Worship #3: The Temple That Changed Everything

[@sophonlo2427]

Amazing and revolutionary! Truth explained in simple terms about what a temple should be in NT time. Thank you.

[@marksmale827]

Even more amazing - and frankly absurd - to suggest that almost the whole of Christendom has got it wrong for most of the last 2000 years. Because if what this man is saying is true, that is an inevitable corollary of it. The "prophet" Joseph Smith came to the same conclusion in the 19th century and founded a new religion called Mormonism. Perhaps this man should do the same?

[@NotAvailable-gl4nx]

I'm thinking about when on the day of judgment, God says He never knew the religious people who did all this spiritual stuff, but the ordinary were shocked to find they did kindness to God when they helped others. Sobering to think we are missing the whole point of community when we gather and do religious ceremonies. Thank you so much for this teaching.

[@tomwadsworth]

I resonate with your statement: "Sobering to think we are missing the whole point of community when we gather and do religious ceremonies."

[@1Whipperin]

Church-goers and the Church are two very different things. The Church doesn't go to church.

[@marksmale827]

You spend an hour or two in "religious ceremonies", then go out and spend the rest of the week inspired and empowered to help others. It's not an either/or.

[@sishrac]

@@marksmale827 Religious ceremonies were meant for mortals separated from the Deity. That age has ended for 2000 years. We don't need religious ceremonies to go out and spend the rest of the week inspired and empowered to help others. If we find ourselves needing ceremonies, then it means we're not yet one with Christ, or we do not know our true Christian identity and what it means to be people of the Way. Christ's followers are Jesus embodied in human form because we have His Spirit in us. Our humility before God and Man and the way of Life that results is our form of worship to God. Of course, praying and praising God together is a blessing. When we come together, testimonies of Christ and encouragement will edify one another to continue in this walk.

[@marksmale827]

@@sishrac That all sounds fine, but OLJC Himself instituted the Lord's Supper and I cannot sustain my Christian walk without it. Thank God the age of ceremonies is still going strong. God offers His very self to us and in return, we offer ourselves to Him. It's that simple.

[@FrogFarmRecords]

Back again. My wife is catching up on this series. She too will go back and rewind. We are both grateful for your work, diligence, and communication. You and your family are blessed. Thank you

[@michaelferguson167]

Wow. Fifteen minutes in and I'm blown away. I knew we had departed from the faith but the extent of that departure!

[@inTruthbyGrace]

*_"By THIS everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” ~The Lord_* see John 13:35

[@rontrass2720]

Many thanks for these series. We both came to God over 46 years ago by having a very real revelation of God Himself. One of our sons had got caught up in a cult, and we were definitely not believing in God. But fortunately for us our daughter was and she had been praying for us and so had her church at that time. And at His time His revelation turned our lives upside down straight away. We did go to our daughters church for a couple of years but then could see it was like any other group that gathered to play a sport ect. So let and through His amazing grace to us allowed us to have young christians living with us and we actually lived early church life together for over two years. So from that point on we have not had any involved in a church until four years ago when we tried it again and after four years gave that up. So back on our own at the age of 85 and continuing to grow and watch and read very good videos and books that keep encouraging us to walk as God has shown us to. His way not our way. So thanks again and keep up His amazing work to get His real Church off the ground again. Kind regards Lorna

[@FrogFarmRecords]

At 59 mins you turned my world upside down. “ refusing to build temples!?!? Whoa! “ building based religion” body : you are like a doula of thoughts. This has been stirring around for years in my mind but I couldn’t quite pin it down. Thank you for giving terminology for undefined thought. I’ve got some repenting to do.

[@sishrac]

The Holy Spirit has been kindling in you.

[@pastormichael116]

This is exactly how I feel about all of his lectures. I've had a feeling but no words to express what and why I was feeling that way.

[@jbible]

Glad to get the first "like" on the excellent presentation!

[@winstondonald3065]

Wow. Food for thought. From Jamaica.

[@tomwadsworth]

Thank you for your support. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.

[@northtrader]

19:20 "the significance of this event (the destruction of Jerusalem) cannot be over emphasized" - Well said. My experience seems to show that, in modern day Christendom, this significance is understood by a very small percentage.

