Basic Christian: Wiki

by David Anson Brown
DavidAnsonBrown.com

3C-Christianity.com - The-Jesus-Realm.com

BasicChristian.org

Basic Christian: Wiki

Basic Christian: Wiki - Resources - Research

Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Main Page

Basic Christian: Wiki
davidansonbrown.com

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Welcome to the Common Christian Faith: Wiki

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ -- The Jesus Realm

Luke 16:16 The Law and the Prophets were until John the Baptist: since that time the Kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth [i.e. Luke 7:37-50] through the worldly opposition and into it. ~ Jesus Christ

Jude v.3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Updated: BasicChristian_Essentials.zip

Christianity for Christians
Presenting a New Era in Modern Christianity!

Personal Relationship Christianity - Christianity for Christians
Christians who are learning and seeking the Truth are Evangelicals
People who are seeking ease through a few simple gimmicks are Calvinists

Following the Holy Feast Days i.e. Evangelical Holy Week

Matthew 12:40 For as (the prophet) Jonah was Three Days and Three Nights in the whale's belly;
so shall the Son of Man be Three Days and Three Nights in the heart of the earth.

The Christian Community Devotional
A Daily Devotional for the Congregational Church Fellowship Style
Located at CommonChristianCommunity.com

Accentuating the Congregational Church model of Christian fellowship equality, the individual believers (royal) priesthood, individual righteousness and holiness maturity, the current Kingdom of Jesus Christ and His Millennial Age Reign to come and the present Age of Christian Responsibilities.

God bless everyone,
David Anson Brown

Video: Bride will be Raptured during a Feast of Trumpets "Rosh Hashanah" by Mark Biltz YouTube

Evangelical Christianity Explained

I have recently been studying early-church history including Roman Emperors, Crusaders, Nights Templers and Spanish Conquistadors. Much of what these groups were doing and attempting to do was.

1. Going to Jerusalem attempting to find traditional Christianity [though they often were looking for an artifacts based Christianity]

2. Taking that Jerusalem based original Christianity out into the world

This video is a good summary of where modern Christianity should be though granted there are several nuances where the video is wrong i.e. teaching only 7 Feast Days when in actuality there are the 8 Biblical Leviticus chapter 23 Feast Days starting with the often left out "Sabbath Feast Day" (the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem often taught as Palm Sunday but is actually a Saturday Sabbath event in the Bible).

Leaving out the unauthenticated artifacts of times past and instead focusing on the correct Acts 2:1 "one accord" Jerusalem schedule is a desired and reasonable place for the modern Christian.

Actually if we neglect the ancient teachings and timelines of the Bible then we are mostly left with modern interpretations of what someone thinks the Bible should say.

One of the safest and best ways to understand the Bible is to do it in the original timeline and context of the ancient Feast Days of Israel.

The "Millennial Rein" of Jesus Christ
the coming Jerusalem centered Kingdom on Earth of Jesus Christ

The Four Dispensations of The Bible's New Testament

In the Apostle Paul's trip to Rome [recorded in the Bible's Book of Acts by the early Church Historian Luke] are some of the most codded and cryptic passages of the Bible's New Testament. Was Luke aided by the Apostle Paul, putting forth the future of the Church Era and an End Time scenario that Christians could glean from to understand events both current and future?

Summary: The Apostle Paul's Journey to Rome - The Four Dispensations of the Times since the 1st Coming of Jesus Christ seem to have been mapped out and enacted throughout Paul's Journey to Rome.

1. The Apostles Dispensation (Acts 27:1-5)
2. The Common Christian Church Age (Acts 27:6-44)
3. The Martyred Saints of Revelation Tribulation (Acts 28:1-15)
4. The 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom Reign of Jesus Christ on earth (Acts 28:16-31)

Source: Common Christian Community Daily Devotional

Recap: the slight problem with the teaching in the video is that the teacher Mark Biltz is using the traditions of men to interpret the Bible instead of using the Bible to interpret the Bible. For example it is the tradition of men that there are only seven Feast Days yet the Bible in Leviticus chapter 23 commands eight Feast Days. As Christians it's imperative that we have an accurate Biblical message derived from the Bible (usually the reliable KJV) and not just the constant parroting of slightly inaccurate teachings that the Christian Church has become mired in.

By David Anson Brown April 21, 2017

The September 23, 2017 Signs in Heaven

I'm posting this info as generally informative of current events and ideas and not as specific future events

I have been watching some YouTube videos about End Time events. Each new year brings the potential of End Time prophetic events and already 2017 as a year of change has the potential to begin a significant new era. I certainly don't think 2017 is the end of anything and more likely it is the beginning of a new season however with so much change happening so fast it will be a good idea to get familiar with some of these current concepts so they don't surprise us and possibly confuse us all the more. If I see anything else interesting or that is helpful I'll also post it.

