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!!!
"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.
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.
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
THE RULE OF PRAYER
Prayer is a very, very, very important and expansive topic. My purpose with this post is to share with you what is "the rule of prayer". It is with the "rule of prayer" that the Christian begins to develop a "life of prayer". It is the "rule of prayer" that informs our life, our faith, and our deeper prayer life. Let us consider what prayer is.
Theophan the Recluse (19th c. Russian Bishop) said, "Prayer is the test of everything. If prayer is right, everything is right". My prayer is that we get "it" right. Orthodoxy means "right belief, right praise/prayer". Orthopraxis means "right practice". (These terms; Orthodoxy and orthopraxis are words of the Ancient Church, ie. the early church. I hope to introduce you to many terms that will bring illumination to the Scriptures). Prayer is many things; it is the "way to knowledge", the way to knowing God and knowing yourself. Prayer is communion with God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Prayer is plunging into darkness where the light is. Prayer is drinking at the well of salvation. Prayer is worship. Prayer is confession; of our faith, and of our sins. Prayer is uniting our hearts to God. Prayer is the fusion of two actions - ours, and the Divine. Prayer is reciting the Psalms. Prayer is entering into the eternal Now, into the kingdom of God. Now, briefly, WHAT PRAYER IS
NOT > James 4:1-10 > Prayer is not for selfish purposes. Prayer is not meant to be a means to acquire self-centered pleasures. Prayer is not to be based on covetousness, desiring what others have(verses 2 & 3). To pray in this way is to be unfaithful to God, to make yourself the enemy of God(verse 4). It is a problem of pride(verse 6) that leads you to pray for things of this world for the sake of pleasures. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Prayer is submitting yourself to God which is how you resist the devil. Prayer is drawing near to God in humility, Prayer is for cleansing our hands. Prayer is for purifying our hearts. Prayer is for being cured of double-mindedness. Prayer is for tearful repentance. Prayer is for Humility, for opening your life to the eyesight of the Lord. And then, Glory be to God, God will lift you up(verse 10)!!!
Matthew 6:5-15 > HOW TO PRAY WHEN YOU PRAY(Luke 11:1-4) > Firstly, Jesus says, WHEN YOU PRAY, "you shall not be like the hypocrites."(verse 5) Hypocrites are play-actors who specialize in theatrical piety. They put on "the mask" of compassion, but are heartless; they put on "the mask" of humility, but are full of pride; they put on "the mask" of faith, but are clouds without water. > Secondly, Jesus says, WHEN YOU PRAY, "enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, Pray to the Father..."(Verse 6) > "closet" in the Greek is tameion = inner, private, chamber, your secret chamber > Strong's Concordance says in a home in the Orient a "spot for retirement" > You shut yourself in and the world out > It's just you and God > Some would say this "closet/bed chamber you enter is in your heart > That, WHEN YOU PRAY, your mind descends into your heart, into "the secret place" > Thirdly, Jesus says, WHEN YOU PRAY, "do not use vain
repetitions as the heathen do. For they think they will be heard for their many words" > The NIV says, "do not keep on babbling as the pagans do" > In the Greek, "vain" is "maten", which means "tentative manipulation", "to no purpose", "folly", the base Greek word gives the idea of handling or squeezing (Strongs Concordance) > So "vain" does not mean prayers cannot be repeated, "vain" has to do with pagan practices of manipulating the gods with babbling repetitions that will cajole the gods into action. > Repetition is not vain per se, and it is not repetition which Jesus condemns, but "vain repetitions" which he condemns > Fourthly, Jesus says, "After this manner therefore pray, Our Father..." > Jesus establishes that God is our Father(Romans 8:14-16) > When we pray we enter into communion with God the Father who is above the heavens, we enter into a heavenly dimension, and step into an eternal NOW(1 Timothy 1:17, Hebrews 11:1) > Hallowed/Holy is His name - God is revealed in His name(s) - Holy is that "thing" about God that means "transcendent perfection" that cannot be described in human language, or will ever be comprehended(verse 9) > We pray for His kingdom to be actualized in the here and now "by the Spirit" and for his kingdom to be revealed at His second coming > We pray for God's will(verse 10) > We pray for our "daily bread", but this bread is much more than the food we need
for the day - "daily" in the Greek is "epiousios" which intimates bread for "tomorrows" (Strongs), - "epiousios" literally means "above the essence" or "supersubstantial" - So the bread we are praying for is more than the food we eat today, but it is the bread for the eternal day of the kingdom of God - the Living Bread, Christ Himself(verse 11) > We pray for God's forgiveness of everyone including ourselves and we forgive everyone as well(verse 12) > We not only pray that we not yield to temptation, we pray that we be delivered from the evil one who is the temptor - KJV says "deliver us from evil", the NKJV and NIV says, "deliver us from the evil one".
