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Well, I haven't attempted to answer it yet, so don't jump on me too hard.Originally posted by LisaMC:
Grant,
In a nutshell, yes. Could you please tell me what is so hard to understand about that?
So, are you saying that Jesus is only commending John's prophetic skills? And where did you find this definition of prophet?A prophet is one who publically proclaims a message from or the coming of the Lord. John made straight the path and proclaimed that Jesus was coming. Jonah went to Ninaveh to proclaim God's message to them. Aside from a private revelation to her cousin Elizabeth (my soul proclaims the greatness of my Lord) can you show me where the Bible states that Mary was a prophet? Even if you consider Mary a prophet, I would consider John a greater prophet.
Ooops.Shame on you!
A simple "no" would have worked.I am doing nothing of the sort.
No, you are the one who pointed out that Jesus was "born of woman" which we all know. What is your point there? This does not diminish who He is. It is the RCC claim that to call Mary the Mother of God is to exhalt Christ. Yet, you people keep bringing up the fact that Jesus was a man, born of woman. So, is Mary the Mother of God, or the mother of the man Jesus Christ?It was you who first posted this verse, not me.
How do you figure? I don't remember asking you a question.I am merely responding to your post and asking you the same type of question you asked.
Which makes Him much more than a mere man.Jesus is my Lord and Savior.
Got that strait.Although He is fully man, he is certainly not a mere man. Nor is He a prophet--He is God.
What are you talking about? I have responded to every question I have been asked. Unlike some others . . .Now please respond to the three posts that were posted to you.
Jesus is talking, so it is my belief that Jesus excluded himself.Is John the greatest that lived or is Jesus greater?
I never said Jesus was a mere prophet or a man.If Jesus is greater, how do you reconcile Matthew's quote except to say that Jesus is not mere man or prophet.
Uh . . . no.Do you consider Jesus a mere man or a prophet based on the Bible quotes you listed?
Well, that's not exactly what Carson said. So, as I asked above, are you saying that Jesus is only commending John's prophetic abilities?Regardless of all of the above, as Carson said, no one is claiming that Mary is the greatest prophet.
I'm not going to jump on you.Well, I haven't attempted to answer it yet, so don't jump on me too hard.
I completely agree. I, also, think that she would . . . I'm not sure what she would do, but I'm sure the exaltation given her would not be welcomed by her.My response to this would be that, during her life, Mary was the exemplary example of humbleness. You DON'T see her all over the Scriptures, saying, "Look at me, look at me!" Where she does appear, she is there pointing to her Son, saying, "Look at Him, look at Him!"
Well, the verse says that he who is least in heaven was greater than John the Baptist. At the time Jesus spoke, Mary was still on earth.And by your verse, those who are last, will be first, in Heaven. Therefore, I don't see why it is implausable to see Mary in an especially high place, near her Son, in Heaven.
It makes sense, Grant. I do realize there are varying degrees of Marian devotion, some are extreme. And it is human nature to want to exalt or esteem the Mother of our Savior. But, if we look to Christ's own example, the exaltation and devotion given to her by some is not there.Hope that makes sense!
To honor Mary is to honor:Originally posted by LisaMC:
I completely agree. I, also, think that she would . . . I'm not sure what she would do, but I'm sure the exaltation given her would not be welcomed by her.
So, in other words, everyone who is in heaven is greater than John the Baptist?Originally posted by Bro. Curtis:
Well, the verse says that he who is least in heaven was greater than John the Baptist. At the time Jesus spoke, Mary was still on earth.
And yet we know that, since Christ obeyed the law perfectly, he honored His father and His mother. While his step-father is Joseph, and I'm sure Joseph received Jesus' honor, His true Father is God the Father. And His mother is Mary. But I'm sure Jesus also didn't just like scrape by; He didn't just obey the law. He far exceeded it. I have no doubt that Jesus loved and honored His mother more than any of us can claim we have done for our own mother. And therefore if Jesus honored her, so should I.Originally posted by Bro. Curtis:
It makes sense, Grant. I do realize there are varying degrees of Marian devotion, some are extreme. And it is human nature to want to exalt or esteem the Mother of our Savior. But, if we look to Christ's own example, the exaltation and devotion given to her by some is not there.
God might not see it that way......to love Mary is to love God.
God might not see it that way...Originally posted by Rakka Rage:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />...to love Mary is to love God.
But, why do you think that Mary is more deserving of honor than your other sisters in Christ?To honor Mary is to honor:
1) God's creation, for she is creature
2) Honor's God's grace, because she is certainly full of it
I can not tell you that is illogical, because I can't speak for you. And I won't tell you I don't understand, because that won't change how you believe. But, have you ever asked yourself how Jesus feels about this?I could go on. I promise, my Marian devotion tends to get stronger and stronger over time, but never do I see Mary that I do not see Jesus. Seeing Mary makes me see Jesus stronger. I understand if you don't understand, but I say that with honesty and sincerity. In my honor of Mary, I honor my God and Savior. It never detracts from my love of God, because God is love. Therefore, to love Mary is to love God.