In the last few years there have been some significant changes in the global society. i.e. Pope Francis (2013), Brexit (2016), Trump (2017). The Bible is mostly centered on Israel and Europe regarding the End Times.

I'm not a fan of 1 person prophecy shows. I think that prophecy should be discussed in a group to help provide a better balance and should maintain traditional Protestant Church traditions and creeds. Also taking care not to place America completely front and center in End Times prophecy as that is difficult to do and maintain a traditional Biblical view since the Bible is mostly centered on Israel and Europe regarding the End Times.

All the best to everyone!

YouTube 5 Ways the World Has CHANGED since 58th Inauguration of TRUMP | Can LIBERTY Exist without Religion?
Pastor Steve Cioccolanti is declaring the start of global revival. This teaching begins an important series on Good Government called "Is America a Christian Nation?"

YouTube September 23, 2017 | Greatest End Times Sign | Discoverer Interviewed | Revelation 12 Sign!
Rex Bear of LeakProject.com sits down with Scott Clarke of erfministries.com to discuss bible prophecy, signs in the heavens, the mark of the beast, biblical wars, the rapture, the tribulation, next September 23, and what 2017 may hold for those who dwell on earth … and so much more. Don’t miss this interview!

YouTube The RAPTURE before February 17th 2017?

YouTube DID MICAH SEE THE RAPTURE IN A VISION?
Teaching on dispensations and corrupt bible versions

Christmas Sermon 2017
Christ The Savior and King -- Luke 1:26-38, Isaiah 9:6, Daniel 7:14
Source: Bloomsburg Community Church 2009

Counting the 49 Days after Holy Week at The-Jesus-Realm.com

When Albert Mohler Jr., Boz (Boozer) Tchividjian and John MacArthur's Cult of Calvinism can provide Salvation.

In the Cult of Calvinism individual Salvation is not available until Pentecost and then only if the individual has obeyed many aspects of Calvinism's contrived doctrines

Note: John Calvin (1509-1564) a lawyer by trade was unable to adequately grasp the greater theological concepts of the Holy Bible. Calvin's simplistic lawyerly attempt reduced the relationship aspects and complexities of the Bible into a two-dimensional legalistic realm of law and punishment. Calvin was either unaware of or ignored completely the more complex realities of the Divine, Prophetic, Kingdom and Priesthood relationship with mankind that the Bible triumphantly exalts and exclaims.

Confronting Calvinism 2015

1. Calvinism neglects Jesus Christ as the Author [Holy Week] and Finisher [Rapture] of the Christian Church.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God. ~ Uber Headings Bible

Note: The Christian Church is a result of the work that Jesus Christ accomplished during Holy Week. Calvinism mostly rejects Holy Week and instead wrongly identifies Pentecost and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit as the start of the Christian Church when it is Jesus Christ that began His Church on Resurrection Day (John 20:22) and it is Jesus that will one day call His Church into Heaven.

2. Calvinism much like Roman Catholicism remains unhealthy as it is stuck at the cross instead of continuing on to the resurrection and a newness in Christianity.

Romans 6:4-5 Therefore we are buried with Him (Jesus) by baptism [identity - confession] into death: that like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: ~ Uber Headings Bible

Note: of the 11 surviving Disciples only John remained at the cross of Jesus Christ for an extended time the remaining Disciples either neglected to go to the cross themselves or went for such a brief amount of time that the Gospels don't even mention their presence at the cross.

3. The Calvinist transition from Law to Gospel is really about a transition from sinner to Saint and once a person becomes a Christian (Saint) the vast majority of Calvinist teaching becomes irrelevant for the new Christian Saints.

Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of Spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. ~ Uber Headings Bible

A Countdown to Pentecost - Calvinism's Holy Day

Counting the days to Pentecost and the Extra Days needed after Holy Week until Calvinism (Reformed) teaching provides for individual Salvation and the Start of a Christian Church.

Well, it will take some time to get the heathen Calvinist into the existing (since Holy Week) Christian Church but we'll continue to wait it out for them and after Pentecost [Summer Feast] when the Calvinists can finally join the Christian Church then together we can do the countdown to the Feast of Trumpets and the other two Fall Feasts [the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles].

Note: The heretic John MacArthur and his confusion regarding a Pentecost start to the Christian Church. MacArthur also calls the sanctification and witness of Pentecost "a heavenly invasion" as though the Holy God has intruded in man's life when it is Satan that is the intruder into the lives of people - is John MacArthur confusing the Holy God with Satan? [http://vimeo.com/19848891 Video]

The doctrines of Calvinism in neglecting the Events of the Christian Holy Week do not have in them the foundation of being 'Redeemed' by the blood of the cross of Jesus Christ and 'Saved' into the one True Resurrection of Jesus Christ but instead by the doctrines of Calvinism a person is not necessarily 'Redeemed' or 'Saved' by the Holy Week Ministry of Jesus Christ but instead a person is merely nebulously 'Chosen' via some form of 'Election' that is built and affirmed upon the assumptions, presuppositions and confirmations of man not as a result of the confirming presence of the Holy Spirit. Calvinistic doctrine wrongfully negates the works and ministry of Jesus Christ during Holy Week and exchanges the sure Foundation of the Christian Faith derived from the Holy Week events of Jesus Christ for a man centered gospel message of 'chosen' and 'elect'.

