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".

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS!!!

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

FISHERS OF MEN

"And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and followed him.
    When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the Son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him."(Mark 1:16-20)

Jesus could have chosen the wise scholars of the day to take His Gospel to the whole world, and teach the Faith to all nations. But instead He chose uneducated and common men. St Paul says, "For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty..."
(1 Corinthians 1:26-28) BUT HERE IS THE DIFFERENCE!!! St Luke records in the book of Acts 4:13, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Have you been with Jesus? Oh, we believe in Him, at least we profess to know Him, but have we "been with Jesus"? The Apostles walked with Jesus, you say. They were taught directly by Jesus. That is true. And yet we see how they all ended up because of their hardness of heart(Mark 16:14). It was the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father(Luke 24:49), that empowered them, that transformed them and filled them with boldness(Acts 4:29-33), and brought to their remembrance all the things He had taught them(John 14:26; Luke 12:12; John16:12-16). This same Holy Spirit has been given to you, is available to you, is an ever-present anointing to teach you all things(1 John 2:20). Are we doing our part to be filled with the Spirit? Are we continuing in His Word day and night? Are we praying His Spirit-inspired Psalms morning, noon, and night? Oh, we too, are called to become fishers of men, but have we forsaken our nets to follow Him? Or are we entangled in the affairs of this life(2 Timothy 2:1-4)? Is the Word that is in us choked by "the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust for things"(Mark 4:19)?

St Basil the Great is quoted, "Those who are strongly seized with the desire of following Christ can no longer be concerned with anything pertaining to this life, not even with the love of parents or other relatives insofar as this runs counter to the calling of the Lord." Also see Luke 9:57-62 and Luke 14:25-35.

Psalm 107:23,24, "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep." We can see the word-picture clearly, we are to launch out into the deep, out into the sea of the worlds' peoples(Revelation 18:1,15). For the sea is a picture of the peoples of the earth, we are the fishers of men, sent out into the great waters, fraught with all the dangers of such an expedition. But it is when we, with knowledge that Jesus is with us (asleep) in the boat, that we take courage and "go" into the deep. It is then that we we see "the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep". But if we stay on shore, never obeying the Master to go, never launching out into the deep, we will never see the Lord do His work in the lives of the people He has sent us to reach.

Luke 5:1-11(Please read in your Bible - KJV :)
Jesus said to Simon(Peter), "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught(the catch)...Fear not; from henceforth you will catch men."(Verses 4, 10) Notice how it is possible for us to toil "all night" and catch nothing. But, at His word, they caught a multitude of fishes. May we learn, how to fish, when to fish, where to fish? Let us ask of the Lord for this knowledge.

After Jesus's resurrection from the dead he appeared to his disciples numerous times during the 40 days preceding His holy ascension(Acts 1:3, 10, 11). We read in John 21:1-14 about the third appearance of Jesus to his holy Apostles. This time it was Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two other disciples to whom Jesus appeared. Peter says, "I go a fishing", and the other disciples said, "We go with thee". What do you say? "Let's go fishing", "fishing for men". Again, the disciples have caught no fish. But the Lord tells them where to cast the nets and they catch an amazing assortment of great fish and not one is lost. Let us pray to cast our nets precisely where the Lord directs

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father > Jesus revealed the Father to the world - Jesus revealed His eternal power and Godhead(Romans 1:20) - Jesus revealed the Holy Trinity, "One in essence, yet undivided" - Jesus emphasized the reality of the Father in the Gospel of John chapter 14(22 times He mentions Father); John chapter 15(10 times He mentions Father); John chapter 16(12 times He mentions Father). In Matthew 6:8 Jesus introduces the Father's concern for your every "true" need as the basis for the Lord's Prayer found in the following 5 verses!!! - Our life of prayer is founded and based upon our relationship with the Father. - We do not have to badger or cajole our Father God to hear us like the pagans do with their mindless vain repetitions - All we must do is pray according to the divine will and Word of God - Jesus, the Son of the Father by nature, grants us the privilege of calling the Almighty Creator our Father by the grace of salvation/sonship(Romans 8:14-16).

Who art above the heavens > Jesus is not speaking necessarily of a material heaven, a place that is located in time and space. God is creator, he transcends the physical creation and all its' creatures. The word heaven reveals the infinite distance that there is between the Creator and His Creatures. When we pray we must see, we must know, the mystery of God's transcendence, and simultaneously, the mystery "that God was manifest in the flesh"(1 Timothy 3:16). Through Jesus, God's infinite grace has appeared, and bridged the unbridgable gap. Now we have access to God(Romans 5:1, 2; Hebrews 10:19-22). That at the moment of prayer we enter the kingdom of heaven. We, in the Spirit, leave this world of time and space and enter the eternal NOW where God is.

