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.

PUT THE TREE IN THE SEA

Luke 17:1-4 “Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!² It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.³ Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.⁴ And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”
 

Faith, according to the scriptures, is for overcoming! “..and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4) In the text we are studying now (Luke 17:1-10) faith is for overcoming a number of things; love of money, offences or obstacles put in our paths to thwart ministry, and the “sycamine tree” of bitterness and unforgiveness. The backdrop for Jesus’s teaching here to his apostles is what you find in the previous chapter, Luke 16. In Luke 16:1-13 the Pharisees are listening to Jesus teaching his disciples about the significance of non-possession, that is, being free from the love of money. In Luke 16:14 we see the Pharisees, who were covetous (lovers of money), mocking Jesus about his teaching  where He instructs the servants to be good stewards over the wealth they have been given and to be careful not to hoard it, but to distribute it to the poor while they had the opportunity while still alive. Then when they depart this life they will be received into everlasting habitations by the very poor they ministered to while alive on earth. Jesus responds to the Pharisees mockery with the story of “The Rich Man and Lazarus” in Luke 16:19-31. In this story Jesus warns the Pharisees of the eternal torment awaiting them for choosing to love mammon (money/things) over loving God and having pity upon the poor. This brings us to Luke 17 where Jesus begins with a warning to his disciples that there will be offences put in their pathway of ministry by the religious elite because of their love of money and hatred of the truth. The Greek word here for offences is “skandalon” which is defined as stumbling block or obstacle. Woe to those who cause the offences and would hinder someone from hearing the truth. It would be better that they were cast into the sea with a millstone around their neck. This is speaking metaphorically of being cast into the sea or abyss of fiery torment. Then Jesus warns the apostles that they are to take heed among their own ranks to be watchful concerning trespasses and how they respond to them. For as sure as offences will come from those without the church, trespasses will come from our brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus commands us that we are to forgive the repentant brother as often as he repents, even endlessly (Matthew 18:22). 

Luke 17:5-10 ⁵ And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.⁶ And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.⁷ But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?⁸ And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?⁹ Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.¹⁰So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

This brings us to the apostles famous request, “Lord, Increase our faith”. The apostles were feeling the gravity of all they were being called to do, and the many spiritual battles that were about to ensue. They sense their need for one particular spiritual quality that will enable them to overcome, faith. Jesus responds by letting them know that they can overcome with the smallest amount of faith, a faith as a grain of mustard seed. A mustard seed is that smallest of grains. Jesus is saying that each and every believer has within them the ability, the faith, to overcome the un-forgiveness and bitterness that can follow the offences and the trespasses. Jesus gives us a metaphor of how we can pluck up by the roots the bitterness and un-forgiveness that has planted itself deep in the soil of our hearts (Hebrews 12:15). And how we can cast out this devilish wisdom (James 3:14-16) from our hearts, and cast them into the sea which is the abyss. Take note that Jesus guides us on how to express this faith to overcome the rooted bitterness in us. We must “say unto the sycamine tree. Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” (Luke 17:6) Faith speaks to the tree of bitterness, “Bitterness, I pluck you out of my heart, and I cast you into the sea to drown and never to be replanted in my heart.” I would like to introduce a little ditty to encourage one another with when we are battling bitterness and un-forgiveness, Let us say to one another, “Put the Tree in the Sea”. The sycamine tree is a kind of Mulberry tree, possibly a Black Mulberry, common in the Middle East and prominent in lower Galilee. The sycamine tree has an enormous and very deep root system and is nearly impossible to dig out of the ground. You can cut the tree down to ground level, but the tree can live on because of its deep root system accessing water. This imagery was not lost on the apostles, nor should it be lost on us. The sycamine tree of un-forgiveness must be plucked up by the roots and destroyed in the sea/abyss. Another feature of the sycamine tree is that the silk worms would feed on the leaves and form nests in the branches. This shows us that when we are embittered there are worms that eat at us constantly. I say, “Put the Tree in the Sea”. 

