In this final episode of the season, Mark and Rayne dive deep into one of the most misunderstood elements of Roman Catholicism: the Pope and the papacy.From Peter to Francis, from ancient Rome to Vatican II, from the Inquisition to modern synods - this episode unpacks how the office of the Pope developed, why Protestants often feel confused by it, and how Christians can have thoughtful, Bible-centred conversations with their Catholic friends about authority, scripture, and Jesus Himself.You’ll hear:• Mark’s personal story of meeting Pope John Paul II• How Rome and the Roman Empire shaped the papacy• The difference between Roman and Catholic characteristics of each Pope• What Vatican II changed - and didn’t• How apostolic succession is defended• What Unam Sanctam and Pastor Aeternus claimed about papal authority• Why Jesus offers a better foundation than any Pope• Practical tools for reading the Bible with Catholic friends (incl. the Swedish method)If you’ve ever wondered “Why do Catholics have a Pope?” or “How should Protestants understand papal authority?”, this is the episode for you.00:00 — Welcome & why Protestants find the papacy unfamiliar02:46 — Mark meets Pope John Paul II06:14 — What the Pope’s titles actually mean08:50 — Are all popes saints?10:45 — Benedict XVI, Francis & Leo XIV compared15:47 — Roman vs Catholic identity in the Church20:17 — Why Francis chose his papal name22:35 — Who is Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV)?26:38 — Early history: Peter, Rome & major church centres33:06 — When multiple popes existed35:09 — Unam Sanctam & extreme papal claims39:26 — Luther, the Reformation & excommunication42:05 — Jesuits and the Counter-Reformation48:09 — Enlightenment, Napoleon & loss of papal power52:28 — Vatican II and modern Catholicism59:44 — Why Jesus, not the Pope, is the true foundation1:04:23 — Season wrap-up & prayer

👉🏼 Leo's Book A Christian's Pocket Guide to the Papacy https://www.amazon.com.au/Christians-Pocket-Guide-Papacy-century/dp/1781912998

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🔔 If this video raised questions for you about Roman Catholicism or talking with Catholic friends about Jesus, check out Mark's published resources, including "Stepping Out in Faith", a collection of 11 stories from former Catholics.https://matthiasmedia.com.au/search?type=product&q=mark+gilbert

📖 Want to learn more about engaging conversations with Catholics and Mark's Ministry with C4E?Visit:https://encministries.org.au/ministry/ministry-to-roman-catholics/

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#ChristianPodcast #ChurchHistory #Theology#Reformation #Vatican #BibleTeaching #Christianity #Apologetics#Protestant #CatholicVsProtestant #PapalAuthority #MeetThePope#VaticanII

In this episode of Certainty for Eternity, Mark Gilbert and Rayne Orange sit down with Rachel Ciano, historian and theological educator, to explore how Roman Catholics understand Mary, the mother of Jesus - and how that differs from the biblical picture of Mary.Rachel unpacks the historical development of Marian devotion, from the early Church to modern dogmas such as the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary, and offers thoughtful guidance for Protestants seeking to have respectful, grace-filled conversations with Catholic friends and family.If you’ve ever wondered why Mary matters so much in Catholic theology and how Protestants can respond with gentleness and truth, this episode will deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith in Christ.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Certainty for Eternity00:41 – Introducing Dr Rachel Ciano01:35 – How Roman Catholics relate to Mary02:44 – Shrines and Marian devotion in everyday life03:17 – Mary’s presence in Catholic culture and childhood04:37 – How Mary connects with the Roman Catholic system06:46 – Protestant question: how did Mary become a co-redeemer?07:06 – Early apocryphal writings and the rise of Marian dogmas08:50 – Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary explained10:32 – How Protestants can engage Catholic friends about Mary11:48 – What it means to be a “faithful communicant” Catholic12:43 – Jesus’ closeness vs. Mary’s comfort13:40 – “A battle of loves” — why Jesus’ love is greater14:22 – Closing reflections and thanks🕊️ Key ThemesUnderstanding Catholic devotion to MaryMary’s role in the history of Christian theologyHow Marian dogmas developedProtestant - Catholic dialogue with empathyJesus’ humanity and divinity compared to Mary’s roleSharing faith through love, not argument📚 Resources MentionedTen Dead Gals You Should Know by Rachel Cianohttps://www.amazon.com.au/Dead-Gals-You-Should-Know/dp/1527110419Certainty for Eternity podcast episode on Mary: Mother of God or Misunderstood?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-Kphwfo7gI#CertaintyForEternity #ChristianPodcast #MaryMotherOfGod #UnderstandingCatholicism #ProtestantVsCatholic #BiblicalTheology #FaithConversations #JesusSaves #Apologetics #ChristianFaith #MarkGilbert #RayneOrange #RachelCiano