Hallowed Be Thy Name > Hallowed means Holy > The seraphim worshipped the Lord upon His throne, crying, "Holy, Holy, Holy"!!!(Isaiah 6:1-3)  We declare our Father is Holy and that His name is holy. Holy can be understood to mean "divine perfection", and each name of God reflects a perfectly divine attribute or characteristic of God's nature. God reveals Himself and His nature in the many names he gives to Himself. To know the name of God is to comprehend that attribute which that particular name of God
denotes, and to witness the manifestation of those attributes which the name denotes. By learning the many names of God you come to know God and what He is like. One name God revealed Himself as is El Shaddai which means "the self-existent One". To Moses He revealed Himself as "I AM THAT I AM...I AM has sent me unto you(Israel)"(Exodus 3:11-14). Interestingly Jesus called Himself I AM in John 8:58, and many times revealed his nature and work by saying "I am": the Way, the Truth, the Life...the door... the good
shepherd...the true vine...the light of the world...the bread of life...the alpha and the omega...the resurrection. In the Old Covenant God revealed Himself with seven covenant names: Jehovah Jireh - I am the Lord who provides, Jehovah Nissi - I am the Lord your victory, Jehovah Shalom - I am the Lord your peace, Jehovah Shammah - I am present with you, Jehovah Ra'ah - I am the Lord your shepherd, Jehovah Tsidkenu - I am the Lord your righteousness, Jehovah Rapha - I am the Lord your healer. In Psalm 91:14 David speaks of what God will do, "Because he has set his
love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known my name". All the names of God are wrapped up in the Savior Jesus. Every knee shall bow to His name(Philippians 2:9-11). There is no other name under heaven whereby a person can be saved(Acts 4:12). In the context of "the Lord's Prayer" we may simply magnify the Father as perfectly holy. We can simply acknowledge the Father as perfect in every way his name reveals Him. We can simply worship Him as the "I AM" who is the "all in all".

Thy Kingdom Come > Our desire is to experience God's kingdom here and now, first within us, for Christ said, "The kingdom of God is within you", and the double meaning of our prayer is, "Maranatha, The Lord Comes"(Luke 17:21; 1Corinthians 16:22). "We look for the resurrection and the life of the world to come". "We look for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ"(Titus 2:14). As we pray "Thy Kingdom Come" let us realize we are praying to "actually actualize" the very teachings of Jesus concerning the Kingdom of heaven that are found in the Sermon on the Mount just before he gives us "The Lord's Prayer".

Thy Will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven > Our heart's desire is to do the Father's will just as Jesus said it was his desire to do the Father's will. We pray, "Thy will be done" with the thought in mind that we desire to be "heavenly" while here on earth(Colossians 3:1-4).

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread > In this petition we are offering up a 3-layered prayer. 1) We are asking for the earthly nourishment necessary for our daily strength, 2) we are asking for the inner, invisible nourishment of the Word of God, the "bread of Life", 3) we are looking prophetically to the banquet of the heavenly kingdom at Christ's second coming as we eat our bread of today.

And Forgive Us Our Trespasses As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us > We acknowledge in this petition our daily need for repentance and forgiveness, and our desire for God to help us to forgive as he has forgiven us for Christ's sake(Ephesians 4:31, 32). Jesus said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect"(Matthew 5:48)

And Lead Us Not Into Temptation, but deliver us from evil > Jesus said, "Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation, the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak"(Matthew 26:41). This petition could be rendered, "Let us not be overcome by temptation, but deliver us from the evil one". We learn in James 1:13,14 "Let no man say, when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed". And we learn more from St Paul, "There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it"(1 Corinthians 10:13). We are praying then, for the Father to deliver us; from any test, trial, or temptation we may find ourselves experiencing in this corrupt and demon-filled world.

LIVING THIS LIFE IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY

The Holy Scriptures inform us that we are to live this life in light of eternity. We are to lay hold on eternal life. We are to acquire an eternal perspective. We are to enter into the reality of the kingdom of God NOW.

Titus 2:11-14 > This passage is rich in this doctrine of living this life in light of eternal realities!!! > Verse 12 says, "in this present world" we are to live in a very particular way that reflects the salvation we have received - On the side of negation, we are to "deny"(reminds us of Jesus teaching - Matthew 16:24-27) ungodliness and worldly desires - On the positive we are to live "soberly(seriously), righteously, and godly. > And where is our focus, our attention, our eyes as we live in this present world??? Answer, "looking for that blessed hope(the future promises) that will be revealed at the "glorious appearing of Jesus Christ, our great God and Savior!!! > 1 Timothy 4:8 > Bodily exercise profits you only in temporal ways, for a little while, BUT, godliness(spiritual exercise, spiritual disciplines) benefit us in this life AND in the life to come.

