WHO JESUS IS

QUESTION #1
Matthew 16:13-17 >
"Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?"

Son of Man > Jesus is the Son Man. Interestingly, Jesus is the only one who called himself the "Son of Man". 81 times in the 4 Gospels Jesus is the "Son of Man". And only once does another person make a reference to Jesus calling himself  the "Son of Man". It is a title that Jesus claimed for Himself because of its amazingly rich prophetic meaning.

From Genesis 3:15 we receive the idea of Jesus becoming the Son of Man when God promises that the "Seed of the Woman" will crush the head of the serpent, Satan. "Having received this promise, the human race awaited the seed of the woman, the Son of the woman; that is, the "Son of Man". It is therefore understood that the term was meant to indicate that the future Savior, the One who would crush the head of the serpent, would be the son of the woman who conceived without a male; that is, the son of one human being. This is saying that a "Man", or more to the point, "The Man" will come sometime in the future born of a Woman without the seed of a man, born of a virgin.This promise, prophecy, of a Man, or rather, "The Son Of Man" coming as a Savior and a Redeemer, became known as the "Expectation of the Nations". The Son of Man would be the Messiah of the whole world. Jesus, took this title, "Son of Man" and made it His primary identity. He was the "Expectation of the Nations". He was the One that God was speaking of that would be born of "The Virgin". Daniel the Prophet speaks of the Son of Man coming with clouds of heaven to the Ancient of days(Father God) and being given an eternal kingdom(7:13,14). And Daniel reveals that the fourth "man" in the fire with the "three Hebrew Boys" had the form like the "Son of God"(3:25). St John in the book of Revelation reveals that the "Alpha and the Omega", Jesus, is the "Son of Man"(Rev. 1:12-18).Each time Jesus called Himself the "Son of man" he was saying "I am the man you've been looking for". Psalm 80:17 says, "Let Thy right hand be upon the man of Thy right hand, upon the Son of Man...".

Christ > Jesus is the Christ. Christ is from the Greek and means the Anointed One. Messiah is from the Hebrew and means the same thing, "The Anointed One". Christ and Messiah both refer to Jesus and to the fact that He is the promised "Anointed One" that the Old Testament Law and Prophets foretold would come into the world, born of "The Virgin".

Son of God > Peter then reveals in his confession of faith that Jesus is not only the Christ, but that He, Jesus, is the "Son of the living God". Jesus is the Son of God. Peter reveals that the promised Messiah was to be divine. In Matthew 3:13-17(Christ's Baptism) and Matthew 17:1-8(Christ's Transfiguration) we see Jesus called by God from heaven, "My beloved Son". Note that in these two events that the "Trinity" is revealed, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus was given His Name by God through the angel Gabriel, Matthew 1:21-25. Jesus means Savior. And Matthew also says that this Virgin-born child shall be called Emmanuel which means "God with us".

                                QUESTION #2
Matthew 22:41-46 >
"What do you think of Christ? Whose son is he?"

Son of David > The term, "Son of David" was a title for the Messiah (Mark 12:35-37; Matthew 12:22,23). Jesus is called the "Son of David" 14 times in the New Testament. The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that Jesus, among many things, would be given "the throne of David...and of His kingdom there shall be no end"(Luke 1:31-33; Psalm 132:11). And since Jesus is the "Son of David" he is also the "King of the Jews"(Matthew 2:2; 27:11).

Lord > Jesus asks the Pharisees, "What do you think of Christ, whose son is he?" They answer, The son of David. Jesus then asks them, How can David call the son of David(the Messiah) Lord? And Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit on my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool." Jesus then asks, If David calls him(the Son of David) Lord, how is He his son?" Jesus is telling them that the "Son of David"(the Messiah) is the Lord(God). Jesus is not only David's descendant, but He is also his pre-existing Lord. Jesus is also revealing that within God there is a plurality of persons; "The Lord said unto my Lord, sit at my right hand..." Take note, God is One, but God is not a monad, a single unit. In Genesis we read, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth(Genesis 1:1). Then in verse 26 we read, "And God said "Let us make man in our own image, after our own likeness." So we see that God(Elohim) speaks of himself in the plural. Also in Deuteronomy 6:4 we read, "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord..." The oneness spoken of here is speaking of a compound unity(Achad-Hebrew). The Lord is not "one" in number(what would be the point in that assertion), but the Lord is "one" in unity. God is One Essence existing in three persons; Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The fact that Messiah should be both "God" and yet "sent by God" (as the Old Testament testifies) is a mystery unraveled in the revelation of the "Trinity". God is "One" existing in three persons.

I AM > Jesus identifies Himself as the "I AM". "I AM" is the name of God given to Moses by God Himself when Moses asked him, "Who should I say sent me?" (Exodus 3:14). To the Jews Jesus revealed that He knew Abraham and then said to them, "Before Abraham was, I AM"(John 8:58). Jesus made many "I AM" statements. I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life"; "I AM the Good Shepherd"; "I AM the Light of the world"; "I AM the Door"; "I AM the True Vine"; "I AM the Resurrection and the Life"; "I AM the Alpha and the Omega".

THE SON OF MAN

“Who do men say that I the Son of Man am?” Jesus asked his disciples. Peter’s correct answer was finally, “Thou art the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the Living God”. (Matthew 16:13-19) So Jesus is named as the Messiah, and as the Son of God, but take note that these are descriptive titles of “the Son of Man”. The title “Messiah” (Hebrew) or “Christ” (Greek) is speaking of His ministry as Prophet, Priest, and King. “Son of God” speaks of His divinity, and His relation to the Father. Other titles of Jesus describe His other characteristics; “Son of the Blessed” and “Emmanuel” expresses His divine nature; “Son of David” reveals His human nature and His lineage, and the name “Jesus” conveys simply that He is “the Savior” of humanity. None of these titles on their own can give a complete meaning of the person of our Lord because each name only signifies one of His characteristics. However, the title “Son of man” is a comprehensive name, a name that is able to describe all His characteristics and attributes. The Lord Jesus, the very God-man, determined that the title “Son of man” would be his chosen and foundational title that would encompass His person completely. If you were to read carefully through the four Gospels you would discover that Jesus chose for Himself His primary title, “Son of man”. In fact it is the only title that He applied to Himself, and He speaks of Himself as the “Son of man” 80+ times. Do a phrase search at Bible Gateway for “Son of man” if you are interested in marking these verses in your Bible. The title “Son of man” has its origin in the book of origins, Genesis. When God cursed the serpent for his deception of Adam and Eve he said, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed; he shall crush thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This curse upon the serpent, Satan, was a promise to Adam and Eve and to all their descendants as well, and became the hope of the human race that a redeemer and savior would be born of a woman that would abolish the authority that Satan had stolen from Adam and Eve. This “seed of the woman” would be the “Son of the woman”, who is the “Son of Man”. Since a woman does not produce seed, this promise means that in the future there would be a woman, a virgin, who would conceive a Son without the seed of a human male. This virgin born Son would be at enmity with the seed of the serpent, that is, the devil and all his devotees. And in the mystery of God’s plan of redemption, this seed, this Son of man, would crush the head of the serpent, loosing us from the devil’s authority (1 John 3:8), destroying the power of death (Hebrews 2:14, 15), and granting life and immortality to those who believe in Jesus (2 Timothy 1:8-10). The Prophet Daniel foretold of this “Son of man” coming with clouds of glory and establishing an everlasting kingdom (Daniel 7:13, 14). This prophecy is fulfilled in the person of Jesus as we read in Revelation 1:12-18. Jesus is more than just a man, He is “The Man”, “Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the Son of man…(Psalm 80:17). Eighty plus times Jesus declares unequivocally that He is the “Son of man”, making it abundantly clear to all who will listen that He is the promised redeemer and savior foretold in Genesis 3:15. Amen.