*** "The Lord's Prayer shows the whole meaning of the life of man.", Archbishop Anthony Bloom
NOTE: The Lords Prayer is a prayer that we can pray daily, since Jesus said, "Give us this day our DAILY bread". We need the Living bread every day so we pray this prayer everyday. It is a beautiful repetition, not a vain repetition!!! This is what is meant by a "rule of prayer": that prayers written in scripture or prayers based upon scriptural truth are placed into a litany, ie., a list, so that we can recite them daily. We are to have regular set times of prayer which we never skip - "in the evening and in the morning and at noon day" (Psalm 55:17). Once we recite these prayers long enough they will be lodged in our memories. These "written" or "said" prayers will form Christ and His truth in us as well as inform our extemporaneous prayers. Then in between these set times of prayer we "remain constant in prayer"(Romans 12:12) and "pray without ceasing"(1 Thessalonians 5:17). > Each person should have their own rule of prayer, it should be brief and regular, It could be a 3-minute prayer rule, 5-minute, or 10-minute. Start slowly and add to your prayers as you grow accustomed to the habit of prayer. You can use the time-tested prayers of the ancient Church or create your own litany from prayers you may know or from scripture. I will provide some web links below with prayers > The idea is to start and do your best and if you fall short just get back up and start again > It's all about his mercy and not our performance > Also, it can be helpful to find a spiritual guide to help answer questions and provide direction.
***I use prayers from the Ancient Church Prayer books, but I have also created a few prayers of my own which are meaningful to me. Ideally you would have a "closet", a "room", a "space" set aside in your home for a "prayer corner". You could have a Wall-Cross, icons, Your Bible, candles, etc, items that will transform the space into Holy ground!!! Besides your "rule of prayer" at home, you should strive to live in a spirit of unceasing prayer, often saying or singing a prayer that comes to mind or praying intercessory prayers for people who come to mind.
A Rule of Prayer
In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Blessed be our God always, now and forever and unto ages of ages.
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed. Save me, O Lord, and I shall be saved.
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (Repeat 3 times while crossing yourself)
O Heavenly Father, forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner, and enlighten my darkness.
O Holy Spirit, Comforter, Teach us your truth, and lead us into paths of righteousness.
O Holy God, Holy Trinity, Come and abide in us and heal all our infirmities for thy Names Sake.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O Lord, by thy grace.
I believe in One God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages, Light of Light, True God of True God, begotten and not made, of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made, who for us men and our salvation, came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man and was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God Almighty, and He shall come again to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets, and I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge One baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come, Amen.
Remember us O Lord when you come into your kingdom:
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in spirit for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.
Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
You are the salt of the earth.
You are the Light of the world.
Remember O Lord, when you come into your kingdom: Laura, Vince, Jean, Vince, Evangeline, Micah, Faith, Christian, etc, etc. (List here the names of those you want to pray for)
And grant to each one of them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus the Messiah; enlightening the eyes of their understanding to know what is the hope of His calling.
Direct their hearts into the love of God; strengthening each one of them with all might, by your Spirit, in the inner man; filling them with fruits of righteousness, and filling them with the exact knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
Establish their hearts in grace and truth; and may Christ Jesus dwell in their hearts by faith.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
***Note > That the entire rule of prayer is Scripture or Scriptural truth***
***Note > "The above rule of prayer" is my morning rule of prayer. I add other Psalms or hymns as well. Depending on time, you can have scripture readings afterwards.***
NOTE > The above "rule of prayer" can be shortened to fit your situation. The important thing is to establish a set time for your "rule of prayer".
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"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.
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.
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 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).
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 NAME OF JESUS
Salvation In The Name Of Jesus
Matthew 1:18-25 > Jesus Means God Is Salvation, God Saves > When We Couple The Name Jesus With The Name Christ We Are Confessing That Jesus Is The Christ, ie The Messiah, The One Anointed By God To Save The World > One Of The Earliest Creeds Of The Church Was Simply "Jesus Christ" - That Says It All.
John 1:12(1-4,29) > The Name Jesus Has In It God's Presence And Power
John 3:14-18(1-18) > Calling On Jesus You Are Calling On The Only Begotten Son And Word Of God
John 20:30,31 > Jesus Is The True God And Eternal Life (John 17:3-5)
Acts 2:37,38 > Those Who Believe The Gospel (Acts 2:14-36) Should Be Baptized In The Name Of Jesus Christ
Acts 4:12 > By No Other Name Can We Be Saved
Acts 8:5-12 Philip The Evangelist Evidently Emphasized In His Preaching "Things Concerning The Name Of Jesus".
