TRUTH

What is Truth? Truth is that which is true absolutely. Truth is reality in the ultimate sense. For Christians, truth is a person through whom we may know the truth of all things revealed(John 14:17,26); through whom we may come to a saving knowledge of truth(1 Tim. 2:4); through whom we may become "partakers of the divine nature"(2 Peter 1:4). This person is the true and living God, creator of heaven and earth, risen Lord and Savior of the world, Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah.

Jesus said. "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father but by me".(John14:6). The author of the Gospel according to St John revealed that Jesus is the Word, and that the Word(Jesus) was with God(the Father) in the beginning; that the Word(Jesus) is God; that all things were created by the Word(Jesus); In Him, the Word(Jesus) was life and the life is the light of men; that the Word became flesh, a fully human being while remaining fully God; that the Word(Jesus) is full of grace and truth; and that all who would receive the Word(Jesus) would be given the power to become the children of God.(John 1:1-18).

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world...my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but the Father that sent me...the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bears witness of myself, and the Father that sent me bears witness of me...I am from above...When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall you know that I am...Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am"(John 8:12-59). In the midst of this ongoing conversation that Jesus was having with the Pharisees, many believed on him(v. 30) and Jesus said to those Jews which believed on him, "If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"(v. 31,32). Jesus was speaking of becoming free from sin and its power(v.36). This freedom from sin was found in the Son of the Father(God). The Son is revealed in the words of Jesus which corresponded with the scriptures of the Jews(Old Testament), This is "the truth" that they would know as they "continued in (Jesus) word". The "Truth" is a person, the Son of the Father. Because the scriptures of the Old Testament had no place in these Jews they could not understand Jesus's teachings. The Jews had developed a parallel religion to the religion that had been handed down to them in Moses and the Prophets. Jesus called these false teachings "your tradition...the commandments of men"(Mt 15:1-9). And Jesus reveals the source of these false teachings, and the deceptions(lies) that they produce, and that source is their father, the devil, who is a liar and a murderer from the beginning(v. 43-47). Jesus is revealing that these Jews were followers of "the liar", that is, followers of Satan himself, and that they were abiding in "the lies" of the devil.

Jesus is revealed as the true God, equal to the Father, who is also the "true God"(John 17:1-5). We, who believe, have been given an understanding(an enlightened nous/intellect/mind/an unction/an anointing) that we may "know Him who is true", "and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life"(1 John 5:20). Titus reveals that we are "looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ"(Titus 2:11-14). Jesus is the "ultimate reality", He is that which is "true absolutely"(Eph. 4:21).

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

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

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

The Truth is found in "the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God"(Mark 1:1). The "four Gospels" (aka  the"four Evangelists"), Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; and the gospel according to St Paul(Romans 16:25,26) reveal the truth of God, of all things that pertain to our salvation(Gal. 2:5; Col. 1:5,6; Eph. 1:13; 1 Tim. 2:4-7). Note the continued connection of "truth" and "gospel" made in these scriptures. Jesus said, "Search the scriptures(Old Testament)(John 5:39), for in them you will discover who Jesus is, and therefore acquire "life"(v. 40). And at the Second Coming of Jesus you will experience "the resurrection of life"(John 5:29).

The "Truth" taught by Jesus, and the preaching of the Apostles, was handed down to the churches of God and is known as "Holy Tradition". "Holy Tradition" is defined as "the life of the Holy Spirit in the Church". (Eph. 2:20-22; 1 Thes. 2:13,14; 2 Thes. 2: 15; 3:6; 1 Cor.11:2). From these verses we know that the "truth" was passed down both orally and in written form(Epistles). The Church became the repository of the "truth of Christ", aka "the Faith". 1 Timothy 3:15 reveals that "the Church" is "the pillar and ground of the truth". The foundation of Christian Faith is the Church, the Scriptures tell us this. (Interesting note here is that the very next verse(v. 16), St Paul quotes an ancient Christian creed or hymn. This shows us that the "Truth of the Church" was embodied in liturgical hymns as well as the oral teachings of the Apostles and the written Epistles of the Apostles. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13,14 we can see that the believers in Thessalonica "became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus". The believers at the beginning did not have copies of the New Testament as we do now. The churches were teaching from both, the Old Testament, and from what the Apostles were teaching about Jesus, both orally and in epistles. The church communities were Spirit-filled worshiping communities, praying the Psalms, singing hymns about Jesus, and spiritual songs that conveyed credal truth, and celebrating the Lord's Supper, sharing and having all things in common(Acts 2:42-47; 4:32; Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:17,18).