WHAT HAPPENED FROM THE CROSS TO THE THRONE (PART 1) - THE CROSS

THE GOSPEL 
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 It is paramount for the Christian to know and understand what is the Gospel. For we have warnings that there will be those who "pervert the gospel of Christ"(Gal 1:7) and that teachers will come along to corrupt our minds with a different kind of gospel(2 Cor. 11:3,4).

                                           THE CRUCIFIXION
Philippians 2:5-8 Our salvation in Christ begins with His incarnation. God manifests Himself to us in soul, body, and divinity, so that, as God, He could deliver us, soul and body, from death. He partakes of our nature and becomes man, in order to deliver us from the power of sin and death, creating the path for us to have His image restored in us, and also, to make the flesh immortal.

Hebrews 2:9,14,15 Jesus took on the human  nature, yet without sin, so that He could deliver us from a slavery of anxiety and distress over the possibility of dying and being deprived of the present life and then being subject to the sufferings of condemnation after death. Salvation is not only a forgiveness of  the sinner; it is not only a reconciliation of God with him. Salvation is the very removal, abolition and disappearance of sin; it is the deliverance of man from sin and death. Salvation was fulfilled upon the Cross, by the blood of the Cross(Col. 1:20; Acts 20:28; Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7). Not only with the Passion(Suffering) on the Cross, but with the death upon the Cross. This is how death was abolished, and defeated comlpetely. Death destroyed by death!!!

2 Corinthians 5:21 The death of Christ makes possible a new creation(2 Cor. 5:17); His death reconciles us, canceling out our sins, making it possible for us to live free of sin's power and to no longer live for ourselves, but instead, be motivated by the love of Christ(2 Cor. 5:14,15). A great transaction is possible! The distorted image in us can be healed and restored. A miraculous transformation is possible! We can become righteous with divine virtues - in Him!!!

Galatians 3:13,14 From the moment of Adam's sin God joined Himself to man's plight, promising that the seed "of the woman" would crush Satan's head. This is the Virgin-born Messiah who was later called Abraham's seed.

John 3:1-14 Nicodemus had questions. Jesus had mystical  answers. How does one see the kingdom of God? Be born from above! How does one enter the kingdom of God? Be born of water and the Spirit! How can these things be? The Son of Man comes down to earth from heaven to be lifted up on a Cross even as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness.





1 Peter 2:24 Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53 in His life, and in His death on the Cross. In His life he healed the diseases of many, which was a fulfillment of Isaiah 53(Matthew 8:16,17). In His death upon the Cross He bore our sins, and by His stripes we were healed(Isaiah 53:4,5).

WHAT HAPPENED FROM THE CROSS TO THE THRONE PART 2 - CHRIST'S DESCENT INTO HADES

CHRIST'S DESCENT INTO HADES
Luke 16:19-31 At death the soul and the body separate > The body sleeps in the grave, the soul is awake in its place  - Here we see the reality of the departed, one in Paradise, the other in torment.  > Christ slept the sleep of death!!! > Christ's promise to the thief on the cross!

Matthew 12:38-40 Jesus Himself foretold of His descent into Hades. Jonah was a type of Christ, foreshadowing the sojourn of Jesus into Hades. Jesus descended as a Conquerer through the Cross, not as a victim!!! (Jonah 1:17-2:10)

Ephesians 4:9,10 St Paul reveals the mystery of what was happening with Christ between "the Cross and the Throne". There was 40 days between the Resurrection of Christ, where he raised up the Old Testament Saints from the graves(Matthew 27:52,53), and the Ascension of Christ where he ascended on high taking the saints with Him. Acts 1:2,3

                   Sts. Peter and Paul Proclaim the Gospel
Acts 2:22-32 St Peter's sermon on Pentecost Sunday reveals that Christ fulfilled the Old Testament Messianic prophecies. Jesus divine body did not, could not, see corruption(Acts 13:37). And Jesus soul could not, was not, left in Hades(Psalm 16:10) The Lord's body would undo the laws of corruption and would prove death powerless.

1 Peter 3:18-20; 4:5,6 Upon His death on the Cross the soul of Christ went immediately to the souls held in prison in Hades, and He preached to them the gospel of salvation.



Easter Hymn > "Lord, you descended into the lower parts of the earth, into the grave, to preach there your salutary gospel. There, as a powerful and omnipotent king, you crushed and broke the bonds of death and Hades that had kept in bondage for ages the souls of those who were dead. But after three days you rose from the grave, just as Jonah had come out of the belly of the whale in three days".