John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11) prophesied that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would be the one to continually “baptize” people with the Holy Spirit unto eternal Salvation not a solo working of the Holy Spirit Baptizing alone (the empowerment) as is recorded in Acts chapter 2. Jesus Christ being both the 'Beginning' Alpha by Baptizing His followers starting in the Upper Room (John 20:22) and continuing to Baptize His disciples throughout the entire Christian Church Era then 'Ending' Omega by Jesus Himself eventually calling and meeting (Acts 1:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:14) His 'Bride' of 'Baptized' followers in the clouds and bringing His Bride into Heaven.

Note: the Basic Christian Ministry follows and instructs in the Historical Biblical Christian pattern [i.e. the literal grammatical historical method of Biblical interpretation] - in following the actual Divine and human events that Christianity is a direct product of i.e. creation, original sin, Heaven, hell, the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, the earthly Ministry of Jesus, the Holy Week events and ministry of Jesus, imputed righteousness, the eternal resurrection, the historic Apostolic Church age, the current Common Christian Church Age, the Millennial Age to come, and the many other human and Divine events that have already happened or are yet to unfold among mankind.

While the more modern Reformed i.e. Calvinistic traditions, doctrines and teachings are not so much derived from either historical or future events but are more derived from presuppositional teachings, meaning that if a well-known person i.e. John Calvin or almost anyone with a Dr. in their title makes a statement then that statement becomes a kind of presupposed fact a fact that the general Christian Church at large is now supposed to universally accept as a biblical doctrinal truth even though that doctrine didn't emerge from historical events or even from well contemplated Biblical passages but merely as a preference of certain people that once united in groupthink becomes a de facto Church doctrine.

Concluding: there is a vast difference between the historic Church with the Biblical doctrines and what is being taught and passed along today in the modern opinion induced church.

by David Anson Brown

Is Calvinism Spiritual Racism?

sbctoday.com/is-calvinism-spiritual-racism/

In this brief article I will contend that Hinduism, Racism, and Calvinism have many things in common; too many for Christians not to be alarmed. Such disturbing common denominators should give pause to all Calvinists and any who are entertaining thoughts of embracing the doctrines espoused by Calvinism and Reformed theology. ... God has demonstrated his love for all people many times over. He did so by promising to make Abraham, a.k.a. Abram, from Ur of the Chaldeans (Gen. 11:31), a blessing to all the families of the earth (Gen. 12:1-3). Abraham, placed faith in the biblical God, obeyed God, and became the spiritual father of faith (Heb. 11:8-19), blazing the trail for others to follow as he demonstrated what it truly means to place faith in God and live out that faith.

Note: This is an insightful and informative article. Calvinism is literally the visage of a medieval exploitation system [the ancient Manorial system of serfs (bondage) and peasants]. In order for Calvinism [itself a man-centered (John Calvin) Think-Tank religion] to exist it attempts to inforce Old Testament Theocracy [the church is the state (government)]. In doing so Calvinism misrepresents both God and NT Christianity. Calvinism has wrongly concluded that NT Christianity is the mirror image of the OT with an angry God and a people unable to please God. In short Calvinist are still going to the now empty Mt. Sinai (Hebrews 12:18-21) while New Testament Christians (Hebrews 12:22-29) are directed to go meet God in the Resurrection Garden of Mt. Zion. Keep in mind that no one in this current physical life is approved of by God (Hebrews 9:27) and that conversely Calvinism doesn’t speak for God [only the Bible speaks for God] and in fact modern Calvinism greatly misrepresents the Goodness of the One True, Loving, Living God. ~ David Anson Brown

Biblical Reality vs Man's Calvinism

"Living as an unreformed [a non-Calvinist] Protestant takes courage. You’re no longer the Gnostic [fantasy-life] coward that can disassociate yourself from a life that you have no control over. Life is no longer something "outside of you." You must now own the sum and substance of your own life without hiding behind a bogus total depravity. Beware of finding joy in the confession of your own evil." - Paul M. Dohse Sr.

The dysfunction, deception, bewilderment and hysteria of the discredited Modern Emergent Movement is now being almost fully embraced by a Modern Reformed (Calvinism) Movement that at one time preached steadily against such mischievousness.