Three things we know about Truth; 1) Truth is a person - Jesus the Messiah; 2) The Church is the "pillar and ground of the Truth" where the "life of the Holy Spirit" animates the believing community; and 3) The Holy Scriptures(OT and NT) are truly inspired by the Holy Spirit and speak the Truth about Jesus the Messiah.


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ACTS OF THE APOSTLES QUIZ

1 On whom did the lot fall when the 11 Apostles were choosing a replacement? On whom did it not fall?

2 Name the couple that conspired to sell their land, and then hold back some of the money from the Church?

3 In what city was Paul stoned (to death or near death), then dragged outside the city, then, surrounded by the disciples did he rose up and entered once again into that city?

4 How many days did Jesus show Himself alive after His passion and resurrection with many infallible proofs?

5 Who was the centurion of the band called the Italian Band who was devout, feared God with all his house, which gave alms to the people and prayed?

6 When the new disciples who had practiced curious arts brought their books together to be burned before all men, what was the value of those books?

7 Who joined himself to the Ethiopian eunuch’s chariot and expounded the Gospel to him from Isaiah the Prophet?

 8 At what hour did Peter and John go up into the temple to pray when they crossed paths with a lame man at the gate called Beautiful?

9 As Peter traveled to Cornelius’s house in Caesarea from Joppa he went upon an housetop to pray about which hour?

10 Paul argued daily for the space of two years in what school, so that all that were in Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the Word of the Lord?

11 Name the seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit, full of wisdom, who were appointed by the Apostles to serve the widows?

12 Name the Jewish false prophet/sorcerer of Paphos who withstood Paul and Barnabas as they taught the Word of God to Sergius Paulus, a deputy of Paphos Territory?

13 Name the disciple with whom Paul lodged in Damascus, and who baptized Paul and prayed for Paul to receive his eyesight again?

14 Paul shaved his head in what city because he had a vow?

15 Name the chief ruler of the Corinthian synagogue who believed on the Lord with his entire house?

16 As Paul preached long into the night one vespers, a young man sat in a window of the third loft, sinking into a deep sleep he fell to his death, but Paul went to him and prayed and the young man was made alive. Name the young man?

17 At what spot in Athens Greece did Paul declare the “Unknown God”?

18 Name the Ephesian Silversmith who made much money making silver shrines to the goddess Diana, and who conspired with others of his craft to cause an uprising against Paul?

19 Which of the seven deacons became the first martyr of the early church?

20 Stephen in his final sermon declared to the Jews that they had taken up the tabernacle of whom, and the star of their god whom, figures they made to worship?

21 When the people of Lystra saw that Paul had healed a man, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his birth, they lifted their voices saying “the gods have come down to us in the likeness of men”. They called Barnabas by the name of what god? And they called Paul by the name of what god?

22 About how many disciples were in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost?

23 Philip the Evangelist had how many virgin daughters that prophesied?

24 What woman of Thyatira was known as a seller of purple whose household was saved through Paul’s preaching?

25 Name the sorcerer who bewitched the people of Samaria until Philip arrived with the Gospel?

26 At the close of the Council of Jerusalem, two men chief among the brethren, were selected to travel with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch with letters explaining the decisions of the Council. Name these two men?

27 What eloquent Jew, born in Alexandria Egypt, was “mighty in the scriptures”, and “mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ”?

28 Paul was born in what city?

29 When Herod the king killed James, the brother of John with the sword, he saw that it pleased the Jews so he had Peter imprisoned. At whose home was a prayer meeting held for Peter? And name the woman who answered the door when Peter arrived?

30 What two items were taken from the body of Paul that possessed miracle working power that when they were laid upon sick people they were healed and delivered?

