Very early on, the new pope distinguished himself from his predecessor. With his liberal views on economics, abortion and other topics, it was clear he was something different from the previous pope. This progressive worldview seemed to strike a chord with liberal Americans and the world, as in 2014 his popularity and approval seemed to be universal among the left. Now, these circumstances seem to be changing.
Perhaps the pope got too comfortable with his popularity, because now it seems to be on the decline.
GO TO THE NEXT PAGE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO THE POPE’S APPROVAL:
Acts 1:13-26 – When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) and said, ‘Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’ (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) ‘For it is written in the book of Psalms, “Let his homestead become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it”; and “Let another take his position of overseer.” So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.’ So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. (NRSV)
APOLOGETIC: We see structured meeting with Peter heading the meeting to elect Matthias.
He can’t go any lower with me!
John 21:17 – He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. (NRSV)
APOLOGETIC: After the Resurrection, Christ gives Peter the flock as chief Shepherd.
Luke 24:34 – They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ (NRSV)
APOLOGETIC: Risen Jesus first appears to Peter.
Isaiah 22:20-23 – On that day I will call my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah, and will clothe him with your robe and bind your sash on him. I will commit your authority to his hand, and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and no one shall shut; he shall shut, and no one shall open. I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place, and he will become a throne of honour to his ancestral house. (NRSV)
APOLOGETIC: This verse is quoted by Jesus in Matt 16:19 and clearly shows an Office where the keys to the kingdom are handed down like Prime Ministers in succession.
Matt 16:19 – I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ (NRSV)
APOLOGETIC: I will give you the keys of the kingdom – power to loose and bind. Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. These are symbolic keys which represent a supreme apostolic authority. See ISAIAH 22:20-23. The authority of the keys gives Peter alone jurisdiction as supreme shepherd and ruler over all the Church. Also note, Peter’s name is mentioned 195 times in the New Testament; more than all the other Apostles combined. His name is always mentioned first. The primacy of Peter is undeniable. Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my lambs” John 21:15-17.
Matt 16:18 – And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. (NRSV)
APOLOGETIC: Upon this Rock I will build my church. You are Peter and I will build my (Singular) Church – not churches. Christ is the head of the Church, but He did appoint a prime minister to build His church. Peter was the first prime minister (Pope) to represent the head of the Church on earth. The name “Peter” [Kepha] means a large m$#%&!@*ive rock (not a little stone as some would suggest). Christ was not building His Church upon Peter’s recognition of who Christ is, but upon Peter himself. The power of death shall not prevail against it. This means the Church will prevail until the end of time.
Now you at argue with scripture Louise
Revelation 13:18. Vicarius Filii Dei on the crown of the Pope =666 in Roman numerals and in Latin and in Greek. 1884 edition of Great Controversy, p.355&346.
He is not a true pope in my opinion!!!!!