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!

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 Explained

In 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 salvation

• The importance of the Pope as the Vicar of Christ

• The liturgical symbolism used in the funeral Mass

• Why the Eucharist and Masses for the Dead are central to Catholic belief

• The role of saints' intercession, holy water, and incense

• How the Vatican’s spiritual and political influence was reflected in the funeral

• Pope Francis' devotion to the Basilica of St. Mary Major and the "Salus Populi Romani" icon

We 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/