[@michaelferguson167]

Many years ago after futile attempts to get my questions answered by professional "ministers," I truly sought God Himself due to the many conflicts I discovered (between today's religion and the truths of the Bible). I don't suggest anyone do this unless they really want God's answers for they will be both enlightening as well as discouraging. That's what you get when God really gives you eyes to see and ears to hear. It's heartbreaking and I wonder how you or anyone can even discuss these things without tearing up or simply screaming out loud at the proponents who continue to teach falsehoods to God's people and the world at large. Oh how far we have fallen!

[@ThePossumone]

So true How many of us have questioned for decades That is why the house church movement has taken off it is more biblical

[@roywhite8504]

Same here. I ask the Holy Spirit to show me what he wants me to know and I toss out the junk that I’ve learned. It’s mind boggling how much error I’ve found coming from pastors mostly.

[@rcsnickers2]

Reading through Acts in Antioch. It stated that they were in the synogue and read the Law and Prophets. Then said. “If anyone has any words of encouragement say it.” So Paul or Barnabbas spoke truth in their ears. Imagine standing in your pew in a church being even asked that question, but even mid service standing up and encouraging them to do things Bible way and not just say with their lips Sola Scripture!

[@boastonlyinthecross]

Thank you so much for sharing this content! This is incredibly helpful

[@AarnessMusic]

Truly astonishing

[@heartsandmindsathome]

Thank you so much for all of the info you cover in these! I would love it in book form too.

[@pearldiver2779]

Another very excellent lesson. Thank you, Tom.

[@rom8.288]

Brilliant, thank you Tom.

[@Rl469]

Again, this is consistent with early Friends (Quaker) thought and practice and still is today with many Friends.

[@michael7144]

The kingdom of God is within you

[@johnclonch738]

Should be among you

[@michael7144]

@@johnclonch738 no, within you

[@shawnambrisco4598]

“HEAVEN IS ‘M-Y’ THRONE, AND EARTH IS ‘M-Y’ FOOTSTOOL: WHAT ‘H-O-U-S-E’ WILL YE BUILD ‘M-E’ ??? Saith The LORD: OR WHAT IS THE PLACE OF ‘M-Y’ REST ??? HATH ‘N-O-T’ MY HAND MADE A-L-L THESE THINGS ???” (Acts 7:49-50) ~~~ "And what ‘agreement’ hath The Temple of GOD With ‘IDOLS’ ??? For You 'A-R-E' The Temple of The ‘Living’ GOD: As GOD hath Said; I WILL DWELL ‘I-N’ THEM, AND WALK ‘I-N’ THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE." ~ Apostle Paul ~ (2 Cor 6:16) ~~~ “I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, BY The Mercies of GOD, That you present your bodies A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY, Acceptable unto GOD, Which is your Rational Service (Duty).” ~ Apostle Paul ~ (Romans 12:1) ~~~ :)

[@pastoragreen1]

This was amazing! 😊

[@LouisaWatt]

Theoretically, if Jesus died in 30AD and was born in 3BC as some scholars estimate, the destruction of the temple in 70AD is exactly 40 years after the prophecy. That would appear to confirm that it was judgement from God, considering how many times 40 appears in the bible.

[@anneforeman6572]

In the 4th Century the Church converted to Roman Religion, and Government. A similar study could be done of the principles of Government after Christ removed the Master/Slave government of Genesis 3:16. There is no authority given to church leaders that the least of God's people does not also possess.

[@collinlynch4569]

I agree after I did much reading about the Imperial Cult(s) of the Roman Empire. You can see a lot of those practices and mindsets being brought into the Overseer position, while minimizing the Shepherd, Evangelist, Teacher, etc positions. In my opinion, after the Edict of Milan and certainly after the Edict of Thessalonica, because of political pressure the cult priests “converted” to Christianity but never really abandoned their old ways.

[@Zb-uo2bl]

ROMAN CHURCH was how church as a Corporation was formalized 😮

[@1Whipperin]

Church'-goers and the Church are two very different things. The Church can't go to church.

[@sankarde8516]

These truths hav'nt been emphasised enough .

[@marksmale827]

This is good Mormon teaching. Good to know that some evangelical Protestantism intersects with some of the loony ideas of that heretical sect...

