The following is a bit of background information on the Christmas Carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem.
“Rector Phillips Brooks (1835-1903) of Philadelphia, wrote the words to O Little Town of Bethlehem in 1868, following a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was inspired by the view of Bethlehem from the hills of Palestine especially at night time hence the lyrics of O Little Town of Bethlehem. His church organist Lewis Redner (1831-1908) wrote the melody to O Little Town of Bethlehem for the Sunday school children's choir (www.carols.org.uk/).”
The lyrics to it are as follows:
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
Why Bethlehem?
Mathew 2:1 reads: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem (ESV Bible).”
Now, about 700 years before Jesus was born, the Prophet Micah wrote the following:
Micah 5:2 (5:1) “But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from ancient days (JPS Tanakh).”
Personally, I think the foregoing is interesting, but then again that’s just me. Either way, I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas whether you celebrate it or not.
References:
ESV Bible
JPS Tanakh
Carols.org.uk. “O little town of Bethlehem.”
http://www.carols.org.uk/o_little_town_of_bethlehem.htm
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Goats and the Sheep
In Mathew 25:31-46, Jesus is speaking and he says:
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. ‘And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life (ESV Bible).”
The previous quote also appears to be in some way relevant to Ezekiel 34:17 which said:
"And as for you, O My flock, thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, even the rams and the he- goats (JPS Tanakh)."
I will not even try to interpret this for you. I am just posting it so you have the opportunity to read it and decide for yourself what you think.
References:
ESV Bible
JPS Tanakh
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. ‘And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life (ESV Bible).”
The previous quote also appears to be in some way relevant to Ezekiel 34:17 which said:
"And as for you, O My flock, thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, even the rams and the he- goats (JPS Tanakh)."
I will not even try to interpret this for you. I am just posting it so you have the opportunity to read it and decide for yourself what you think.
References:
ESV Bible
JPS Tanakh
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Happy Third Anniversary!
Happy anniversary to you, happy anniversary to you, happy anniversary dear blog…. Happy Anniversary to you, and many more…. Well, it is the third anniversary for this blog, and I hope that any of you out there that have stopped by to read have enjoyed it. If you have stopped by, and never read any of the various topics that I have covered on here than I hope someday soon you have the time to read. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy your cyber stop, and may God bless you. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.
Sincerely,
Mo
Sincerely,
Mo
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Dr. Gary R. Habermas
Dr. Gary R. Habermas is Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Dept. of Philosophy and Theology at Liberty University.
I recommend that you visit his website, and take advantage of all the resources that it provides. Below is the link to the website:
http://www.garyhabermas.com/.
I recommend that you visit his website, and take advantage of all the resources that it provides. Below is the link to the website:
http://www.garyhabermas.com/.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
My Favorite Investment Plan
My favorite investment plan has been around for a very long time, and I will tell you all about it. A co-worker recently asked me if I would ever consider investing in Gold? Thinking about, the way currencies fluctuate globally now days it probably not a bad idea, but I really don’t think I would do it. Actually, I think my reply to the co-worker was that I would invest in Gold if I had a good safe at my house with good guns for protecting it there. Now, if I was investing on paper or keeping it in a bank vault then I really doubt that I would do it. I really do not trust institutions that are constantly changing their rules. I mean you really never know when the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision will have a secret meeting in Basel, Switzerland and change the rules on everyone, although I really don’t know how much jurisdiction they really have anyhow. When it comes to investing, I do have a retirement pension type of account that is on an investment plan, and they have changed the rules on that a couple of times since I first got it. My suggestion for investing is the one Jesus endorsed. In Mathew 6:19-21, Jesus said:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (ESV Bible)."
Now, if you cannot really grasp that whole concept of heaven, I can try to make it more tangible although as Christians we also do think of it as our eternal home. I mean, Jesus did say in John 14:2: “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you (ESV Bible)? Ok, let me get back to another tangible way to view it. I was having a conversation with a very close friend of mine one day, and she said to me: “you know I raised my daughters telling them to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” I said that I agreed, but then she said something really funny which was: “yeah, I told them to get a good education even if they had to get loans for it because once that information is in your brain; no one can steal it from you.” For some reason, my way of viewing the concept of heaven became broader after that. So, again, my suggestion for investing is really: “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Moreover, if you have money or something, just give it away. Jesus also said in Luke 6:38: “give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you (ESV Bible)."
Well, I can really give many other reasons why I agree with this concept for investing, but for now, I will let you meditate on what I have said thus far. Thanks for reading My Favorite Investment Plan posting.
References:
Holy Bible, ESV
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (ESV Bible)."
Now, if you cannot really grasp that whole concept of heaven, I can try to make it more tangible although as Christians we also do think of it as our eternal home. I mean, Jesus did say in John 14:2: “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you (ESV Bible)? Ok, let me get back to another tangible way to view it. I was having a conversation with a very close friend of mine one day, and she said to me: “you know I raised my daughters telling them to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” I said that I agreed, but then she said something really funny which was: “yeah, I told them to get a good education even if they had to get loans for it because once that information is in your brain; no one can steal it from you.” For some reason, my way of viewing the concept of heaven became broader after that. So, again, my suggestion for investing is really: “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Moreover, if you have money or something, just give it away. Jesus also said in Luke 6:38: “give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you (ESV Bible)."
Well, I can really give many other reasons why I agree with this concept for investing, but for now, I will let you meditate on what I have said thus far. Thanks for reading My Favorite Investment Plan posting.
References:
Holy Bible, ESV
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Light of Life
What is light?
"Light is a phenomenon that has particle and wave characteristics. Its carrier particles are called photons, which are not really particles, but massless discrete units of energy (www.thebigview.com)."
So light, pretty much, consists of photons, which are the units of energy and I guess everything that exists in our space-time comes from energy. We also know that atoms are held together into objects and planets and stars, etc. by photons....
In John 8:12, Jesus said:
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
In the Epistle of Paul to the Colossians 1:16-17, referring to Jesus, Paul said:
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
A lot of this scientific stuff I mentioned was not really known back in the first century. I find it interesting how some of these verses from the Scriptures perhaps make more sense to someone reading it today than way back then.
References:
http://www.thebigview.com/spacetime/faq.html.
Holy Bible, ESV
"Light is a phenomenon that has particle and wave characteristics. Its carrier particles are called photons, which are not really particles, but massless discrete units of energy (www.thebigview.com)."
So light, pretty much, consists of photons, which are the units of energy and I guess everything that exists in our space-time comes from energy. We also know that atoms are held together into objects and planets and stars, etc. by photons....