31 Name the couple that taught Apollos the way of God more perfectly, seeing that he only knew the baptism of John?

32 Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises at what time when they were in prison in Philippi?

33 Who was queen of the Ethiopians?

34 When the unbelieving Jews of Thessalonica rejected Paul’s teaching about Jesus, they incited rage throughout the city and assaulted the house of whom, looking for Paul and Silas?

35 Paul was brought up in what city? And at whose feet was he taught according to the perfect manner of the law?

36 Who was the wife of Felix, the governor of Judea?

37 Name the lady disciple (with two names) at Joppa who was full of good works and almsdeeds, who became sick and died, but then Peter came and prayed for her, and she was raised from the dead?

38 Who was let down in a basket over the walls of Damascus by the disciples so that he could escape the plots of the Jews to kill him?

39 The Jews of which five synagogues set up false witnesses against Stephen, and stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, who captured him and brought him before the council?

40 From what Old Testament Prophet did Peter preach on the Day of Pentecost saying, “This is that…”?

41 The disciples were first called Christians in what city?

42 Name the Prophet who bound himself with Paul’s girdle and prophesied that Paul would be bound by the Jews at Jerusalem?

43 There were more than how many Jews that made a conspiracy to kill Paul, binding themselves to a curse, and saying that they would eat or drink nothing until they killed Paul?

44 What was the name of the wind storm that caused the shipwreck as Paul sailed to Rome?

45 What was the name of the street in Damascus that Jesus said Ananias would find “one called Saul of Tarsus” praying in the house of Judas?

46 Two converts were named as having believed Paul’s preaching of the Gospel on Mars’ Hill in Athens. Name them?

47 When Paul shipwrecked onto the Island of Melita he prayed for the chief man of the islands father and he was healed of a bloody flux. Name the chief man of Melita?

48 Who said to Paul, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian”?

49 What relative of Paul had overheard the Jews plot to kill him and reported it to the chief captain who then helped Paul escape under protection of a small army?

50 Name the old disciple of Cyprus?

ANSWERS

1 a. Matthias b. Joseph aka Barsabas Justus – ACTS 1:15-26

2 Ananias and Sapphira – ACTS 5:1-11

3 Lystra – ACTS 14:8-21

4 Forty – ACTS 1:3

5 Cornelius – ACTS 10:1, 2

6 50,000 Pieces of Silver – ACTS 19:18-20

7 Philip – ACTS 8:26-40

8 Ninth Hour – ACTS 3:1-16

9 Sixth Hour – ACTS 10:9

10 School of Tyrannus – ACTS 19:8-10

11 Simon, Stephen, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, Nicolas – ACTS 6:5

12 Bar-jesus/Elymas – ACTS 13:4-12

13 Ananias – ACTS 9:10-18

14 Cenchrea – ACTS 18:18

15 Crispus – ACTS 18:8

16 Eutychus – ACTS 20:7-12

17 Mars Hill/Aeropagus – ACTS 17:16-28

18 Demetrius – ACTS 19:23-41

19 Stephen – ACTS 7:51-60

20 a. Moloch b. Remphan  - ACTS 7:43

21 a. Jupiter b. Mercury – ACTS 14:12

22 120 – ACTS 1:15

23 Four – ACTS 21:8

24 Lydia – ACTS 16:14, 15

25 Simon – ACTS 8:9-25

26 Judas aka Barsabas Silas – ACTS 15:22-31

27 Apollos – ACTS 18:24-28

28 Tarsus – ACTS 22:3

29 a. Mary the mother of John Mark b. Rhoda

30 Handkerchiefs and Aprons – ACTS 19:11, 12

31 Aquila and Priscilla – ACTS 18:26

32 Midnight – ACTS 16:25

33 Candace – ACTS 8:27

34 Jason – ACTS 17:5-9

35 a, Jerusalem b. Gamaliel – ACTS 22:3

36 Drusilla – ACTS 24:24

37 Tabitha aka Dorcas – ACTS 9:36-43

38 Paul – ACTS 9:23-25

39 Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicia, Asia – ACTS 6:9-15

40 Joel – ACTS 2:16

41 Antioch – ACTS 11:26

42 Agabus – ACTS 21:10-14

43 More Than Forty – ACTS 23:12-15

44 Euroclydon – ACTS 27:14

45 Straight – ACTS 9:10-12

46 Dionysius the Areopagite and Damaris – ACTS 17:34

47 Publius – ACTS 28:1-10

48 King Agrippa – ACTS 26:28

49 Paul’s Sister’s Son – ACTS 23:16-30

50 Mnason – ACTS 21:16

 

