Why do you feal that you need the saints to pray with and for you when the bible says that only Jesus can do it?\n\nActs 10:25, 26, JB: “As Peter reached the house Cornelius went out to meet him, knelt at his feet and prostrated himself. But Peter helped him up. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘I am only a man after all!’” (Since Peter did not approve of such adoration when he was personally present, would he encourage us to kneel before an image of him? See also Revelation 19:10.)\n\nJohn 14:6, 14, JB: “Jesus said: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it.’” (Jesus here clearly states that our approach to the Father can be only through him and that our requests are to be made in Jesus’ name.)\n\n1 Tim. 2:5, JB: “There is only one God, and there is only one mediator between God and mankind, himself a man, Christ Jesus.” (There is no allowance here for others to serve in the role of mediator for the members of Christ’s congregation.)
215143
a lot of things that a catholics do derive from the converting pagans to Christianity in a way they attempted to merge the 2 so instead of having several different gods they envoked the trinity and worship of saint's look it up in the bible no where in it does it say that a trinity exists, nor any talk of praying to or for the dead when you are dead you are dead and you are at you finial place whether it be heaven or hell
314407
look at the story. Jebhthah never ask God what to do so in a macho way he delivers up this prayer. since you do not seem to mind reading the old testament how many leaders ask God how to overcome their enemies?but Jebhthah never takes the time to find out what God wants to do and does it his own why. is that what God wanted (His Will) very much doubt it since He destroys nations for sacrificing their children. but Jephthah never took time to find out Gods will.if you do not seek Gods will in your life you can justified every sin, such as this one.
282026
It is the duty of every real christian to pull master down from the cross (before he dies). That is what he expects of his disciples. Hanging him up there to get your butt into heaven is not very nice. We really need to save christ. He is surrounded by dogs and other common animals and we have to help the fellow out. Is there even one christian who would lend a hand? Didn't think so.
429009
...Unfortunately, we can embrace some traditions that may not match up with Scripture.\n...I respectfully disagree with those who use this terminology (ask Jesus into your heart).  The Gospel was explained to me this way, but I don't think it is biblically accurate.  \n...I also do not like nor do I think it accurate to say, "I accepted Christ" - it sounds like God is getting a big favor if you/me "accept Him", when He really accepts us, based on what Jesus has done.\n...Then what is correct?  What I see over and over in the Scriptures is believe - \n...Acts 16:31 - "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved"\n...Acts 13:48 "And as many as were appointed to eternal life believed"\n...Acts 10:43 "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." \n...Acts 15:11 "But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are."\n...We are saved by His grace through faith in Christ alone.  Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.\n...If someone wants to pray and express to God a need for salvation, I see nothing wrong with that.  I personally admitted to God that I was sinner needing Jesus, and I asked Him to save me and make me the type person He wanted me to be - I was alone, and no one was pressuring me.\n...And I know after that I was much different -I wanted to pray, read the Bible, go to church, and share Jesus with whoever would listen - "things that accompany salvation."\n...Blessings to all.
418842
Well, Jesus can intercede on our behalf, because the Bible says He was tempted in all points as we are, yet He was without sin, so He understands our human emotions/weakness by personal experience; plus He intercedes ALSO because He is our propitiation with His shed Blood on the Cross, which was the perfect sin sacrifice, since He WAS sinless.
467899
Let's get one thing straight. The verses you quoted were statements made by Jesus; not Almighty God. The trinity doctrine that is widely taught in Christendom is really throwing you off. When Jesus is making these statements he's humbly acknowledging that in fact the "father" is greater than him. This is further reiterated in John 14:28. Why would almighty God who knows all things would not know for instance the day of Judgment?_Psalms 83:18 Notice that the scripture that you quoted (Mark 13:2) says in the 2nd part of the verse:"neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but the "Father." Again this stresses that Jesus or the Son of God doesn't know the day, but his FATHER would know. Clearly this shows that Jehovah God and Jesus are two different people and that this shows a distinction between them. If Jesus and God were the same wouldn't Jesus know the day of Judgement too?\nThe many other statements that Jesus makes further show that he is not equal to his father._Philippians 2:6: "who, although he was existing in God's form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God."_1 Corinthians 11:3, John 20:17. Similiarly, no son is equal to his father or the same as him. Sure they may look alike, talk, or act alike but you recognize them as two separate entities not combined in one. In John 5:19 Jesus makes it clear that he doesn't do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he beholds the Father doing. Also whatever that One does he also does in like manner.\nAfter reasoning from the scriptures you can conclude that from your statements above, Jesus was not only recognizing his father as greater than he was but was giving his father praise and honor by giving him the credit. You can also conlcude that if you read the Bible nodenominationally you would not come to the conclusion that God is part of a trinity which is contradicted in the scriptures. Instead Christ is "one" with God (not literally) in that they are always in harmony with each other just like a husband and wife were to be one as in united together._Genesis 2:24. The trinity really blurs the relationship between God and Jesus and is a source of confusion for many. You can find more information on this particular subject from this link. http://www.watchtower.org/library/ti/article_04.htm
156434
I like it very much.  Even Paul said to pray constantly.  God is everywhere, so why not act like He's sitting right there and talk to Him whenever you get the urge?!