Jesus finishes his lesson on plucking up the un-forgiveness by faith by instructing them that this “life of forgiveness” is their duty as servants. They are to say (referencing the parable of Luke 16:1-13), “We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which is our duty to do.” We are not to live for mammon as the Pharisees (the religious elite) do, we are to live a life of sacrifice and self-denial, spending all including ourselves (2 Corinthians 12:15), caring for the poor.

A NOTE ON BIBLE STUDY:

Faith is often a very misunderstood bible subject. It is important to study each reference in the bible according to its immediate context first, then its context within the particular book of the bible the passage is in, then study the reference in light of the entire bible. Let us be “a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

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.

CHRIST IN THE PSALMS - 91

Thoughts On The Psalms:
+ The Psalms are a golden thread through Ancient Christian Worship.
+ In the Ancient Tradition the book of Psalms is to be prayed through weekly.
+ The Psalms express in divinely inspired language the innermost thoughts, even fears, of humankind. They speak of our intense sorrow over sin; of the horror of lonliness; despair soothed by God's love. And they point to our ultimate liberation through Jesus Christ.
+ They should be a significant part of our prayer life.
+ In Acts 4:24-30 we see the early church praying Psalm 2.
+ In Acts 1:20 we see the early christians finding a replacement for the Apostles appealing to Psalm 69:25.
+ In Acts 2:25-35 we see that the first sermon on the Day of Pentecost was Peter giving an exegesis of two Psalms; Psalm 16:8-10 and Psalm 110.
+ James 5:13, Ephesians 5:18,19, and Colossians 3:16 show us that the early church were constantly enjoining the Psalms in their worship and prayer.

                                       PSALM 91

The Ancient Tradition is that Psalm 91 is prayed daily, usually at noontime to battle the "noontime devil", or at bedtime to counter the "terror by night". The reality is that the Christian is constantly engaged in spiritual combat, and the Psalms are arrows in our quiver which we let fly throughout the day and night to destroy the works of the devil. Psalm 91 has always ranked among the more favorite psalms among Christians and interestingly is the opening Psalm of the funeral service of the Orthodox Church.

Verse 1) "Where do you dwell/live?" "On what does your mind dwell?" Have you made God your dwelling place? Do you live with God moment-by-moment? Jesus said, "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.(John 14:23) Later in this Psalm God says, "Because he has set his love upon me..."(v. 14); Have you set your love upon God; By hearing, keeping, and doing his commands/words? Jesus said the kingdom of God is within you and when you pray enter into your closet or secret place. By doing these things we are abiding, lodging, taking up residence with God in the Love of the Holy Trinity, we enter into His divine protection; under the shadow of the Almighty. This shadow is God's glory that we can experience by entering into the holy of holies(Hebrews 10:19) through worship and prayer and communion, both moment-to-moment and in the Eucharist.(Heb.10:24,25).

Verse 2) "I will say of the Lord..." This is a bold confession of faith that we can pray daily. Our faith is in the Lord(Hebrews 13:5,6; Ps. 107:2) A Refuge and a fortress are where we run into for protection when under attack. Daily we pray the Psalms and actualize the promises of God's divine protection. We trust in God and in His ways to battle the enemy.

Verse 3,4) Two ways in which the enemy attempts to destroy us; 1)through deceptive traps, and 2) through the diseases of sin. A fowler is a trapper of birds(Psalm 124:6-8); the snares are hidden by the enemy, they are not obvious. In the very places we normally travel he schemes to trap us. A fowler will especially try to trap young birds, then raise them by hand. Once tamed, the fowler will confine the birds to hidden cages who will attract their fellow birds to visit them. The birds coming to join them are shot with arrows by hunters lying in wait. Let us not be traped, nor be used to trap others. The pestilence pictures the contagion of sin. Sin-sick people surround us, we are one of them, the plague of the heart is common to man, yet we can be delivered from this plague even when it abounds all around us in others. Let us find healing for ourselves, and build our immune systems so that we can effectively fend off the sicknesses of those we interact with.