LIVING THIS LIFE IN LIGHT OF GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSES AND PLANS
Ephesians 2:1-10 > Verse 7 is the hinge of this passage - The fact that we have been made alive with Christ(verse 1-6) we are to live a life of good works inspired by God's saving grace(verse 8-10) and this life we live in the here and now is inspired by the reality of the ages to come(verse 7) in which we will be shown the exceeding riches of his grace!!! > Ephesians 3:8-21 > We are "in Christ Jesus" and in Christ Jesus God has an "eternal purpose". Your life has purpose. An eternal purpose. Never think, for even a moment, that you have no purpose.(verse 11) - We are the church throughout all ages(verse 21).

LIVING THIS LIFE IN LIGHT OF ETERNAL GLORY
2 Timothy 2:1-10 > The contrast is found in verse 4 with verse 10 - in verse 4 we are told of the trait of a good soldier, that "he does not entangle himself in the affairs of THIS LIFE" - This reminds us of Jesus teaching on the "Sower sows the word - Mark 4:14-20 - in verse 10 "the affairs of this life" are contrasted with "That we may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with ETERNAL GLORY"!!! Passages that reveal this glory which is yours in Christ Jesus - Colossians 1:27; Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10: Ephesians 5:27; Philippians 3:20,21.

LIVING THIS LIFE IN LIGHT OF ETERNAL JUDGMENT
2 Corinthians 5:8-10 > "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" - Romans 14:10-13 > Again, "we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ...every one of us will give account of himself to God" - 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 > Each one us will be tried by fire, our God is a consuming fire(Hebrews 12:29), our works, which have been rewarded with gold, silver, or precious stones for good works, and wood, hay, and straw for evil works, all these attached to you will be tried by fire, God's Holy presence. The wood, hay, straw will be consumed, but not before you give an account of them. The gold, silver, precious stones will enter into the Kingdom of God with you(2 Peter 1:10,11). Some, it is written, will enter in empty-handed, but at least will be saved. 

LIVING THIS LIFE IN LIGHT OF ETERNAL REWARDS
Matthew 5:3-12 > great is your reward in heaven for those who are persecuted for living righteously(Practicing verses 3-11) > Luke 14:13,14 - You will be recompensed at the resurrection of the just for your care of the poor > He that wins souls is wise(Proverbs 11:30) - Daniel 12:2,3 > those who turn many to righteousness will shine as the stars in the heavens > 1 Corinthians 15:41,42 - We will all shine differently in the resurrection like the stars of the heavens - what determines how bright you shine is how many you have turned to God - the brightness is reflected partly by the crowns we receive which have have in them gemstones corresponding to your labors in this life > 1 Thessalonians 2:19(crown of rejoicing); Philippians 4:1(St Paul called the Phillipian believers "my joy, and my crown); 2 Timothy 4:6-8(a crown of righteousness) > And NOTE what Jesus said - Revelation 22:12 -"Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

LIVING THIS LIFE IN LIGHT OF ETERNAL VALUES
1 Timothy 6:3-19 > Verses 12 and 19 tell us "to lay hold of eternal life" - This entire passage is about a fight that we believers are embroiled in as long as we are in this world - this battle is between God and mammon, and this battle takes place in us daily - it is the battle to love God over money(possessions, things of this world, material riches) - Remember Jesus's teaching on the "Sermon on the Mount" - Matthew 6:24 - Jesus says you CANNOT serve God AND mammon!!! - "for either you will hate the one, and love the other; or else you will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." > Note the contrast(verse 17-19) between "in this life" and "the time to come". > Luke 12:13-21 - here is more of Jesus's teaching on the subject of eternal values - In 1 Timothy 6:3-10 note that we are to compare and contrast what all teachers teach about money, riches, covetousness, gain with what Jesus taught us as recorded in the Gospels. > Hebrews 10:31-39 - "you have in heaven a better and enduring substance" > Hebrews 11:8-16; 13:14 > We seek a city, we desire a better country, that is an heavenly; God has prepared for us a city!!! - We confess that we are "strangers and pilgrims on the earth"(Hebrews 11:13).

THE GOOD NEWS

The Gospel is defined as "Good News", But the "Gospel" is more than just good news in general, like "the weather is going to be perfect for the wedding"; that's good news. The Gospel is the announcement (Evangel) that the runner brings to the city from the battlefield that the "victory has been won". Christ Jesus has defeated death, He "has abolished death, and has brought life and

immortality to light through the gospel"(2 Timothy 1:10); Jesus took on human flesh "that He through death might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil"(Hebrews 2:9-15); "...for this purpose was the Son of God manifested (born in the flesh), that he might destroy(set us free) from the works of the devil(1 John 3:8); God the Father "has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love"(Colossians 1:12-14); when Jesus arose "he made you alive with Him, having forgiven you all your trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us(the law has been fulfilled and thus transcended), which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross, and having spoiled(disarmed) principalities and powers(evil spirits), he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them himself"(Colossians 2:13-15); "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, cursed is every man that hangs on a tree"(Galatians 3:13); "There is therefore NOW no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus...for the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death"(Romans 8:1,2); "And this is the VICTORY that overcomes the world, even our faith"(1 John 5:4); "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world"(1 John 4:4); "You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar(purchased) people; that you should show forth the the praises(virtues - excellencies - divine energies) of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light"(1 Peter 2:9).