When the Son of Man shall come [after His Millennial reign] in His Glory, and all the Holy Angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the Throne of His Glory: And before Him shall be gathered all Nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a Shepherd divides His sheep from the goats: And He shall set the sheep [righteous] on His right hand, but the goats [immoral] on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, all of you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ~ Matthew 25:31-34

This is an informative article from a different liberal/New Age perspective

Why All Big Empires Die: NATO [UN] Is Rapidly Collapsing As It Widens Many Wars

The income gap problem is huge. No empire lasts very long with very unhappy peasants and with the very rich growing fat and lazy as they suck down everything and live in vast palaces and shut out the cries of the people for mercy and help. A country, an empire like this is easily defeated in war. The weak, demoralized population makes poor soldiers and people who hate their rulers are usually anxious to overturn them.

Economic empires are the same: when a group of people gain control of great power they can either be nice to everyone and insure all are cared for and there is a good society with jobs, industry, good care of the lands, careful stewardship. Or they can loot everyone, refuse to pay taxes for their own military power and make the gap between themselves and the rest of humanity as huge as possible. This 'greed is good' method of rule has one end: the guillotine or death at the hands of other empires coming in to loot.

...

This, in turn, has excited great energy in Muslim populations who hate the Europeans and Americans as infidels and the more NATO slugs these angry Muslims, the madder they get and the more they fight and the battles are now endless, every year, and extremely expensive. And the oil held by these nations is taken off world markets leading to very high energy prices across the board (they all go up together, more or less!) so the economies of ALL the NATO countries is now in greatest distress.

...

Not that people at the top can figure this out! They see only victory in the future, and more wealth for them and less for the rest of humanity and frankly, they don't care to read history or learn harsh lessons from the past. They think they are geniuses who have found a magic way of being extremely powerful and totally greedy.

Source: [https://emsnews.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/why-all-big-empires-die-nato-is-rapidly-collapsing-as-it-widens-many-wars/ Article] "Why All Big Empires Die: NATO Is Rapidly Collapsing As It Widens Many Wars" from January 30, 2012 by Culture of Life News blog

I’m studying the Old Testament book of Zephaniah and comparing it to the New Testament book of Romans. It’s very interesting in that both books are very similar having some of the same content and actually parallel each other in the transition from subject to subject. Different from my study but noticing that just a casual reading of Romans or any book in the Bible actually destroys the false premises of the Reformed Theology - Calvinism.

Therefore as by the offence (sin) of one [Adam] judgment (death) came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness (Holiness) of one [Jesus Christ] the free gift (eternal life) came upon all men unto justification of life. Romans 5:18

The problem is that Calvinism is a flawed [legal] system that is being commonly used today to build [oligarchy style - i.e. mafia style] church congregations that require people to follow an obviously flawed and restricted system. Calvinism is a system from the middle-ages [of serfs and peasants] that does not accurately represent the truth of the biblical, caring and loving accessibility of Christianity.~ Update: March 10, 2015

Listening to [http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/43-67/the-saviors-love-for-his-own this] train wreck of a sermon by John MacArthur and it’s possibly the most inaccurate Holy Week sermon I have ever heard from a mainstream ministry. It is crowded with so many errors, inaccuracies and false assumptions that it’s difficult to even listen to.

My Devotional with an introduction on April 8th (page 103) the [http://basicchristian.org/Christian-Community-Year-Devotional.pdf Christian Community Year Devotional] covers the days and events of Holy Week in a much more accurate, responsible and reasonable manner than the intangible, confused and irresponsible John MacArthur message.

I’m wondering if MacArthur’s medication is out of balance or something because he is so incoherent and confused [i.e. placing Palm Sunday on a Monday] really there must be external problems. A normal rational person just doesn’t say those things [i.e. calling the Temple demonic]. You would think someone at MacArthur’s church would step in and assume some leadership responsibility and save him from himself but that’s the problem with a 1-man show when it implodes no one has the sense to intervene.

Schedule of the Holy Feast Days

Holy Week (Passover) - Friday March 23, 2018 ---> Easter Sunday April 1, 2018
The Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot) - May 20, 2018
The Fall Feasts - (Sukkot) starting September 23, 2018 at sundown in Jerusalem, Israel
Christmas Day 'Savior Day' - December 25, 2018

Now the Jew's Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) [Fall Feast - 2nd Coming] was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto Him (Jesus), Depart from this place, and go into Judaea, that Your disciples also may see the works that you do. For there is no man that does anything in secret, and he himself seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world. For neither did His brethren [brothers] believe in Him. Then Jesus said unto them, My time [appointed Feast Day] is not yet come: but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you; but Me it hates, because I Testify of it [that the world is perishing in sin], that the works thereof are evil [sin]. Go all of you up unto this Feast: I go not up yet [fully] unto this Feast: for My Time [2nd Coming] is not yet full come. When He had said these words unto them, He abode still in Galilee. But when His brethren [brothers] were gone up, then went He also up unto the Feast [in Jerusalem], not openly, but as it were in secret. ~ John 7:2-10 - Note: the Resurrection, Believers Church Age, Rapture and Saints of Revelation are ALL Secret events.