Verse 5,6) God wants us to be free of the fear that comes from knowing of the spiritual combat we are engaged in. We are not to be afraid of evil men or devils. We are not to fear the "terror by night" nor "the arrow that flies by day" nor "the pestilence that walks in darkness" nor "the noonday devil". The "terror by night" are the robbers, the demons, who come to steal, kill, and destroy"(John 10:10). These thieves will come at night, so let us say our prayers just before we lay down to sleep(Compline - Ps 51, Ps 70, Ps 143, Ps 91). The arrow that flies by day we note are descibed in Ephesians 6:10-18 are the fiery darts of "the wicked one", thoughts that enter our minds from without. We can and must "quench" these fiery darts with the "shield of Faith". And we can accomplish this by taking unto ourselves the "whole armour of God". Truth, living righteously, our feet firmly standing in the Gospel, the shield of faith, our minds protected by the helmet of salvation, and the "sword of the Spirit, which is the (spoken)word of God; praying always...". Note that our prayers are to be the "spoken word of God, which becomes a sword against the enemy who is attacking us. The pestilence that walks(stalks us) in darkness may be the very "terror by night" we described earlier. It is written, "Your adversary, the devil, walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour - whom resist steadfast".(1 Peter 5:8) Often we experience a "dark night of the soul" where we face terrible demons of fear, lonliness, regret, shame. Let us battle these temptations with the Psalms which address each one of these condemnations of the devil. Sins can plague us in the night, they stalk us and we must fend them off with the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. "The destruction that wasteth at noonday" is known in the Septuagint translation of the Bible as "the Noonday devil". This noonday devil is common to man, and it is at noontime that many people experience a spiritual weariness, a despondency(known as ascedia by the monastics). A mysterious dejection settles into the minds of mankind. This destruction that comes is likened to the pestilential hot wind that is experienced in the Eastern countries that begins about 8 a.m. and becomes overwhelming at noontime, suffocating, burning, and making people weakened to the point they cannot continue. The Arabs call this wind, "the poison winds". This is why the Church has always called Christians to a time of prayer at noontime(known as the hour).

Verse 7,8) You can be protected from all the effects of the demonic attacks which were just described; the temptations are common to man, but deliverance is for the "blessed man", "the man who dwells in the secret place of the Most High"; thousands will fall all around, but not you.

Verse 9-12) We learn here that we are protected from ultimate evil, from the plague of death. Just like the death angel passed by the homes with the blood of the Lamb on the doorposts(Exodus 12), so will death pass us by in the Resurrection. But do not confuse "bad things" happening to us in this world with "evil things". God takes all things, good and bad, and works them together for our good if we love Him(Romans 8:28-39). And we are instructed that we have angelic help in our spiritual battles. Angels are "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those who will be heirs of salvation(Heb. 1:14). Angels are assisting us always in our daily battles, even maneuvering us around satanic obstacles that would have tripped us up had they, the angels, not intervened. And this without our knowledge. Yet we pray Psalm 91 and other Psalms(Ps 34:7; Ps 103:20,21) which call on the angels to assist us.

Verse 13) We are to take authority over the demons, and enforce the victory of Christ over Satan(Luke 10:17-20). We are to "tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy(Luke 10:19)". To tread upon these demons means that we put them under our feet in Christ(Eph. 1:19-23). We proclaim the victory that Christ has won over the devil and his works(1 John 3:8; Acts 10:38; 2 Cor. 2:14; Col. 2:13-15; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4,5; Rom. 8:37-39). Note the two types of evils described here in verse 13; the lion and the adder; then the young lion and the dragon. The lion is an open and violent force, like the attacks that come upon us in trials and dark circumstances. They roar loudly, causing fear; we sense the impending doom. The adder(asp) is a snake in the grass, you don't see it, but it is very dangerous to our souls. These snakes try to creep up on us unaware, but the moment we spot them we are to trample them underfoot with all the forces of heaven at our disposal: the Name of Jesus, the Word of God, the virtues, and prayer. The young lion is a lion at the peak of his powers; the dragon is the most dreaded of serpents: Even these powerful demons can be trampled under your feet by the power of the Cross.