St Paul gives us the inspired Word of God on the Gospel in the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians; Verses 1-4 define the Gospel; read on and you will have revealed to you Christ's victory over death is our victory over death; if Christ is not risen(bodily) than our faith is in vain(verse 17); At Christ's second coming the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death(verse 26) when we all experience the resurrection of our bodies(verses 41-58). This is the Good News, this is the Gospel!!!

Historical Note: In the generations approaching Christ's coming in the flesh(the incarnation), the world, the entire world, had a "collective consciousness", a "sense", a "premonition" that the Savior of the world was about to be "born of the seed of the woman"(Genesis 3:15). This is known as "THE EXPECTATION OF THE NATIONS". "No nation ever forgot the promise of salvation. No matter how corrupt it became, and no matter how much it neglected the true God, it guarded this promise as a moral heritage, as an achor of hope throughout all the centuries, as a protest against the tyranny of the devil, and against the kingdom of evil. Jews, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, Persians, Indians, Arabs, and even the inhabitants of the New World, all awaited 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 the nations, and bring the Kingdom of Heaven to the earth".** From the dawn of time, or if you like, darkening of time at Adam and Eve's fall, mankind has been aware of the promise of God to redeem mankind from its' fall through the virgin birth of the Son of God. This promise was passed on by all the various peoples of the world through myths and legends, through oral traditions, and in particular, starting with Abraham(1900 B.C.), through the law and prophets of Israel. And as the "fulness of time"(Galatians 4:4-7) approached, people sensed "the time was near". Caesar Augustus(reigned from 27 B.C. to 14 A.D.) called himself the
"Evangelion" - he claimed to be the good news, the savior, the manifestation of Zeus. The Kings of the earth were aware of this promised Messiah and the "Wise Men" of the Fareast knew through their astronomical studies that a King was to be born!!! King Herod reacted to the news by slaying all the male children two years old and younger. Then, about 30 years later, the way of the Lord was prepared by a specially anointed prophet, John the Baptist, who was a well-known holy man, who came out of the caves in the desert to announce the arrival of the Savior of the world.

**Christology p. 25; Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker, (1900).

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

John 8:12 > Jesus is the Light of the World!!! > This Light is the uncreated Light, just like Jesus Himself was/is uncreated > Jesus says you too can have this light in you IF you follow Him > The "how" of this is given to us in His "Sermon on the
Mount" (Matthew 5:1-16) > Jesus says "you are the Light of the world "as" you live according to his words, what we call the "Beatitudes" > As you "keep his sayings" (Matthew 7:24-27) you will no longer walk in darkness but acquire this "Light" > His sayings begin with His challenge to "be poor in spirit" - "to mourn" - "to be meek" - "to thirst and hunger for righteousness" - "to be merciful" - "to be pure in heart" - "to be a peacemaker" - "to suffer persecution" > Note that the "Light" is of the "Life" > Examine
1 John 1:1-5 - We enter into fellowship/communion with God through the incarnate Son and Word of God Jesus Christ - "God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all" > Our goal as followers of Jesus is to eradicate the darkness in us and acquire the Light of Life freely given to us if and when we keep his sayings.

Ephesians 5:8-14 > Christ will give you light (verse 14) as you produce the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth, and have no fellowship with darkness; and "wake up", quit sleeping, rise from among the dead!!! (verses 8-14) > As your Light shines brighter and brighter through your good works (reflect back on (Matthew 5:14-16) you will expose darkness, meaning the light will be turned on among those around you and those people will be able to see where they are in relation to God > You will influence people to believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him, along with you, simply by being a light shining with God's Life > Your life, your good deeds, will be a witness even without words at times > TWO ancient sayings about winning souls - "Acquire the Peace of God and a 1000 around you will be saved", and "Everywhere I go I preach the Gospel, and if I have to I even use words". > The unsaved who are lost in darkness are given light by two means, our works and our words >

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 > Note that the unbeliever is "blinded" by the devil, unless the glorious LIGHT of the GOSPEL shines unto them > It is the light, our light which is Christ's light in us, that removes the blinders and enables them to see "reality", to see where they are, to see their condition before God; We are the ones who open their eyes to truth/reality and the unbeliever than must choose what they will do with this knowledge of Christ > The world is in darkness and needs many lights to lighten the way > Just as Christ was the Light that entered the world (John 1:4-9) - "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great Light" (Matthew 4:14-16) > We must hold forth the "Word of Life".

Philippians 2:15,16 > What determines how bright you shine as lights in this world? In proportion to your obedience as you work out your salvation, holding fast (holding forth KJV) the word of life.

