Equipping Center

When Catechism of the Catholic Church broke onto the N.Y. Times bestseller list, its astonishing success confirmed the overwhelming interest of Catholics and Protestants in understanding modern Catholicism. Has the recent openness among denominations affected Catholic teachings? In the new spirit of cooperation, is there any reason why Catholics and Protestants should remain divided? This powerful and insightful examination of the Catholic Church provides: a side-by-side comparison of Scripture with the first new worldwide Catholic catechism in 400 years a summary of how modern Catholicism views grace, works, and heaven 24 ways the Catholic plan of salvation still stands in contrast to biblical truth a balanced overview of how the authority structure of the Roman Catholic Church compares with that of the New Testament church an explanation of how participation in the Mass and other sacraments is inconsistent with faith in Christ as Savior Clear, accurate, significant information to know and share—The Gospel According to Rome

A Look Inside the Sacred Book of One of the World's Fastest-Growing Religions What used to be an exotic religion of people halfway around the world is now the belief system of people living across the street. Through fair, contextual use of the Qur'an as the primary source text, apologist James R. White presents Islamic beliefs about Christ, salvation, the Trinity, the afterlife, and other important topics. White shows how the sacred text of Islam differs from the teachings of the Bible in order to help Christians engage in open, honest discussions with Muslims.

In recent years, some evangelical Protestant leaders have signed statements pledging themselves to joint social action with Roman Catholics. Others have refused to participate, declaring that, in their view, the statements went too far, touching on the gospel, which remains a point of disagreement between Protestants and Roman Catholics. Many evangelical Christians have found themselves confused by the different directions taken by their leaders. In Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism, Dr. R.C. Sproul takes his stand for the cardinal doctrines of Protestantism in opposition to the errors of the Roman Catholic Church. Dr. Sproul, a passionate defender of the gospel of justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, cites the historic statements of the Protestant Reformers and the Roman Catholic authorities, then references modern doctrinal statements to show that the Roman Catholic Church has not altered its official positions. In light of this continuing gap, he writes, efforts by some in the evangelical camp to find common ground with Rome on matters at the heart of the gospel are nothing short of untrue to biblical teaching. In Sproul's estimation, the Reformation remains relevant. Are We Together? is a clarion call to evangelicals to stand firm for the gospel, the precious good news of salvation as it is set forth in Scripture alone.

This book contains the moving testimonies of fifty priests who found their way, by the grace of God, out of the labyrinth of Roman Catholic theology and practice into the light of the gospel of Christ. But this is not a narrowly polemical work, nor is its relevance limited to the ongoing controversy between Rome and the churches of the Reformation. The love and concern felt by the former priests for those they left behind, and their fervent desire that they too should experience they joy and peace of salvation in Christ are seen throughout. The wider relevance of the experiences described will also be felt in many contexts remote from Roman Catholicism where human pride and presumption have erected rival sources of authority between people and the Word of God, so obscuring the way of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, and in Christ alone.

When Ray Galea submitted his life to Christ, he had a problem on his hands: Which church should he go to? "I did not want to assume that just because I was born a Catholic, this was by definition the right choice. I knew I could just as easily have been born a Baptist or a Mormon. So I spent the next six months reading and talking to priests and ministers to find out the differences between Catholics and Protestants. How did each of their teachings compare with the teaching of Jesus and the apostles?" This book is a kind of retracing of Ray's investigation, looking at key issues which continue to divide Protestants and Catholics, and assessing them in light of the teaching of Scripture. A challenging and invaluable book for Protestants and Catholics alike.

The Lord Jesus declared there are only two ways to eternity - the narrow way that leads to life and the broad way that leads to destruction. We all need to prepare for eternity by making sure we are following God's Word and not the teachings and religious traditions of men.

A young boy in the confessional lies about his sin, knowing that he is choosing hell over shame and embarrassment. A young man in spiritual distress decides to become a priest so he can be sure he will go to heaven. A white leather Bible sits in a box on a shelf for years, off limits to the little girl who asks to see it, because it might get dirty. "Just do what I say," a priest tells another boy who is full of questions about God, "and everything will be okay". In every one of these situations God transformed people by his word in the Bible, replaced lies with truth, and brought peace through the salvation that is only found in Jesus Christ. This is a book with not one but 11 happy endings. The 11 individuals who share their stories of Stepping Out in Faith could not be more different. They are men and women from different generations and from around the world. But they have in common the peace they have found in God through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Talking with Catholics about Jesus, author Chris Castaldo provides an easy-to-follow introduction to basic Catholic belief and practice, equipping evangelical Protestants for more fruitful spiritual conversations. Written in accessible, non-technical language, this short book offers readers: A more informed awareness of Catholicism Encouragement to move from a combative posture to a gracious one Clarification of erroneous caricatures of Catholics in favor of a more constructive understanding Based in part on Castaldo's experience as a Catholic and time spent working professionally in the Catholic Church, Talking with Catholics about Jesus gives readers a framework for recognizing where lines of similarity and difference fall between Catholics and evangelical Protestants, along with handy tips for engaging in spiritual discussions. Readers will gain encouragement and practical insights for gracious and worthwhile discussions of faith with Catholic believers.

We all have Catholic friends. The question is: Are we sharing the gospel with them? If we are, how are we doing it? The Roman Catholic Church is the largest religious institution in the world with approx. 1.3 billion Catholics world-wide. Although Roman Catholicism seems to be a single unified belief system, not all Catholics believe the same things or act in the same way. Regardless, all Roman Catholics feel connected to their church's traditions and rituals. Unfortunately, the church of Rome does not hold the Bible as the highest authority or teach that salvation comes by faith alone. Many Catholics might be baptized but may not be true believers according to the Bible. Therefore, when we talk about Jesus and the gospel with our Catholic friends, it's crucial to understand their beliefs and the key issues involved. The book will give answers to the following questions: Is Roman Catholicism yet another denomination? Are Catholics born again? What gospel narratives and tips can be used to share the gospel with Catholics? What are the FAQs in our gospel conversations? Tell Your Catholic Friends will help you understand both Roman Catholicism and your Roman Catholic friends better, encouraging you to share the gospel with them, and empowering you to do so in a faithful, loving and appealing way.