[@NoJesus.NoLife]

#3. Thanks doc!

[@gilbertcammarn874]

Three thumbs up on this video. Some of the things I have been telling folks. #4 next.

[@soundlycreative]

The dome of the rock isn’t on the temple Holy of Holies. There are videos that break this down, but the 3rd temple can be built (or at least an alter, without disturbing the current structures.

[@frsmoopus2864]

Super-appreciate this work. It's almost like grammar matters? 😅 The Truth is amazing to behold. What a surprise(sarcasm here)🙄 we got worship wrong.

[@TaboraMusic]

I know we have a lot of things wrong, but I don’t think any Christians think that we worship God because he needs it. We want to show love and adoration to God, even though we know he doesn’t need it. Again, the whole thing may be wrong-headed, but in that particular point I feel you are misjudging the modern church.

[@Mandellhouse]

Yes , the word ‘temple’ is used in many ways in the Bible; basically it’s to do with our relationship with God. The main usage for Christians is the description of the great spiritual temple in Hebrews chapters 5-10, our way of approach to Jehovah the true God, with Jesus has the high priest and mediator between God and men, and the greatest significance of all the features of the original tabernacle and temples.

[@johnrowland9570]

William Tyndale translated 'ecclesia' as congregation. The RCs were incensed by this. It was the KJV that reverted to 'church'. This brave reformer had it correct.

[@tomwadsworth]

Wow. I'd never heard that. Do you have a source that confirms that?

[@stacetriebwasser6425]

I believe God left the temple at the time of His crucifixion; after which He became the temple when He was resurrected. The temple was already vacated at the time of its destruction.

[@belovedflorence4109]

Jesus is the temple of God, that is why you can't come to God except through Jesus. Now Jesus is in us, we are that temple where according to the Bible, God dwells by his Spirit. This is where the whole concept of unity with God comes to one's understanding. I am in you and you are in me and the father is in me ...

[@annieg9199]

The wailing wall cannot be a part of Solomon’s temple as Yeshua said that, “Not one stone would be left on top of another,…”

[@rcsnickers2]

3:43 mark. He said our songs and my brain read a few words on the screen and I broke out into the song.. We bring a sacrifice into the house of the Lord!” Conditioned mind.

[@kevinerose]

I have a dream that one day we will have a church that only follow the Bible. I am starting to feel like this could be a possibility in my lifetime. I'm looking for fellow Bible Only Christians. I am looking for YOU to join me.

[@jeepsishumate2021]

me too ,still looking .

[@festusogbechie1777]

Google cwowi Church without wall international

[@kevinerose]

I get the feeling that every step we take away from the Bible adds more of Man's Doctrine and Less of God's Doctrine. Let's look at how each step takes us away from God's Doctrine and points us to Man's Doctrines. Suppose the Bible contains 100% of God's Doctrines. Now suppose Christian books and commentaries lose 10% of God's Doctrines. (90% God's is left). As we go on down the line, our pastors are taught in schools using these books and commentaries and they lose another 10% of that. (81% of God's Doctrine is left now) Okay so these pastors teach to us and we lose another 10% and we are down to just 73% of true Doctrine. But after that some of us write songs and which become popular so much that they are played in churches. Well, these lose anther 10% and we are down to 66% of the truth is being taught in these songs. But also 33% of the world or Man's Doctrines are being taught by these songs. Going further suppose some Christians only like the music and listen only to the music because it is easier on their ears (66% versus 81%) Now, think about comparing today with 100 years ago before all the modern music. 100 years ago Christians were arguing about the 8% difference (81% to 73%). And today, we are arguing about 15% of the doctrines we hear (81% to 66% difference). I know that is a bit confusing. But the idea is, that every step we get away from the Scripture, the more we have Man's Doctrines. And nearly everything we argue about in church is about those Man made Doctrines.

[@kevinerose]

Now, that being said, a House Church, if that is an alternative, needs to be even more wary that they are operating in line with Scripture and God's will. They must, above all else, be open to God's Doctrine and at the same time conscious to keep Man's Doctrines to an absolute minimum. That is a huge challenge for a House Church. Lucky for us God's Doctrine "simple" and it is "easy" to follow. Always remember that God is not the author of confusion so his Way is and must be simple and easy for Believers to follow.