Verse 14-16) In these three verses we hear God Himself speaking of what He will do for the man who "loves God", who "knows my Name". God promises to "answer" you when you call upon him, to be with you "in trouble", to "deliver you, and to honour you. And He will satisfy you with the perfect "length of days". Whatever God has planned for you is the perfect length of life for you, and most importantly it will end with God showing you His salvation. In "The Great Litany" of "The Divine Liturgy" we pray, "For a Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, and for a good defense before the dread judgment seat of Christ."(2 Cor. 5:8-10; Rom. 14:9-13) What is meant by a "painless death"? It is not teaching us to pray that we not experience physical pain while dying. It is teaching us to pray that we not experience spiritual pain at the time of our death. A painless death is when we die and feel no pain because we are free of attachments to this world. Death is painful for those people who are attached to the things of this earth(Matthew 16:24-27; Mark 4:19), they love the things of this world(1 John 2:15-17). When a person dies and is still attached to the things of this world it is a painful death. Let us pray that God will help us to become detached from this world and be prepared for the time of our departure(Phil. 1:21-25; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).

HOW TO RESIST THE DEVIL, TRANSFIGURE OUR PASSIONS, AND OVERCOME THE WORLD

1 Peter 5:8,9 > Recognize You Have An Adversary Who Wants To Destroy You > You Must Choose To Not Let This Happen > The Devil "May Not" Devour You Unless You Give Him "Place" In Your Life - Note Ephesians 4:27 (King James) - "Give No Place To The Devil". >  Peter's Advice, "Be Sober" - Sober Means To Be Serious - Like A Soldier Going To Battle > Each Morning You Awake You Should Prepare For Battle As A Good Soldier -
2 Timothy 2:1-4 > Peter's Second Tip, "Be Vigilant" (Check The NOTE Below)

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 > The Battle Is In The Mind/Heart > Take Every Thought Captive To The Obedience Of Christ > If You Entertain Sinful Thoughts They Develop Into Images ie. Imaginations - These Imaginations Lead To Actions That Establish The Original Temptation As A Stronghold > Thanks Be To Jesus Christ That Even Strongholds Can Be Torn Down - But How Much Easier To Take Thoughts Captive > But The Spiritual Life Is Not Easy - The Scriptures Liken The Spiritual Life to These Three - A Champion Athlete - A Faithful Farmer - A Good Soldier > All Three Exact From Themselves Sobriety And Vigilance. > Control Your Thoughts - Set Your Affections On Things Above - "You Can't Keep A Bird From Flying Over Your Head, But You Can Keep It From Building A Nest In Your Hair" >

NOTE: Vigilance = 1. Wakefulness 2. A Being Alert And Vigilant; Watchfulness; Caution. Alert Implies Wide-Awake And Active Watchfulness Or Attention. Vigilant Implies Keen, Often Wary, Watchfulness. > Vigil = A Devotional Watching, Morning Or Evening Prayers; Wakefulness; Sleeplessness. A Watching, To Hold Vigil. (Websters Dictionary 1938) > Luke 21:36 - Jesus Says, "Watch...And Pray Always" - Matthew 26:41 Jesus Says,"Watch And Pray That You Enter Not Into Temptation" > Temptation Is Coming, Whether You Enter Into It Will Be Determined In Direct Proportion To How Much "Watching And Praying" You Have Been Vigilant To Attend To > Jesus Says, "...Men Ought Always To Pray, And Not To Faint" - Mark 13:32-37 Jesus Says "WATCH" (To The One "Not" Watching Jesus Will Come As A Thief. To The One "Watching" Jesus Comes As The Bridegroom) > Proverbs 4:20 - Keep Your Heart/Watch Over Your Heart With All Diligence - Psalm 141:3, "Set A Watch, O Lord,  Over My Mouth; Keep The Doors Of My Lips" - Song Of Solomon 5:2 "Though I Sleep, My Heart Keeps Awake" > Matthew 26:36-46 Jesus Says, "What, Could You Not WATCH With Me One Hour" - Praying And Watching Are Two Sides To The Same Coin > Jesus Says, "The Spirit Is Willing, But The Flesh Is Weak" > We Watch By Standing In Prayer At Set Times Preferably - The Apostles Fell Asleep Because They "Laid And Prayed" - Psalm 134:1-3, "Behold, Bless Ye The Lord, All Ye Servants Of The Lord, Which  By Night Stand In The House Of The Lord"