In John 8:12, Jesus said:
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
In the Epistle of Paul to the Colossians 1:16-17, referring to Jesus, Paul said:
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
A lot of this scientific stuff I mentioned was not really known back in the first century. I find it interesting how some of these verses from the Scriptures perhaps make more sense to someone reading it today than way back then.
References:
http://www.thebigview.com/spacetime/faq.html.
Holy Bible, ESV
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Martin Luther was an Anti-Semite
Lately, I have been giving much thought on issues revolving around the Church and Tradition. When I think of the Protestant reformation for some reason I see it as going against much of the Tradition which the Church held from its earliest days. I would like to believe that when Martin Luther wrote The Ninety-Five Theses back in 1517 that he had great intentions, but in reality just because someone writes something down it does not necessarily mean that they firmly believe it to its core. Martin Luther, indeed, made valid points and exposed the Western Roman Catholic Church of the time in its wrongdoings which needed correction, and many of these matters were corrected over time; therefore, it was a good thing that he took the risk and wrote The Ninety-Five Theses. Now, The Ninety-Five Theses’ was a good thing, but just because one does good it does not mean that all one does is good since Luther kept on writing more and more.
In 1543 Luther wrote On the Jews and Their Lies. One can buy this book today. You can get it at Amazon books or even downloaded in PDF form from the internet. I have a PDF file of it and it is about 77 pages long; however, I do not recommend reading it to anyone unless you like reading about racism and hate. In fact, to say that On the Jews and Their Lies is filled with racism and hatred could perhaps be an understatement. Moreover, Luther makes statements that are filled with so much hatred that I personally will not quote his word on this blog. Some people even believe that Hitler acted out many of the suggestions Luther made in this writing of his, and I wouldn’t doubt that it is true. Now, I wouldn’t be the first to say some of these things about Luther and perhaps wouldn’t be the last; however, Luther was wrong. In defense of Christianity, I have to say that Jesus himself never taught hatred. Jesus taught the hatred of evil. Jesus said things such as the following statement which promoted love and not hate:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets (Holy Bible, ESV, Mathew 22:37-40).”
Christianity is about loving ones neighbor unconditionally, so perhaps the only good that comes from Martin Luther’s writing On the Jews and Their Lies is that I just had a chance to clarify that it does not teach what Jesus commanded us to do.
References:
Holy Bible, ESV
Luther, Martin. (1517) The 95 Theses on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences.
Luther, Martin. (1543) On the Jews and Their Lies.
In 1543 Luther wrote On the Jews and Their Lies. One can buy this book today. You can get it at Amazon books or even downloaded in PDF form from the internet. I have a PDF file of it and it is about 77 pages long; however, I do not recommend reading it to anyone unless you like reading about racism and hate. In fact, to say that On the Jews and Their Lies is filled with racism and hatred could perhaps be an understatement. Moreover, Luther makes statements that are filled with so much hatred that I personally will not quote his word on this blog. Some people even believe that Hitler acted out many of the suggestions Luther made in this writing of his, and I wouldn’t doubt that it is true. Now, I wouldn’t be the first to say some of these things about Luther and perhaps wouldn’t be the last; however, Luther was wrong. In defense of Christianity, I have to say that Jesus himself never taught hatred. Jesus taught the hatred of evil. Jesus said things such as the following statement which promoted love and not hate:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets (Holy Bible, ESV, Mathew 22:37-40).”
Christianity is about loving ones neighbor unconditionally, so perhaps the only good that comes from Martin Luther’s writing On the Jews and Their Lies is that I just had a chance to clarify that it does not teach what Jesus commanded us to do.
References:
Holy Bible, ESV
Luther, Martin. (1517) The 95 Theses on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences.
Luther, Martin. (1543) On the Jews and Their Lies.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
A Must Read Suggestion
Since this is really supposed to be an Apologetics blog, I definitely believe that I should focus mostly on Apologetics although perhaps maybe most times I do not. I want to recommend a great book for anyone interested in this subject as I am. The book is The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics: Surveying the Evidence for the Truth of Christianity by Ed Hindson and Ergun Caner. I highly recommend this book, The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics: Surveying the Evidence for the Truth of Christianity. You can get it in many places such as Amazon.com. In fact, below is the link to Amazon.com that I have provided for you. Thanks and enjoy.
http://www.amazon.com/Popular-Encyclopedia-Apologetics-Surveying-Christianity/dp/0736920846.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Just a Thought
Did you ever wonder that perhaps the reformation may have been a result of arrogance and anger geared at the Western Church, but completely ignored the stance of the Eastern Church many years before? I mean, Luther perhaps didn’t say anything Athanasius hadn’t said 1200 years before. My point is that if you move up to the present time, we have the United States which came into existence with some forms of Protestant ideologies that perhaps are really ignorant of history. I just wonder about these kinds of things, and maybe in retrospect we should revisit why certain ideas are present today, and if they should or should not have validity. Maybe we should try to understand tradition more in depth.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Didache
The Didache is The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles...Didachē in Greek it means “teaching.” This document is dated by to the late first or early second century. Let’s just say it is from around the year 110. Some Church Fathers had it as part of the New Testament. It is indeed part of the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. I personally believe that it should be part of the New Testament Canon today, and I would place it right after the book of Acts, but that is just my opinion. This document is also the very first written catechism; therefore, it set the guidelines for the Church to grow and have structure. Perhaps because of our arrogance during many Church Councils, we have limited the writings that are very,very, important...of course, this is just my opinion, and you are welcome to give your opinion as well. Below is a copy of the Didache in English:
“The Didache
The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations.
Chapter 1. The Two Ways; The First Commandment
There are two ways, one of life and one of death; but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, your neighbour as yourself; and all things whatsoever you would should not occur to you, do not also do to another. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there, if you love those who love you? Do not also the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone gives you a blow upon your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes away your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one that asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he that gives according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Woe to him that receives; for if one having need receives, he is guiltless; but he that receives not having need, shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what, and, coming into straits (confinement), he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape thence until he pay back the last farthing. Matthew 5:26 But also now concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.
Chapter 2. The Second Commandment: Gross Sin Forbidden
And the second commandment of the Teaching; You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, Exodus 20:13-14 you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not commit
fornication, you shall not steal, Exodus 20:15 you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is begotten. You shall not covet the things of your neighbour, Exodus 20:17 you shall not forswear yourself, Matthew 5:34 you shall not bear false witness, Exodus 20:16 you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued; for to be double-tongued is a snare of death. Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbour. You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.