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

Luke 10:25-37

In many passages of scripture we can usually grasp the basic meaning of the passage. The 3 most obvious points of this parable are clear and are important in themselves.
1) Christ exalts compassion - We are called to love.
2) Your enemy is your neighbor when he is compassionate. (The Samaritans were the bitter enemies of the Jews).
3) We are called to imitate the Good Samaritan and love our enemies.

These three points are good and true, and should be understood at face value and followed as the commandments of Jesus. But there is another way of reading scripture that was often practiced by the early Church Fathers, and that is allegory. Allegory was virtually universal throughout early Christianity. Allegory is used to draw our attention, in many well-known passages, to the universal condition of mankind and the all-encompassing love of God. The early Church Fathers are those recognized by the Church as true interpreters of Holy Scripture. One such father was St John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople(modern day Istanbul) in the 4th century.

The parable of the "Good Samaritan" becomes a word-picture of the entire mystery of salvation!!! The allegorical interpretation of the following meditation is from the teaching of St John Chrysostom with the addition of some of my thoughts.

Verse 30: we read, "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho...". The trek from Jerusalem to Jericho was known to be a very dangerous journey, on a very narrow path, where robbers would lie in wait for unsuspecting travelers. In fact, "the valley of the shadow of death" is an actual location on this road. St John Chrysostom says that this is a picture of Adam, who choosing to trust himself rather than God, decided to descend from Paradise to the world. It is interesting to note that Jericho is the lowest city on earth at 853 feet below sea level. Jerusalem, at it's highest point is 2756 feet above sea level. The descent is 3609 feet in 15 miles. So Adam was going from the heights of Paradise to the lowest place that the world can offer.
Then we read, "...and fell among thieves..". So here we see Adam attacked by demons who, as Jesus taught elsewhere, "come to steal, and to kill, and to destroy"(John 10:7-10).
Then we read, "...which stripped him of his raiment,". This shows that Adam(mankind) was stripped of his "robe of immortality". Often in scripture we see that clothing is a picture of spiritual qualities; righteousness, humility, truth. Before the fall, mankind was created immortal, he was clothed with immortality, to live eternally in the Paradise of God. Adam, in his disobedience, was stripped naked. (Read Gen. 3:7-12; Isaiah 25:7,8; 1 Cor. 15:52-57; 2 Cor. 5:1-4)
Then we read, "...and wounded him,". Adam(mankind), in the fall, was wounded by sin, and is wounded by the sins of others, as well as self-inflicted wounds. Mankind was/is afflicted with diseases of the soul, his mind became darkened(Eph. 4:17,18), he became sleepy, ensnared by demons, his will weakened. All these conditions, we can be saved from, healed of, by Jesus.(1 Peter 2:24)
Then we read, "...they departed, leaving him half dead". Adam(mankind) was reduced to the half-life of this earth, subject to sin and death. Adam remained physically alive, but spiritually experienced a death, a separation from God. This does not mean that mankind is spiritually unconscious, as a physically dead person becomes upon death. Adam(mankind) remained spiritually aware, but separated from God, dead to the things of God.

Verse 31 & 32: It happened that a priest...then a Levite, came by that way, and passed by on the other side. This reveals that Israel, who was given the great privilege and responsibility to bring the knowledge of God to the nations, kept to themselves, and did not aid mankind.

Verse 33: Then we read, "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, had compassion on him,". Jesus is the Samaritan. He journeyed, not from this world, but from heaven above. He had even been accused of being a demon possessed Samaritan by the Jews(John 8:48). Jesus sees all who are wounded by the thieves(demons), and upon all He has compassion.