Matthew 4:1-11 > Jesus Shows Us 'The Way" To Resist The Devil > "It Is Written" - Every Temptation Is Resisted With The Sharp  Sword Of Scripture - Jesus Speaks The Word/Quotes Scripture To Resist The Devil's Twisted Lies Of Deception > This Is Known In The Church Fathers As "Counter-Speaking" > The Church Fathers Speak Of The Use Of "Arrow Prayers", Short And Fervent Invocations Frequently Repeated. This Practice Came To Be Known As "Monologic Prayer", Prayer Of A Single Logos, A Single Word Or Phrase > This Is Why It Is Of The Utmost Importance To Know The Word Of God, To Be Able To Quote The Word Against The Temptations, To Pull An Arrow Out Of Your Quiver And Shoot The Enemy Through His Dark Heart > Psalm 119:11

James 4:4-10 > We Resist Temptation, The Passions, By Speaking The Word As Jesus Did, Then We Hate The Evil Desire, Then We Practice The Particular Virtue That Is Opposed To The Passion > Resist Depression/Apathy With Good Deeds/Go Care For Someone In Need > Resist Sadness With Songs Of Joy - Isaiah 61:1-3 - Put On The Garment Of Praise For The Spirit Of Heaviness > Resist Pride By Humbling Yourself > Resist Greed With Generosity - And So On

NOTE: The Passions Are The Sinful Predispositions of Our Fallen Human Nature > The Passions Are The "Lusts/Desires Of The Flesh" - Galatians 5:19-21 > The Flesh Is Not Our Physical Bodies But The Fallen Nature, The Adamic Nature We Inherited At Birth From Our Progenitors > "Now The Works Of The Flesh Are These; Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lasciviousness (Lewdness), Idolatry, Witchcraft (Greek = Pharmakeia), Hatred, Variance (Contentions), Emulations (Jealousies), Outbursts Of Wrath, Strife (Selfish Ambitions), Seditions (Disensions), Heresies, Envy, Murders, Drunkenness, Revelries, And The Like" > This List From Galatians 5 Is A Good Start, If You Can Call It A "Good" Start? > There Are More "Lists" Of Passions Elsewhere In Scripture Which Name, Greed, Love Of Money, Gluttony Vainglory, Laziness/Sloth, etc, etc > The Passions Are Qualities We Inherit From Our Animal Nature - We, In Our Sinful State, Reflect More Of An Animal Instinct Than A Human Instinct - It's As If The Instincts/Qualities Of Self-Preservation In Animals Has Been Transferred Into Human Life And Become Our Passions > There Is A Zoo Within Us - Like Many Animals Running Through Us Just Under The Ribcage - We Have A New Nature Through The New Birth Baptism (John 3:1-7) But The Old Nature Still Lurks Within And Must Be Brought Into Subjection To The Law Of Christ (Romans 6) - Our Fleshly Actions Are Frequently Classified As Animals Living On Mere Instincts Rather Than The Good And Holy Feelings Of Human Nature, ie Love - For Example, We Say, "He Eats Like A Pig" - "He's Stubborn As A Mule" - "He's Proud As A Peacock" - A Womanizer Is Called "A Wolf" - A Treacherous Person Is A "Snake In The Grass" - A Grouchy Person Is "A Bear" - A Coward Is Called "Chicken" - A Dull Person Is Called An "Ox". > Another Way Of Dealing With The Passions Is To Cover The Windows Of Your Soul/Your Senses With Fine Nets/Screens Which Will Keep Out Impure Insects, This Is Done By Meditating On The Sober Realities Of Eternal Judgment > And Let Us Not Forget The Powerful "Name Of Jesus" - Always Call Upon The Name Of Jesus, All That You Do, Do In The Name Of Jesus (Colossians 3:17) - Recite "The Jesus Prayer" Whenever A Weak Moment Arises, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son Of God, Have Mercy On Me, A Sinner" - St John Of The Ladder Said, "Flog The Foes With The Name Of Our Lord Jesus". Transfiguring The Passions Should Be Our Goal, Not Destroying Them - Of Course Their Evil Bent Is Destroyed Once The Passion Is Deified By God's Holy Spirit ( 2 Peter 1:2-12 ) - But Our Passions Are Given To Us By God, But Have Been Hi-jacked, Re-directed, By Sin - We Must Direct The Passions Toward God - Physical Eros/Erotic Love Must Be Concentrated On God - St Maximos The Confessor Said, "Every Passion Is Curable Through Abstinence And Love" - "Uncontrolled Anger Is To Be Re-directed Into Righteous Indignation - Sexual Lust Transformed Into Into An Eros Love For God, Whom We Are To Love With An Agape Love And Eros Love. Thus The Passions Are To Be Purified, Not Eradicated; Transfigured, Not Eliminated" (Philokalia, Anthony Conairis, p. 162) -