THE CHURCH - WHAT IT MEANS TO BE MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE THE CHURCH >
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 > The body is one yet has many members(verse 12), so it is with the "body of Christ", and we are members in particular(verse 27), and yet, we are also members of one another. We are members in particular, not rugged individualists. We are members of the church, the body of Christ.  We maintain a unique identity known to only the Lord, yet we have a communal identity simultaneously.  "We being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread"(1 Cor. 10:17). Holy Communion expresses our oneness, both with Christ, and with one another(1 Cor. 10:16,17; 1 Cor. 11:17-34)

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER >
Christ's Household is governed by His commands > His ultimate  command is to "love one another as I have loved you"(John 13:34,35) > St Peter says, "Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently"(1 Peter 1:22) - there is to be no fakery or pretend love, only sincere love > Hebrews 10:24,25 - "consider one another"  ..."exhorting one another", never forsaking the gathering together for the express purposes of 1)the Apostles Doctrine, 2)fellowship(koinonia-Greek), 3)breaking of "the" bread(Greek), 4)"the" Prayers(Greek)(Acts 2:42) > Help and healing comes through our relationships with one another > Galatians 6:1-5 - "bear one anothers burdens" and so fulfil the law of Christ"(verse 2) - Are you obeying the law? The law of Christ? > Are you restoring your brother or sister who is overtaken in a fault? And if so, are you restoring them without judging them in a spirit of meekness >
Colossians 3:12-14 - "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another...even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" - Put on "bowels of mercy" - have a heart of compassion, feel, from deep in your guts, an empathy for the suffering - Put on kindness - Put on Humbleness of mind - Put on meekness - Put on longsuffering - "And above all these virtues, put on charity/love, which binds them all together in perfect unity"(NIV) > Ephesians 4:29-32 - "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you" - Note that the emphasis on "one another" is to communicate our "oneness" with each other, that we
are the "the church, the body of Christ" - always minister grace, always speak words that edify your brother and sister, lay aside all the dark feelings of anger, and bitterness, and evil speaking, and malice > Philippians 2:1-8 - We are to imitate Christ's humility - we are to share the encouragement that we experience in Christ with others - the comfort of his love we experience, and the sweet fellowship of the Spirit that we experience, and the tenderness and compassion we experience in the Lord - these are the things we can share with others + "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain deceit" - "Always consider others better than yourselves", "Always be looking out for the interests of others as well as your own" >

NOTE: Philippians 2:5-11 is a hymn that was sung in the early church - St Paul here is quoting from the hymns of the church - Ephesians 5:14 is an early baptismal hymn - 1 Timothy 3:16 is an ancient Christian creed or hymn, as is 2 Timothy 2:11-13;             1 Timothy 6:15,16; Ephesians 1:3-14; Colossians 1:15-20 >

Romans 14:1,10-13 - "Let us not judge one another".

Romans 15:1-7 - "be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus" - "receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God" - "bear the infirmities of the weak" - "Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification" > Luke 22:31,32 - Note how Jesus prayed for St Peter and then what St Peter wrote years later - 1 Peter 5:8-10.

James 2:1,14-18 - Meet one anothers needs > John 3:16-18 - Lay down your lives for one another starting with the basic necessities

James 5:13-20 - "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed..." (verse 16) - Convert the erring brother - "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep, Be of the same mind one toward another" (Romans 12:15,16).

THE GREAT MYSTERY REVEALED TO THE EPHESIANS - THE CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST

God's plan from eternity was that in Christ Jesus he would "make in himself of twain(Jews and Gentiles) one new man...that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, slaying the hostility that was between them"(Eph. 2:13-18) and thus build the household of God(Eph. 2:19-22), the Church, which is His Body, which is the fulness of Him that fills all in all(Eph. 1:23), "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord"(NIV, Eph. 3:10,11). It was God's plan to save us(Eph 2:8,9) so that we would be a part of His eternal plan of grace which He will reveal to us throughout the ages to come(Eph. 2:7); This Mystery, has been revealed to us(Eph. 3:1-6), St Paul preached, "among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. We have redemption, forgiveness of sins(Eph. 1:7); we have an inheritance(Eph. 1:11); we are sealed by the Holy Spirit(Eph. 1:13); we have promise of future bodily redemption(Eph. 1:14); we have been blessed with ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ(Eph.1:3); "There is one body!!!, and one Spirit!!!...one hope!!!...One Lord!!!, one faith!!!, one baptism!!!, One God and Father of all!!!"(Eph 4:1-6). God gave gifts to the Church "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ(Eph. 4:8-14). God chose a committed and Godly marriage as a picture of the relationship between Christ and His body, the Church(Eph.5:22-33); the Church is the very flesh of Christ, "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones"(Eph. 5:30); "THIS IS A GREAT MYSTERY: but I speak concerning CHRIST AND THE CHURCH(Eph.5:32).

NOTE: Had the princes of this world known what the Mystery was they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory(1 Corinthians 2:6-8). "But we see Jesus, made a little lower than the angels by the suffering of death...bringing many sons unto glory"(Hebrews 2:9,10). St Paul was "made a minister, to fulfil the Word of God; even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles; which is Christ in you the hope of glory"(Colossians 1:25-27). "Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."(Romans 16:25-27)

MARRIAGE AND VIRGINITY

As Taught By the Gnostic Sects of the First Four Centuries

Of The Church and the Answer of the Holy Scriptures
 

    Among the Gnostic heretics and sects of the first four centuries, after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, was a wide range of false teachings about ‘Marriage and Virginity’. These teachings were completely non-Christian, and contrary to the revealed truth of God about these topics as recorded in Holy Scripture. The one extreme, ‘excessive asceticism’, was championed by Tatian, Marcion, and Saturnius. These heretics actually called marriage ‘fornication’. No Marcionite was permitted to marry because to marry and procreate was to participate in the evil work of the demiurge (the heavenly beings responsible for the created world). The other extreme was to be ‘openly licentious’. Two sects that taught this view of ‘Marriage and Virginity’ were the Carpocratians and Borborites. Their views were rooted in popular Gnostic cosmology which taught that the created world was born out of the spiritual copulation between heavenly beings. Between the two extremes of ‘excessive Asceticism’ and ‘open licentiousness’ were the Gnostic heretics, Basilides, Valentius, and Isidore (Basilide’s son). These men taught that marriage was not sinful, but should be avoided by the fully mature believer. Monogamous marriage was acceptable, but the asceticism of the virginal life was belittled. Then, overlapping all these heretical sects were the Manichaean’s , a wildly successful sect that became a world religion. The founder, Mani, of Babylonia, was portrayed by the Manichaean missionaries as the ‘Apostle of Jesus Christ’ to the Roman Empire; to India and Central Asia he was touted as the Buddha; and to China he was presented as the reincarnation of Lao Tzu. Concerning Marriage and Virginity, Mani taught that there were two types of Manichaean disciples: the elect, and the hearers. ‘The elect’ were forbidden to marry and to participate in sexual intercourse, because both the body and procreation were evil. ‘The hearers’ were permitted to marry, or have mistresses, and could have intercourse as long as they avoided procreation.