Chapter 3. Other Sins Forbidden
My child, flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. Be not prone to anger, for anger leads the way to murder; neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper; for out of all these murders are engendered. My child, be not a lustful one; for lust leads the way to fornication; neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye; for out of all these adulteries are engendered. My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leads the way to idolatry; neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things; for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My child, be not a liar, since a lie leads the way to theft; neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. My child, be not a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy; neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered. But be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, Luke 18:14 nor give over-confidence to your soul. Your soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its intercourse. The workings that befall you receive as good, knowing that apart from God nothing comes to pass.
Chapter 4. Various Precepts
My child, him that speaks to you the word of God remember night and day; and you shall honour him as the Lord; for in the place whence lordly rule is uttered, there is the Lord. And you shall seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. You shall not long for division, but shall bring those who contend to peace. You shall judge righteously, you shall not respect persons in reproving for transgressions. You shall not be undecided whether it shall be or no. Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. You shall not hesitate to give, nor murmur when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. You shall not turn away from him that is in want, but you shall share all things with your brother, and shall not say that they are your own; for if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal? You shall not remove your hand from your son or from your daughter, but from their youth shall teach them the fear of God. Ephesians 6:4 You shall not enjoin anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1 for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance, but unto them
whom the Spirit has prepared. And you bondmen shall be subject to your masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear. Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22 You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the Lord. Forsake in no way the commandments of the Lord; but you shall keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom . Deuteronomy 12:32 In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.
Chapter 5. The Way of Death
And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and full of curse: murders, adulteries, lusts, fornications, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rapines, falsewitnessings, hypocrisies, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hatingtruth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities, pursuing requital, not pitying a poor man, not labouring for the afflicted, not knowing Him that made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him that is in want, afflicting him that is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.
Chapter 6. Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols
See that no one cause you to err from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear all the yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able, what you are able that do. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly on your guard; for it is the service of dead gods.
Chapter 7. Concerning Baptism
And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 in living water. But if you have not living water, baptize into other water; and if you can not in cold, in warm. But if you have not either, pour out water thrice upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whatever others can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.
Chapter 8. Concerning Fasting and Prayer (the Lord's Prayer)
But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites; Matthew 6:16 for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week; but fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Neither pray as the hypocrites; but as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, thus pray: Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Yours is the power and the glory for ever. Thrice in the day thus pray.
Chapter 9. The Thanksgiving (Eucharist)
Now concerning the Thanksgiving (Eucharist), thus give thanks. First, concerning the cup: We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David Your servant, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. And concerning the broken bread: We thank You, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Your kingdom; for Yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever. But let no one eat or drink of your Thanksgiving (Eucharist), but they who have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, Give not that which is holy to the dogs. Matthew 7:6
Chapter 10. Prayer After Communion
But after you are filled, thus give thanks: We thank You, holy Father, for Your holy name which You caused to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. You, Master almighty, created all things for Your name's sake; You gave food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to You; but to us You freely gave spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Your Servant. Before all things we thank You that You are mighty; to You be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Your Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Your love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Your kingdom which You have prepared for it; for Yours is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maran atha. Amen. But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.
Chapter 11. Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets
Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turn and teach another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not; but if he teach so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, according to the decree of the Gospel, thus do. Let every apostle that comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain except one day; but if there be need, also the next; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges; but if he ask money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet that speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one that speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he hold the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall
the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit eats not from it, except indeed he be a false prophet; and every prophet who teaches the truth, if he do not what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, provedtrue, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him; but if he says to you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.
Chapter 12. Reception of Christians
But let every one that comes in the name of the Lord be received, and afterward you shall prove and know him; for you shall have understanding right and left. If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you, except for two or three days, if need be. But if he wills to abide with you, being an artisan, let him work and eat; 2 Thessalonians 3:10 but if he has no trade, according to your understanding see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he wills not to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that you keep aloof from such.
Chapter 13. Support of Prophets
But every true prophet that wills to abide among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. Matthew 10:10; cf. Luke 10:7 Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have not a prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.
Chapter 14. Christian Assembly on the Lord's Day
But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one that is at variance with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations.
Chapter 15. Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof
Therefore, appoint for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, 1 Timothy 3:4 and truthful and proven; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Despise them not therefore, for they are your honoured ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have
it in the Gospel; Matthew 18:15-17 but to every one that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.
Chapter 16. Watchfulness; The Coming of the Lord
Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord comes. Matthew 24:42 But often shall you come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you be not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; Matthew 24:11-12 for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, Matthew 24:10 and then shall appear the world-deceiver as the Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth; first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven; then the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and the third, the resurrection of the dead; yet not of all, but as it is said: The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him. Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.”
In closing, I hope you have enjoyed reading the document, and I hope you agree with me that it is extremely important.
References:
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0714.htm
“The Didache
The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations.
Chapter 1. The Two Ways; The First Commandment
There are two ways, one of life and one of death; but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, your neighbour as yourself; and all things whatsoever you would should not occur to you, do not also do to another. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there, if you love those who love you? Do not also the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone gives you a blow upon your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes away your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one that asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he that gives according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Woe to him that receives; for if one having need receives, he is guiltless; but he that receives not having need, shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what, and, coming into straits (confinement), he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape thence until he pay back the last farthing. Matthew 5:26 But also now concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.
Chapter 2. The Second Commandment: Gross Sin Forbidden
And the second commandment of the Teaching; You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, Exodus 20:13-14 you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not commit
fornication, you shall not steal, Exodus 20:15 you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is begotten. You shall not covet the things of your neighbour, Exodus 20:17 you shall not forswear yourself, Matthew 5:34 you shall not bear false witness, Exodus 20:16 you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued; for to be double-tongued is a snare of death. Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbour. You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.
Chapter 3. Other Sins Forbidden
My child, flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. Be not prone to anger, for anger leads the way to murder; neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper; for out of all these murders are engendered. My child, be not a lustful one; for lust leads the way to fornication; neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye; for out of all these adulteries are engendered. My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leads the way to idolatry; neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things; for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My child, be not a liar, since a lie leads the way to theft; neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. My child, be not a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy; neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered. But be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, Luke 18:14 nor give over-confidence to your soul. Your soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its intercourse. The workings that befall you receive as good, knowing that apart from God nothing comes to pass.