Actually, I have a theory about " . . . he who is least in the Kingdom of God . . " but, I can not say for certain who Jesus was referencing at that time.So, in other words, everyone who is in heaven is greater than John the Baptist?
He sure stirred-up the Pharisees.And yet we know that, since Christ obeyed the law perfectly,
I'm not saying He didn't, but how is this shown in Scripture?he honored His father and His mother.
Because nobody has the capacity for/to love that Christ has.While his step-father is Joseph, and I'm sure Joseph received Jesus' honor, His true Father is God the Father. And His mother is Mary. But I'm sure Jesus also didn't just like scrape by; He didn't just obey the law. He far exceeded it. I have no doubt that Jesus loved and honored His mother more than any of us can claim we have done for our own mother.
I honor here as we are instructed to honor all brothers and sisters in Christ.And therefore if Jesus honored her, so should I.
No, I'm not.But, I guess we should also differentiate here. You aren't saying that "Marian devotion" and "Marian doctrine" are the same, are you?
"Lucifer would have you worshiping even something good, if he could get some of the Praise and admiration off of JESUS."No love that is pure love is contrary to God, for He is the source of all true love. Therefore, if my love of Mary, my mother, then it is in no way contrary to God, for He has instituted said love.
Did not Christ speak of rewards in Heaven? If it is a reward, that means that one can attain it or one can not attain it, even if both of these "ones" are going to heaven. That means that there has to be some form of status in heaven. Now, in Heaven there will be no jealousy, but that doesn't mean that there aren't people who are/have been closer to Christ, or people who have served Christ in magnificent ways.Originally posted by LisaMC:
But, why do you think that Mary is more deserving of honor than your other sisters in Christ?
I haven't always been Catholic, so yes, I prayed constantly about this, because I came from a very anti-Marian background. I was feeling very good about certain Catholic doctrines, so I knew the Church couldn't be "all bad." Some took more prayer and study, and the Marian doctrines was one of the more difficult ones. However, once I "got it," I felt Jesus approval of it. Again, if it took me away from Christ, I would have never have converted. I became Catholic for no one; I haven't been dating anyone for ten months (and plan on being celibate), my immediate family was against it, and none of my closest friends are Catholic. As far as the world is concerned, I had nothing to gain in my conversion. I did it because God lead me there, and I found God's peace there. And I found that same peace in Marian doctrine and devotion.Originally posted by LisaMC:
I can not tell you that is illogical, because I can't speak for you. And I won't tell you I don't understand, because that won't change how you believe. But, have you ever asked yourself how Jesus feels about this?
Well, since we aren't sure, perhaps this is a wrong angle to be approaching right now. No?Originally posted by LisaMC:
Actually, I have a theory about " . . . he who is least in the Kingdom of God . . " but, I can not say for certain who Jesus was referencing at that time.
With ceremonial law (not washing hands before eating, etc). He didn't kill, He wasn't an adulter, He didn't steal, and I'm sure that He honored His father and mother, because this law was not done away with.Originally posted by LisaMC:
He sure stirred-up the Pharisees.
It's generally understood that Jesus would have kept the 10 commandments. They are His own law.Originally posted by LisaMC:
I'm not saying He didn't, but how is this shown in Scripture?
Which mean His love for His mother has no parallel.Originally posted by LisaMC:
Because nobody has the capacity for/to love that Christ has.
Yet, surely you see that her role was unique.Originally posted by LisaMC:
I honor here as we are instructed to honor all brothers and sisters in Christ.
No, I'm not. </font>[/QUOTE]So, then, because some are excessive in their devotion does not mean that their doctrine was off. Which is why it's better to stick to doctrine, not devotion, to have discussions.Originally posted by LisaMC:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />But, I guess we should also differentiate here. You aren't saying that "Marian devotion" and "Marian doctrine" are the same, are you?
"Lucifer would have you worshiping even something good, if he could get some of the Praise and admiration off of JESUS." </font>[/QUOTE]Rakka,Originally posted by Rakka Rage:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />No love that is pure love is contrary to God, for He is the source of all true love. Therefore, if my love of Mary, my mother, then it is in no way contrary to God, for He has instituted said love.
No. I think that's irrelevant since Jesus was speaking to and about people residing on earth at that precise moment. He was merely excepting whoever was least in heaven from His statement.Well, since we aren't sure, perhaps this is a wrong angle to be approaching right now. No?
True, and I don't doubt he honored His mother and father, but not to the extent of people here on earth.He didn't kill, He wasn't an adulter, He didn't steal, and I'm sure that He honored His father and mother, because this law was not done away with.
There is no evidence given in Scripture that Jesus loves His mother above any of us.Which mean His love for His mother has no parallel.
Well, not necessarily. I believe Marian devotion can become even too extreme for RC doctrine.So, then, because some are excessive in their devotion does not mean that their doctrine was off.
Well, I have some objections to RC Marian doctrine, also, but that's another topic.Which is why it's better to stick to doctrine, not devotion, to have discussions.