Acts 10:43,44 > The Name Of Jesus Effects Remission Of Sins, Complete Forgiveness > Colossians 1:12-14
1 John 5:11-13 > You May Know You Have Eternal Life (Zoe - Greek),The Very Life Of God > John 5:26 > 1 John 1:2
1 Corinthians 6:11 > The Name Of Jesus Brings The Workings Of The Holy Spirit Into Effect - Washing Us, Sanctifying Us, Justifying Us. This Is Sacramental Grace Or Mystical Grace - The Name Of Jesus Imparts The Grace Of The Holy Spirit.
The Authority Of Jesus Name
Hebrews 1:1-4 > Jesus Is The Entire Truth About God > For In Him Dwells All The Fulness Of God (Colossians 1:15-20; 2:9,10; Romans 1:16-20)
Philippians 2:5-11 > The Name Above Every Name
Matthew 28:18-20 > Jesus Reveals To The World The True And Living God, The Holy Trinity, "We Have Seen The True Light, We Have Received The Heavenly Spirit, We Have Found The True Faith, Worshipping The Undivided Trinity, Who Has Saved Us" (Hymn From The Divine Liturgy).
The Name Of Jesus At Work In The Believers
John 14:12-14
Mark 16:15-20
Luke 10:17-20
Acts 3:1-6
Acts 16:16-18
James 5:14-16
The Name Of Jesus In The Gospels
Matthew 1:21; 10:21; 12:21; 18:5; 18:20; 24:5; 28:19
Mark 9:38,39; 13:13; 16:17,18
Luke 9:46-50; 10:17; 21:8; 21:12; 24:47
John 1:12; 2:23; 3:18; 14:13,14; 15:16; 16:23,24
The Name Of Jesus In The Book Of Acts
Acts 2;38; 3:1-16; 4:1-31; 5:12,16,28-41; 8:12; 9:15,16; 9:27-29; 15:14; 16:16-18; 19:11-17; 26:9
The Name Of Jesus In The Epistles
1 Corinthians 1:2; 5:4; 6:11;
Ephesians 5:20
Philippians 2:9-11
Colossians 3:17
2 Thessalonians 1:11,12; 3:6;
Hebrews 13:15
James 2:7; 5:14
1 Peter 4:14;
1 John 2:12; 3:23; 5:13
The Name Of Jesus In Prayer And Worship
John 16:23,24
John 15:16
Ephesians 3:14
1 Peter 2:5
Hebrews 13:10-15
Ephesians 5:17-20
Colossians 3:16,17
The Akathist Hymn To Our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ
An Amazing And Beautiful Meditation On Jesus And His Name www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/J_akathist.htm
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS!!!
THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS
Hebrews 1:1-2:6 > Angels Have Been Sent Forth To Minister For Us. The Ministry Of Angels Is Part Of Our Salvation.
Hebrews 2:2 > Galatians 3:19 > Acts 7:53 > Angels Are God's Administrators Watching Over His Word. Angels Brought The Law Of God To Moses. > Psalm 103:20,21
A CLOSE UP LOOK AT ANGELS
Psalm 104:1-5 > Angels Were Created Somewhere In Eternity Past Before God Made Adam (Male and Female) In His Own Image. > Psalm 148:1-5 > Job 38:4-7 > Angels Called The Sons Of God??? The Morning Stars??? > Colossians 1:15-18 > Thrones? Dominions? Principalities? Powers?
John 20:12 > Angels Wear Clothes.
Psalm 78:24,25 > Angels Eat Food
1 Kings 19:1-8 > Angels Can Cook
1 Corinthians 13:1 > Angels Speak Languages
Hebrews 13:2 Angels Have The Bodies Of Men And Can Change Dimensions
Genesis 19:1-28 > Two Angels Visit Abraham at Sodom
Colossians 2:18 > Angels Are Not To Be Worshiped
Matthew 18:10-14 > Every Child Has An Angel To Protect Them
Luke 15:3-10 > Angels Have Knowledge Of Earthly Affairs And Rejoice When One Sinner Repents
1 Peter 1:9-12 > Angels Are Interested In Our Salvation And Are Awe-Struck At What God Has Given Us.
Ephesians 3:10,11 > 1 Corinthians 4:9 > Angels Learn Wisdom From The Church
Matthew 13:24-30,36-41 > Angels Are Involved In Our Salvation Past, Present, And Future.