Chapter 4. Various Precepts
My child, him that speaks to you the word of God remember night and day; and you shall honour him as the Lord; for in the place whence lordly rule is uttered, there is the Lord. And you shall seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. You shall not long for division, but shall bring those who contend to peace. You shall judge righteously, you shall not respect persons in reproving for transgressions. You shall not be undecided whether it shall be or no. Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. You shall not hesitate to give, nor murmur when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. You shall not turn away from him that is in want, but you shall share all things with your brother, and shall not say that they are your own; for if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal? You shall not remove your hand from your son or from your daughter, but from their youth shall teach them the fear of God. Ephesians 6:4 You shall not enjoin anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1 for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance, but unto them
whom the Spirit has prepared. And you bondmen shall be subject to your masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear. Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22 You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the Lord. Forsake in no way the commandments of the Lord; but you shall keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom . Deuteronomy 12:32 In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.
Chapter 5. The Way of Death
And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and full of curse: murders, adulteries, lusts, fornications, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rapines, falsewitnessings, hypocrisies, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hatingtruth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities, pursuing requital, not pitying a poor man, not labouring for the afflicted, not knowing Him that made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him that is in want, afflicting him that is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.
Chapter 6. Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols
See that no one cause you to err from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear all the yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able, what you are able that do. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly on your guard; for it is the service of dead gods.
Chapter 7. Concerning Baptism
And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 in living water. But if you have not living water, baptize into other water; and if you can not in cold, in warm. But if you have not either, pour out water thrice upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whatever others can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.
Chapter 8. Concerning Fasting and Prayer (the Lord's Prayer)
But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites; Matthew 6:16 for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week; but fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Neither pray as the hypocrites; but as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, thus pray: Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Yours is the power and the glory for ever. Thrice in the day thus pray.
Chapter 9. The Thanksgiving (Eucharist)
Now concerning the Thanksgiving (Eucharist), thus give thanks. First, concerning the cup: We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David Your servant, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. And concerning the broken bread: We thank You, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Your kingdom; for Yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever. But let no one eat or drink of your Thanksgiving (Eucharist), but they who have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, Give not that which is holy to the dogs. Matthew 7:6
Chapter 10. Prayer After Communion
But after you are filled, thus give thanks: We thank You, holy Father, for Your holy name which You caused to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. You, Master almighty, created all things for Your name's sake; You gave food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to You; but to us You freely gave spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Your Servant. Before all things we thank You that You are mighty; to You be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Your Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Your love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Your kingdom which You have prepared for it; for Yours is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maran atha. Amen. But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.
Chapter 11. Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets
Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turn and teach another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not; but if he teach so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, according to the decree of the Gospel, thus do. Let every apostle that comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain except one day; but if there be need, also the next; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges; but if he ask money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet that speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one that speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he hold the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall
the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit eats not from it, except indeed he be a false prophet; and every prophet who teaches the truth, if he do not what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, provedtrue, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him; but if he says to you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.
Chapter 12. Reception of Christians
But let every one that comes in the name of the Lord be received, and afterward you shall prove and know him; for you shall have understanding right and left. If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you, except for two or three days, if need be. But if he wills to abide with you, being an artisan, let him work and eat; 2 Thessalonians 3:10 but if he has no trade, according to your understanding see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he wills not to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that you keep aloof from such.
Chapter 13. Support of Prophets
But every true prophet that wills to abide among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. Matthew 10:10; cf. Luke 10:7 Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have not a prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.
Chapter 14. Christian Assembly on the Lord's Day
But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one that is at variance with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations.
Chapter 15. Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof
Therefore, appoint for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, 1 Timothy 3:4 and truthful and proven; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Despise them not therefore, for they are your honoured ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have
it in the Gospel; Matthew 18:15-17 but to every one that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.
Chapter 16. Watchfulness; The Coming of the Lord
Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord comes. Matthew 24:42 But often shall you come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you be not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; Matthew 24:11-12 for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, Matthew 24:10 and then shall appear the world-deceiver as the Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth; first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven; then the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and the third, the resurrection of the dead; yet not of all, but as it is said: The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him. Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.”
In closing, I hope you have enjoyed reading the document, and I hope you agree with me that it is extremely important.
References:
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0714.htm
Saturday, July 23, 2011
In Defense of the Coptic Church, and The Nature of Christ
'"After the schism which took place in the year 451 A.D., when the Coptic Orthodox Church rejected the motions of the Council of Chalcedon and its theological struggles, they were called "Monophysites" that is, those who believe in the "One Nature".'"
~ H. H. Pope Shenouda III
Historically, for some bizarre reason, many have wondered which of the two natures the Church of Alexandria (Coptic) denied. The misinterpretation throughout history has been that the Coptic Church believed in one nature of Christ and denied the other nature. St. Athanasius of Alexandria said in The Incarnation of the Word that:
"The expression "One Nature" does not indicate the Divine nature alone nor the human nature alone, but it indicates the unity of both natures into One Nature which is "The Nature of the Incarnate Logos".
"...man’s nature is not the soul alone nor the body alone, but their union in one nature called human nature."
~H. H. Pope Shenouda III
In my opinion the misinterpretation has been clarified.
References:
St. Athanasius of Alexandria, The Incarnation of the Word.
H. H. Pope Shenouda III, Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, The Nature of Christ.
~ H. H. Pope Shenouda III
Historically, for some bizarre reason, many have wondered which of the two natures the Church of Alexandria (Coptic) denied. The misinterpretation throughout history has been that the Coptic Church believed in one nature of Christ and denied the other nature. St. Athanasius of Alexandria said in The Incarnation of the Word that:
"The expression "One Nature" does not indicate the Divine nature alone nor the human nature alone, but it indicates the unity of both natures into One Nature which is "The Nature of the Incarnate Logos".
"...man’s nature is not the soul alone nor the body alone, but their union in one nature called human nature."
~H. H. Pope Shenouda III
In my opinion the misinterpretation has been clarified.
References:
St. Athanasius of Alexandria, The Incarnation of the Word.
H. H. Pope Shenouda III, Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, The Nature of Christ.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Canon
A friend of mine sent me a website that has a great deal of information with relevance to the Canon, and I believe that is very thorough and informative in addressing the issue with regards to many Christian groups. The foregoing is a quote from the website:
"Protestants tend to think there is only one Bible--ours. Actually different religious groups of the Judeo-Christian tradition have different biblical canons."
I wanted to share this with all of you out there, and I hope that it is helpful in building up your faith. Below is the link to the website my friend shared with me.
http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/bible/canon2.stm
"Protestants tend to think there is only one Bible--ours. Actually different religious groups of the Judeo-Christian tradition have different biblical canons."
I wanted to share this with all of you out there, and I hope that it is helpful in building up your faith. Below is the link to the website my friend shared with me.
http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/bible/canon2.stm
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Are you a Pharisee: A Guideline to Help Determine Whether You Are One or Not?