In this episode of Certainty4Eternity, Rayne Orange and Minister Mark Gilbert dive deep into the Catholic and Protestant understandings of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Why do Catholics give Mary such an elevated position, and how can Protestants engage respectfully with these beliefs while keeping Christ at the centre?From early Church councils to the development of Marian dogmas, this conversation explores how devotion to Mary has shaped Catholic theology - and how the Bible invites us to see Jesus as the only true Redeemer and Mediator.Whether you’re from a Catholic background or simply curious about Christian history and theology, this episode offers clarity, empathy, and truth about one of the most discussed figures in Christianity.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Certainty for Eternity00:36 – Why Catholics elevate Mary03:00 – How Protestants often misunderstand Mary05:00 – “Hail Mary” and Catholic school memories08:37 – How Catholics read Scripture through Mary11:00 – Mary as the second Eve and perfect human13:00 – Mary’s role as Mother of God and Queen of Heaven17:00 – Councils of Nicaea & Ephesus and the rise of Mariology26:00 – From divinising Christ to divinising Mary31:00 – Pope Francis and modern Marian devotion34:00 – The four Marian dogmas & the fifth proposed dogma41:00 – “Do Catholics worship Mary?” Explained47:40 – How Mary redefines the Catholic view of God48:47 – How to speak to Catholic friends about Mary52:50 – Rest in Jesus vs. devotion to Mary54:14 – Recommended reading: Leonardo De Chirico’s Mary of the Bible56:00 – Q&A: Did Jesus really have brothers?59:05 – Closing prayer & reflection🕊️ Key ThemesUnderstanding Catholic devotion to MaryThe biblical view of Mary’s role in salvationHow early Church councils shaped MariologyWhy Protestants and Catholics differ on MaryResponding with love and respect in interfaith dialogueThe supremacy of Jesus Christ as Redeemer👉🏼 Leo's Book A Christian's Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? https://tinyurl.com/5yvtk6rf💬 Got a question? Leave it in the comments or DM us on socials. We might feature it in an upcoming episode! 📲 Stay Connected📸 Instagram @certainty4eternity | 📘 Facebook Certainty4Eternity👍🏼 Like this video🔔 Subscribe for fortnightly episodes💬 Comment with your questions📣 Share with friends curious about Catholicism & Christianity🔔 If this video raised questions for you about Roman Catholicism or talking with Catholic friends about Jesus, check out Mark's published resources, including "Stepping Out in Faith", a collection of 11 stories from former Catholics.https://matthiasmedia.com.au/search?type=product&q=mark+gilbert📖 Want to learn more about engaging conversations with Catholics and Mark's Ministry with C4E?Visit:https://encministries.org.au/ministry/ministry-to-roman-catholics/👉🏼 If you want to hear more about C4E, fill in this form to express interest in joining Mark's email list: https://tinyurl.com/bddu9nu7/#Certainty4Eternity #ChristianPodcast #MaryMotherOfGod #BiblicalTheology #CatholicVsProtestant #ChristianFaith #Apologetics #JesusSaves #TheologyTalks #FaithConversations #maryandsaints #idolatry #catholicdoctrine

How can two Christians say the same words - “grace,” “faith,” “gospel” - but mean completely different things?
In this episode of Certainty4Eternity the Podcast, Mark Gilbert and Rayne Orange unpack how Catholics and Protestants often use identical language but live in “different worlds” of meaning. Joined by Dr Leonardo De Chirico from Rome, author of Same Words, Different Worlds , they explore what Scripture actually says about grace, faith, sin, reverence, and the Word of God.

If you’ve ever struggled to understand or communicate clearly with Catholic friends and family, this conversation will help you bridge that gap with truth, humility, and clarity.

🕰️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro & why we made this episode

00:36 – How to talk with people who think differently

03:46 – “Same words, different worlds” - why communication breaks down

04:13 – Free course announcement -Talking with Catholics About Jesus

09:04 – Words that mean different things between Protestants & Catholics

10:45 – Gospel - Good news vs Gospel reading at Mass

14:20 – Reverence - authentic worship vs formal liturgy

18:48 – Saints - all believers vs canonised holy figures

23:12 – Sin - rebellion of the heart vs moral stains

26:17 – The Word of God - Bible alone vs Scripture + Tradition + Magisterium

33:29 – Interview with Dr Leonardo De Chirico (Rome)

36:46 – What does “grace” really mean?

