Son: Hi - mom.

Mom: Hello - son.

Son: How have you been?

Mom: Fine. And you?

Son: Okay. Are you feeling all right?

Mom: As well as can be expected. Considering everything. How about you? How do you feel?

Son: Kind of tired. I’m looking forward to getting some rest soon.

Mom: Me too. Have you heard from Betty?

Son: No. Have you?

Mom: Not a word.

Son: Does she know the situation?

Mom: Of course. Your brother Bill told her.

Son: So what was her reaction?

Mom: Well, according to Bill, she said that she was sorry to hear the news, but since her divorce from you, she has gone on with her life and she doesn't see any reason to talk to you. Bill thinks she is bitter.

Son: That’s too bad. Being bitter I mean. That’s the one thing that I would not allow myself to do, after our divorce. Because I knew that if I allowed myself to get bitter, it would hurt me more than anything else. Not only psychologically, but physically as well. Bitterness can eat you up and I forced myself to say no to it.

Mom: Well, Betty hasn’t and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Son: I never blamed her for the divorce. I blamed myself. Let’s face it - I made the decisions that eventually cost us everything we had. Including our home.

Mom: I know. I tried to tell you but you wouldn’t listen.

Son: Betty told me too. But what can I say? I didn’t make the wrong decisions because I wanted to. Who does? Let’s face it, the decisions we make are made because we think they are the right thing to do at the time they are made. But how many times does it turn out to be the wrong thing? But however it turns out, we have to live with the consequences of our decisions.

Mom: I know. But you had everything.

Son: I know. The loving wife, the family, the dog, the house with the white picket fence, a successful business, respect, prestige, money and now it’s all gone.

Mom: I loved Betty. She was like a daughter to me. Her divorcing you really hurt me.

Son: It crushed me! But I think she felt betrayed by me. I was her hero. Her knight in shining armor. And then when I turned my back on everything because I thought that I was going to serve the Lord Jesus and help save the world - well I think that over the course of time she came to feel that I didn’t love her or care about her or her feelings. None of that was true, of course, but that is probably the perception she had. She never talked to me about it. There is no question that I was insensitive to her and to her needs. But we all get too smart too late. Her thing with her parents didn’t help either, of course. But that’s beside the point. I made the decisions and we all paid the price for my being wrong.

Mom: I’ve always thought that you’ve been too hard on yourself. After all, there’s always two sides to a story. When things were going good, you were a hero. And when they went bad, you became a bum. Where’s the loyalty?

Son: How do you spell that word - loyalty? I really don’t see much of it today. The marriage vows are now in health - not sickness. In richer - not poorer. Until divorce - not death - do we part. The honor and obey part isn’t even included anymore. It’s another one of those very unfunny jokes. The amazing thing is that if I say this, I am perceived as being bitter - when I’m not. I’m just making a realistic and accurate statement on how things are today!

Mom: I know. I get pretty depressed about it all some times.

Son: So did I. But one night during a Bible study at church, I heard the pastor say that he had visited many mental institutions and had never found anyone who was suffering from depression, who was thankful about anything. It was his opinion that if you are thankful  you cannot be depressed.

Mom: That seems pretty simplistic.

Son: I know. But he believed that depression was caused by focusing on ourselves. In other words, depressed people had the “I” bug. They were dwelling solely on themselves and no one else. We all do it at one time or another. For example, what I once had and would like to have again. What I never had but would like to have. What someone has and I don’t. The point being that our thoughts are centered on ourselves and if that is the case, whoever is doing that will be depressed. Whether you are famous, rich, beautiful, handsome, powerful or successful, it won’t make any difference. Because their thoughts are focused on themselves - depression will be the end result. People also like to dwell on the past and what they have been through along with the loss of loved ones. If they do this, they will become depressed! We usually call it a “pity party.”

Mom: So how do you overcome it? The depression I mean.

Son: By being thankful for what you have!