Are you a Pharisee? Perhaps in the modern day this question doesn’t make much sense; therefore, perhaps it should be rephrased to say are you like a Pharisee? So, what or who is or was a Pharisee?
“Pharisee. An important Jewish group which flourished in Palestine from the late second century B.C. to the late first century A.D (Elwell, p.913).”
Various historical sources provide insight to the Pharisees; however, at this time I will reference the New Testament as a source. The very few documented words spoken by Jesus in the New Testament mention the Pharisees. Some of the things Jesus said about the Pharisees almost define the type of people they were; furthermore, Jesus almost sets a guideline to what a Pharisee was with relevance to human conduct. I will not dwell o all things Jesus spoke with relevance to the Pharisees. In fact, I am just going to dwell on one chapter from the book of Mathews.
Mathew 23:1-39 reads as follows:
"Mat 23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,
Mat 23:2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat,
Mat 23:3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you--but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
Mat 23:4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.
Mat 23:5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,
Mat 23:6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues
Mat 23:7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.
Mat 23:8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Mat 23:9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
Mat 23:10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.
Mat 23:11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.
Mat 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Mat 23:13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.
Mat 23:14 [Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation.]
Mat 23:15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.
Mat 23:16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.'
Mat 23:17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?
Mat 23:18 And you say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.'
Mat 23:19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
Mat 23:20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.
Mat 23:21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it.
Mat 23:22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.
Mat 23:23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.
Mat 23:24 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
Mat 23:25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
Mat 23:26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
Mat 23:27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness.
Mat 23:28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Mat 23:29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous,
Mat 23:30 saying, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'
Mat 23:31 Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.
Mat 23:32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.
Mat 23:33 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?
Mat 23:34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town,
Mat 23:35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.
Mat 23:36 Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.
Mat 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!
Mat 23:38 See, your house is left to you desolate.
Mat 23:39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'" Mat 13:52 And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old(Holy Bible, ESV)."’
Well, I just had you read the entire chapter 23, and I am sure that you understand some of the highlights of what defines a Pharisee or a Scribe. I think that we can ask ourselves questions that would determine if indeed we are like a Pharisee or a Scribe. For example, the first question could be, do we practice what we preach? Do we place burdens on others that we wouldn’t carry ourselves? Do we perform deeds to be seen by others, or is it to be seen by God? This one question is very interesting, and perhaps why Jesus said in Mathew 6:3 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…” Are we more concerned with outward appearances or just how spiritual we appear to others instead of how spiritual we really are? What it all boils down to be are we hypocrites? I think these questions can serve as a guideline to determine if we are really spiritual by Jesus’ definition. I believe that this discourse by Jesus in Mathew 23 is really timeless. Perhaps one could say that Pharisees were just historical figures; however, the actions that Jesus described that they did are still alive this day an age. I say these things so that we can conduct a self-analysis of ourselves (you and me), and If indeed we discover that we are like the Pharisees then we should repent and turn our lives in a more positive direction that Jesus desired from us. In conclusion, lets practice what we preach.
References:
Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Academic, 2001.
Holy Bible, ESV.
“Pharisee. An important Jewish group which flourished in Palestine from the late second century B.C. to the late first century A.D (Elwell, p.913).”
Various historical sources provide insight to the Pharisees; however, at this time I will reference the New Testament as a source. The very few documented words spoken by Jesus in the New Testament mention the Pharisees. Some of the things Jesus said about the Pharisees almost define the type of people they were; furthermore, Jesus almost sets a guideline to what a Pharisee was with relevance to human conduct. I will not dwell o all things Jesus spoke with relevance to the Pharisees. In fact, I am just going to dwell on one chapter from the book of Mathews.
Mathew 23:1-39 reads as follows:
"Mat 23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,
Mat 23:2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat,
Mat 23:3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you--but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
Mat 23:4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.
Mat 23:5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,
Mat 23:6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues
Mat 23:7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.
Mat 23:8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Mat 23:9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
Mat 23:10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.
Mat 23:11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.
Mat 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Mat 23:13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.
Mat 23:14 [Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation.]
Mat 23:15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.
Mat 23:16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.'
Mat 23:17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?
Mat 23:18 And you say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.'
Mat 23:19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
Mat 23:20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.
Mat 23:21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it.
Mat 23:22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.
Mat 23:23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.
Mat 23:24 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
Mat 23:25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
Mat 23:26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
Mat 23:27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness.
Mat 23:28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Mat 23:29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous,
Mat 23:30 saying, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'
Mat 23:31 Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.
Mat 23:32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.
Mat 23:33 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?
Mat 23:34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town,
Mat 23:35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.
Mat 23:36 Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.
Mat 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!
Mat 23:38 See, your house is left to you desolate.
Mat 23:39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'" Mat 13:52 And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old(Holy Bible, ESV)."’
Well, I just had you read the entire chapter 23, and I am sure that you understand some of the highlights of what defines a Pharisee or a Scribe. I think that we can ask ourselves questions that would determine if indeed we are like a Pharisee or a Scribe. For example, the first question could be, do we practice what we preach? Do we place burdens on others that we wouldn’t carry ourselves? Do we perform deeds to be seen by others, or is it to be seen by God? This one question is very interesting, and perhaps why Jesus said in Mathew 6:3 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…” Are we more concerned with outward appearances or just how spiritual we appear to others instead of how spiritual we really are? What it all boils down to be are we hypocrites? I think these questions can serve as a guideline to determine if we are really spiritual by Jesus’ definition. I believe that this discourse by Jesus in Mathew 23 is really timeless. Perhaps one could say that Pharisees were just historical figures; however, the actions that Jesus described that they did are still alive this day an age. I say these things so that we can conduct a self-analysis of ourselves (you and me), and If indeed we discover that we are like the Pharisees then we should repent and turn our lives in a more positive direction that Jesus desired from us. In conclusion, lets practice what we preach.
References:
Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Academic, 2001.
Holy Bible, ESV.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The Tower of Christendom on Journey To Orthodoxy
Recently, I read the latest posting on the Journey To Orthodoxy website. The article was titled: The Tower of Christendom written by Robert Easter, and posted by Fr. John on May 11, 2011. I found the article to be very interesting. The article provides some thoughts on denominations, as well as some thoughts relevant to Church history; it is also followed with really good comments, even a little critique on N.T. Wright who I believe is a brilliant theologian. If you wish to read this article please go to the following link:
http://journeytoorthodoxy.com/2011/05/11/the-tower-of-christendom/#axzz1MTR6EE6u.
http://journeytoorthodoxy.com/2011/05/11/the-tower-of-christendom/#axzz1MTR6EE6u.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Mohammed the prophet’s letter to Christians
Did you know that in the year 628, the Prophet Mohammed or Muhammad granted a letter to the monks of St. Catherine Monastery in Mt. Sinai?