And Paul [the Apostle] after this tarried [stayed] there [Corinth in Greece] yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren [Church], and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn [shaved] his head in Cenchrea [at Greece]: for he had a vow. And he came to Ephesus [in modern Turkey], and left them there: but he himself entered into the Synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. When they desired him to stay a longer time with them, he consented not; But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this Feast [Sukkot] that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will [i.e. possibly meaning if the Church Rapture hasn't taken place]. And he sailed from Ephesus. And when he had landed at Caesarea [Israel], and gone up [to Jerusalem], and saluted the Church [during the Feast of Sukkot], [then] he went down to Antioch [Syria]. ~ Acts 18:18-22 - Note: possibly the Apostle Paul was looking for or modeling for us, the fulfilment of the Church Age in the Rapture based on the Feast of Sukkot in Jerusalem. With Pentecost [Acts 2:1] being the last Christian Feast Day then Sukkot is next to be fulfilled or enacted on the Christian Feast Day calendar.

The Eight Old Testament Holy Feasts of Leviticus Chapter 23
Holy Convocations, A Statute Forever, All Generations

Schedule of The Lord's 8 Holy Feast Days --- Spring Feasts: Holy Week is comprised of the four Salvation Feasts {Sabbath (Rest), The Lord's Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits (Easter)} --- Pentecost (Shavuot) [Acts 2:1] is the Middle Feast: The Sanctification Feast --- The Fall Feasts: The three Redemption Feasts are comprised of {Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) possibly the Rapture dates of the Christian Church, Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)}

The 3 Feast Groups of Israel

Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times in a year shall all [those who desire to] thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which He shall choose [i.e. Temple Mount]; in the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover - Holy Week), and in the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot - Pentecost), and in the Feast of Tabernacles (Fall Feasts): and they shall not appear before the LORD empty [without an offering]:

Spring Feasts (Justification/Salvation): Passover - Holy Week - 1st Coming of Jesus
Summer 'Middle' Feast (Sanctification): Pentecost - Acts 2:1
Fall Feasts (Redemption): Day of Atonement - 2nd Coming, Final Restoration

The Eight Old Testament Holy Feasts of Leviticus Chapter 23
Holy Convocations, A Statute Forever, All Generations

Salvation Feasts (Spring Feasts) - Jesus' First Coming
1. Sabbath (Rest) - Saturdays - fulfilled (Holy Week) at the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem
2. The Lord's Passover - 14th day of Nisan - fulfilled (Holy Week) at the Last Supper
3. Unleavened Bread - 15th day of Nisan - fulfilled (Holy Week) on the Cross
4. Firstfruits [Born Again] (Easter) - first Sunday after the Feast of The Lord's Passover - fulfilled (Holy Week) in the Resurrection

Sanctification Feast (Summer Feast or Middle Feast) - The work of the Holy Spirit
5. Pentecost (Shavuot) Acts 2:1 - 50 Days (7 Sabbaths + 1 day) from the Sabbath Day before the Feast of Firstfruits or the 7th Sunday (49 days) after the Feast of Firstfruits (Easter Sunday) - currently in progress

Final Redemption Feasts (Fall Feasts) - Jesus' Second Coming
6. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)
7. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
8. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

Spring Feast Schedule (adjusted for Easter) 2015
Sat. 28 March 2015 -- Sabbath - fulfilled (Holy Week) at the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem
Wed. 1 April 2015 -- The Lord's Passover - 14th day of Nisan - fulfilled (Holy Week) at the Last Supper
Thur. 2 April 2015 -- Unleavened Bread - 15th day of Nisan - fulfilled (Holy Week) on the Cross
Sun. 5 April 2015 -- Firstfruits (Easter) [individual Spiritually Born Again] - in progress

Sanctification Feast (Summer Feast or Middle Feast) - The work of the Holy Spirit
5. Pentecost (Shavuot) Acts 2:1 - 50 Days (7 Sabbaths + 1 day) from the Sabbath Day before the Feast of Firstfruits or the 7th Sunday (49 days) after the Feast of Firstfruits (Easter Sunday) - currently in progress

Fall Feasts 2015
Sun. 13 - Tue. 15 September 2015 Rosh Hashanah - Feast of Trumpets
Tue. 22 - Wed. 23 September 2015 Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement
Sun. 27 Sep. - Sun. 4 Oct. 2015 Sukkot - Feast of Tabernacles
{All Feasts schedules start at Sunset and end at Sunset - Jerusalem time (IDT)}

Feast Schedules will be maintained here at The-Jesus-Realm.com

The Evangelical Holy Week 2015 --- The Spring Feasts
Jesus Walk 2015 Starting Friday March 27th 2015 until --- Easter Sunday April 5th 2015

The Jesus Walk 2015 10 Day Holy Week (Easter) Timeline Devotional is available now in JesusWalk.pdf

Note: after Resurrection Sunday (the birth of the Christian Church - Feast of Firstfruits - aka Easter Sunday to Gentiles) we are going to do another countdown this time to countdown to the yearly Feast of Pentecost [May 24, 2015] so people can see that Pentecost (a growth/harvest Sanctification Feast) comes almost two months [in a different Season] after the (Justifying) Feasts of the Spring Passover/Holy Week have already been completed.