42:33 – Faith - personal trust vs faith of the Church

47:17 – How the Catholic system redefines grace and nature

52:32 – How to speak clearly with Catholic friends

58:27 – “So what?” - practical ways to communicate the Gospel clearly

1:03:32 – Listener Question: “My friend wants to become Catholic - what should I say?”

1:08:11 – Next Week: Mary the Mother of God

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🔔 If this video raised questions for you about Roman Catholicism or talking with Catholic friends about Jesus, check out Mark's published resources, including "Stepping Out in Faith", a collection of 11 stories from former Catholics.https://matthiasmedia.com.au/search?type=product&q=mark+gilbert

📖 Want to learn more about engaging conversations with Catholics and Mark's Ministry with C4E?Visit:https://encministries.org.au/ministry/ministry-to-roman-catholics/

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Certainty for Eternity, Mark Gilbert, Rayne Orange, Leonardo De Chirico, Same Words Different Worlds, Catholic vs Protestant, Roman Catholicism, Understanding Catholics, Grace and Faith, The Gospel, Word of God, Talking with Catholics About Jesus, Reformation, Catholic Doctrine, Protestant Beliefs, Christian Podcast, Biblical Grace, Salvation by Faith Alone, Evangelical Podcast, Apologetics, Catholic Church, Christian Theology, Same Words Different Meaning, Christian Conversation, Ecumenism, Rome Scholars and Leaders Network

Welcome to Certainty for Eternity, the podcast where we explore Catholicism and Christianity from a Protestant perspective.

In this episode, Mark and Rayne celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), where the Nicene Creed was written. Together they unpack:

• Why the Nicene Creed matters for both Protestants and Catholics

• How words like one, holy, catholic, apostolic are understood differently

• What the Pope has said about unity and why Protestants respond differently

• The historical challenges of Gnosticism, Arius, and the early church

• Practical ways to invite, share, show Jesus, and lovingly engage Catholic friends today

If you’ve ever wondered what Catholics and Protestants mean when they recite the same words but hold different worldviews, this episode will equip you for better conversations, deeper faith, and Christ-centred unity.

👉 Next episode preview: Leonardo De Chirico joins us to discuss Same Words, Different Worlds.Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment with your questions, and share this episode with friends who care about church history and unity in Christ.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Happy Birthday to the Nicene Creed01:05 – Why 1700 years matters today03:12 – Both Catholics & Protestants say the Nicene Creed05:21 – Pope Francis on visible unity08:12 – How creeds function in Catholic vs Protestant churches14:44 – Creeds as authority vs explanation16:12 – The Arian controversy & why the Creed was written19:19 – Gnosticism explained & its legacy21:00 – What “one” means: unity in Catholicism vs Protestantism24:00 – What “holy” means in both traditions29:41 – What “catholic” originally meant vs now37:18 – Apostolic: succession vs Scripture41:27 – What is the “church”? Institution vs gathering of believers46:18 – Mark’s summary of Protestant understanding48:35 – Practical applications: Invite, Share, Show Jesus52:23 – Book recommendations & correcting Council of Nicaea/Ephesus55:39 – Why creeds connect us to Christians through history56:16 – Next week’s episode preview

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📣 Share with friends curious about Catholicism & Christianity

🔔 If this video raised questions for you about Roman Catholicism or talking with Catholic friends about Jesus, check out Mark's published resources, including "Stepping Out in Faith", a collection of 11 stories from former Catholics.https://matthiasmedia.com.au/search?type=product&q=mark+gilbert

📖 Want to learn more about engaging conversations with Catholics and Mark's Ministry with C4E?Visit:https://encministries.org.au/ministry/ministry-to-roman-catholics/

👉🏼 If you want to hear more about C4E, fill in this form to express interest in joining Mark's email list: https://tinyurl.com/bddu9nu7/