Mom: You mean like Pollyanna? I think she played the “glad game” in that movie. If I remember it right.

Son: Something like that. We all have many things to be thankful for. We simply need to focus on them. That becomes positive thinking in contrast to feeling sorry for ourselves that leads to negative thinking that leads to depression. That’s why when Christians are facing death, they can still be positive. Because they know that it is only a temporary separation from those they love. If those they love are also Christians, that is (1 Cor. 15:42-44, 51-57; 1 Th. 4:13-18). If I know that I’ll be seeing you again in Heaven, why would I be depressed, even when death is staring me in the face? If you read Fox’s Book of Martyrs you’ll see what I mean. It’s all about people who were killed for their faith in Christ as their personal Savior. We have a hope in the Lord Jesus that those who don’t, cannot understand, no matter how much they might try. And that’s a fact!

Mom: I know. I do thank God for that hope.

Son: Another way to avoid depression is to focus on others and try to help them. No matter how bad we might think we have it, there is always someone else who is a whole lot worse off.

Mom: That is so true.

Son: Anyway, I could really relate to what the pastor said that night about being depressed and depression and I have applied what he said to myself ever since. So even with what has happen-ed in my personal life, I have an awful lot to be thankful for. Your decision to trust the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior, by faith alone, for example.

Mom: I know. Bill and Josie couldn’t believe it. They think you brainwashed me. Funny isn’t it?

Son: Hilarious. As if I could ever convince you to do something that you didn’t want to do.

Mom: I know.

Son: If anyone is brainwashed - it’s them. They won’t even check out anything we’ve told them.

Mom: That’s true. You would think that they would. Out of curiosity, if for no other reason.

Son: Or to prove us wrong.

Mom: But they won’t.

Son: I think that they are afraid to. But maybe they will one of these days.

Mom: I’m not going to give up on them. I’m going to do with them the way you did with me. And that is share biblical truths with them whenever I have an opportunity to do so.

Son: That’s all you can do. So what’s new with my big brother Bill?

Mom: Not much. He thinks that what is happening is judgment from God for leaving the Roman Catholic Church. Can you believe it?

Son: You’re kidding.

Mom: I’m not kidding. That’s what he said.

Son: He can be such a jerk at times. Well, the next time you see him, tell him that I miss and love him very much.

Mom: He knows that. It’s too bad that he has a hard head. It runs in the family. But I’ll remind him of it.

Son: Thanks. At least he is still speaking with you.

Mom: That’s true. But - I am his mother.

Son: But I’m his brother and he still won’t talk to me.

Mom: He feels its all your fault and has washed his hands of you. He blames my change of mind about Roman Catholicism on you. According to him you have poisoned my mind.

Son: It’s too bad he won’t take the blinders off his eyes and really examine the evidence. And seriously think about the practices of Roman Catholicism that are so obviously contrary to biblical teachings.

Mom: I know. That’s what I did. I sat down one day and picked up our family Bible and looked up the Bible verses that you had given me to check out. It took me quite a while because I had never really studied the Bible on what it said about anything. I didn’t know where all the different books were located and then to look up specific verses was really tough for me to do.

Son: But you did it!

Mom: Yes. I did! With all of the stuff you had told me, I finally had to find out for myself. Of course the more I did it the easier it became. Not that it was easy mind you. You know what I mean?

Son: Yes. I do. You know I’ve never asked you what finally made you search the Scriptures to see if what I was saying was true or not. So what was it?

Mom: When you said the Lord Jesus had been sacrificed one time, for all time, for men and women who would trust Him as their personal Savior (Heb. 10:10, 12, 14, 17).

Son: So why did that bother you so much?

Mom: Because of the “Mass.”

Son: The “Mass?”