The following is the English translation of that document:
“This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them.
Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because
Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them.
No compulsion is to be on them.
Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries.
No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims' houses.
Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God's covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate.
No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight.
The Muslims are to fight for them.
If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, it is not to take place without her approval. She is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray.
Their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants.
No one of the nation (Muslims) is to disobey the covenant till the Last Day (end of the world).”
Reference:
http://www.islamicboard.com/comparative-religion/26117-prophet-muhammads-letter-christians.html
The following is the English translation of that document:
“This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them.
Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because
Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them.
No compulsion is to be on them.
Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries.
No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims' houses.
Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God's covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate.
No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight.
The Muslims are to fight for them.
If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, it is not to take place without her approval. She is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray.
Their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants.
No one of the nation (Muslims) is to disobey the covenant till the Last Day (end of the world).”
Reference:
http://www.islamicboard.com/comparative-religion/26117-prophet-muhammads-letter-christians.html
Boy Like Me/Man Like You
I think that the lyrics to the song, Boy Like Me/Man Like You, are very interesting because of the way the writer was trying to associate and compare his life and the way he grew up with the life of Jesus here on Earth according to the Scriptures. I hope you enjoy reading his thoughts which read as follows:
"You was a baby like I was once
You was cryin' in the early mornin'
You was born in a stable Lord
Reid Memorial is where I was born
They wrapped You in swaddling clothes
Me they dressed in baby blue
But I was twelve years old in the meeting house
Listening to the old men pray
And I was tryin' hard to figure out
What it was that they was tryin' to say
There You were in the temple
They said You weren't old enough
To know the things You knew
Well did You grow up hungry
Did You grow up fast
Did the little girls giggle when You walked past
Did You wonder what it was that made them laugh
And did they tell You stories 'bout the saints of old
Stories about their faith
They say stories like that make a boy grow bold
Stories like that make a man walk straight
And You was a boy like I was once
But was You a boy like me
Well I grew up around Indiana
You grew up around Galilee
And if I ever really do grow up
Lord I want to grow up and be just like You
Well did You wrestle with a dog and lick his nose
Did You play beneath the spray of a water hose
Did You ever make angels in the winter snow
And did they tell You stories 'bout the saints of old
Stories about their faith
They say stories like that make a boy grow bold
Stories like that make a man walk straight
Did You ever get scared playing hide and seek
Did You try not to cry when You scraped Your knee
Did You ever skip a rock across a quiet creek
And did they tell You stories 'bout the saints of old
Stories about their faith
They say stories like that make a boy grow bold
Stories like that make a man walk straight
And I really may just grow up and be like You someday"
Rich Mullins -Lyrics
"You was a baby like I was once
You was cryin' in the early mornin'
You was born in a stable Lord
Reid Memorial is where I was born
They wrapped You in swaddling clothes
Me they dressed in baby blue
But I was twelve years old in the meeting house
Listening to the old men pray
And I was tryin' hard to figure out
What it was that they was tryin' to say
There You were in the temple
They said You weren't old enough
To know the things You knew
Well did You grow up hungry
Did You grow up fast
Did the little girls giggle when You walked past
Did You wonder what it was that made them laugh
And did they tell You stories 'bout the saints of old
Stories about their faith
They say stories like that make a boy grow bold
Stories like that make a man walk straight
And You was a boy like I was once
But was You a boy like me
Well I grew up around Indiana
You grew up around Galilee
And if I ever really do grow up
Lord I want to grow up and be just like You
Well did You wrestle with a dog and lick his nose
Did You play beneath the spray of a water hose
Did You ever make angels in the winter snow
And did they tell You stories 'bout the saints of old
Stories about their faith
They say stories like that make a boy grow bold
Stories like that make a man walk straight
Did You ever get scared playing hide and seek
Did You try not to cry when You scraped Your knee
Did You ever skip a rock across a quiet creek
And did they tell You stories 'bout the saints of old
Stories about their faith
They say stories like that make a boy grow bold
Stories like that make a man walk straight
And I really may just grow up and be like You someday"
Rich Mullins -Lyrics
Monday, April 11, 2011
Something about Mary
Mary the mother of Jesus is mentioned most often in the New Testament in the Gospel of Luke. She is mentioned five times in Mathew. Mark mentions her by name once. In John she is mentioned twice. Mary is also mentioned in Acts 1:14.
Luke 1:26-38 reads as follows:
“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.”
What did Mary say to the angel? "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."
The story of the wedding at Cana of Galilee takes place in John 2:1–12. In this story, most of us know that Jesus converts water into wine. If you are not aware that was His first miracle, and it is a miracle because He transforms the molecules of the liquid.
John 2:5 reads: "His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
What did Mary tell the servants? "Do whatever he tells you."
During the Crucifixion of her son Jesus, what was Mary doing?
John 19:25 reads: "but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister..."
Acts 1:14 reads: “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”
What was Mary doing in Acts 1:14? She was devoting to prayer.
For some reason, I decided to ask four questions regarding Mary with relevance to what we find her doing within the context of Scriptures. My questions along with the answers were the following:
1. What did Mary say to the angel? "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."
2. What did Mary tell the servants? "Do whatever he tells you."
3. During the Crucifixion of her son Jesus, what was Mary doing?
John 19:25 reads: "but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister..."
4. What was Mary doing in Acts 1:14? She was devoting to prayer.
I don’t know what goes through your mind when you read these passages with respect to Mary, but it seems to me that she was given a mission from God, and she went along with it all the way through no matter what the circumstance. I am sure we could draw many conclusions about her, but one thing is for sure, and it is that she was amazing….
References:
Holy Bible, ESV
Luke 1:26-38 reads as follows:
“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.”
What did Mary say to the angel? "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."
The story of the wedding at Cana of Galilee takes place in John 2:1–12. In this story, most of us know that Jesus converts water into wine. If you are not aware that was His first miracle, and it is a miracle because He transforms the molecules of the liquid.
John 2:5 reads: "His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
What did Mary tell the servants? "Do whatever he tells you."
During the Crucifixion of her son Jesus, what was Mary doing?
John 19:25 reads: "but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister..."
Acts 1:14 reads: “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”
What was Mary doing in Acts 1:14? She was devoting to prayer.