JESUS MESSAGE OF ETERNAL LIFE IS LIGHT:
John 3:16-18,36
John 4:13,14
John 5:24-29
John 6:30-68
John10:10
John 11:17-46
John 14:1-6
John 20:30,31

Acts 26:13-18 > Paul was called "to open their eyes, in order to turn them(the lost) from darkness to light" > It is for all believers to become "lights" set on a hill and not under a bushel (Matthew 5:14-16) > Set your heart on becoming awake, becoming a shining light, a glorious light, "for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you". (1 Timothy 4:16)

THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST

Matthew 16:13-20 > Jesus' Messianic Identity And His Divinity Are Revealed > Christ Means "the Anointed One", The Messiah > THE GREAT QUESTION, "Who Do You Say That I Am?" Divine Revelation (1 Corinthians 12:3) Is Needed Where Human Reason Fails > Acts 10:38 > God Anointed Jesus, The Son Of The Living God, With The Holy Spirit > Matthew 3:16,17 Reveals The Father Speaking From Heaven And The Spirit Of God Descending Upon Jesus In The Form Of A Dove > Jesus Does Not Become The Son Of God At This Moment But Is Revealed To The World For Who He Is, The Eternal Son Of God!!! > The Feast Day Of The Epiphany (January 6) Commemorates This Day > The Trinity Is Also Manifested In The Baptism Of Jesus.

Matthew 22:41-46 > Jesus Takes The Offensive Against The Pharisees Who Were Phony Scholars Who Believed That The Messiah Would Be Just A Man > The Pharisees Said The Messiah Would Be The Son Of David Meaning He Was A Man > Jesus Responds With Scripture Rightly Divided Saying That David Called The Messiah Lord > Only God Himself Would Be Addressed As Lord > This Psalm Verse Describes God Speaking To God - The Father To The Son.

2 John 7-11 > Take Note Of The Phrase "The Doctrine Of Christ" > This Is The Doctrine That Jesus Christ Is God Come In Human Flesh > Many Deceivers Teach Contrary To This Doctrine >

What Some Of The Deceivers Say About Jesus Christ:
***Mormons Say He Was A Man Who Became A god, One Of Many gods, Brother Of Satan.
***Jehovah's Witnesses Say He Is Michael The Archangel, The First Creation Of God, That He Died And Rose Again An Invisible Spirit.
***Christian Science Says He Is A Divine Idea.
***The Moonies Say He Is A Man Who Failed.
***Bahai Says He Is One Of Nine World Manifestations.
***Unitarians Say He Is A Good Man Who Was Deified By His Followers.
***Spiritist Say He Is An Advanced Medium In The 6Th Sphere Of Astral Projection.
***Unity Says He Is A Man Who Perfected A Divine Ideal.
***Rosicrucians Say He Is A Manifestation Of Cosmic Consciousness.
***Transcendental Meditation Says He Is An Enlightened Guru Who Never Suffered For Anyone.
***Islam Says He Was A Mere Human Being, A Prophet Of God, Superseded By Muhammad Who Was The Last And Greatest Prophet.

1 John 4:1-6 > The Test For All Prophets And Teachers > Did Jesus Christ Come In The Flesh?

Isaiah 9:6,7 > Messiah's Divinity And Humanity Revealed

John 3:13-18 > The Son Of Man Came Down From Heaven To Be Lifted Up On The Cross

Matthew 1:23-25 > Emanuel Means God With Us > A Virgin Shall Conceive > Micah 5:2 > The Child Born In Bethlehem Is Eternal, From Eternity > Isaiah 7:14 > Genesis 3:15 > The Seed Of The Woman

1 Timothy 3:16 > God Is Manifest In The Flesh > John 1:1-4,14-18 > Jesus Is The Word And The Word Is God > Jesus Is God The Word

Jesus Is The Image / Icon Of The Invisible God:
> Hebrews 1:3-12
> Colossians 1:15-18
> 2 Corinthians 4:4

Philippians 2:5-11 > This Passage Was A Hymn In The Early Church > Jesus Is Equal To God By Nature > Jesus Emptied Himself (Kenosis), Made Himself Of No Reputation By Taking On Human Nature, Sharing In Our Condition Except For Sin > Jesus Is Lord > Only God Is Lord.

John 17:3-5 > Jesus Laid Aside His Glory To Walk As One Of Us > He Prays To Once Again Be Glorified As He Was In Eternity Past > Matthew 16:24-17:8 > Christ Will Come In Glory At His Second Coming > Peter, James, And John Are Given A Glimpse Of Christ In His Full Glory On The Mount Of Transfiguration >
2 Peter 1:16-18

Jesus Said He Was / Is God > John 8:12, 23-37, 43, 57-59 > Exodus 3:11-14 >

Jesus Referred To As God
> Hebrews 1:8 > Oh God...
> John 20:25-29 > My God...
> Titus 2:13 > Our Great God...
> 1 John 5:19,20 > The True God...