Mom: Yes. The “Mass.” You know what I mean. All Roman Catholics are taught that the “Mass” is an unbloody sacrifice which atones for the sins of the living and the dead. And that each sacrifice of the “Mass” appeases God’s wrath against sin. The “Mass” makes Christ literally and actually present in His death and sacrifice! That happens thousands of times each and every day throughout the world.

Son: It’s all quite wild and ridiculous when you compare the “Mass” with the Bible isn’t it?

Mom: Yes. There is no similarity between the teachings. The Bible tells me that the once-for-all sacrifice of the cross fully appeased God’s wrath against sin (Heb. 10:10-18) and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22). And that the Lord Jesus should not be presented in His death and sacrifice any longer, because He has risen and is “alive forevermore” (Rom. 6:9-10; Rev. 1:17-18).

Son: Now that your eyes have been opened to the truth don’t you find it amazing that you never looked into the teachings we all took for granted? I know I am.

Mom: I know what you mean. But why would we? We’re taught it and we accept it. Like most things for that matter. I think most people feel that one religion is as good as another.

Son: I know. I used to say that. And actually that is a true saying. Because every religion will send you straight to Hell. People don’t know that God hates religion! Everything that God has done, through the Lord Jesus, is in direct conflict with all religions. Think about it. Who had the Lord Jesus crucified? It was the Jewish religious leaders of His day. Those guys should have received Him (Jn. 1:11) with open arms. And the reason why I say that is because they knew the Old Testament like the back of their hands. They knew the prophecies of the Messiah whom God would one day send to them. But they refused to receive the very One the Scriptures told of and taught about (Lk. 24:25-27, 44-45; Jn. 5:45-47). They preferred their religion over Him.

Mom: But you can say that now because your eyes have been opened to the truth of the Bible.

Son: That’s right. That’s why I don’t get smart about people who refuse to listen. I just say to myself, there go I, but for the grace of God. I didn’t get saved because I was so smart and looking for God. The fact is He came looking for me. You know that picture of the lamb being carried by the Lord Jesus?

Mom: Yes. I do.

Son: Well, I always think of myself as being that lamb. Lost and defenseless and stupid. But the Lord Jesus, being the good and great shepherd, went looking for me because He knew I was lost and in big trouble (Ps. 23; Jn. 10:14; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25). I always marvel at the thought that God really loves and cares about me personally.

Mom: I know what you mean. But like I said, what turned me around and caused me to search the Scriptures was the “Mass” and not any brainwashing technique that your brother Bill thinks you used on me. The reason why the “Mass” motivated me to go to the Scriptures is because at each “Mass” the priest sacrifices Christ to the Father. But the Bible says that Christ presented the sacrifice of Himself, one time, to the Father (Heb. 9:24-28). In contrast, Roman Catholics are taught that the Sacrifice of the “Mass” is the same as the Sacrifice of the Cross and it is only the manner in which it is offered that is different. The Bible, however, says that the sacrifice of the cross, was an historical event that occurred once about 1,978 years ago outside of Jerusalem (Mk. 15:21-41). The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated in the Sacrifice of the “Mass.” The Bible says that the sacrifice of the cross is finished (Jn. 19:30). Roman Catholicism teaches that the sacrificial work of redemption is continually carried out through the Sacrifice of the “Mass” while the Bible teaches that the sacrificial work of redemp-tion was finished when the Lord Jesus gave His life for us while on the cross (Eph.1:7; Heb. 1:3).

Son: So that is what got you to start thinking?

Mom: Yes. But there is a lot more.

Son: I’m listening.

Mom: Another false teaching regarding the “Mass” is that the faithful receive the benefits of the cross in fullest measure through the Sacrifice of the “Mass.” But the Bible teaches that believers receive the benefits of the cross in fullest measure in Christ through faith (Eph. 1:3-14). Roman Catholicism teaches that the church is to continue the sacrifice of Christ for the salvation of the world. But the Bible says that the church is to “proclaim” the Lord’s death for the salvation of the world (Acts 4:1-2, 10-12, 20).

