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English: "universal"
Catholic\Cath"o*lic\ (k[a^]th"[-o]*[i^]k), a. [L. Catholicus, Gr. kaqoliko`s, universal, general; kata` down, wholly + "o`los whole, probably akin to E. solid: cf. F. catholique.] 1. Universal or general; as, the Catholic faith.
Greek: (1 Tim 1:5, 1 Peter 1:22) "pure"
Strongs' No. <2513> katharos {kath-ar-os'}kaqarov" Word Origin of uncertain affinity TDNT - 3:413,381 adjective
Definition(s) 1) clean, pure 1a) physically 1a1) purified by fire 1a2) in a similitude, like a vine cleansed by pruning and so fitted to bear fruit 1b) in a levitical sense 1b1) clean, the use of which is not forbidden, imparts no uncleanness 1c) ethically 1c1) free from corrupt desire, from sin and guilt 1c2) free from every admixture of what is false, sincere genuine 1c3) blameless, innocent 1c4) unstained with the guilt of anything
Hebrew: (1 Kings 5:11) "beaten pure"
Strongs' No. <03795> kathiyth {kaw-theeth'} tyit'K Word Origin from <03807> TWOT - 1<062>a adjective
Definition(s) 1) beaten out, pure, pounded fine (in a mortar), costly 1a) of olive oil
[Mat 3:11] "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
[Acts 2:2] And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
This leads me to the conclusion that the Church was known as Catholic from the very beginning – most probably at Pentecost.
Let me whisper a secret in your ear: CATHOLIC and JESUS mean the same thing.
[Mat 19:26] But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
[Mark 9:23] And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes."
...Jesus is saying in Matt 19:26, Mark 9:23..."if you do not believe in the INFINITE - you really have no faith"...
[Mark 11:22] And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.
[Mark 11:23] Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.
[Mark 11:24] Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Jesus showed the door to Infinity was open to Him, as He performed miracles. Miracles are events outside of normal events. You must have faith in the Infinite (limitless possibilities/freedom/Kingdom of God) for miracles to happen, for prayers to be answered. A prayer is a request to change the future. A miracle is that change being made – answered prayer. Thus you can see, if a person believes in strict predestination – they shut out the possibility of miracles. Because in order for change to happen, you must believe that change is possible.
In essence, the Catholic Spirit is the Holy (Universal Pure) Spirit. To be Catholic is to have faith and confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit to answer prayer. This faith in the Catholic power of God, is the answer to most of the doubts people voice against the Church. All (infinite) things are possible to him who believes (in the Infinite).
She encouraged me to read and study the bible, and we went to Protestant churches.
The more I read and studied scripture - the parts which illuminated Catholic doctrine just started "talking" to me, until I could ignore them no more. I definitely was not looking for this, not at all. Along with this, I really began to HUNGER for the Lord's Supper. No matter how hard the Protestants ever seemed to try - the real SUBSTANCE of the Church is definitely missing in some of their services.
This is something many of them just don't know. And I feel deeply, it is the Holy Spirit.
When I went back into the Catholic Churches, I really sensed a FEMININE welcome. Like sitting in grand ma's kitchen while she is baking you cookies. The feeling of home. A love and warmth I have never really felt in any of the Protestant churches I have ever attended. And I believe I have attended some of the very best - really.
I found "Catholic" was a part of my being - and I only feel like me when I am there.
[Mat 9:2] And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven."
[Mat 9:5] For which is easier, to say, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise and walk?
[Mat 9:6] But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he then said to the paralytic--"Rise, take up your bed and go home."
[Jas 5:14] Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;
[Jas 5:15] and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
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Praise Lord God!
All Glory and Honor are yours Almighty One, forever and ever, Amen!