Verse 34: Then we read, "And went to him,...". Jesus comes to all who are wounded by the thieves, to all who are left half-dead along the road from Paradise to the lowest place in the world.
Then we read, "and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine,...". Jesus is seen doctoring mankind's wounds with His teachings(bandages); pouring oil and wine into the wounds. The oil is the Holy Spirit and the Wine is the Holy Eucharist(1 Cor. 10:16,17).
Then we read, "and set him on his own beast, and brought him to the inn, and took care of him". Christ, in becoming incarnate, joins mankind to His divine nature(Hebrews 10:19-22; Rom. 5:12-6:23; 2 Peter 1:2-4); then He brings mankind to the hospital of His Church and continues to minister to him as the divine physician.

Verse 35: We read, "And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him..." Jesus departed the earth in His Holy Ascension(Acts 1:1-11; Eph. 4:8-11; sending the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and giving ministry gifts to men, turning the disciples into apostles and prophets, etc), and he entrusted the care of mankind to the Apostolic Synod personified by its great apostle to the gentiles, St Paul(Col. 1:23-28; Eph. 3:1-6; Gal 1:11-24), and through Paul to the bishops and teachers and ministers of each church(Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). "Take care of the gentiles which I have given you in the church. Since men are sick, wounded by sin, heal them, putting on them a stone plaster, that is, the prophetic sayings and the gospel teachings, making them whole through the admonitions and exhortations of the old and new testaments."(Chrysostom)
Then we read, "when I come again, I will repay you". At my second coming I will reward you.

We are to see "the Church", through this imagery, as a hospital for the sick and wounded. Jesus, in his teachings, makes reference to this reality(Mt. 9:12; Mk. 2:17; Lk. 5:31). In the Church we are divided into the sick, those undergoing treatment, and those - the saints - who have already been healed...the Church Fathers do not categorize people as moral and immoral, or good and bad, on the basis of moral laws. This division is superficial. At depth, humanity is differentiated into the sick in soul, those being healed, and those healed.
In 1 Peter 2:24 we see that Jesus took upon Himself our sins in order that we be healed of our spiritual sicknesses. Once healed(saved) of our sicknesses we will be able to live righteously. For example; once healed of bitterness, we can show compassion to those who have injured us; once healed of pride, we can with humility and lowliness of mind serve all people regardless of their station in life; once healed of anger we can be at peace with every person we encounter throughout the day.

THE GREAT INTERCESSION

INTERCESSION FOR THE WORLD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE SONS OF GOD AND THE DAUGHTERS OF MEN

In Genesis 6 we are instructed that "God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth..."(6:5,6). And God grieved in His heart and repented that He had made man on the earth. "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord"(6:8). What we have here is insight into a battle for a pure blood line to be preserved through which the promised seed of Genesis 3:15 would be born and thereby crush the serpent, destroying the power of sin, the curse, and the power of death. This "Seed of the woman" is the promised Messiah, who will be born of a pure virgin(Mary).

We see here in Genesis 6:1-4 "Satan's Plan To Corrupt All Flesh". If Satan can corrupt all the bloodlines through a mixture of fallen angels(the sons of God) and the daughters of man he can thwart the plan of God to destroy Satan and the power of sin, the curse, and death. Thankfully there was a man(Noah) and his family that was kept from this corruption. The reason for the worldwide flood and the destruction of all living flesh on the earth was to destroy all the unnatural offspring of the marriage of fallen angels with the daughters of men. Note that until this time mankind lived for hundreds of years, Methusaleh living the longest at 969 years. In verse 3 we are told that God would no longer tolerate man to live so long that they could generate such corruption again, so he decides to limit man's lifespan to a maximum of 120 years.

We are further instructed that this marriage of fallen angels with women also took place after the flood(verse 4). The hybrid offspring of the fallen angels are here called giants, and later are called nephilim and rephaim. These are the giants that were in the land of Canaan that Israel was commanded to destroy, every last one of them, because they were not humans, but hybrid offspring of the fallen angels.

Angels have the capacity to change dimensions, to leave their habitation as it were and transfer over to our dimension. Good angels can do this with God's permission as in the story of Lot in Genesis 18 where two angels are sent to Lot to destroy the sinful cities. We are told in Hebrews 13:2 that "we are not to forget to entertain strangers, because some have entertained angels unaware". Thus angels appear as humans when they cross over into our realm.