THE UNTETHERED SOUL - SUBVERSION IN THE CHURCH

The book "The Untethered Soul" has spent months on the New York Times Best Sellers List, and is currently the #1 Best Seller on Amazon for "Cognitive Psychology". I was inspired to write this critique of "The Untethered Soul" because a priest of the Orthodox Church I attended was promoting this book, using it in his catechism classes, his counseling sessions, and basing his sermons on the non-Christian and evil contents found in its pages. I battled this priest for a very long time until I had to speak out against its dangers to the souls that came in contact with it. I write this post to give you an example of what "subversion" looks like in the 21st century in America. The best-selling books on spirituality and self-help psychology are popular with pastors and church-goers alike. St. Paul the Apostle teaches the Church in his instruction to Titus (Titus 1:9-14) that spiritual leaders (elders & bishops) should be aware of vain talkers and deceivers, who "subvert" whole houses (churches). "The Untethered Soul" is a book directed toward the religious masses, and has found its way into many Christian home libraries. The author of this book targets Christians, and with subtlety attempts to subvert the follower of Christ who lacks a knowledge of Holy Scripture, and spiritual discernment.

the untethered soul EXPOSED

Introduction

The book, “the untethered soul”, is antichrist in every respect. Antichrist by definition means “in place of Christ”, not just “against Christ”. The teachings of Michael Singer’s, “the untethered soul” (TUS), replaces the Faith of Christ with a false belief system. TUS replaces faith in the Christian God with a panentheistic worldview: “When the drop of consciousness that knows itself as an individual drifts back far enough, it becomes like the drop that falls into the ocean. The Atman (Soul) falls into the Paramatman (Supreme Soul). The individual consciousness falls into the Universal Oneness. AND THAT’S IT” (pg. 176). TUS reduces Christ to just one of many enlightened sages who Singer says taught that,   “You can move from the finite to the infinite. Isn’t this what they’ve been trying to tell us – Christ, Buddha, and the great saints and sages of all time and all religions”? (pg.38). TUS misrepresents Jesus and his faith, and pours New Age meaning into his words (pg. 176). TUS deceptively subverts the faith of the ill-informed Christian, leading them away from Christ and the God of the Holy Scriptures, the Triune God revealed to the world by Jesus (Mt 3:16; Mt 17; Mt 28:18-20). TUS guides the reader to not rely on Scripture (pg. 142, 177), and instructs the reader that they have no need to “renounce the world” (pg. 142), nor does the reader need to repent (pg. 180), nor does the reader need to feel guilt and shame, they just feel that way due to being taught wrongly about God (inferring Christianity). TUS is completely committed to the ideal of syncretism, the unification of all religions, and strips the Christian faith of its uniqueness and exclusive claims as the “One True Faith”. TUS lumps Christ and His faith in with the religions and spiritual practices of Hinduism (pg. 53); Buddhism (pg. 128); Taoism (pg. 165); Yoga and Yogic teachings and techniques (pg. 22, 23, 32, 43, 53, 145, 147); and meditation (pg. 47, 145). Throughout TUS Singer makes one “truth claim” after another, using subtlety to deceive the reader that what he is preaching is the ultimate truth. TUS presents an antichrist anthropology. TUS is an absolute refutation of the Christian faith, teaching that your own actions can lead to liberation. TUS teaches that there is no need for a Savior, and there is nothing to be forgiven. You are the answer to your own dilemma.

The Syncretism of the untethered soul

Syncretism is the reconciliation or fusion of differing religious beliefs. Singer deceives the reader when he describes the “flow of energy” inside you. He writes, “It’s been called by many names. In ancient Chinese medicine, it is called Chi. In yoga, it is called Shakti. In the West, it is called Spirit. CALL IT ANYTHING YOU WANT. All the great spiritual traditions talk about your spiritual energy; they just give it different names.” (pg. 44). In chapter 4, “The Lucid Self”, Singer writes, “You can move from the finite to the infinite. Isn’t this what they’ve been trying to tell us – Christ, Buddha, and the great saints and sages of all time and all religions”? (pg. 37, 38) While explaining ”your center of consciousness” Singer pushes syncretism, “That is the seat of the Buddhist Self, the Hindu Atman, and the Judeo-Christian Soul” (pg. 29). Singer, while explaining the Hindu doctrine of chakras, energy centers, writes “This energy flow has been referred to as Shakti, Spirit, and Chi, and it plays an intricate part in your life” (pg. 50). In chapter 18, Singer opens by promoting Taoism, describing it as “one of the deepest of all spiritual teachings” (pg.165). He ends the chapter making this claim, “All the great teachings reveal the way of the center, the way of balance” (pg. 172). Jesus is not one of many ways. Jesus said, “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father (God) but by me” (John 14:6). Then finally, in what is utter blasphemy, pouring New Age dogma into the words of Jesus, Singer writes, “In the mystical Gospel of John, Christ says, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us…I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one…” (John 17:21-23). So it was taught in the Hindu Vedas; so it was taught in the Jewish Kabbalah; so it was written by the great Sufi mystic poets; and so it was taught in all the great religious traditions of all time. Such a state exists; one can merge into the Universal Absolute. One can merge into God” (pg. 176).