567300
Technically, we are asking the saints to intercede with God on our behalf, not praying to them. You are correct, though, most people don't get it and that is a problem. Most people go to church out of habit and just do things without thinking about them--not a good practice at all! There is a fine line between worshiping Saints and asking for intercession!
263551
lemme get this straight... he (Jesus) said that he is a prophet, and 'peter' said he is the son of god... so jesus doesn't admit it to himself? \n\nstarr ww agrees that jesus was a prophet, but became a saviour when he died which mean who made him what he is? DID HE? OR DID YOU? unless he screams from the cross "I'm doing this for you people, you better be thanking me and make me your god or something, cos this thing hurts like a b****"
244394
This is something that is causing great concern for me as a Pastor.\nThe concept of Jesus is God seems to me to be denying the Father.\nIf it is in reference to , Father, Son and Holy Ghost, saying it in that manner only serves to confuse the person you are talking to.\nAs a Pastor I worship God, the Father,  and serve HIS SON, Jesus Christ.
280967
Fundamentalists challenge the Catholic practice of asking saints and angels to pray for us. But the Bible directs us to invoke those in heaven and ask them to pray with us. \n\nThus in Psalm 103, we pray, "Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will!" (Ps. 103:20-21). And in Psalm 148 we pray, "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his host!" (Ps. 148:1-2) \n\nNot only do those in heaven pray with us, they also pray for us. In Revelation, John sees that "the twenty-four elders [the leaders of the people of God in heaven] fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints" (Rev. 5:8). Thus the saints in heaven offer to God the prayers of the saints on earth. \n\nAngels do the same thing: "[An] angel came and stood at the altar [in heaven] with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne; and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God" (Rev. 8:3-4). \n\nJesus himself warned us not to mess with small children because their guardian angels have guaranteed intercessory access to the Father: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 18:10). \n\nBecause he is the only God-man, Jesus is the only Mediator between man and God (1 Tim. 2:5), but this in no way means we cannot or should not ask our fellow Christians to pray with us and for us (1 Tim. 2:1-4), including those Christians in heaven, who have already had their sanctification completed, for "[t]he prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects" (Jas. 5:16).
426964
Jesus said you're blessed when things like this happen to you.\n\nI've gotten many thumbs down for answers that were scripture only.  That's when I know it's not me they are disagreeing with but God.  Why should you take on fighting God's battles for Him?  Speak the Word, and let Him handle the results.
548433
In context, Matthew 23:7-9 reads, "... And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."\n\nThis is call for humility for those in leadership roles. Not to be taken literally.\n\nWe are not to deny our male parent and cut the Commandment to honor our father and mother in half.\n\nSome leaders in any church may fall into the same folly as the pharisees of Jesus' day.\n\nWith love in Christ.
422063
God is capable of hearing all prayers but he turns a deaf ear to the prayers of those who refuse to act in harmony with their prayers (ie:  God, find me a job while I sit on the couch and watch tv) or those who continue to act in a way that is contrary to his will.  It is true that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man but if God did not hear the prayers of those who do not know Christ yet, none of us would ever have come to know him.
69105
Jesus, while voluntarily limited to a human body, needed to pray to the Father for the same reasons you and I do.\nJesus subjected Himself to all the frailties and limitations of humanity during His time on earth, and needed to pray in order to stay 'fresh' spiritually, to gain the wisdom and direction for His daily life and ministry, etc.\nJesus was indeed equal with the Father, but at the same time, laid aside the privileges of Godhood during His earthly sojourn.\nJesus perfectly modeled the lifestyle of total and complete dependence on God for us to follow, because He limited His Divine nature to that portion of Divinity which is accessible to a man living in total dependence on God.
567312
I would say to be militant about it is a little strong, but Jesus says that we are to go into the world teaching and preaching the gospel, baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  So, I would think it should make a great deal of difference to you what someone believes; as he also said I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Light - NO man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  The capitals are not yelling but for emphasis and I don't know how to make emphasis without using capitals - so if you are saved and you don't feel an unction to spread the gospel, then what good is your salvation?  I'm not judging you, I'm simply posing a thought pondering question to you.  I can't tell you what is sin and what is not - Jesus can - a reference you might find helpful is James 4:17.
216921
While it is important to have fellowship with other Christans, it is a command even, remember that you don't have to be in church to worship. God should be part of your daily walk in life, not just Sunday. Also I'm kind of reminded of something else... even Paul the Apostle supported himself as a tentmaker...