Son: Wow. I am impressed. You really have been doing your homework - haven’t you?

Mom: Yes. I have. And I don’t ever want to stop learning.

Son: I feel the same way.

Mom: I have to believe that one day your brother Bill and my sister Josie are going to ask me a question. And I want to be ready to give them the correct answer.

Son: That’s what we’re supposed to be able to do (1 Pet. 3:15).

Mom: Unfortunately, they aren’t asking yet. But maybe one of these days.

Son: It’s frustrating. Isn’t it?

Mom: Very.

Son: All you can do mom, is pray for them and continue to witness to them.

Mom: That’s what I intend to do! You they could cut out of their lives. Me they can’t.

Son: Have you explained to them how ridiculous the teaching of the “transubstantiation” of the bread and the wine is?

Mom: Of course. Only I try to be more tactful than you would be.

Son: Tactful - she says.

Mom: Yes. Tactful. Since trusting the Lord Jesus to be my personal Savior, by faith alone, I always add, I have found it necessary to increase my vocabulary and communication skills.

Son: Do tell.

Mom: Don’t be sarcastic. I even signed up for several English classes at Daley.

Son: You never told me.

Mom: I didn’t tell anyone! I thought the family would think I was goofy or something. On top of becoming a Jesus freak like my youngest son. Imagine, me going to college in my old age.

Son: I think it’s great!

Mom: Really?

Son: Of course. It just proves that you are not satisfied with what you already know but want to increase your knowledge. But that was proven when you went out of your way to check out what I had told you about regarding Roman Catholicism and the Bible. You made the effort necessary to reveal the truth of the Lord Jesus to you. Most people won’t do that.

Mom: I suppose so. I am amazed at what I’ve learned though.

Son: Like what?

Mom: Well, the teaching of the “transubstantiation” of the bread and the wine for instance. The Roman Catholic Church taught us that the “Last Supper” was a real sacrifice in which the blood of Christ was poured out for us in the cup. But the Bible teaches us that the “Last Supper” was a “Passover” meal (Mt. 26:17-29; Mk. 14:12-25; Lk. 22:17-20) and that the blood of Christ was poured out for our sins at the cross (Heb. 9:12; 1 Pet. 1:19; 2:24). Roman Catholics are told that the bread and wine become the real and actual body and blood of Christ during the “Holy Com-munion” part of the “Mass.” And we believe it! Meanwhile, according to the Bible, the bread and wine used during the “Passover” meal are to be symbolic of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus (Jn. 6:48-59, 63; 1 Cor. 11:23-25). Roman Catholicism teaches that the consecrated bread and wine used in the “Mass” are heavenly food that help one to attain eternal life. The Bible teaches that the bread and wine are symbols that help one to remember the Lord Jesus (Lk. 22:19).

Son: It’s like a magic act that people are told to believe is true when it’s really not - isn’t it?

Mom: Absolutely! When I think of how all of my life, I blindly believed that the body and blood of Christ existed wholly and entirely in every fragment of consecrated bread and drop of wine used in every “Mass,” in every Roman Catholic church, throughout the world, I can’t believe it. How could I be so gullible? Especially when the Bible tells us that the Lord Jesus is in Heaven at this time (Heb. 10:12-13) having a physical body (Lk. 24:36-43).

Son: I know.

Mom: I came across an old poem on the subject of “transubstantiation” that is just great. I have to read it to you.

Son: Go ahead. I’m all ears.

Mom: The author of this poem is unknown. The title of it is, "A Roman Miracle?" Here goes:

A pretty maid, a Protestant, was to a Catholic wed;
To love all Bible truths and tales, quite early she’d been bred.
It sorely grieved her husband’s heart that she would not comply
And join the Mother Church of Rome and heretics deny.

So day by day he flattered her, but still she saw no good
Would ever come from bowing down to idols made of wood;
The mass, the host, the miracles, were made but to deceive;
And transubstantiation, too, she’d never dare believe.