  

  As you can see, the religious world swirling around the Church was speaking to mankind’s basic instincts, and redefining marriage from the age-old norm of marriage that Jesus validated when he said, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder" (Matthew 19:4-6). Then Jesus spoke to the disciples about the one alternative to married life when they asked him if "it is not good to marry". Jesus said, "All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs ,which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake.He that is able to receive it, let him receive it" (Matthew 19:10-12). Here Jesus gives us three classes of men who abstain from marriage: First, those men who were born without the inclination, or ability to be married; second, those men who were made eunuchs against their will, and therefore are incapable of having a marriage relationship; and thirdly, those men who choose to live celibate by the grace of God. St. Paul carries forward Jesus’s teaching on this “twofold grace” of ‘marriage and virginity’. The entire 7^th chapter of First Corinthians is dedicated to the two callings of ‘marriage and virginity’. The answer to all the false teachings of heretical sects, then and now, as well as detailed instruction concerning how Christians are to live either a married life in Christ, or the life of a virgin fully devoted to Christ are found here in the Scriptures. So read carefully Paul’s instruction that he was inspired to write in response to the Corinthian’s questions. In verse one Paul advocates for living a virginal life, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman”. But for those who cannot resist sexual impulses he says in verse two, “Let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband”. The remaining thirty eight verses expound on these two particular callings that a Christian must discern between or choose between. Once committed to marriage or virginity, “Let every man abide in the calling wherein he was called (verse 20).
    Finally, let us realize that the heresies that early Christians battled concerning 'marriage and virginity' are the same heresies that Christians must battle in the 21st century. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry..." (1 Timothy 4:1-3). We live in a time when marriage is defined according to doctrines of devils, and where living a virginal life is mocked as unnatural. Let us choose God's truth on the matter. Amen.

IS YOUR FAITH GROWING?

 Your faith can grow. God has given to every one of us “the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). Your faith is designed by God to grow, and to grow exceedingly. The Apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:3 says, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet (fitting), because that your faith grows exceeding, and the charity (love) of every one of you all toward each other abounds”. Here we are shown this very fact of the spiritual life! You, who possess faith in God, and in his Son Jesus, have a faith given to you by God that should ever be growing stronger, and greater, and fuller and richer. Let us take note that Stephen the Deacon (Acts 6:5) was chosen for his ministry because he was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost”.  So our faith in God is measurable. We can have a faith that is a quarter full, half full, or like Stephen, completely full. And what is the primary way in which our faith may grow? It is by hearing the word of God. “For faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). 1 Peter 2:2 instructs us about our spiritual beginnings as newborn babes in Jesus, “…desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby”.  As we grow in our knowledge of God’s word, we become acquainted with his commands, and as we become doers of these words / commands, we increase in faith to overcome that which his word reveals to us is of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Note in the verse prior that we are to be, “laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes (1 Peter 2:1, 2a). Faith is for overcoming; overcoming these worldly ways that are a part of our old fallen nature, but which can be transfigured by the glory of the Holy Spirit through our obedience of faith. “For whosoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, EVEN OUR FAITH.” (1 John 5:4) Please note that the verses immediately before we have revealed to us this victorious faith life (the amazing fact that we who are born of God possess a world overcoming faith), we are taught that we who believe in Jesus are born of God, and that we in turn love him who has begotten us again, AND we love all those who are also born again through faith in Jesus. For, “we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments”. (1 John 5:1-3) This is what is meant by “the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith”. In the world we feel malice toward our neighbors; we use cunning and guile in our relationships; we play the hypocrite, wearing masks of deceit, thinking we fool our neighbors while we pretend to be someone other than who we really are; we envy what our neighbor possesses, coveting their house, their wife or husband, their belongings and wealth, all the while breaking the tenth commandment (read Exodus 20:17); and we speak evil of our neighbors. Living in victory means we live in victory over the lack of love for our brothers and sisters by keeping God’s commandments by faith. Our faith in Jesus, knowing his example, believing in his promises, fearing his commands, all of these truths, inspire overcoming faith. May we grow in faith as we grow in love as we come to know God’s Holy Word.

THE EXPECTATION OF THE NATIONS

I would like to introduce here that Jesus is the fulfilment of what is known as "THE EXPECTATION OF THE NATIONS". The idea that from the beginning, from the time of the "fall of Adam and Eve", all nations were awaiting the arrival of a "Redeemer God" coming in human form Who would teach the whole truth in order to obliterate evil, bring peace, make brothers of all nations, and bring the kingdom of heaven to the earth. This promise was an anchor of hope throughout the centuries. Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Jews, Chinese, Indians, Persians, Arabs, even the inhabitants of the New World; all had stories, myths, prophecies foreshadowing a God-Man appearing to deliver the world from evil, from the great serpent. Confucius, Plutarch, Zoroaster, Socrates, Maurikios, Pascal, and many wise people spoke of this tradition of the nations.

The Holy Scriptures declare, "When the fulness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ"(Gal. 4:4-7). God's Son, the Light of Light, broke into the darkness of this fallen world at the very perfect moment in human history. Jesus is this very "Truth" that all the nations were expecting.

Therefore, "THE CHRISTIAN FAITH is not a "religion" (except in the conventional everyday use of the word). It is the fulfillment of all religions in their search for divine truth and human meaning as inspired by God's law written on human hearts. In this understanding, God's Gospel in Jesus is the end of all religions as human constructions, however good and inevitable they are in their desire to deal with life's mysteries and to comprehend the ways of God (or the gods) and creatures in a demon-riddled, death-bound world." (Thomas Hopko).

THE RULE OF PRAYER

Prayer is a very, very, very important and expansive topic. My purpose with this post is to share with you what is "the rule of prayer". It is with the "rule of prayer" that the Christian begins to develop a "life of prayer". It is the "rule of prayer" that informs our life, our faith, and our deeper prayer life. Let us consider what prayer is.

Theophan the Recluse (19th c. Russian Bishop) said, "Prayer is the test of everything. If prayer is right, everything is right". My prayer is that we get "it" right. Orthodoxy means "right belief, right praise/prayer". Orthopraxis means "right practice". (These terms; Orthodoxy and orthopraxis are words of the Ancient Church, ie. the early church. I hope to introduce you to many terms that will bring illumination to the Scriptures). Prayer is many things; it is the "way to knowledge", the way to knowing God and knowing yourself. Prayer is communion with God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Prayer is plunging into darkness where the light is. Prayer is drinking at the well of salvation. Prayer is worship. Prayer is confession; of our faith, and of our sins. Prayer is uniting our hearts to God. Prayer is the fusion of two actions - ours, and the Divine. Prayer is reciting the Psalms. Prayer is entering into the eternal Now, into the kingdom of God. Now, briefly, WHAT PRAYER IS
NOT > James 4:1-10 > Prayer is not for selfish purposes. Prayer is not meant to be a means to acquire self-centered pleasures. Prayer is not to be based on covetousness, desiring what others have (verses 2 & 3). To pray in this way is to be unfaithful to God, to make yourself the enemy of God (verse 4). It is a problem of pride (verse 6) that leads you to pray for things of this world for the sake of pleasures. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Prayer is submitting yourself to God which is how you resist the devil. Prayer is drawing near to God in humility, Prayer is for cleansing our hands. Prayer is for purifying our hearts. Prayer is for being cured of double-mindedness. Prayer is for tearful repentance. Prayer is for Humility, for opening your life to the eyesight of the Lord. And then, Glory be to God, God will lift you up(verse 10)!!!