For some reason, I decided to ask four questions regarding Mary with relevance to what we find her doing within the context of Scriptures. My questions along with the answers were the following:
1. What did Mary say to the angel? "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."
2. What did Mary tell the servants? "Do whatever he tells you."
3. During the Crucifixion of her son Jesus, what was Mary doing?
John 19:25 reads: "but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister..."
4. What was Mary doing in Acts 1:14? She was devoting to prayer.
I don’t know what goes through your mind when you read these passages with respect to Mary, but it seems to me that she was given a mission from God, and she went along with it all the way through no matter what the circumstance. I am sure we could draw many conclusions about her, but one thing is for sure, and it is that she was amazing….
References:
Holy Bible, ESV
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Nepotism in the Church
Nepotism widely exists within the Church and churches, a good example of it could perhaps be Joel Olsteen, if you know anything about his biography; however, is this good thing or bad? I plan on perhaps doing a more in depth research on the matter because it is an extremely serious issue that faces us all. I wonder if all the graduates that obtain theology degrees every year are getting the interviews they should, and I wonder if the church members are really getting the best teaching they should because of this problem. The following is an excerpt from Don G. Brock's blog, and I personally think it great to see people speak up on this matter. The posting is titled: Nepotism in the Church and it reads as follows:
"In an organization which promotes very high standards of ethics and morality, the church is practicing nepotism as being acceptable. For years, church leaders have hired, promoted, paid, and protected their wives and family members - effectively doubling their household income. Leaders that pay their wife as secretary, administrative assistant, or office manager with church funds, claim the benefits of loyalty and confidentiality. God only knows how often it also protects secrecy.
Nepotism is the practice of allowing employment and economic policies that permit favoritism toward one's family. It includes giving favored employment positions to family members as well as encouraging business transactions with other family members.
I don’t think it’s possible for a leader to fairly evaluate the work of his or her spouse. Even if it were possible (and I don’t think it is), the simple perception of wrongdoing that arises in the minds of the others is reason enough to consider such relationships to be inadvisable and unethical.
Church leaders are more involved in the business of the church today than ever. Some even appoint their own Finance Committee (which opens the door to conflicts of interest, and closes the door to independent thinking and review). Some pastors even appoint their wife as local church Treasurer, a clear conflict of interest which should never happen.
Clergy leaders are expected to establish a reputation (and live up to it). Their conduct determines their reputation. And the people they serve expect their conduct to be scrupulous.
Conflict of interest refers to a situation where a person’s financial or professional loyalty or objectivity in doing his job may be compromised by an outside interest of the person. We are used to hearing the term used with respect to outside business ownership interests of executives or public officials. For non-executives, the concept comes up more vaguely in conjunction with issues like trade secrets, confidentiality, and non-compete clauses. The term also refers to nepotism (Don G. Brock)."
Well, I hope you have enjoyed reading this article, and I also hope that it raised questions in your mind about the matter; I also hope you start doing something about it…if anything start asking questions. God bless!
Reference:
http://don-brock.blogspot.com/2009/02/nepotism-in-church.html
"In an organization which promotes very high standards of ethics and morality, the church is practicing nepotism as being acceptable. For years, church leaders have hired, promoted, paid, and protected their wives and family members - effectively doubling their household income. Leaders that pay their wife as secretary, administrative assistant, or office manager with church funds, claim the benefits of loyalty and confidentiality. God only knows how often it also protects secrecy.
Nepotism is the practice of allowing employment and economic policies that permit favoritism toward one's family. It includes giving favored employment positions to family members as well as encouraging business transactions with other family members.
I don’t think it’s possible for a leader to fairly evaluate the work of his or her spouse. Even if it were possible (and I don’t think it is), the simple perception of wrongdoing that arises in the minds of the others is reason enough to consider such relationships to be inadvisable and unethical.
Church leaders are more involved in the business of the church today than ever. Some even appoint their own Finance Committee (which opens the door to conflicts of interest, and closes the door to independent thinking and review). Some pastors even appoint their wife as local church Treasurer, a clear conflict of interest which should never happen.
Clergy leaders are expected to establish a reputation (and live up to it). Their conduct determines their reputation. And the people they serve expect their conduct to be scrupulous.
Conflict of interest refers to a situation where a person’s financial or professional loyalty or objectivity in doing his job may be compromised by an outside interest of the person. We are used to hearing the term used with respect to outside business ownership interests of executives or public officials. For non-executives, the concept comes up more vaguely in conjunction with issues like trade secrets, confidentiality, and non-compete clauses. The term also refers to nepotism (Don G. Brock)."
Well, I hope you have enjoyed reading this article, and I also hope that it raised questions in your mind about the matter; I also hope you start doing something about it…if anything start asking questions. God bless!
Reference:
http://don-brock.blogspot.com/2009/02/nepotism-in-church.html
The Earliest Christian Apologetist
Christianity was born in the first century, but as it was new on the block, and many sacrifices would follow to give Christians the freedom to practice they enjoy today in some countries. Today, however, in some parts of the world Christians are still persecuted, tortured, and killed for their faith, and this may well be a topic that needs to be addressed in future postings, but for now lets travel back to the time when Christianity was just a child. Christian apologetics in the second century can indeed be described today. Apologetics comes from the Greek word “apologia” which means to give a defense. Christian apologist or defenders of the Christian faith arose due to the many charges or accusations that arose from the Roman Empire against the early church. The defense was an actual defense before the Courts for the practices of which they were being accused. Fergusson says that “the authentic accounts of martyrdom from the second century come in three literary forms: “letters”…”passions”…, and “acts (Fergusson, p. 79).”
Christians experienced many accusations against them mostly because of misunderstandings since the type of worship they practiced was relatively new. The Christian church was really unlawful in the Roman Empire from its very birth. The Romans were Pagan and worshiped idols; therefore, Christians were atheist. They were accused of being cannibals because they were eating flesh and drinking blood, although to us in the present day is just taking the Lord’s Supper. They had fellowships and love feast, so they accused them of sexual immorality. The foregoing were religious accusations. They were considered criminal because being roman and Pagan was synonymous; therefore, a good citizen would honor Roman gods.Since Christianity was relatively new it was consider a new divisive sect.