He went to see his clergyman and told him his sad tale
“My wife’s an unbeliever, sir, you can perhaps, prevail;
For all your Romish miracles my wife has strong aversion,
To really work a miracle may lead to her conversion.”

The priest went with the gentleman - he thought to gain a prize.
He said, “I will convert her, sir, and open both her eyes.”
So when they came into the house, the husband loudly cried,
“The priest has come to dine with us!” “He’s welcome,” she replied.

And when, at last, the meal was o’er, the priest at once began
To teach his hostess all about the sinful state of man;
The greatness of our Saviour’s love, which Christians can’t deny
To give Himself a sacrifice and for our sins to die.

“I will return tomorrow, lass, prepare some bread and wine;
The sacramental miracle will stop your soul’s decline.”
“I’ll bake the bread,” the lady said, “You may,” he did reply,
“And when you’ve seen this miracle, convinced you’ll be, say I.”

The priest did come accordingly, the bread and wine did bless.
The lady asked, “Sir, is it changed?” The priest answered, “Yes,
It’s changed from common bread and wine to truly flesh and blood;
Begorra, lass, this power of mine has changed it into God!”

So having blessed the bread and wine, to eat they did prepare;
The lady said unto the priest, “I warn you to take care,
For half an ounce of arsenic was mixed right in the batter,
But since you have its nature changed, it cannot really matter.”

The priest was struck real dumb - he looked as pale as death.
The bread and wine fell from his hands and he did gasp for breath.
“Bring me my horse!” the priest cried, “This is a cursed home!”
The lady replied, “Begone; tis you who shares the curse of Rome.”

The husband, too, he sat surprised, and not a word did say.
At length he spoke, “My dear,” said he, “The priest has run away;
To gulp such mummery and tripe, I’m not, for sure, quite able;
I’ll go with you and will renounce this Roman Catholic Fable.”

Son: That is so great!

Mom: I know. I just love it.

Son: All Roman Catholics should have a copy of it and read it every day until the blinders fall off of their eyes.

Mom: That would be nice.

Son: That poem just proves how great the "Protestant Reformation" was.

Mom: What do you mean?

Son: Well, think about it. A no-name Christian wrote this poem in the distant past. It obviously had to have been written after the “Protestant Reformation.” And it is obvious that the writer was solidly grounded in the correct biblical teaching concerning salvation and therefore able to defend their faith in a very creative way.

Mom: That’s true.

Son: Now contrast the no-name writer of that poem with the evangelical Christian leaders of today whose favorite title is “doctor.” The impression seems to be that if you’re not a “doctor of theology” in Christendom today, you haven’t the right to challenge the false teachings of those who are “doctors.” What is amazing is that is the very same attitude the religious leaders in the city of Jerusalem had with the apostles (Acts 4:1-13). The “doctors of theology” in our day, seem to have forgotten that all of the scribes and pharisees were “doctors of theology” also.

Mom: You’re about to get worked up and I don’t want you to.

Son: I can’t help it. I get worked up whenever I think about these clowns with their doctorate degrees who have compromised the historic Christian doctrines that were the foundation of the “Protestant Reformation.” I don’t think any of these people have ever read the letter of Jude. That’s why a movement like “Promise Keepers” is a total joke.

Mom: What do you mean?

Son: This is a so-called Christian movement that crosses all denominational lines. It’s part of the ecumenical movement that believes all Christians should be united as one body regardless of their doctrine. The word “discernment” cannot be used in any way, shape or form when it comes to a movement like “Promise Keepers” or for the entire ecumenical movement for that matter.

Mom: So why do you call it a joke?