Matthew 6:5-15 > HOW TO PRAY WHEN YOU PRAY(Luke 11:1-4) > Firstly, Jesus says, WHEN YOU PRAY, "you shall not be like the hypocrites."(verse 5) Hypocrites are play-actors who specialize in theatrical piety. They put on "the mask" of compassion, but are heartless; they put on "the mask" of humility, but are full of pride; they put on "the mask" of faith, but are clouds without water. > Secondly, Jesus says, WHEN YOU PRAY, "enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, Pray to the Father..."(Verse 6) > "closet" in the Greek is tameion = inner, private, chamber, your secret chamber > Strong's Concordance says in a home in the Orient a "spot for retirement" > You shut yourself in and the world out > It's just you and God > Some would say this "closet/bed chamber you enter is in your heart > That, WHEN YOU PRAY, your mind descends into your heart, into "the secret place" > Thirdly, Jesus says, WHEN YOU PRAY, "do not use vain

repetitions as the heathen do. For they think they will be heard for their many words" > The NIV says, "do not keep on babbling as the pagans do" > In the Greek, "vain" is "maten", which means "tentative manipulation", "to no purpose", "folly", the base Greek word gives the idea of handling or squeezing (Strongs Concordance) > So "vain" does not mean prayers cannot be repeated, "vain" has to do with pagan practices of manipulating the gods with babbling repetitions that will cajole the gods into action. > Repetition is not vain per se, and it is not repetition which Jesus condemns, but "vain repetitions" which he condemns > Fourthly, Jesus says, "After this manner therefore pray, Our Father..." > Jesus establishes that God is our Father(Romans 8:14-16) > When we pray we enter into communion with God the Father who is above the heavens, we enter into a heavenly dimension, and step into an eternal NOW(1 Timothy 1:17, Hebrews 11:1) > Hallowed/Holy is His name - God is revealed in His name(s) - Holy is that "thing" about God that means "transcendent perfection" that cannot be described in human language, or will ever be comprehended(verse 9) > We pray for His kingdom to be actualized in the here and now "by the Spirit" and for his kingdom to be revealed at His second coming > We pray for God's will(verse 10) > We pray for our "daily bread", but this bread is much more than the food we need
for the day - "daily" in the Greek is "epiousios" which intimates bread for "tomorrows" (Strongs), - "epiousios" literally means "above the essence" or "supersubstantial" - So the bread we are praying for is more than the food we eat today, but it is the bread for the eternal day of the kingdom of God - the Living Bread, Christ Himself(verse 11) > We pray for God's forgiveness of everyone including ourselves and we forgive everyone as well(verse 12) > We not only pray that we not yield to temptation, we pray that we be delivered from the evil one who is the temptor - KJV says "deliver us from evil", the NKJV and NIV says, "deliver us from the evil one".

*** "The Lord's Prayer shows the whole meaning of the life of man.", Archbishop Anthony Bloom

NOTE: The Lords Prayer is a prayer that we can pray daily, since Jesus said, "Give us this day our DAILY bread". We need the Living bread every day so we pray this prayer everyday. It is a beautiful repetition, not a vain repetition!!! This is what is meant by a "rule of prayer": that prayers written in scripture or prayers based upon scriptural truth are placed into a litany, ie., a list, so that we can recite them daily. We are to have  regular set times of prayer which we never skip - "in the evening and in the morning and at noon day" (Psalm 55:17). Once we recite these prayers long enough they will be lodged in our memories. These "written" or "said" prayers will form Christ and His truth in us as well as inform our extemporaneous prayers. Then in between these set times of prayer we "remain constant in prayer"(Romans 12:12) and "pray without ceasing"(1 Thessalonians 5:17). > Each person should have their own rule of prayer, it should be brief and regular, It could be a 3-minute prayer rule, 5-minute, or 10-minute. Start slowly and add to your prayers as you grow accustomed to the habit of prayer. You can use the time-tested prayers of the ancient Church or create your own litany from prayers you may know or from scripture. I will provide some web links below with prayers > The idea is to start and do your best and if you fall short just get back up and start again > It's all about his mercy and not our performance > Also, it can be helpful to find a spiritual guide to help answer questions and provide direction.

***I use prayers from the Ancient Church Prayer books, but I have also created a few prayers of my own which are meaningful to me. Ideally you would have a "closet", a "room", a "space" set aside in your home for a "prayer corner". You could have a Wall-Cross, icons, Your Bible, candles, etc, items that will transform the space into Holy ground!!! Besides your "rule of prayer" at home, you should strive to live in a spirit of unceasing prayer, often saying or singing a prayer that comes to mind or praying intercessory prayers for people who come to mind. 

                                   A Rule of Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Blessed be our God always, now and forever and unto ages of ages.

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed. Save me, O Lord, and I shall be saved.

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (Repeat 3 times while crossing yourself)

O Heavenly Father, forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner, and enlighten my darkness.
O Holy Spirit, Comforter, Teach us your truth, and lead us into paths of righteousness.
O Holy God, Holy Trinity, Come and abide in us and heal all our infirmities for thy Names Sake.

Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O Lord, by thy grace.

I believe in One God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages, Light of Light, True God of True God, begotten and not made, of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made, who for us men and our salvation, came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man and was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God Almighty, and He shall come again to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets, and I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge One baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come, Amen.

Remember us O Lord when you come into your kingdom:

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in spirit for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.
Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
You are the salt of the earth.
You are the Light of the world.

Remember O Lord, when you come into your kingdom: Laura, Vince, Jean, Vince, Evangeline, Micah, Faith, Christian, etc, etc. (List here the names of those you want to pray for)

And grant to each one of them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus the Messiah; enlightening the eyes of their understanding to know what is the hope of His calling.

Direct their hearts into the love of God; strengthening each one of them with all might, by your Spirit, in the inner man; filling them with fruits of righteousness, and filling them with the exact knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Establish their hearts in grace and truth; and may Christ Jesus dwell in their hearts by faith.

Amen. Amen. Amen.

***Note > That the entire rule of prayer is Scripture or Scriptural truth***

***Note > "The above rule of prayer" is my morning rule of prayer. I add other Psalms or hymns as well. Depending on time, you can have scripture readings afterwards.***

NOTE > The above "rule of prayer" can be shortened to fit your situation. The important thing is to establish a set time for your  "rule of prayer".