Who is Jesus - and how do Catholics and Protestants understand Him differently? In this episode, Mark and Rayne unpack the most important topics of all: the person of Jesus Christ.We explore how Catholic theology often overemphasises Jesus’ divinity (especially in the Eucharist), sometimes at the expense of His humanity, and how this shapes Catholic views of the Church, priests, Mary, and the saints. In contrast, Protestants stress that we relate to Jesus personally through His Word and Spirit.You’ll also hear practical insights into how to lovingly open the Bible with Catholic friends, using tools like the Swedish Method of Bible reading.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 601:18 – How Protestants Relate to Jesus vs. Catholics03:50 – Overemphasis on Jesus’ Divinity in Catholic Theology05:19 – Councils of Nicaea & Chalcedon: Humanity & Divinity of Christ09:52 – The Eucharist & Jesus’ Presence in Catholicism12:11 – Why the Eucharist Feels So Important for Catholics15:01 – Word vs. Experience: How God Reveals Himself17:48 – Priests, Power, and the Role of Mediators21:02 – Catholic Church vs. Protestant Church: What is “the Church”?21:32 – Mary & the Saints Taking on Divine Attributes26:05 – Catholic View of Humanity vs. Sin & Grace in Protestantism29:25 – Helping Catholics Relate to Jesus Through His Word33:18 – The Swedish Method: Reading the Bible Together41:07 – Why Inductive Bible Reading Helps Catholics Encounter Jesus46:40 – Listener Q&A: Responding to Catholic Friends About John 652:38 – Next Week: Nicene Creed & Unity or Division?54:30 – Closing Prayer💬 Got a question? Leave it in the comments or DM us on socials. We might feature it in an upcoming episode! 📲 Stay Connected📸 Instagram @certainty4eternity | 📘 Facebook Certainty4Eternity👍 Like this video🔔 Subscribe for fortnightly episodes💬 Comment with your questions📣 Share with friends curious about Catholicism & Christianity🔔 If this video raised questions for you about Roman Catholicism or talking with Catholic friends about Jesus, check out Mark's published resources, including "Stepping Out in Faith", a collection of 11 stories from former Catholics.https://matthiasmedia.com.au/search?type=product&q=mark+gilbert📖 Want to learn more about engaging conversations with Catholics and Mark's Ministry with C4E?Visit:https://encministries.org.au/ministry/ministry-to-roman-catholics/👉🏼 If you want to hear more about C4E, fill in this form to express interest in joining Mark's email list: https://tinyurl.com/bddu9nu7/

Q&A on the Eucharist: Catholic vs. Protestant PerspectivesIn this bonus episode, Mark sits down with James, a university student from a Protestant background now studying at a Catholic university, to wrestle with big questions about the Eucharist (Lord’s Supper/Communion).Is the bread and wine really the body and blood of Christ, or a symbol pointing us to the cross? What does the Bible say in Matthew 26, 1 Corinthians 10, and 1 Corinthians 11? And how should Protestants understand Catholic claims of transubstantiation?Mark walks through the Catholic view, the role of Aristotelian philosophy and Thomas Aquinas, and the biblical context of the Passover meal, showing how Jesus fulfilled it as the true Passover Lamb.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Bonus Q&A on the Eucharist00:22 – James’ Story: From Protestant Family to Catholic University03:10 – First Impressions of Catholic Theology & the Eucharist05:15 – What Do Catholics Believe About the Eucharist?07:45 – “This Is My Body”: Jesus’ Words at the Last Supper11:20 – The Passover Meal & Jesus as the Lamb of God15:08 – Transubstantiation, Grace & Nature in Catholic Thought18:30 – Protestant Understanding: Symbol or Substance?21:45 – 1 Corinthians 10: Participation in the Body & Blood27:00 – 1 Corinthians 11: Abusing the Lord’s Supper32:20 – Why Misusing Communion Is Dishonouring Christ35:00 – Final Reflections & Thanks

Where does true authority come from: the Church, tradition, or God’s Word? In this episode, Mark and Rayne unpack the Catholic understanding of power, authority, and truth compared to the Protestant conviction that the Bible alone is our ultimate authority.Special guest Jeremy Cairns (Rayne’s stepdad) joins us from Canada to share his Catholic experience, including the positives and challenges of church authority in faith, education, and society.⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Why Authority & Power Matter02:25 – Catholic vs Protestant Authority07:36 – Catholic Church as the Continuation of Christ12:20 – Infallibility, Scripture & Tradition16:52 – The Three Sources of Authority22:07 – Guest Interview: Jeremy Cairns (Catholic Perspective)31:06 – Positives & Negatives of Church Authority35:14 – Where Ultimate Authority Comes From39:21 – Preview of Next Week40:00 – Closing Prayer📌 Key Themes-Catholic vs. Protestant views of power & authority-Why the Catholic Church claims to be the continuation of Christ-Three sources of authority in Catholicism: Scripture, Magisterium, Tradition-Guest testimony from a practicing Catholic teacher in Canada-How to have practical conversations with Catholic friends about Jesus💬 Got a question? Leave it in the comments or DM us on socials. We might feature it in an upcoming episode! 📲 Stay Connected📸 Instagram @certainty4eternity | 📘 Facebook Certainty4Eternity👍 Like this video🔔 Subscribe for fortnightly episodes💬 Comment with your questions📣 Share with friends curious about Catholicism & Christianity🔔 If this video raised questions for you about Roman Catholicism or talking with Catholic friends about Jesus, check out Mark's published resources, including "Stepping Out in Faith", a collection of 11 stories from former Catholics.https://matthiasmedia.com.au/search?t...📖 Want to learn more about engaging conversations with Catholics and Mark's Ministry with C4E?Visit:https://encministries.org.au/ministry...👉🏼 If you want to hear more about C4E, fill in this form to express interest in joining Mark's email list: https://tinyurl.com/bddu9nu7/#CertaintyForEternity