Note that the so-called "spiritual world" is not an unreal world, but another very real world, or maybe it is better to say, the same world but a different dimension. The invisible world(which God created just as much as the visible world - Col 1:16-18) is by definition simply "the unseen world". Invisible means "beyond eyesight". It does not mean "an unreal world".

The fallen angels that sinned with the daughters of men at the time of Noah were cast into tartarus(Hades) and are chained until the day of judgment(2 Peter 2:4,5). Jude reveals to us in His epistle, verses 6-8, that these fallen angels did not maintain their principality, but left their own habitation and committed fornication, going after strange(other) flesh. Church Father Justin Martyr(110-165 A.D.) is quoted, "But the angels transgressed...were captivated by love of women, and begat children".(Ante-Nicene Fathers Vol. 1, P. 190); and Church Father Methodius(260-312 A.D.) is quoted, "The devil was insolent...as also those angels who were enamored of fleshly charms, and had illicit intercourse with the daughters of men."(Ante-Nicene Fathers Vol. 6, p. 370). The fallen angels that did not sin in this fashion are still loose.

We know, from the Scriptures, more about the offspring(giants) of the fallen angels after the flood of Noah's day, than the the offspring(giants) that were on earth before the flood. Though it appears that there is evidence of civilizations all over the earth built by super strong and intelligent creatures that may pre-date the flood of Noah. Stonehenge, Easter Island, The Pyramids, etc.(More listed here soon).

We are instructed in Genesis 9:20 - 10:20 that it was through some perverse sin that Ham, the father of Canaan, committed against Noah that Satan gains entry into the bloodlines once again. For we see that Ham, who was cursed by Noah, has offspring that produces a "mighty one", Nimrod, who begins a kingdom that creates all the people groups that are later identified as giants and nephilim and rephaim. These are the descendants that Joshua and Caleb find occupying Canaan when Israel is sent to possess the promised land. The reason Isreal is told to kill "all" the people was because they were hybrids, giants, fallen ones(nephilim), and not just fellow humans.

In Numbers 13 we are instructed concerning the reality of "giants". The Lord tells Moses to send twelve men "to spy out the land of Canaan"(13:17). Upon their return they give their report, the land "surely flows with milk and honey...nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land...moreover we saw the children of the Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south, and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell, in the mountains: and the Canaanites by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan"(27-33). Caleb speaks up and says, "we are well able to overcome it". But the men who went with Joshua and Caleb say, "We are not able...". They said, "it is a land that eats up its inhabitants, and all the people are men of great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants".

We read more of Israel's dealings with the giants: The Emims...a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims: which were also accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims...the Horims(v. 12)...the children of Ammon...(That also was accounted a land of giants; giants dwell therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims, A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the Lord destroyed them...he destroyed the Horims...and the Avims...were destroyed by the Caphtorims(Cretans)(19-23).

We continue to learn of the giants: "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold his bedstead was...of iron...13 1/2 feet long and 6 feet wide. And this land...which was called the land of giants"(Deut. 3:11-13). In Deut. 7:1-5 we read of God's command to destroy all the inhabitants of the land He was sending them into to possess it; and to destroy their altars, break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.(verse 5) All these things were used in Satanic worship and human sacrifices. Read more of the Anakims in Deut. 9:1-6.

In Joshua we read of "the remnant of the giants(Josh. 12:4; 13:12) and, of "the valley of the giants"(Josh. 15:8; 18:16), which interpreted is "the valley of the Rephaim"(2 Sam. 5:18,22; 1 Chron. 11:15; 14:9).

We learn of David slaying the giant Goliath, whose armour weighed 196 pounds and who was 9' 9" tall. (1 Sam. 17)

In 2 Samuel 21(1 Chron. 20:1-8/parallel) we learn of further wars that David and his mighty men had with the Philistines(giants) and in particular with the four sons of "The giant/Rapha"(verses 15-22). One giant son had a spear that the spearhead weighed 11 pounds. Another son of Rapha, had a staff like a weaver's beam. And yet another had 6 fingers on each hand, and 6 toes on each foot. These four sons were the brothers of Goliath of Gath.