Son: Because the people behind the ecumenical movement cannot allow anyone to focus on their “Christian Doctrine” since those who they hope to unite in the movement would never be able to do so. The reason being that their doctrines are incompatible with each other. So to achieve the objective of uniting all Christians into one body, the movers and shakers behind the ecumenical movement decided to stress “Christian Experience.” Isn’t that wonderful? In effect, these people are saying that “Christian Experience” is more important than “Christian Doctrine” (Rom. 16:17-18).

Mom: That doesn't seem right!

Son: That’s because it isn’t. To say that “Christian Experience” should be emphasized over historic fundamental “Christian Doctrine” is completely unbiblical! If someone, like me, says this though, I am labeled as being unloving and divisive and judgmental and unchristlike. The thing that really gets me though, is the number of high profile Christian teachers and pastors who have been on the board of “Promise Keepers.” I mean these guys should know better! I don’t get it.

Mom: What don’t you get?

Son: I know that many of these high profile Christian teachers and pastors would not be willing to participate in the marriage of a Christian and a non Christian! They would use 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 as their reason. You know, that’s where we are told that we are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. The amazing thing about that passage of Scripture, is that it is speaking specifically of ministry and not marriage. It is applicable to marriage and to business partners, but the passage itself, in its entirety is specifically in regards to ministry. If you really wanted to know what God’s viewpoint is on marriage you would go to 1 Corinthians 7. Yet, these same guys have been willing to be a board member of “Promise Keepers.”

Mom: So what’s your point?

Son: The point is that these guys, who are not willing to participate in a marriage between a Christian and a non Christian, see nothing wrong with joining hands with people who deny the historic, fundamental, Christian doctrines concerning salvation and justification. Those teachings being that we are saved solely by the grace of God, through faith alone in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, for our eternal salvation. So every time there is a “Promise Keepers” gathering or Billy Graham has a crusade in conjunction with the Roman Catholic Church, or an ecumenical meeting is held, they are all in total disobedience to the clear teaching of 2 Corinthians 6. And most of these guys have doctorates in theology. Where is there a real doctor when you need one?

Mom: I think that was a sermon.

Son: I think you’re right. I’m sorry for going off on you like that, but I just get so aggravated about it all. The word “protestant” means “under protest.” The question of the day is who the heck is protesting anymore about the many so-called Christian teachings that are false and that have deceived so many? It sure isn’t most of the morons that are on television and radio.

Mom: I know. Well calm down now. And I’m glad you liked the poem. But I want to get back to the final reason that caused me to leave the Roman Catholic Church. Have you cooled off yet?

Son: I’m getting there.

Mom: Good. Anyway, the last straw for me was when I learned that God forbids us to worship any object. Even those intended to represent Him (Ex. 20:4-5; Isa. 42:8). I know that you told me that, but I had to read and study that for myself. Roman Catholicism, on the other hand, teaches that God desires the consecrated bread and wine to be worshipped as divine.

Son: So you’ve been telling the family all of this?

Mom: Yes! Now they say I’ve become you.

Son: God answered my prayer, didn’t He?

Mom: It would seem so.

Son: Well, you know what I went through, for sharing the truth of the Scriptures with them. And I’m sure that you are getting the same treatment.

Mom: I am. But I’m a tough old broad. I can take it.

Son: It’s a good thing you are. Because I expect the Roman Catholic Church to become ever more militant towards Protestant evangelism.

Mom: What do you mean?

Son: Well, during his visit to Mexico, Pope John Paul II, issued a summons for Catholics to take to the streets and confront the challenge of Protestant evangelism. He urged his audience to ignore the seductions of fallacious and novel ideologies and to spread the word of the church.

Mom: No kidding.

Son: I’m not kidding. And neither was he. That was a central theme during his visit in which he called his followers to aggressively combat the significant inroads made by protestantism.

Mom: He must be upset about people like you and me who come to know the truth (Jn. 14:6).

Son: I suppose so. Unfortunately, too many professing Christians view Roman Catholicism as just another brand of Christianity. That is pretty clear when you see how the Christian Book-sellers Association has allowed Roman Catholic publishing houses to exhibit and sell their hereti-cal books, rosaries, statues and scapulars at their annual gatherings.