#Catholicism #Protestant #ChristianPodcast #SolaScriptura#BibleAuthority #CatholicTradition #PapalInfallibility #ChristianityExplained#CatholicVsProtestant #KnowingGod #WordOfGod #FaithAndAuthority #TheologyMatters

Experience vs. the Word: How Do We Truly Know God?What role does experience play in knowing God? In this episode, Mark and Rayne unpack the Protestant and Catholic views on experience, grace, nature, and how the Word of God fits into it all. We also hear a powerful testimony from Pete Kerr, who grew up Catholic and now teaches the Bible in a Protestant church.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Experience vs. the Word00:45 – Christian View of Experience03:30 – Signs, Miracles & John’s Gospel04:53 – Eucharist in John 6 Explained07:00 – Catholic vs. Protestant Perspectives10:11 – Nature & Grace in Catholicism13:02 – How Grace is “Transmitted”15:39 – Is the Cross Enough?20:17 – Pete Kerr’s Testimony29:09 – Practical Ways to Engage Catholics35:42 – Purpose of This Podcast38:08 – Unity in Truth42:25 – Closing Prayer📌 Key Takeaways-Protestants believe God's Word, not experience, is the foundation of faith.-Catholic theology sees a reciprocal relationship between the physical (nature) and spiritual (grace).-Testimonies and personal experience of God’s grace can powerfully connect with Catholic friends.-Salvation is a gift of grace, not something we earn through rituals or sacraments.🎧 Hosts: Mark Gilbert & Rayne Orange👤 Guest: Peter Kerr🎙️ Next Week: We’ll be joined by special guest Jeremy Cairns, who is a practicing Catholic in Canada. He will be sharing his views on truth & authority in the Catholic church.💬 Got a question? Leave it in the comments or DM us on socials. We might feature it in an upcoming episode! Connect with us:📸 Instagram @certainty4eternity | 📘 Facebook Certainty4Eternity🔔 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss the next episode!🔔 If this video raised questions for you about Roman Catholicism or talking with Catholic friends about Jesus, check out Mark's published resources, including "Stepping Out in Faith", a collection of 11 stories from former Catholics.https://matthiasmedia.com.au/search?type=product&q=mark+gilbert📖 Want to learn more about engaging conversations with Catholics and Mark's Ministry with C4E?Visit:https://encministries.org.au/ministry/ministry-to-roman-catholics/👉🏼 If you want to hear more about C4E, fill in this form to express interest in joining Mark's email list: https://tinyurl.com/bddu9nu7/Connect with us:📸 Instagram @certainty4eternity | 📘 Facebook Certainty4Eternity

In Episode 3 of Certainty for Eternity, we dig into the question:
Why is being Catholic so important to Catholics; and how does that shape their entire view of salvation and unity?

Mark explains the Catholic concept of the Church as a “sacrament of unity”, why many Catholics see no salvation outside the Catholic Church, and how Vatican II reshaped their view of Protestants, Muslims, atheists, and even Hindus.

Rayne and Mark are joined by special guest Niamh Carroll, who shares her personal journey growing up Irish Catholic, attending Catholic schools, receiving sacraments, and eventually finding deep assurance in Jesus through a Protestant church.

📌 What we cover in this episode:

• Catholic understanding of unity and salvation

• The “anonymous Christian” idea

• The Vatican II shift from anathema to separated brethren

• How cultural identity and religion are deeply intertwined

• Niamh’s powerful testimony of discovering Jesus personally

• What helps Catholics feel welcome in Protestant spaces

• How Protestants can wisely affirm Catholic backgrounds while pointing to Christ

🎧 Hosted by Rayne Orange & Mark Gilbert
👤 Guest: Niamh Carroll

💬 Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments or send it via Facebook or Instagram - we’d love to include it in a future episode!