[@marksmale827]

Where does the Bible say this?

[@jasonbenedict5406]

I agree with a lot of what you've described in the manner of counterfeiting Temple activities in post nice in Constantine era and Beyond religious services however the Point you seem to make a lot is that there's no more sacrifices for sins Since our Lord's crucifixion howeverTo be clear sin offerings were Only one of several different offerings also called sacrifices made to the Lord in the temple so just to be clear sin offerings for guilt offerings or the day of atonement were 1 Kind of sacrifice. Of which there were other offerings praise offerings wave offerings tithes, etc

[@brittybee6615]

Seems to me even from an Old Testament perspective that the focus on the wall and rebuilding temple is misguided, if not idolatrous. Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 2Sa 7:5-7 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 1Ki 8:27 And all the times that the point is made that wood and stone are the works of men and cannot hear you.

[@cbak1819]

The commercial breaks on this video are obnoxious.

[@ToriLynnH]

The Torah commands Jews to prostrate themselves before God on the Temple Mount, and it is strictly forbidden for a Jew to prostrate himself in prayer in any other location. This mitzvah (commandment) is an essential element that will reappear in the times of the Messiah.

[@tomwadsworth]

I like your comments. What passage in the Torah supports your ideas? (I'm not debating; I genuinely want to know the Scriptures that led you to your conclusions.)

[@AwakeTruthSeeker]

The Al Aqsa mosque is not the dome of the rock with the golden dome. They both sit on the Temple Mount, both are muslim places.

[@stephenfiore9960]

1x(8/25/24)………0………25:00……45:00……done thank you excellent

[@samuelknezo4697]

Dear Mr. Wadsworth. Thank you very much for your presentation. I liked it very much. But I would like to ask you a few questions. Did Jesus and the disciples deliberately avoid the temple, before it was destroyed? or Were they perhaps ostracized from the temple by the Jewish leaders? (Luke 2,46; 19,49; 20,1; 21,37) (Acts 2,46; 3,1-8; 4,1; 5, 20-42) . How do you explain Paul's confidential confession in the letter to the Romans? (Rom 9,1-5). Did God perhaps throw his project with the chosen people of Israel in the trash? (Rom 11, 1-2ff; v.11-24) I am looking forward to your answers😊. With kind regards Samuel from Slovakia. May God bless you.🙏.

[@tomwadsworth]

Forgive my brevity. I'm getting hundreds of comments and emails. The temple is never mentioned as a meeting place after Acts 5 perhaps because of the authorities forbidding teaching in the temple precincts. The official opposition against Jerusalem Christians is mentioned in Acts 4:18; 5:18, 25-26. The “great persecution” (διωγμὸς μέγας) against the church in Jerusalem, mentioned in Acts 8:1 and 11:19, must also have resulted in Christians abandoning the temple grounds for their gatherings.

[@Janesefridley]

I would like to purchase the writings of Josephus, but when I went to look it up, there are several versions. Could you please tell me which one is the best and complete version? I would greatly appreciate that. And THANK YOU for this info. I've had my doubts about the whole "church" culture for a while, and found you by accident, wasn't even looking for this when I found your videos. God Bless!

[@tomwadsworth]

I had this SAME question while doing my doctoral work! (And I didn't get good answers from my professors.) I understand that the best underlying Greek text of Josephus was compiled by Niese around 1890, but I'm not sure of the significance of the latest manuscript findings. William Whiston's 1732 translation is still widely marketed. However, its underlying Greek text lacks the latest edition of 1890, and its translation can be archaic to English speakers living in 2024. Fact is, the English of 1732 is not the English of 2024. In the 20th century, the Loeb Classical Library produced a better translation. If you want the complete works of Josephus, Loeb might be too pricey for you. Paul Meier has also produced a version that "updates the original 18th century language," which was needed. If you need Josephus for doctoral work, you'll need the Greek text. But if you just want to read it in English, find a version with updated language. To read some discussion on this issue, go to earlywritings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2877 I hope this helps!

[@Janesefridley]

@@tomwadsworth thank you sooo much!!