Apologists like Justin responded by presenting their arguments in defense of Christianity by possible means such as writings. Justin Martyr was an apologist. Martyr was not his last name it was name given because he was arrested and executed in the year 167. Justin had four audiences in mind which were Pagan intellectuals, the Roman state, Jews and Heretics. Justin engaged in actual public debate. In the year 135 he had a debate with a Jewish leader named Trypho this is known as the Dialogue with Trypho (Fergusson, p.74). Justin told his story and that the Jews and Christians have the same God. Justin told Trypho that the Jewish people were no longer God’s chosen people because they rejected Jesus the Messiah; therefore, he suggested that the become Christians and to be circumcised of heart. Justin also used writing and in 155, he wrote an The First Apology and addressed it to Emperor Titus Ælius Adrianus Antoninus Pius Augustus Cæsar, his son and many others. In his apology, he said that Christians were not cannibals or any of the accusations mentioned against them, but instead the best citizens and moral people. Moreover, he mentions that they were exemplary citizens.
Justin Martyrs First Apology contains several chapters and is very extensive and thorough; in it he concludes with a plea which states: "do not decree death against those who have done no wrong, as you would against enemies ( Justin Martyr, First Apology)." He also subjoins other writings as part of his defense that are very much as using one of our present day precedents in a case. His attachments are Adrian’s epistle, Epistle of Antonius to the common assembly of Asia, and the Epistle of Marcus Aurelius to the senate, in which he testifies that the Christians were the cause of his victory.
A good question to ask is what apologetic principles could be used today in a modern context? In today’s world it is also important for Christians to articulate an apologetics defense that is appropriate or in proportion to accusations that arise from today’s secular world, and others in general. In actuality, a very similar approach can be used because we can write books or do public debate or defense when our faith is question as 1 Peter 3:15 says: “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (Holy Bible, ESV).” Today we also have other forms of media such as internet or TV, and they are good tools to present a defense for the Gospel in a broad and collective form of address.
References:
Fergusson, Everett. Church History volume one from Christ to Pre-reformation. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.
Holy Bible, ESV
Justin Martyr "First Apology"
Video: Presentation: Apologetics - Being a Christian in a Pagan World by Dr. Smither's Liberty University, 2010
Christians experienced many accusations against them mostly because of misunderstandings since the type of worship they practiced was relatively new. The Christian church was really unlawful in the Roman Empire from its very birth. The Romans were Pagan and worshiped idols; therefore, Christians were atheist. They were accused of being cannibals because they were eating flesh and drinking blood, although to us in the present day is just taking the Lord’s Supper. They had fellowships and love feast, so they accused them of sexual immorality. The foregoing were religious accusations. They were considered criminal because being roman and Pagan was synonymous; therefore, a good citizen would honor Roman gods.Since Christianity was relatively new it was consider a new divisive sect.
Apologists like Justin responded by presenting their arguments in defense of Christianity by possible means such as writings. Justin Martyr was an apologist. Martyr was not his last name it was name given because he was arrested and executed in the year 167. Justin had four audiences in mind which were Pagan intellectuals, the Roman state, Jews and Heretics. Justin engaged in actual public debate. In the year 135 he had a debate with a Jewish leader named Trypho this is known as the Dialogue with Trypho (Fergusson, p.74). Justin told his story and that the Jews and Christians have the same God. Justin told Trypho that the Jewish people were no longer God’s chosen people because they rejected Jesus the Messiah; therefore, he suggested that the become Christians and to be circumcised of heart. Justin also used writing and in 155, he wrote an The First Apology and addressed it to Emperor Titus Ælius Adrianus Antoninus Pius Augustus Cæsar, his son and many others. In his apology, he said that Christians were not cannibals or any of the accusations mentioned against them, but instead the best citizens and moral people. Moreover, he mentions that they were exemplary citizens.
Justin Martyrs First Apology contains several chapters and is very extensive and thorough; in it he concludes with a plea which states: "do not decree death against those who have done no wrong, as you would against enemies ( Justin Martyr, First Apology)." He also subjoins other writings as part of his defense that are very much as using one of our present day precedents in a case. His attachments are Adrian’s epistle, Epistle of Antonius to the common assembly of Asia, and the Epistle of Marcus Aurelius to the senate, in which he testifies that the Christians were the cause of his victory.
A good question to ask is what apologetic principles could be used today in a modern context? In today’s world it is also important for Christians to articulate an apologetics defense that is appropriate or in proportion to accusations that arise from today’s secular world, and others in general. In actuality, a very similar approach can be used because we can write books or do public debate or defense when our faith is question as 1 Peter 3:15 says: “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (Holy Bible, ESV).” Today we also have other forms of media such as internet or TV, and they are good tools to present a defense for the Gospel in a broad and collective form of address.
References:
Fergusson, Everett. Church History volume one from Christ to Pre-reformation. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.
Holy Bible, ESV
Justin Martyr "First Apology"
Video: Presentation: Apologetics - Being a Christian in a Pagan World by Dr. Smither's Liberty University, 2010
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Nothing this Month
I don't have bloggers block. I really haven't had too much time to write this month. Please be patient with me, and I will have some new stuff coming out soon. God bless and thanks.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Pantocrator Image at St. Catherine and the Shroud of Turin
What did Jesus look like? Well, the New Testament does not give us the answer to the question: however, the Shroud of Turin provides a negative image of what He may have looked like. The question one must ask is the following: is the Shroud of Turin the actual burial cloth of Jesus before His resurrection? The following comments are relevant to the findings of Raymond M. Rogers:
“A January 20, 2005 article in the scholarly, peer-reviewed scientific journal Thermochimica Acta (Volume 425, pages 189-194, by Raymond N. Rogers, Los Alamos National Laboratory, University of California) makes it perfectly clear: the carbon 14 dating sample cut from the Shroud in 1988 was not valid. In fact, the Shroud is much older than the carbon 14 tests suggested (http://www.shroudstory.com/).”
Below is an image of Christ Pantocrator, an icon at St. Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai, and it is said to date back to the year 550. Is it possible that the Pantocrator painting may have been based on the image from the Shroud?
References:
http://www.shroudstory.com/art.htm
http://www.shroudstory.com/breaking02.htm
“A January 20, 2005 article in the scholarly, peer-reviewed scientific journal Thermochimica Acta (Volume 425, pages 189-194, by Raymond N. Rogers, Los Alamos National Laboratory, University of California) makes it perfectly clear: the carbon 14 dating sample cut from the Shroud in 1988 was not valid. In fact, the Shroud is much older than the carbon 14 tests suggested (http://www.shroudstory.com/).”
Below is an image of Christ Pantocrator, an icon at St. Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai, and it is said to date back to the year 550. Is it possible that the Pantocrator painting may have been based on the image from the Shroud?
References:
http://www.shroudstory.com/art.htm
http://www.shroudstory.com/breaking02.htm
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