As I was watching the various events leading up
to the funeral of Pope John Paul II, I was amazed at all the many
things I observed which were done in the name of religion for
which I could find no authority in the Bible. As I was watching the various events leading up
to the funeral of Pope John Paul II, I was amazed at all the many
things I observed which were done in the name of religion for
which I could find no authority in the Bible.
Paul told the church in Colosse that when they
did Bible things they must have Bible authority for them. Paul
said, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in
the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father
by him" Colossians 3:17. To do something "in
the name of the Lord" means to do it by the Lord's authority.
This means if we have no authority to do it we should not do it.
One of the most disturbing acts I observed all
week was that man after man - news commentators, reporters, and
even our President - called the head of the Catholic church "Holy
Father."
I was appalled at their lack of basic knowledge
in the word of God. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 23:9, "And
call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father,
which is in heaven."
This could not be plainer, and all can understand
it. There is only one Holy Father, and that is Jehovah God in
Heaven. There have been many good men who have lived upon the
earth, yet they are not to be elevated above another. "For
there is no respect of persons with God." Romans
2:11. Acts 10:34, "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said,
Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons."
Paul said, in Ephesians 6:9, "And, ye masters, do the
same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your
Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons
with him."
This man, John Paul, was elevated above every
man on earth and placed equal with God. One news reporter even
called him "Christ on earth." Many bowed down to pay
homage to him as well. This, too, was disturbing.
When Jesus was in the wilderness, the devil tried
with all his might to tempt our Lord. Notice what Jesus said to
him when he was asked by the devil to bow down and worship him.
"Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for
it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only
shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:10.
The Lord put it right on the line to the devil,
and many need to heed His words today! We are not to worship any
man. There is only one Holy Father, and only Him shall we worship
and serve. Let us forever preach the one Lord, one Faith, and
One Baptism, and let God's true word be seen! "Call no man
your Father." P.O. Box 23, Bucyrus, OH 44820.