Mom: Why would they do that?

Son: Because they don’t take the Scriptures seriously (2 Cor. 6:11-18; Gal. 6:7; Rev. 18:4). They have no discernment between truth and error. What other reason would explain it other than money. I remember when a large number of well known and prominent evangelical Christian leaders signed a joint declaration with Roman Catholic leaders on March 29, 1994, entitled, “Evangelicals and Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium.” They agreed to unite and win the world to Christ. The only problem that all of the morons who signed that document had, was that they allowed a false gospel message to be extended. So they went back and made some adjustments. But they’re so stupid that they still haven’t figured out that the Catholic gospel is at odds with the biblical gospel of Christ. It’s too bad they can’t talk with the martyrs of the “Protestant Reformation” and ask them why they were killed by those who were agents of Rome. And how about all those Roman Catholics who believed so strongly in their doctrines and the Pope that they were willing to torture and murder for them? Amazing - isn’t it?

Mom: Now do you see why people accuse you of being unloving, divisive, a bigot, judgmental and a Roman Catholic basher?

Son: Yes. I know. But what I am saying is the truth! Roman Catholic apologists see the “Prote-stant Reformation” as a rebellion by reformers who should have stayed in the Roman Catholic Church to make the changes they thought necessary from within. Do you know how stupid that position is? How are you going to change serious doctrinal errors in an organization that claims divine authority for everything it does? According to Roman Catholic theology, you are taking issue with God Himself if you suggest that change is necessary. It’s another very unfunny joke.

Mom: I know.

Son: Robert A. Baker, wrote in his book, A Summary of Christian History, [Nashville: Broadman Press, 1959, pp. 151-152, 168] about when the papacy was headquartered in Avignon, France and the return of the papacy to Rome became an issue in each papal election. Anyway, beginning in the year 1378 A.D. there were two Popes at the same time! The one in Rome was Urban VI and the one in Avigon, France, was Clement VI. During the next twenty-five years you had rival Popes at Avigon and in Rome cursing each other and trying to undermine the work of the other.

Mom: Imagine that. There are a lot of people who think that church splits are something new.

Son: If you think about it, it’s hilarious. These guys are cursing each other. But the leaders in Rome like to curse those people who are at odds with them. The Roman Catholic Church wound up placing a number of curses on the protestant reformers during the “Council of Trent” held from 1545 to 1564 A.D. By the way, the curses placed by the Roman Catholic Church upon the protestant movement and its followers have never been lifted or removed! So much for love and unity among the so-called brethren.

Mom: This is really interesting.

Son: I know. Unfortunately, most people would disagree with us. They aren’t interested in history. Yet what has happened in the past is what has led us to the present. Besides, stuff like this isn’t taught by many anymore and that’s why most people don’t know about it. Anyway, in March, 1409 A.D. the cardinals called a general council in Pisa and declared the papal thrones vacant. Just like that. Think about it. They arbitrarily kicked out the two guys who said they were the “Vicar of Christ” and who supposedly were the representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ on earth. So they elected a new guy who took the name of Pope Alexander V. But the problem did not go away because the other two Popes refused to step down. So guess what?

Mom: What?

Son: The Roman Catholic Church now had three Popes. All at the same time! Can you imagine the confusion among the people while all of this was going on?

Mom: That’s incredible! So what happened?

Son: You’ll have to read Baker’s book and find out for yourself.

Mom: You can really be aggravating.

Son: History isn’t so boring after all - is it?

Mom: No. It’s not. But now I want to talk about you.

Son: What about me?

Mom: You know.

Son: What? That I’m dying and have a short amount of time left?

Mom: Yes. Are you scared?