In Judges 1:21-36; 2:1-5; 3:1-8 we read of Israel's disobedience in following God's command to kill all the inhabitants. Instead they chose to make money off the inhabitants with taxation(a tribute)(verse 28). But Judah obeyed the Lord, and the Lord was with Judah. And Caleb expelled the three sons of Anak(giants)(16-20). But Israel, once Joshua died(2:8-10), would serve Baalim and the groves(2:11; 3:7).

Why should we want to know about these events, and about the giants, and how they were introduced into the earth. For one, it is important to know our history as humans, and secondly, it is important to know our future, for Jesus said, "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark. And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be."(Matthew 24:37-39) Is it possible that the same kind of evil perpetrated by fallen angels in the days of Noah's flood will be repeated in the days shortly before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?

THE PRAYERS OF SAINT PAUL - SPIRIT INSPIRED INTERCESSION

St Paul's letters to the churches are not only filled with the teaching of sound doctrine, challenging exhortations, and stern reproof, but they reveal St Paul at prayer. As St Paul teaches the inspired Word of God, he will break into prayer for those he is teaching. These prayers are Inspired by the Holy Spirit the same as the doctrines, exhortations, and reproofs are. And just like we follow St Paul's doctrine, we can follow St Paul in prayer.

Ephesians 1:15-23 > In verses 3-14 of Ephesians chapter 1 St Paul lays out God's amazing plan for us with all kinds of mystical complexities and divine revelation > Then he prays for those who believe, that "God...may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (verses 3-14): the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his (Christ) calling...." And on it goes. > This is Paul's inspired intercessory prayer that we too can and should pray for our fellow believers.

Ephesians 3:14-21 > Again we see St Paul's Holy Spirit-inspired prayers for the Ephesian believers > "That you may be strengthened with all might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you would be rooted and grounded in love...that you might be filled with all the fullness of God"

NOTE: Have you ever wanted to know how to pray? Ever wanted to know what to pray? When to pray? I hope to share with you truth from the Bible about prayer, and truth from the ancient Church about prayer, and truth taught by the Church fathers on prayer from over the centuries. The important thing is that it is Truth, truth about prayer.

Colossians 1:9-11 > You can mirror St Paul's prayers or tailor them for your prayers that you pray for yourself and your brothers and sisters in Christ or anyone on your prayer list. > Paul does not cease to pray for the Colossians these prayers. He prays them repetitiously, daily, morning, noon, and night; sometimes all night. Not vain repetitions, but faith repetitions!!! > "that you might be filled with knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you might walk worthy of the Lord...being fruitful in every good work...strengthened with all might..." >

NOTE: The Psalms are the "Song Book" or "Prayer book" of the Church. Each and every Psalm applies to some part of our life's experience, even to different parts of each and every day. Learn the Psalms, memorize the Psalms, learn to pray the Psalms.

Philippians 1:9-11 > St Paul prays "that your love may abound yet more and more...that you may be sincere and without offence until the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness." >

***Here's a prayer that I wrote based on these inspired prayers of St Paul that I tailored for my own "prayer rule". To pray all of St Paul's prayers each and every time you "stand to pray" or "someone comes to your mind" would not be practical. So I created a prayer that I can say that is succinct and powerful and true. I mention each person by name (first name will do) and I pray "Father, that you would grant to each one the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus the Messiah, that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened to know what is the hope of Christ's calling; That you would direct their hearts into the love of God, strengthening 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 God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; establish their hearts in grace and truth, and may Christ Jesus dwell in their hearts by faith".

1 Thessalonians 3:8-13 > Pray for abounding love. Pray for established hearts in holiness. Pray for believers to be ready for the Second Coming of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:11,12; 3:1-5 > Pray for believers to be worthy of their calling. Pray that God's power will work through faith in  those you pray for. Pray that Jesus Christ be glorified. Pray that God will direct their hearts into the love of God. Pray that the Word of God have free course. Pray that Preachers and believers have open doors of utterance. Pray that we be delivered from absurd and wicked men. Pray that we be kept from evil. > Romans 15:30-33