The Foundational Religions of the untethered soul

Singer teaches the Yogic tradition of Hinduism introducing “chakras” (pg. 50) and “Samskara” (pg. 53-58). Singer writes, “In the yogic tradition, that unfinished energy pattern is called a Samskara. This is a Sanskrit word meaning “impression”, and in the yogic teachings it is considered one of the most important influences affecting your life” (pg. 53). Singer says of yoga, “Yoga is not really about getting your body healthy, although it does that too. Yoga is about the knowledge that will help you out of your predicament, the knowledge that can free you” (pg. 22). In the concluding remarks of her mini-book, “An Orthodox Posture on Yoga” (Conciliar Press), Christine Mangala Frost writes “Christians undertaking yoga should be fully aware that its Hindu-Buddhist spiritual ethos is incompatible with the Christian faith” (pg. 13). Frost continues, “Even greater caution is necessary with what is taught as “meditation.” Some advanced forms of meditation exercises change one’s brain rhythms and lead to a sense of euphoria which can be addictive…Breathing techniques aimed at rousing what is called kundalini, dormant sexual energy which is then sublimated into spiritual energy, are particularly dangerous, as they expose one to psychic forces beyond one’s control”. Singer writes, “Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950), is a great teacher in the yogic tradition, used to say that to attain inner freedom one must continuously and sincerely ask the question “Who am I?” He taught that this was more important than reading books (think Bible), learning mantras (think Jesus Prayer), or going to holy places (think Church)” (pg.23). Singer writes, “Fortunately, the nature of consciousness has been studied very closely in deep teachings such as yoga. In fact, the ancient teachings of yoga are all about consciousness” (pg.32). Singer happily sings, “If you take on this path of unconditional happiness (chapter 15), you will go through all the various stages of yoga” (pg.145). And Singer continues his teaching of Yoga, “One of the ancient names for God in the yogic tradition is Satchitananda – Eternal, Conscious Bliss. God is ecstasy” (pg. 147). In chapter 13, “Letting Go of False Solidity” Singer teaches Buddhism. “The Buddhists have a term for this: “clinging”” (pg. 128). This entire chapter is dedicated to this Buddhist doctrine. And Singer sings the praises of Taoism, “No discussion of living life as a spiritual path is complete without addressing one of the deepest of all spiritual teachings, the Tao te Ching” (pg.165).

Singer Negates Holy Scripture, the Gospel, and Christian Theology

Singer writes, “If you try to read about God in a book, you’ll find five other books that say the opposite” (pg.177). In the middle of one of Singer’s most outlandish paragraphs he writes, “You don’t have to learn Sanskrit or READ ANY SCRIPTURES. You don’t have to renounce the world” (pg. 142). Christians should know that the Holy Bible is a unique and exclusive revelation of the True and Living God to humankind. That “all scripture (the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings) were given (to us) by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the words of God (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Revelation 19:10 ).

The Truth Claims of Michael Singer

Singer apparently writes TUS to subvert the Christian faith of those who lack a Scriptural-Mind. Over and over again Singer makes truth claims about his teachings and techniques. Using words and phrases like “true”, “in truth”, “ultimately”, “Now the truth is” and “The fact is”. When writing about “Infinite Energy” (Chapter 5) Singer says, “True spiritual teachings are about this energy and how to open it” (pg.44). He closes this chapter claiming, “The most important thing in life is your inner energy” and, “Through meditation, through awareness and willful efforts, you can learn to keep your centers open. You do this by just relaxing and releasing” (pg. 47). In TUS Singer is introducing the unsuspecting Christian reader to Gyana. On the very first page of TUS Deepak Chopra praises the TUS and Michael Singer saying, “In the book, The Untethered Soul, Michael Singer takes you step-by-step through the process of Gyana, the yoga of the Intellect, to the Source”. TUS is indoctrinating the unsuspecting Christian reader in Yogic processes that are antichrist and antichrist spiritual practices. Singer writes, “After you’ve put years and years into this process, and learned to let go no matter how deep the pain, you will achieve a great state. You will break the ultimate habit: the constant draw of the lower self. You will then be free to explore the nature and source of your true being – Pure Consciousness” (pg. 67). Singer writes, “Ultimately, the word “beyond” captures the true meaning of spirituality”, and “in truth everything is infinite” (pg. 119). Singer in his deceitful cunning, in his antichrist craft and treachery, poses this question to be contrary to the Gospel, “Who are you that is lost and trying to build a concept of yourself in order to be found”? (pg.131) TUS contradicts Jesus, as Jesus taught that the Prodigal Son “was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:24, 32). And, “For the Son of man is come to save that which is lost” (Matthew 18:11).

 the untethered soul EXPOSED

Chapter 19 – the loving eyes of god

Singer saves his most cunningly devised deceptions for the final chapter where he attempts to seal the deal that his brand of New Age religion is the truth, and the way, to experience life; to experience the Divine Force. In chapter 19, “the loving eyes of god”, Singer boldly teaches panentheism; expounds Buddhist thought; promotes syncretism; deconstructs Christian truth; champions the new tolerance (which is not tolerant at all); commits overt blasphemy against Jesus; distorts the teaching of Jesus concerning “judging others”; twists the gospel teachings of Jesus; distorts the Christian theology of love; and denies the God of Christian Orthodoxy saying that God is “Universal Consciousness”, the “Universal Absolute”. This list is derived from just the eight pages of this chapter, and isn’t even a complete list of the errors that could be found therein.