The Christian Church 'Born Again' Age began with the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the 'Feast of First Fruits' Easter Day (John 21:22). On Pentecost [50 day later - Acts 2:1] the 'Feast of Shavuot' individual Born Again Christians received the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The Christian Church Age the 'Born Again' baptism from Jesus Christ seemingly continues only until an apparent future Church Rapture event [1 Corinthians 15:51-52] while the Pentecost empowerment of the Holy Spirit continues [Acts 2:20] on into the Tribulation and Great Tribulation of Revelation.

Conclusion: any teaching that proclaims that the Christian Church started on Pentecost and ends with the Rapture would then be guilty of proclaiming that the Holy Spirit is not available during the Tribulation period. Either the Born Again Church Age is from 'First Fruits' until the Rapture while the empowerment work of Pentecost continues on throughout the Tribulation or the Church Age is from Pentecost to the Rapture and the empowerment work of the Holy Spirit ceases with the Rapture of the Church though Biblically only the first option [First Fruits - Rapture] is realistic.

Also Note: the Holy Feast cycle is completed in the Fall with the Redemptive Fall Feasts. The three Biblical (Leviticus 23) Feast groups are the Spring (Passover) 'Justifying' Feasts (Romans 3:24-25, Colossians 1:20) that bring us sinners into a right relationship with God through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then our individual Christian growth 'Sanctification' and the empowerment process given from God to us on the Feast Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1, Philippians 2:12) followed by the Fall Feasts and our Final 'Redemption' (Romans 8:23, 2 Corinthians 5:10) at our own physical death - when our actual body (soul and spirit) come into the perceivable presence of God.

God bless everyone,
David Anson Brown

Source: The Jesus Realm PDF

The 2015 Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot) -- The Sanctification Feast -- Sunday, May 24th 2015

The Jewish Feast Day of Shavuot (Leviticus 23:15,16) our Pentecost [50] is fifty days [7 Sabbaths (Saturdays) 49 days and then the next day Sunday 50th day] from the Sabbath Day (Saturday) during the Lord's Passover. The Pentecost [Acts 2] that the Christian Church is remembering is always 49 days [7 Sundays] after the Resurrection Sunday [Easter Sunday]. Since the yearly Jewish Passover is on a different day each year and the Christian Church is remembering the Jerusalem Passover of Jesus [the yearly remembrance of the days of Christian Holy Week is calculated slightly different than the ongoing days of the Jewish Passover Week] the two yearly Jewish (Passover, Shavuot) and Christian (Holy Week, Pentecost) Holidays do not always match-up on the calendar as the same day.

The 2015 Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)

Feast of Trumpets - Rosh Hashanah -- Sunday, September 13-15, 2015 Jerusalem time zone (IDT)
Note: the possible Rapture Dates of the Christian Church

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that all of you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. 15 For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the [2nd] Coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord [Jesus] Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the Trumpet voice of God: and the dead in Christ having already rise[n] first: 17 Then we (Christians) which are spiritually alive (Born Again) and remain shall be caught up together with Him in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. ~ Über Headings Bible 2014

The Rapture and the Feast of Trumpets YouTube -- When will Jesus Return (Feast of Trumpets) YouTube. This is also and interesting Video - 2028 AD End of the World Video.

Note: in the year 2033 AD it will be approximately the 2,000th Anniversary of the original Jerusalem Passover of Jesus Christ. We don't know the exact year of that Passover so it is only an approximation.

Source: Christian Community Year Devotional, December 30th

Also Note: If you read the entirety of the Holy Bible much of what the Bible is structured on and written about [i.e. Daniel's Prophecies, the 7 Church Letters of Revelation, etc.] are structured on the original Genesis 7 Day Creation Week (six days of work and the seventh day of rest) along with the redemptive principals of the eight Feasts of the Lord wrapped in the narrative of the completed works in the 1st and 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. It is the modern misinformed and uniformed narrative that chooses to neglect these important historical Biblical aspects and instead is remaining uninformed regarding basic fundamental Biblical concepts and precepts.