2 Thessalonians 1:7 > Psalm 103:20,21 > Angels Are Mighty In Strength.
Psalm 91:1-16 (Verse 11) > Angels Have Charge Over Us.
2 Kings 6:16-18 > Angels Are All Around Us In Great Numbers.
Psalm 68:17 > 2 Kings 2:11 > Angels Are The Chariots Of God > Thousands Of Angels Transport The Saints.
Exodus 23:20-23 > God Sends An Angel Before Moses.
Numbers 22 > Balaam, His Ass, And The Angel!!!
Joshua 5:13-16 > Was This, Captain Of The Lord's Army, Michael The Archangel???
Judges 13 > The Angel And The Conception Of Samson.
Judges 6:2-24 > An Angel Stirs Up Gideon.
Zechariah 1:8-2:5; 3:1-7; 4:1-10 > An Angel Talks With Zechariah. NOTE: Zechariah 4:10 Speaks Of "...Those Seven; They Are The Eyes Of The Lord, Which Run To And Fro Through The Whole Earth". The Ancient Church Teaches That These "Seven" Are The Seven Archangels. In The Book Of Tobias (Tobit), Which Was Included In The Septuagint*, Raphael Identifies Himself As One Of The Seven Archangels. Raphael Means "It Is God Who Heals". In Tobias Chapter 12 Raphael Disquises Himself As A Human, Keeps Tobias Safe On A Journey, Chases Away A Demon, And Heals Tobias Of His Blindness. In John 5:3-9, Is It Possible That The Angel That Was Believed To Stir The Water Was Raphael???
*The Septuagint Was The Greek Translation Of The Hebrew Scriptures (Our Old Testament), and was the Scriptures of the early Church. Thus, The People Of Jesus Day Would Have Been Familiar With The Book Of Tobias And Therefore Knew Of Raphael.
John 1:49-51 > Jesus Told Nathanael He Would See Angels Ascending And Descending > Genesis 22:12
Matthew 4:11 > Angels Ministered To Jesus.
Revelation 5:9-11 > An Innumerable Number Of Angels.
Hebrews 12:18-24 > Angels Are Ministers For The Church (Mt Zion)
Daniel 10:10-21 > An Angel (Maybe Gabriel) Meets With Daniel And Reveals That He Was Hindered For 21 Days Until Michael The Archangel Intervened.
Matthew 26:53 > Angels Were At Jesus' Command.
Acts 12:1-16 Angels Responded To The Saints Prayers.
Luke 1:26-38 > The Angel Gabriel Sent To The Virgin Mary
Luke 2:8-20 > The Angel Appears To The Shepherds With A Multitude Of The Heavenly Host.
Galatians 1:8 > Can An Angel Preach The Gospel Or A False Gospel??? > Revelation 14:6 > An Angel Sent To Preach The Gospel During The Tribulation???
Acts 5:17-21 > The Angel Of The Lord Breaks The Apostles Out Of Prison.
Acts 8:26 > The Angel Of The Lord Gives Philip The Evangelist Directions.
Acts 10:1-23 > Angels Involved In Cornelius' Household Receiving The Gospel.
Acts 12:20-25 > The Angel Of The Lord Smote Herod.
Acts 27:21-25 > The Angel Of God Gives A Message To Paul While On The Ship Just Before It Wrecked.
1 Corinthians 6:3 We Will Judge Angels > What A Mystery!!!
OTHER HEAVENLY BEINGS
The Four Living Creatures > Ezekiel 1:4-28 > Revelation 4:6-9
Cherubims > Ezekiel 10:1-22 > Genesis 3:24 > Are The Four Living Creatures Cherubim??? Exodus 25:10-22 > Cherubim Portrayed In Hammered Gold On Either Side Of The Mercy Seat > Exodus 26:31-33 > Cherubim Embroidered On The Sacred Veil That Was Designed To Be Hung Before The Holy Of Holies.
Seraphim > Isaiah 6:1-7
Archangels > 1 Thessalonians 4:16 > Jude 9 > Michael > Daniel 10:13 - Daniel 12:1 - Revelation 12:7-9 > Gabriel > Daniel 8:16-19 - Daniel 9:20-23 - Luke 1:19-26
NOTE: The Pre-Incarnate Christ Appeared In The Old Testament And Is Referred To As An Angel, The Angel Of The Lord. > Genesis 22:11,15,16 > Exodus 3:1-16. And In Revelation Chapters 2 And 3 The Word Angel (Messenger) Is Used In Reference To The Bishops/Pastors Of The Seven Churches Of Asia Minor.
Lucifer And Fallen Angels > Isaiah 14:12-14 > Ezekiel 28:12-19 > Revelation 12:7-9 > Luke 10:17-20