Ephesians 6:10-18 > A Good Soldier Must Have On His Armour Completely And Have His Sword In Hand/Mouth When He/She Begins The Day > From This Passage We Are Informed That We Can Be Strong, In The Lord > Exodus 14:14 - "The Lord Shall Fight For You" > We Are Informed About Our Enemies > Then We Are Informed Of Our Defensive Weaponry > Truth - Righteousness - Gospel Of Peace - Faith - Salvation > Once Clothed In Our Armour Then We Are To Take Up "...The Sword Of The Spirit, Which Is The Word Of God: PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER And Supplication In The Spirit, And WATCHING Thereunto With All Perserverance And Supplication For The Saints". > It Is In Prayer, "All Kinds Of Prayer" That The Battle Is Fought And Won > We Are To "Pray Without Ceasing" ( 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ) > Prayer Takes On Several Forms, The Most Basic Is Our "Daily Rule Of Prayer"

NOTE: The Daily Rule Of Prayer Is "Our Set Prayers" Or "Our Written Prayers" > This Is A Written Prescription Of God's Truth That We Are To Faithfully Recite Morning, Noon ,And Night > At Least Morning And Night > Psalm 119:164 - David Mentions Praising God Seven Times A Day - Orthodox Christian Monks Have Daily Prayer Up To Seven Times > Some Monasteries Develop Their Own "Life Of Prayer" Establishing Three "Hours", Five "Hours", Or Even The Strict Seven "Hours" Of Prayer. - Hours Of Prayer Are Mentioned In Acts 3:1-6 (9th Hour) And Acts 10:9 (6th Hour) - It Appears That The Apostles Kept The Hours Of Prayer That Were Part Of Their Jewish Tradition Since Jesus Is The Fulfillment Of Jewish Promise As Recorded In The Law, The Prophets, And The Psalms > As Time Went On The Church And The New Covenant In Christ Became Revealed And Changes Were Made In The Calendar To Reflect The True Faith Of Christ - Sunday Became The Christian Sabbath - Days Of Fasting Went From The Jewish Model, Tuesday And Thursday, To The Christian Model Of Wednesday And Friday - Everything Was Christified > To Begin Your "Rule Of Prayer" Start Simple - Get Some Ideas - Send Me An Email @ Cyclingsimmons@gmail.com - Maybe I could Help You Get Started > The Important Thing Is To Get Started Practicing A Rule Of Prayer Because The Rule Will Inform Your Heart And Mind For When You Are "Out There" In The World In The Thick Of The Battle - What You Prayed While At Home Will Strengthen You "In The Moment" You Are Tested. > Once Memorized, The Rule Of Prayer Can Be Recited Anytime, Even On The Move - The Rule Of Prayer Is Comprised Of Scripture And Scriptural Truth.