ÜKJV 2014 and KJV 1611 Bible Downloads

All the Über 2014 Bibles -- Uber-Bibles.zip
All the KJV 1611 Bibles -- KJV-Bibles.zip

Wiki-BasicChristian.pdf (PDF)
Wiki-BasicChristian.docx (MS Word)

www.CommonChristianFaith.com
www.CommonChristianCommunity.com

RackSpace Cloud: Basic Christian
BasicChristian.pdf (PDF)
BasicChristian.docx (MS Word)
BasicChristian RackSpaceCloud Files (PDF)
BasicChristian RackSpaceCloud Files (RSS)
BasicChristian-eBooks-ePub.zip
BasicChristian-eBooks-Mobi.zip
BasicChristian_Essentials.zip

New: 1611 KJV Bible with Headings MS Word - PDF -- Epub - Mobi -- Online
BasicChristian.net Audio, Video Downloads and The Summer 2013 KJV verse headings Bible Project
blog RSS FEED The Jesus Realm WordPress blog
The Jesus Realm (PDF) -- Containing New Info Regarding The Emerging World Court System
Basic Christian Wiki (PDF) -- Containing The Basic Christian Wiki website Material
Common Christian Confession of Faith.pdf (PDF) -- The Common Christian Confession of Faith

The Basic Christian Ministry has completed the 2012 Trilogy Project consisting of The Basic Christian Statement of Faith, A Declaration of Faith - The Pierre Statement on Biblical Doctrines by confessing Christians, and The 1646 Westminster Confession of Faith modified into the 2012Common Christian Confession of Faith.pdf.
God bless everyone! ~ David Anson Brown

Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him (Jesus Christ) shall not be ashamed.

Equipping the Saints

Diagram: Diagram of Christian growth - prayer, fellowship, personal Bible study, and witnessing (service to others) by Gene Warr of The Navigators

Website is Closed

10/05/2012 Update: The Basic Christian Ministry 2000 to 2012 material has for the most part concluded. When I originally started the internet ministry I thought it would be about a 3 to 4 year project and gratefully it has been closer to a 12 year project. Though now to continue adding material to the same files making them larger would just become counterproductive. -- I'm going to spend some time reorganizing some of the material and continue to refine the ideas, the theology and the presentation and start fresh with some more material probably later this year while still keeping the existing 2000-2012 material available. -- Most importantly I want to spend a lot of time in personal devotions, prayer, fellowship and just in seeking a personal relationship with God in Jesus Christ and considering if I should continue in ministry and really what kind of ministry to be involved in. -- All the best, God bless everyone! ~ David Anson Brown

Capt. John Brown Documents (PDF)
David Anson Brown USMC 1981-1984 Marine Corps info and photos (PDF)
I have been updating some of my Marine Corps information 81-84.
If anyone wants me to make any changes just realize that I still have pictures of the oldest rope bridge in Australia and of orchids in Singapore.
Also to my surprise when I searched the internet to find the correct name for the Singapore Botanic Gardens I found a list of the top ten parks in Singapore and the Botanic Gardens was not even on it - talk about oversight.
God bless, David Anson Brown

The Basic Christian Ministry 2012 Trilogy Project!

The Basic Christian Ministry has completed the 2012 Trilogy Project consisting of The Basic Christian Statement of Faith, A Declaration of Faith - The Pierre Statement on Biblical Doctrines by Confessing Christians and The 1646 Westminster Confession of Faith modified into The 2012 Common Christian Confession of Faith God bless everyone! ~ David Anson Brown

Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him (Jesus Christ) shall not be ashamed.

Separation took Church from the buildings and set it free to be in the minds and hearts of the people

Announcement: After careful consideration regarding the Basic Christian Ministry, where it has been, where it is now and where it is intending to go it seems that we will need a long dedicated look into where the ministry should be going - so for the rest of the year and all of next year the Basic Christian Ministry is going to try to focus on the one topic of Church Separation. Specifically we are going to go back and look at specific areas of Church History [Greek Orthodox and English Anglican] to see where large successful movements have left abusive and domineering church systems and have not only survived but have also thrived. All things considered now is a very opportune time to rapidly flee from the current abusive, out of touch, domineering, Corporation, church as a profit business, secular system. So we are going to spend the next months and the next year taking steps to separate and remove ourselves, our family and our friends from the current modern church as a Corporation system. - God bless everyone! ~ David Anson Brown

The great Church Separations of Church History have taken Christianity from the confines of the Cathedrals and from the one or two hours of worship each week that was equated within the brick and mortar church buildings and has set worship free among the land to be a continual worship of God in the great outdoors, in the country, in the streets, in the cities and most importantly of all into the minds and hearts of the people.

Rosh Hashanah 'Feast of the Trumpets' 2012 Jewish New Year - Jewish Year 5773 begins in the evening on Sunday, Sept. 16th and ends in the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 18th

Rosh Hashanah is a Leviticus 23 Feast and is a possible timeframe for the 'Last Trumpet' Rapture of the Christian Church #9 The Pre-Trib Rapture of the Christian Church (PDF)
Next year the Feast of Trumpets "Rosh Hashanah" begins in the evening on Wednesday, September 4th in 2013 and ends in the evening of Friday, September 6th

September 14, 2012: Occult Deception practices within the Church

The question has to be asked are these Church Sanctuaries or are these Satanic Covens? Are they secretly functioning as both churches and covens? Pseudo pretend churches designed to take money and lie to unsuspecting Christians while the real intention is to fund and facilitate Satanic Covens.