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THE SEVENTY

"After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go." Luke 10:1 (Read Luke 10:1-24 for the entire exhortation that Jesus gives to "the Seventy".)

The Lord appointed 70 men to go out as forerunners or apostles into the cities and places that Jesus was about to visit. They were to announce the Kingdom of God, healing the sick.

Amazingly we have a list of who "the Seventy"were/are!!!

Achaicus - 1 Cor. 16:17
Agabus - Acts 11:28; 21:10
Amplias - Rom. 16:8
Ananias - Acts 9:10-17; 22:12
Andronicus - Rom. 16:7
Apelles - Rom. 16:10
Apollos - Acts 18:24; 19:1; 1 Cor. 1:12; Titus 3:13
Aquila - Acts 18:2, 18; Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19
Archippus Col. 4:17; Philemon 2
Aristarchus - Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Col. 4:10; Philemon 24
Aristobulus - Rom. 16:10
Artemas - Titus 3:12
Asyncritus - Rom. 16:14
Barnabas - Acts 4:36; 9:27; 11-15; 1 Cor. 9:6; Gal. 2:1; Col. 4:10
Caesar -
Carpus - 2 Tim. 4:13
Clement - Phil. 4:3
Cephas -
Cleopas - Luke 24:18; John 19:25
Crescens - 2 Tim. 4:10
Crispus - Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:14
Epaphras - Col. 1:7; 4:12; Philemon 23
Epaphroditus - Phil. 2:25; 4:18
Epaenetus - Rom. 16:5
Erastus - Acts 19:22; Rom. 16:23; 2 Tim. 4:20
Euodia - Phil. 4:2
Fortunatus - 1 Cor. 16:17
Gaius - Acts 19:29; 20:4; Rom.16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14; 3 Jn. 1
Hermas - Rom. 16:14
Hermes - Rom. 16:14
Herodion - Rom. 16:11
James, the brother of the Lord - Mt. 13:55; Mk. 6:3; Acts 12:17
Jason - Acts 17:5-9
Justus - Acts 1:23; 18:7; Col. 4:11
Linus - 2 Tim. 4:21
Lucius - Acts 13:1; Rom. 16:21
Luke, the Evangelist - Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philemon 24 (The author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles).
Mark, the Evangelist(called John) - Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37-39; Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philemon 24; 1 Pet. 5:13(The author of the Gospel of Mark).
Mark
Narcissus - Rom. 16:11
Nicanor - Acts 6:5
Olympas - Rom. 16:15
Onesimus - Col. 4:9; Philemon 10
Onesiphorus - 2 Tim. 1:16; 4:19
Parmenas - Acts 16:5
Patrobus - Rom. 16:14
Philemon - Philemon 1
Philip, the Deacon - Acts 6:8; 21:8
Philologus - Rom. 16:15
Phlegon - Rom. 16:14
Prochorus - Acts 6:5
Pudens - 2 Tim. 4:21
Quadratus -
Quartus - Rom. 16:23
Rufus - Mark 15:21; Rom. 16:13
Silas(Silvanus) - Acts 15:22-40; 16:19-40; 17:4-15; 18:5; 2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:12
Simeon, son of Cleophas - Mt. 13:55; Mark 6:3
Sosipater - Rom. 16:21
Sosthenes - 1 Cor. 1:1
Stachys - Rom. 16:9
Stephen, the Archdeacon - Acts 6:5-7:60; 8:2; 11:19; 22:20
Tertius - Rom. 16:22
Thaddaeus - Mt. 10:3; Mark 3:18
Timon - Acts 6:5
Timothy - Acts 16:1; 17:14, 15; 18:5;19:22;20:4; Rom. 16:21
Titus - 2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6-14; 8:6-23; 12:18; Gal. 2:1-3
Trophimus - Acts 20:4; 21:29; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12
Tychicus - Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; Col.4:7; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12
Urbanus - Rom. 16:9
Zenas - Titus 3:13

Though lists of "the Seventy" vary somewhat, all are remembered in the calendar of the Orthodox Church. One day, January 4th, is set aside to remember them all, and the record of their work is preserved in accounts handed down through the centuries, especially in those locations where they labored.

Several of the Seventy were prominent(Barnabas, Titus, Timothy, Luke, Philip), while others were relatively obscure in comparison. Barnabas is thought to be the first to preach in Rome and the first in Milan, but he was martyred in Cyprus, then buried by Mark at the western gate of the city of Salamis. Aristarchus, fellow-laborer of Paul, became bishop of Apamea in Syria. Sosthenes became bishop of Caesarea, and Tychicus succeeded him in that city. Simeon, son of Cleopas(who was the brother of Joseph the betrothed of the Virgin Mary), succeeded James as the bishop of Jerusalem. Aristobulus, the brother of the Apostle Barnabas, preached the gospel in Britain and died peacefully there. There are many records of "the Seventy" as well as other New Testament saints, and of the many martyrs and saints throughout the centuries, if you would like to read about them.

Here are a few examples:
Apostle Zenas is remembered September 27 along with Mark and Aristarchus. He co-labored with Paul; he is called a lawyer(Titus 3:13) and led juridical matters in church courts. He eventually became bishop of Diospolis in Lydda(Palestine).
Apostle Rufus is held in some traditions to be the son of Simon of Cyrene, the man compelled to carry the Cross of Christ(Read Mark 15:21). Paul greeted Rufus and his mother(Romans 16:13).
Apostle Hermas became bishop of Philipopoulis and is remembered May 31, again on Nov. 5th with four of the Seventy; Patrobus, Linus, Gaius, and Philologos, and then on Jan. 4th with all the Seventy. He died as a martyr. In his early life he was wealthy, but lost everything because of his sins and the sins of his sons. He was sent an angel of repentance who traveled with him throughout his life. Near the end of his life he wrote one of the most popular early Christian writings entitled, "The Shepherd of Hermas".
Apostle Onesiphorus became bishop of Colophon, and later Corinth. Paul speaks well of him in 2 Timothy 1:16-18. He is remembered September 7th and on December 8th with fellow apostles Sosthenes, Apollos, Caesar, Cephas, and Epaphroditus. He died a martyr when he went to preach the gospel to pagans on the shores of the Hellespont in the city of Parium near Ephesus.
Apostle Carpus became bishop of Berroia(or Verria) in Macedonia. He is commemorated May 26 with Alphaeus and with the Seventy on Jan. 4th. Paul mentions him in an interesting passage in 2 Timothy 4:13, "Bring the cloak(phelonion) that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come - and the books, especially the parchments." For some reason Carpus was entrusted with a special "cloak". The greek word is phelonion which is a liturgical vestment, which is like a poncho with lots of room for making the movements required by a priest.

