Certainty4Eternity

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 CatholicsHow words like one, holy, catholic, apostolic are understood differentlyWhat the Pope has said about unity and why Protestants respond differentlyThe historical challenges of Gnosticism, Arius, and the early churchPractical ways to invite, share, show Jesus, and lovingly engage Catholic friends todayIf 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💬 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🔔 Follow 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/

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 salvationThe “anonymous Christian” ideaThe Vatican II shift from anathema to separated brethrenHow cultural identity and religion are deeply intertwinedNiamh’s powerful testimony of discovering Jesus personallyWhat helps Catholics feel welcome in Protestant spacesHow 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!

n this episode of Certainty for Eternity, Rayne and Mark start to look at how Catholics and Protestants see the world differently—not just in small rituals, but in their entire worldview. From how we understand belonging, authority, and truth, to how we experience Jesus—this conversation helps you make sense of Catholic theology and how to connect meaningfully with Catholic friends and family. 📌 Key themes we explore:00:00 – Intro & Subscribe Request00:33 – Today’s Topic: Worldview02:39 – Do Catholics See the World Differently?05:26 – Introducing the Catholic Worldview06:50 – Four Pillars of the Catholic Worldview07:59 – Deep Dive: Unity & Belonging14:42 – Catholic vs Protestant Experience of God17:35 – Do Catholics Feel Secure About Salvation?18:51 – Truth & Authority in Catholicism22:00 – Jesus: Divine, Human, or Distant?25:00 – Saints & Mediators27:59 – Summary of the Four Key Themes29:05 – Next Week’s Preview: Catholic Belonging with Guest Niamh Carroll29:42 – Listener Q&A: Why Pray for the Pope?40:50 – Gospel Assurance vs Catholic Anxiety42:48 – Closing Prayer & Wrap-Up👤 Hosts: Mark Gilbert & Rayne Orange🎙️ Next Week: We’ll be joined by special guest Niamh Carroll, who grew up Irish Catholic and will share her experience of belonging in the 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?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/—Connect with us:📸 Instagram | 📘 Facebook

In this episode, we explore:-Mark’s journey from Catholic schoolboy to Protestant minister-What it was like growing up Catholic in Australia-Rayne’s experience in Catholic schools in rural Canada-How Protestants and Catholics can have better, gospel-focused conversations-Why understanding worldview is key to meaningful dialogueWhether you're Catholic, Protestant, or just curious — this show offers a space for thoughtful, gracious discussion rooted in faith and Scripture.📬 Got a question about Catholicism or Protestantism? Drop it in the comments!🔔 👍 If this video helped you understand Christian beliefs and differences better, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT your thoughts, and SUBSCRIBE for more discussions on theology, church history, and Christian unity. FOLLOW on Facebook & Instagram by searching "Certainty4Eternity".🔔 If this video raised questions for you about Roman Catholicism or talking with Catholic friends about Jesus, check out Mark's published resources, including our course: "Talking with Catholics About Jesus" here: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/Time Stamps00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose01:54 Mark's Background and Catholic Upbringing05:51 Exploring Differences Between Catholicism and Protestantism08:30 Understanding Salvation and Personal Faith Journey08:30 Journey of Faith: From Catholicism to Protestantism12:19 Certainty4Eternity: A Ministry's Mission24:34 Exploring Catholicism and Protestantism: A New Perspective

Is the Nicene Creed Enough to Unite Christians?Mark Gilbert and Leonardo De Chirico introduce their new book marking 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea. Together they explore whether Catholics and Protestants truly mean the same thing when they recite the same creed — or if key differences remain beneath the surface in beliefs about Christ, salvation, the Trinity, and the Church.Available now via Matias Media.

Learning About Roman Catholicism from Pope Francis' Funeral | Catholic Beliefs ExplainedIn this episode, Mark Gilbert and Leonardo Diro reflect on the historic funeral of Pope Francis — the first funeral of a reigning pope in 20 years. Together they explore the key elements of Roman Catholic tradition, theology, and liturgy on display during this significant global event.You’ll learn about:What plenary indulgences are and their role in Catholic salvationThe importance of the Pope as the Vicar of ChristThe liturgical symbolism used in the funeral MassWhy the Eucharist and Masses for the Dead are central to Catholic beliefThe role of saints' intercession, holy water, and incenseHow the Vatican’s spiritual and political influence was reflected in the funeralPope Francis' devotion to the Basilica of St. Mary Major and the "Salus Populi Romani" iconWe also discuss the key differences between Catholic and Protestant views on salvation — particularly the roles of faith, grace, and works — and how these beliefs were expressed in the funeral service.If this episode raises questions for you about Roman Catholicism or how to engage in meaningful conversations with Catholic friends about Jesus, check out Mark's published resources, including our recommended course: "Talking with Catholics About Jesus" here: 👉 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/-To opt in to Mark's email list to learn more about evangelism about Roman Catholics please email certainty4eternity@outlook.com To hear more from Leo De Chirico and his ministry of Reformanda Initiative: https://www.reformandainitiative.org/