[@robertwhite970]

how do i get a copy of your dissertation ? very interested in your research. would love to chat with you

[@czgunner]

What translation are you using? Specifically for the use of "prostrate to the father" instead of worship?

[@tomwadsworth]

I'm using my own translation, which is based on my close examination of the 265 times that προσκυνέω is found in the Septuagint and New Testament. So, yes, I am taking the unpopular position that the major English translations are, in fact, wrong. Watch the video to see why.

[@jacquesferreira4523]

Did you compare the church services to what heppened in the inner part of the temple - the altar of incense?

[@tomwadsworth]

Yes.

[@jacquesferreira4523]

@@tomwadsworth Reason for my question... I understand the sacrifice and "service" in the outer court. But Jesus paid that in full. The inner part of the temple, however, was not for the normal Jews, but only for the priests. Since Jesus's death and resurrection, we as believers are also priests. So we have to do some vertical "worship" as well. Is that only personal "workship", or can it be done as a "group"?

[@tomwadsworth]

@@jacquesferreira4523 (1) None of the words for "worship" apply to what Christians do in assembly. (2) There is no priestly caste in first-century Christianity. All are priests (1 Pet 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6). (3) For Christians, the physical temple is completely gone. Now, the Christian's body is the temple, because, like the Jerusalem temple, it is where God resides. (4) Jesus called for the destruction of the entire temple, not just part of it (Matt 24; Mark 13; Luke 17, 21). He even said that its destruction was "days of punishment, so that all things which have been written will be fulfilled" (Lk 21:22). (5) Now, our "reasonable sacrificing" (λογικὴν λατρείαν, sometimes translated "spiritual worship") is the offering of our bodies as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1). Christians don't do literal sacrificing as Jews and pagans did in a temple (λατρείαν). Instead we offer a metaphorical or "reasonable" sacrificing by living a "holy" and "acceptable" life.

[@jacquesferreira4523]

@@tomwadsworth So by living a holy and acceptable life, we offer incense to God? Is that enough?

[@Zb-uo2bl]

Higher Army Ranks were Roman, but tens of thousands of conscripts and hirelings were of ethnic groups which hated the Jews prior to this event.

[@PatrickMungathia]

A lot money is wasted on building stone temples while ignoring the true temple of God.

[@peterjennen99]

I think the Siege of Masada was the “deadly wound by a sword” of Revelation 13. The Jewish zealots, aka Pharisees, are coming back into authority.

[@gregpoumakis1761]

The ‘walls’ are not the temple walls - they are the foundation ealls

[@jacquesferreira4523]

Did you also studied the synogogue "worship services" of the Jews?

[@tomwadsworth]

Yes, I did!

[@jacquesferreira4523]

@@tomwadsworth Short and sweet answer. :) Synogogue and temple worship was not the same. In which video do you cover it?

[@tomwadsworth]

@@jacquesferreira4523 I think I did not extensively discuss it in these videos. But my dissertation had a special 25-page section devoted to the synagogue and the temple. If you'd like a copy of my dissertation, send me an email. You can do so at my website at tomwadsworth.com.

[@GeraldOwens1954]

the Temple/Tabernacle being the location of the Hebrew God on earth is not a fantasy if one considers that the presence of God (the Shekinah) hovered above the mercy seat of the Ark of the covenant. Nathan and Abihu, sons of Aaron the high priest, were slain when they offered “strange fire” before the Lord while drunk. Uzzah, a priest, died when he touched the Ark of the Covenant when it was being transported improperly. Thousands of people died when they peeked into the Ark after its soujourn in Philistia. Heck, the residents of the philistine cities got emerods on their anal sphicters and got overrun with mice. When they tried to move the ark to a different city, the residents rioted, rightly thinking they were bringing a close cousin of a spent nuclear reactor core to sit in THEIR temple. Trust me, if a priest of Ball got irritated with Elijah poking fun at the unavailability of his god, and demanded “So where is YOURS?” Elijah could have given directions to EXACTLY where the Ark was located. If the Israelis still had the Ark and the Temple, they could not only give you the GPS coordinates of where Jehovah was, but make sure it would be on Google Maps with a note to STAY THE H*LL AWAY.

[@johnrowland9570]

The word 'temple' in the NT refers to God and/or Christ and/or Christians.