THANKS

T - Theosis
H - Hesychasm
A - Asceticism
N - Nepsis
K - Katharsis
S - Synergy

Thanks in the Greek is "Eucharist". Thanksgiving is the same. In Holy Communion(1 Cor. 10:14-17) there is a real participation in the Body and Blood of Christ. The Greek word for "Communion" is "Koinonia". The word Koinonia is saying that something "actual" is taking place when believers partake of the Body(bread) and Blood(cup of blessing) of Christ. This moment of "Communion" is the apex of Divine Worship established by Jesus Himself(Matt. 26:17-29; Luke 22:19,20; 1 Cor. 11:23,24) in the "Divine Liturgy". It is at this point where the believer is sanctified mystically through the physical elements of the bread and cup.

There are several "spiritual" practices that are a part of our "walk in the Spirit"(Gal. 5:16-24) that lead us to "Communion with God". These are spelled out in the acrostic: T-H-A-N-K-S.

T is for "Theosis". Theosis is Greek and means "becoming God" or "becoming like God", or "Godlike". 2 Peter 1:2-4 instructs us that we are to be "partakers of His divine nature"(v. 4), that "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness"(v. 3). Our ultimate "thanksgiving" for this amazing gift of salvation(sharing in God's divine nature) is celebrated in the Eucharist/Holy Communion. Theosis prepares us to receive the Eucharist, and the Eucharist causes us to experience Theosis in a very special way instituted by Jesus Himself.

H is for "Hesychasm". Hesychasm is Greek and means "the practice of silence". Hesychia is defined as quietness, stillness, tranquility. The goal of hesychia, inner stillness, is NOT mystical silence, but rather listening for the voice of God. Christian stillness is a silence not of emptiness, but of fulness. The ultimate aim is a mystical union with God within a context of silence. The art and heart of Eastern Orthodox prayer teaches that body and mind are brought to solitude and
quietness in order to experience the peace and silence that surround the presence of God(Col. 3:15-17). Note what is written in these three verses carefully: We are called "in one body", the church.  When the church gathers we can "let the peace of God rule in our hearts" as we practice stillness; we take in the "Word of Christ" richly(through the hundreds of scriptures that fill the Divine Liturgy; we "teach and admonish one another(corporate context) with Psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs"; and finally we offer up "thanks"(the Eucharist) to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus.

A is for "Askesis". Askesis is struggle, discipline. We get the word "asceticism" and "ascetic" from "askesis". Christians are to be "ascetics", and we are to practice "asceticism" which is the various methods used to fight the passions and evil habits, to overcome temptation. Askesis is exercise, it is likened to the athletic training of Olympic athletes(1 Tim. 4:7,8; 1 Cor. 9:24-27). "the Apostles inherited the entire life of Christ, they were eyewitnesses and partakers of His works and acts. They inherited the lengthy fasts...they inherited night-long prayers, and agony in prayer. "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray(Luke 22:44-46)..."if they persecuted me they will persecute you(John 15:20)...They inherited agony, suffering, and crucifixion..."The cup that I will drink you will drink"(Mk 10:39). (Matthew the Poor from "Communion of Love"). The whole of Christianity is the life of askesis. It is a way of life, a lifestyle. It is exercising your will to focus on spiritual growth. It is to "study" the scriptures, to practice humility, to exhibit chastity and fidelity, to fast and pray, to counter-speak with the Word of God against every thought contrary to the will of God(2 Cor. 10:3-5), to struggle against sin. Jesus taught "the narrow gate"(Mt. 7:13,14). Jesus taught that his Father is the vinedresser who prunes us(John 15:1-8). Frank Schaeffer, son of the famed Evangelical Scholar Francis Schaeffer and convert to Orthodoxy, had this to say about, "A Christianity Without Asceticism": "The American 'God' loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life, but he does not want you to have to struggle to realize it...it is the illusion of crucifixion without nails, of salvation through self-realization, of worship as entertainment, not the faith of the Fathers believed in by all Orthodox Christians everywhere since the beginning."(Letter to Aristotle by Frank Schaeffer). But always remember that askesis is a means to an end, all the disciplines are so that we can be deified, experience theosis, acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit, know union with God.