THE GREAT INTERCESSION

INTERCESSION FOR THE WORLD

In peace let us pray to the Lord. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For the peace of the whole world, and the salvation of all mankind. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the children of the world, gather them all to your heart, and make known Your love to them. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the fatherless, single parents, widows, and all the forgotten, grant them life, peace, mercy, grace, salvation, and visitation. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For the sick and the suffering, and all those oppressed with despair, grant peace and healing. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the Christians suffering persecution throughout the world, grant them peace and deliverance, visit them with your divine presence, and inspire love in them for their enemies. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all those taken captive against their will, save them, have mercy upon them, and deliver them. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the refugees of war, grant comfort, provision, and safe passage. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all those in prison, help them to be like the thief on the cross, and remember them when you come into your kingdom. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the people trapped in the darkness of false religions, illumine their hearts with the true lights of creation, conscience, and Christ. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all kings and presidents, and all civil authorities, turn their hearts as you turn the watercourses according to your will. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For favorable weather, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, fresh air, pure water, healthy food, and that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all of creation that now groans in expectation of the manifestation of the children of God: watch over every aspect of your created order: every herb bearing seed, all the green herbs, every tree bearing fruit, the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air, all the land animals, and every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the people living in Greensburg and the surrounding countryside, pour out the rain of your Holy Spirit upon each one, and may they be convinced of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment, and may Christ Jesus dwell in their hearts by faith. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For our families and friends, and our brothers and sisters in Christ here present, knit our hearts together in the love of Christ, that we might be filled with all the fullness of God. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For divine appointments to preach your gospel, and divine opportunities to show your love, and for boldness to speak your word. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the faithful disciples of Jesus throughout the world, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with them all. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For the well-being and protection of all the holy churches of God throughout the world. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the true Shepherds of your Holy Church, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and help them to rightly divide the word of Thy truth. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

THE ROYAL PATH - TRUE ORTHODOXY IN THE AGE OF APOSTASY

We are living in "perilous times" as St Paul prophesied about the "last days"(2 Tim 3:1-5). The love of many would grow cold, and people would become "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God". These descriptions of the "last days" parallel the "apostasy" St Paul foretold would come shortly before "the day of Christ", "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto Him".(2 Thes 2:1-3). It appears that we could be that very generation that sees the coming of the Son of Man in the heavens. If that be the case, we will first see the "falling away", the "apostasia", the "departure from the faith"(1 Tim 4:1) and that man of sin, the son of perdition, the Antichrist be revealed.

What is needed in these perilous times is a knowledge of the "true faith" that leads to a personal, Spirit-filled, relationship with Jesus Christ and communion with His Holy Church, which is His Body(Eph. 1:19-23). Orthodoxy means "true faith and true praise". But even within "Orthodoxy" there are wolves at work leading the faithful to the left and to the right. May God help us to remain on "THE ROYAL PATH", and not fall into the ditch of compromise on either side of the Narrow Path. This is what is meant by "True" Orthodoxy. You could say "True Truth". This will take great desire, great humility, great obedience and sacrifice. It will take radical actions, serious renunciation of the world, once and for all. It will take detachment from the things of this world with "NO Compromise". It will take a complete comittment to living in exile as pilgrims and strangers on the earth, no longer living for the beggarly elements offered here.

Begin to sever yourself from your sins, make repentance and confession a daily practice. No, make repentance a moment-by-moment practice. We must make drastic changes in our superficial and worldly lifestyles. Ask yourself, "What are the things that cause me to be slack in my walk with Christ?". "What idols do I cling to and refuse to smash?". "What magical arts and dark books are in my house that I should burn in a fire?"(Acts 19:13-20). Jesus calls us to "lose our lives for His sake"(Mt.16:25). Jesus calls us to "forsake all" and "follow Him" and if necessary, "sell everything you own and give to the poor"(Mk. 10:21). This kind of thinking, this "Jesus-kind" of thinking, this heavenly kingdom living must become our "Way".

So, my friends in Jesus, let us "set our affection on things above, not on the things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory. MORTIFY THEREFORE your members which are upon the earth..."(Col. 3:1-6). Turn your back on the watered-down false gospels that plague popular culture. Seek the "pearl of great price". Dig for it like your life depends on it because it does.

Let us discover "true Orthodoxy", and live "true Orthodoxy", in this "age of apostasy". Dear brothers and sisters, "It is later than you think"(Blessed Seraphim Rose).

THE PURPOSE OF OUR BIBLE STUDY

Many things could be said about Bible Study and the benefits of learning the Holy Scriptures. Here are three key purposes of Bible Study for us to focus on.

#1 To Know The Reality Of The Word Of God. That the Holy Scriptures are in reality God speaking to us. That you can trust what is written with your life and eternal destiny!!!
2 Timothy 3:15-17 > Here Paul instructs Timothy that the Scriptures he learned in his childhood (the Old Testament) is what would make him wise, revealing the Messiah Jesus, and thus granting him salvation. The Scriptures are "inspired", "God-breathed".
Hebrews 4:12,13 > These verses reveal to us that the Word of God connects us with the person of Jesus Christ directly. That when we take in the word of God, the gospel (read Hebrews 4:1-11), and not just "hear it", but "mix it with faith", we profit, receiving the promises of God manifest in our lives. Verse 12 says the word of God is "living and powerful". That it divides between soul and spirit, it reveals your own thoughts, intentions, motives. Verse 13 reveals that this "word of God" is a person, Jesus Christ, and that "there is nothing hidden from HIS SIGHT, but all things are naked and open to the "eyes of HIM" to whom we must give account." Verses 14 through 16 reveals Jesus the great High Priest is this living word!!!
John 1:1-18 > The ultimate "Word of God" is a person!!! This person is the eternal God, the creator of all things, who "became incarnate of the Holy Spirit, and the Virgin Mary, and became man". The Word (Greek - "Logos") is not just a name that describes Jesus, but reveals that Jesus embodies the "Word" of God, which is to say that Jesus is the sum total of the revelation of God. Jesus is the express image of God (Hebrews 1:1-6). Jesus is the complete and sum total of the sayings of God. In John 5:39 Jesus says, "You search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." The scriptures are a direct link to God. Revelation 19:10 says "...Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy". 2 Peter 1:19-21 reveals the written "scripture" is a prophecy about Jesus written by holy men who were moved/inspired by God. The Word of God is really, truly the Word of God.