In Paragraph 1 Singer is saying there is NO revelation or teachings that truly reveal God. Singer is saying any “teachings...concepts…views about God” have been ruined by the touch of humans. The Orthodox Church would refute this claim. Jesus became incarnate, Jesus established the Church as the pillar and foundation of Truth, and Jesus inspired the scriptures of the Holy Prophets and Apostles.

In Paragraphs 2 – 10 Singer has me feeling feelings about how I feel! Singer is teaching about “Spiritual growth”, and that “there is a direct connection with the Divine” within us. We just need to practice the false religions of Hinduism, Yoga, and Buddhism so we can get our vibrations just right through disassociation with the physical and psychological parts of our being! Twenty three times (23) in these 9 short paragraphs Singer employs the words: feel, feels, felt, or feelings.  This ploy plays into the weakness of the modern reader who has been trained to relate to what they see or read based on “how they feel about it” rather than “what they think about it objectively”. Singer is counting on the reader to not think critically or objectively about the material, but rather to respond emotionally, to be led by how they feel about what they are reading.

In Paragraph 11 Singer blasphemes the Word of God. In his zeal to promote syncretism, he describes what will happen to you as you practice his religion.

“You naturally begin to experience the vibrations that were described by the great saints and sages of different traditions. You realize that you, too, can have deep spiritual experiences and be “…in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10).”

In Paragraphs 12 - 17 the reader is walloped with so much antichrist religion a book would have to be written to refute it all. Singer loves to plant antichrist seeds of doubt in his reader’s minds, saying, “Ultimately, how do you really know anything about God?” (The Christian knows about God through the incarnation of Christ, His Church, and the Holy Scriptures). Then in the next sentence Singer tells you that people “who have gone beyond have come back and said that the Spirit you’re experiencing is the doorway to God”. The true love and light that comes from God comes to humanity through the person of Jesus Christ (Read all 5 chapters of 1 John). But the love and light promised by Singer to his devotees is a false gospel, with a false spirit, that originates with the serpent that beguiled Eve through his subtlety (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4). The end result of Singers TUS spirituality is that your unique personhood is swallowed up into some “ultimate expansiveness”, and the person becomes “like a single drop of water merging into the ocean”. You are nothing more than a “drop of consciousness” that is hoping someday to be absorbed into the “universal consciousness”. This is pure panentheism.

Singer commits blasphemy when he contorts the very words of Jesus to teach his demonic spirituality. “When that happens (you, the drop, falling into the ocean), people say interesting things like, “I, and my Father are one” (John 10:30) and “…the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (John 14:10). They all spoke like that. They said they had merged and that there was no differentiation within the Universal Oneness of God…In the mystical Gospel of John, Christ says, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us…I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in me…” (John 17:21-23). So it was taught in the Hindu Vedas; so it was taught in the Jewish Kabbalah; so it was written by the great Sufi mystic poets; and so it was taught in all the great religious traditions of all time. Such a state exists; one can merge into the Universal Absolute. One can merge into God”. How can an Orthodox Christian priest stomach this book for one moment, let alone, read it over and over and over, then teaching it and counseling from it and preaching sermons from it, and promoting it?

Finally, in paragraphs 18 – 35, Singer gives us a string of his doctrines, all the while attempting to deconstruct Christian faith that may be present in the reader’s heart. Those who possess a scriptural-mind will discern the falsehoods presented by Singer. Singer writes that you cannot know God by reading a book (he is inferring the Bible); Singer introduces “the Divine Force” as God, and says this Divine Force possesses a love that is without judgment, “We all know that true love doesn’t judge”. Referring to the Christian and Biblical description of God (God is love – 1 John 4:8) Singer seeks to define according to his religious views what “God is love” means. To Singer, God does not judge. And neither should we judge. He twists the scriptural ideals and ideas concerning love and judging. Singer “feels” that guilt, fear, and shame have no place in our relationship with God. He says we have nothing to apologize (repent) for (para. 32). All we need to do is practice all the processes and techniques that he, Singer, writes about. Then, everything will be okay as we “let go”, “get centered”, “fall behind”, and “drift upwards”.

Visit www.TheUntetheredSoulExposed.Blogspot.com  for chapter-by-chapter critiques to be added in the future.