N is for "Nepsis". Nepsis is a Greek word which means vigilance, watchfulness, alertness, attentiveness. Nepsis is "Inner Attention", "Holding Vigil", "Being Mindful". Nepsis is based on the words of Jesus, "Watch, therefore, for you do not know what hour the Lord is coming(Matt. 24:42). "Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when He comes, shall find watching(Luke 12:37). "Watch! What I say to you, I say to all: Watch(Mark 13:33,37). "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation(Matt. 26:40-45). Watchfulness is our conscious effort to not be sleepy, to remain alert, awake(Eph. 5:14-16; Rom. 13:11-14). We are not to let our minds drift, instead, we are to "Think on these things..."(Phil. 4:8). To think, by definition, is to intentionally engage your mind, to put it into gear, and not remain in neutral, drifting wherever. And when we successfully "Set our minds on the things above, and not on the things on earth"(Col. 3:2) we experience what is written in the "Song of Songs", "Though I sleep, my heart keeps awake"(5:2). We practice "nepsis" with our "daily prayer rule", keeping the hours of prayer as best we can. We are "mindful" to read and study Holy Scripture. We stay "alert" through fasting, and controlling our appetites. And we practice "nepsis", "inner attention" during worship.

K is for "Katharsis". Katharsis is Greek and means "cleansing the heart". God cannot be known unless the heart is purified through tears of repentance, this is katharsis. Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God"(Matt. 5:8). "Purify your hearts, you double minded"(James 4:8). "And everyone who has this hope in Him, purifies himself, even as He is pure(1 John 3:3). We purify our hearts through repentance, through the "gift of tears". Penthos, a Greek word for "penitential sorrow", means "a broken and contrite heart,
being filled with godly sorrow". St Paul instructs, "Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation"(2 Cor. 7:10). St John teaches that the joy of fellowship with God is restored through repentance and confession(1 John 1:1-2:2). The Church Fathers call this "repentance", this "turning of the heart", "joy-creating sorrow". The Gospel teaching of "Jesus and the Sinful Woman"(Luke7:36-50) shows us "the gift of tears"
washing the feet of Jesus resulting in the woman being forgiven and saved. St Peter "wept bitterly" over his denial of Christ and was restored to his apostleship. King David said to God, "I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches." And, "I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with tears." And finally the "Repentant King" said, "...Put thou my tears into Thy bottle: are they not in your book?"(Ps. 63:6; 6:6; 56:8). God sees your tears, and those tears are a gift that washes you clean of your sins. And to show how precious are the tears you cry in repentance, he bottles them, and records them in His book!!!

S is for "Synergy". "Synergy" is a New Testament Greek word, from "syn" meaning "with", and "ergon" meaning "work". "The word synergy expresses the Biblical teaching that God does not force His grace upon us, but guides and strengthens us when we submit to His will. Synergy is derived from the word synergoi, fellow workers with God, used by Paul in 1 Cor. 3:9"(Philokalia p. 197 by Anthony Conairis). The Scriptures are filled with this truth: "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it..."(Ps 127:1). Paul says that he "laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me"(1 Cor. 15:10). We do the planting and the watering and God is the one who gives the growth(1 Cor. 3:6,7). "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"(Phil. 4:13). In the Great Commission of Mark
16:15-20 we see, "the Lord working with them and confirming the Word with signs following". Phil. 2:12,13 is telling us that when "we work out our salvation" we are not earning it, but we are allowing it to be alive in us daily. And Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you"(Mt. 11:28-30). A yoke binds two oxen to share the work load, working in concert. The challenge is for us to carry our burden through hesychia, nepsis, askesis, katharsis, and synergy and allow Jesus to complete the work of theosis in us!!!

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 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.