#2 To Know The Truth. That the Holy Scriptures are in fact "the word of the truth of the gospel" (Colossians 1:5,6) which has come into the world to bring forth fruit, which is the salvation of souls!!! The Scriptures are a revelation to mankind of "that which is really true". The scriptures are a testimony of Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 > The Truth is a person. Jesus is the Truth. His life, including all his salvific acts - incarnation, baptism, transfiguration, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, session at the Father's right hand, and His glorious second coming - all the scriptures testify testify of Jesus the Christ/Messiah. www.themessiahjesus.blogspot.com
John 8:31-51 > Jesus equates his word with "the Truth"
John 16:5-15 > The work of the Holy Spirit is to "guide you into all truth".
John 17:14-20 > Jesus reveals through his prayer to the Father that the "word" is "truth".

#3 To Become Partakers Of The Divine Nature That the Holy Scriptures are supernatural and God's grace-filled means by which we are transformed into the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:16-18). The Scriptures are given to us for our salvation; that we would be saved from our sins continuously, moment-by-moment, as we let the word of Christ dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16).
2 Peter 1:2-4 > We are called to "be partakers of the divine nature". It is through the knowledge of Jesus Christ (verse 2), that we have God's grace and peace multiplied in us. It is through this knowledge that we experience life and godliness, glory and virtue. It is through the great promises of God's word that we escape the corruption that is in the world, and become like God, partaking of his divine nature.

THE CHURCH FATHERS

How wonderful, and fun, to make new friends. I think you will be pleased to make their aquaintance, to become personal friends with the greatest Bible teachers that God has given the Church. These friends, some of whom knew the Apostles personally, and some who lived through the early persecutions, and others that fought heretics and defined the Holy Orthodox Faith during the time of the "Seven Great Ecumenical Councils"(325 - 787 A.D.). These friends were martyred for the Faith, defeated the heretics, wrote the Nicene Creed, and determined the Canon of New Testament Scripture. Here, I now introduce you to the great Bible teachers of the Ancient Church.

These influential Theologians lived during the first eight centuries of the Church following after the authors of the New Testament. The Church Fathers of the period of time from the Apostles of Christ(95 A.D. approx.) until 325 A.D., the year of the First Great Ecumenical Council in Nicea, are known as the Ante-Nicene Fathers. The earliest Fathers of this period, early second century, who had direct links with the Apostles or who were disciples of those who knew the Apostles are called "the Apostolic Fathers". These include Irenaeus of Lyons, Polycarp of Smyrna, Ignatius of Antioch, Clement of Rome. The Church Fathers teaching after 325 A.D. until the "Seventh Ecumenical Council" in 787 A.D. are known as "the Post-Nicene Fathers". Note also that all the Church Fathers are divided into two groups based on which language they wrote in, ie. "The Latin Fathers" which include: Tertullian, Augustine, Ambrose, and Jerome; And "The Greek Fathers" which include Irenaeus of Lyons, Clement of

Alexandria, Origen, Athanasius of Alexandria, John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and Gregory of Nyssa. Another grouping of Fathers is known as "The Desert Fathers" which were the "monastics"(monks and hermits) living in the Egyptian desert starting in the 4th century. Though they didn't write as much as the Church Fathers their influence was also very great. Their short writings are recorded in the "Paradise of the Desert Fathers". The most famous of the Desert Fathers are Anthony the Great, Pachomius the Great, Pambo, Evagrius of Pontus, Macarius of Egypt, and Macarius of Alexandria.

The Orthodox Church does not consider "the Age of the Church Fathers" to be over at all, and it includes later influential writers in the term, Church Fathers. Let me introduce you to a few: Cyril and Methodius, brother missionaries to the Slavic peoples(9th c.); In the 10th c. St Simeon Metaphrates codified the Church's "Lives of the Saints"; St Athanasius of Mount Athos founded the Great Lavra Monastery which was the beginning of what would become the Holy Mountain of Athos, and St Simeon the New Theologian wrote his "Spiritual Writings". The 11th c. saw St Theodosius found Russian monasticism. In the 13th c. St Sava was the founder and father of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The 14th c. brings us

St Gregory Palamas and his teachings on the Divine Light,  St Sergius of Radonezh, and St Stephen of Perm whose missionary work would pave the way for Siberia, Japan, and Alaska to be reached in the future with the Gospel; St Mark of Ephesus defended Orthodoxy against heresy(15 c.); In the 16th c. Met. Makarii of Moscow wrote his 12 volumes of "Monthly Readings"; St Dimitri of Rostov(17th c.); St Seraphim of Sarov(18th c.); The 19th c. spiritual writer St Ignati Brianchianinov penned "The Arena"; St Nektarios of Aegina, St John of San Francisco, and St Silouan the Athonite crossed over the 19th c. and into the 20th c.
It should be noted that not all the Fathers are considered to be saints, and certainly none of them are regarded as infallible, most especially those who fell into heresy, such as Tertullian and Origen. The Orthodox Church looks rather to the "concensus patrum" -- that is, the "concensus of the Fathers" --for its understanding of the Patristic Orthodox Faith.(orthodoxwiki.org/Church_Fathers)

EXAMPLES OF TEACHING BY THE CHURCH FATHERS FROM THE POPULAR PATRISTICS SERIES PUBLISHED BY St. Vladimir's Seminary Press - www.svspress.com
St Irenaeus of Lyons - "On the Apostolic Preaching"
St Isaac of Ninevah - "On Ascetical Life"
St Cyril of Jerusalem - "On the Christian Sacraments"
St Basil the Great - "On the Holy Spirit"; "On the Human Condition"; "On Fasting and Feasts"
St Athanasius - "On the Incarnation"
St John Chrysostom - "On Marriage and Family Life"; "On Wealth and Poverty"; "On the Priesthood"
St Gregory of Nyssa - "On the Soul and Resurrection"
St Symeon the New Theologian - "On the Mystical Life"
St Gregory the Great - "The Book of Pastoral Rule"
St Maximus the Confessor - "On the Cosmic Mystery of Jesus Christ"
St Ephrem the Syrian - "Hymns On Paradise"
St Gregory Nazianzus "The Theologian" - "On God and Christ"
Tertullian, Cyprian, and Origen - "On the Lord's Prayer"
St Melito of Sardis - "On Pascha" (Easter)
Hippolytus - "On the Apostolic Tradition"
St Germanus of Constantinople - "On the Divine Liturgy"

You Can Read Online The Church Fathers At:
www.NewAdvent.org/fathers/ Be prepared to read the writings of your new friends!!!
Gather Facts Here:

www.OrthodoxWiki.org I use OrthodoxWiki to do research.
Recommended Book On "The Apostolic Fathers":
"The Apostolic Fathers" edited by Jack N. Sparks
www.light-n-life.com