Son: No. I’m not (Phil. 1:21). I’m going to Heaven to be with the Lord Jesus and that’s just the way it is. Now, if I were relying on my efforts and the life I led for that to happen, then yes, I would be scared. But I’m relying on His efforts for me and I don’t see any reason to be scared.

Mom: For real?

Son: Yes. For real. Think about it. I have the assurance from the Scriptures that my salvation is binding (Jn. 6:37; 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13; 4:30; 1 Jn. 5:13) upon once trusting the Lord Jesus as my personal Savior. In other words, once the Holy Spirit enters a believer - He will remain in that believer forever (Jn. 14:16-17, 26). This means once saved - always saved! Those who chose not to agree with the teaching of assurance of salvation, in effect believe that God actually offered us probation and not salvation. Where is the grace of God in that? The fact of the matter is since we do not get our salvation by being good - we cannot lose it by being bad. So can you see why I am so confident about it all? And why I think it’s kind of exciting?

Mom: Yes - I can.

Son: I was hoping to last until the “Rapture” took place, but it doesn't look like that is what God’s plan for me is. So when the “Rapture” does take place - I’ll be meeting you in the clouds with the Lord Jesus. If that isn’t something to look forward to I don’t know what is (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Th. 4:13-18; Ti. 2:13).

Mom: You’re right. It is. But I’m going to miss you so much.

Son: I know. But it won’t be for very long and then we’ll all be together again. I just hope and pray that Bill and aunt Josie will listen to you and check out what you say to them. I don’t like to think about the fact that most of the people I know and love will not be in Heaven with me. Instead they will be in eternal torment in the “Lake of Fire” instead (Mt. 13:42; 25:41, 46; Rev. 14:10-11; 20:10, 15).

Mom: I know. I love you so much though. I loved you when you were first born and then as a little boy growing up. You were so beautiful. I didn’t think it was possible to love you more than I did. And then I discovered that I not only could love you more - but I did love you more.

Son: I was always conscious of you loving me. Even when you were really mad at me. That’s why I could take advantage of you like I sometimes did. People still can’t get over the fact that you used to pay me to eat when I was growing up.

Mom: That’s because you were such a skinny kid. And I didn’t want you to get sick from not eating right.

Son: I know. I was always spoiled. There were times when I abused your love for me. And I’m sorry.

Mom: That was a long time ago. You were a kid.

Son: A manipulating kid!

Mom: Aren’t all kids?

Son: I guess you’re right. When I’m gone mom, just remember that I’m not in this body that you will be looking at (2 Cor. 5:8). The real me will be rejoicing in Heaven .

Mom: I know.

Son: Did you know that all I want to do, when I first see the Lord Jesus, is to give Him a hug and a kiss on His cheek and say thank you for saving me. I am really looking forward to doing that. So don’t cry too much for me. Do you promise?

Mom: No.

Son: I think that I shouldn’t have been so sweet and wonderful and easy to get along with all of my life.

Mom: Now that’s - a funny joke!

Son: Isn’t it something that God made it a point to save a wise guy like me though?

Mom: Yes. But you’re my wise guy.

Son: Did you know that I have always told people that you were the greatest woman I had ever known in my life?

Mom: Really?

Son: It’s the truth! I have always thanked God for giving you to me to be my mother. There isn’t anyone else that I could imagine being a better mother to me than you. And I am so thankful for you always being there for me throughout my life. Even when we had terrible arguments and said some really bad stuff to each other. You never kept a grudge - though I have to admit that sometimes I did. You have been terrific and I want to thank you for the way you have always been there for me and for my family.

Mom: Thank you for saying that. It makes me feel good to hear it.

Son: I just wanted you to know that. I think that most of us don’t feel appreciated for what we do. The reason probably is because we take things and people for granted. And the things that should be said - seldom are. And unfortunately, many of the things that shouldn’t be said - often are. It’s just the way we all are. I guess.

Mom: I know.

Son: God bless you - my mother.

Mom: He has blessed me. And may He continue to bless you also - my son.