[@stephenfiore9960]

25:00….

[@michaelferguson167]

....all these things are spiritualized- modern day religious leaders need to do more than read the book of Hebrews- they need to practice it

[@Texascodecase]

So is the bible holy?

[@tomwadsworth]

The cover of my Bible says it's holy. Is that enough evidence?

[@Texascodecase]

@@tomwadsworth So yes? I ask because at the end you said only we are holy and not things like buildings, and items.

[@tomwadsworth]

@@Texascodecase To answer your question, I would study every time the word "holy" appears in the Bible. This study will help me determine what Jews and early Christians considered to be "holy." Concerning the specific issue of whether "the Bible" is holy, I would attempt to determine exactly what "the Bible" is. For example, the Catholic "Bible" has 14 books in it that the Protestants don't have in their "Bible." So, which "Bible" are we talking about? I would also keep in mind that Jesus said, "You examine the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is those very Scriptures that testify about Me." (John 5:39)

[@Texascodecase]

@tomwadsworth thank you. I will study this. I am a member of the Church of Christ and the study of the early church fascinates me. Even though I was always taught the building wasn't special, it has been mentally installed it is.

[@kevinerose]

@@tomwadsworth Hi, speaking about the word Holy, I recently heard that it means "set apart". So I do think we use that word incorrectly too just as we do the word worship. Also, on the topic of words, I also feel that the word "Grace" is used incorrectly by Christians. To me, I would define the word grace as "something God does for us in which there is no explanation." So I would apply the word grace to things like God provides us life, he provides us salvation, and he provides heaven and earth. Have you thought of doing a study on these words? I know this is going a bit long but to risk it, I would also say words like Faith and Belief are not used properly by modern Christians. For example the phrase "to believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ." I would love to see a Greek study on these words like you have done for the word "worship".

[@ClareBoyd-f8c]

Lee Matthew Williams Kevin Miller Donna

[@craigwood4022]

And what if there is no "exaggerating ",that it was just that evil, a war with Rome was no day at camp. They were brutal and pagan. Their entire belief system was evil incarnate. The war war doctrine was just as bad. But the thing that got me was when you said that the Jewish people, "kinda had it coming ". Wow. Are you sure that is what you want to say? Maybe you should look into just how cruel and disgusting real war is was and will always be. The people really never have that "coming ", really brutal statement.

[@PhilipBaker-sf4yv]

Horrific as it was the final judgement will be more severe. The redeemed of the Lord will declare God righteous when he takes vengeance upon his enemies

[@craigwood4022]

@@PhilipBaker-sf4yv I agree that as bad as these pagans were that the hatred they held for the people of GOD'S City will pale in comparison with the end times. However I am also concerned about the ease with which this podcast has expressed that the Jewish people had it coming obviously exaggerating as it wasn't as bad as reported. He has done his homework on everything else but on these points he is clearly on the Roman side of the fence. Shameful discourse to say the least. Maybe an apology? How about a retraction? I will be shocked if he even acknowledges the point. Lame

[@GeorgeAntony-ll2oz]

1 cor 10: 21 mentions " trapeza kurion " = altar of the Lord, so it is not a post NT development !

[@FiveLoavesTwoFish1]

Trapeza translates to "table", as in a table where food is eaten. It makes sense seeing that it is speaking about partaking of the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils.

[@jeepsishumate2021]

im just wondering if you sir have recieved the babtism of the Holy Ghost? seems there is something missing in your life . i notice this in some folks that seem to need more of God more direction and decernment ... God bless you

[@tweetybird4427]

What do christians do when they assemble today? We genuflect, we kneel, we repent, we listen to 4 readings from the bible, we sing a psam straight from the bible, we make an offering, and then we participate in the consecration of bread and wine as Christ asked us to "do this in memory of me". This is done by a priest with apostolic succesion through the laying on of hands for 2000 years. Bread and wine is transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. He is the new covenant, replacing the old testament covenant of sacrificed animals. So we prostrate ourselves each and evey mass to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. That is what our Protestant brothers and sisters are missing. Please come back to the Catholic church. All these troublesome questions will be answered.

[@NNK71]

Brilliant! Thank you so very much. God bless.