Gen. 3is parallel to Rev. 12. The devil is at war both with the woman of Genesis 3:15, and the woman in Revelation 12 who bore a Son. The seed of the ‘woman’ in Genesis 3:15 as Jesus. And the woman is Mother Mary who will be at war with the Devil. This fits perfectly again the Revelation 12 where the woman is at war with the devil. The Woman of Genesis 3 is not Israel but Mother Mary. Paul spoke of the seed born of a woman (Gal. 4:4), and John told of the woman clothed with the sun who brought forth the manchild (Rev 12:1). Both depict the birth of Christ not Israel. The woman is battling with the dragon, or Satan, she has some offspring who are at war with the devil. Revelation 12 indicates that those Christians, who bear testimony to Jesus, also are Mary’s offspring. Those who bear testimony to Jesus are christians who have Mary as their Mother. That is clear Biblical truth.