Modern (occult) pastors seem to be continually instituting a false system within the Church. A pseudo system that vaguely resembles the Old Testament, particularly in part in reinstituting the already completed Levitical Law (i.e. tithing). What this pseudo church (i.e. wrongly insinuating that we Christians have to prove our actual Justification (faith in Jesus) by showing our obedience to O.T. Levitical Law like practices). This places a false atmosphere within the Church and creates a false impression that insinuates that Biblical practices are being followed and adhered to [well negated O.T. practices] and in this false O.T. system it places individuals i.e. pastors into a perceived position of the O.T. offices of anointed king, anointed prophet or anointed priest and it is creating a dismal, dysfunctional, corrupt and error ridden system that is devastating the modern Church.

See Also: False Repentance Doctrine Exposed (Mp3) -- Faithful Word Baptist Church Sermons

Excellent!! Dr. D. James Kennedy Explains the difference between Justification and Sanctification YouTube
Justification does not encompasses Sanctification ... Justification [the outcome/result of our Redemption] and Sanctification [our continuing individual Christian growth] must always be distinguished (differentiated) but they can never be separated.

New Calvinism, New Evangelical, Gnosticism, and Communism 'Church Tribe' Communes

A multiple part sermon review from the Paul's Passing Thoughts blog by Paul Dohse - Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 (Mp4 - Downloads)

Reviewed Sermon: A progressive (Gnostic, New Calvinism, Commune) sermon given at Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Portsmouth, OH

Sermon Synopsis:

1. The Prodigal Son parable is supposedly about the older son (a Christian or a Jew) being mostly bad while the departed worldly son (worldly people) as being mostly good, and if we are like either son [we will end up like the Corinthians] and then if we attempt to discern spiritual matters ourselves without a Pastor {I guess, because only the Pastor has the Holy Spirit} - it could make us 'spiritually schizophrenic' and we don't want that -- or something like that.

2. Also, FYI wisdom and knowledge are NOT the same thing - but the Pastor is the shepherd - so use wisdom (a vision of good) but not knowledge (a way to defend individual bad ideas) in seeking a new Pastor 'shepherd' for the church.

3. Supposedly we then need to choose and align our choices according to the Pastoral-cultural 'group' (tribe) mentality - not by any real individual Biblical based concepts.
because the individual = division | while the group = justice

Conclusion: resistance is futile, [if you are not careful] you will be assimilated into this new Emerging Progressive (New Calvinism, New Baptist, New Evangelical, Gnostic, and Communism 'Church Tribe' Communes) slave system to be sent out and produce your best (tithes) and give your free services to the community all the while most importantly being very obedient to your Pastor and your appointed church leaders [except of course for that Jesus Christ person because He really doesn't matter in this new system], and have a blessed day - but only by their approval.

Source: Paul's Passing Thoughts blog

Update: The Basic Christian Ministry has material to post but it might not be for a while. Currently the next posted material is going to provide some important information regarding the existing New Testament superiority to the completed Old Testament. Jesus seemed to say that the New Testament is to be used to explain the Old Testament and likewise the Apostle Paul placed the authority and clarification of the New Testament over that of the already accomplished [in the bringing in of the Christ (Messiah)] Old Testament. Today some are presenting the Biblical Scripture order as O.T. first in importance [i.e. tithing] and the N.T. as a further revelation of the O.T. with a continued progression of more human (prophetic) knowledge and revelation to come and this is a gigantic error as the N.T. Covenant was always in view [Numbers 14:24] and the N.T. has always had precedence [Isaiah 1:11] over the O.T. even during [Joel 2:12-13] the O.T. time period.

Matthew 13:51-52 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto Him, Yea, Lord. Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe [Bible scholar] which is instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his Treasure things New [New Testament] and Old [Old Testament].

Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in [O.T.] meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which [O.T. examples] are a shadow of [N.T. reality - events] things to come; but the [N.T. reality - existence] body is of Christ.

God bless everyone! ~ David Anson Brown

New Resources

What Christians Want To Know
Teleological Argument for God's Existence
17 Bible Verses About The Birth of Jesus
The Lord's Prayer Bible Verses and Study
Should the Sabbath Be on Saturday or Sunday?

Iron Ink blog Article: Public Opinion Polls, Historicism and Psychological Warriors

5 Points of Salt blog Theology, Southern Culture, News & Views hosted by Joel Taylor

Ephesians 5:11 blog A Discernment Ministry hosted by William Saunders

Arminian Perspectives blog A Study of Salvation

Society of Evangelical Arminians blog Article: The Almost Completely Unknown Difference that Makes All the Difference

False Reformation (four tenets of Martin Luther's and John Calvin's egregious false gospel) by Paul M. Dohse Sr. - blog

Note: it is important that we the Church discuss social topics and appropriately utilize Biblical doctrines especially Redemption, Justification, Sanctification, Salvation, End Times, etc. ~ David Anson Brown

Bibles

HolyBible.pdf
BasicChristian.pdf
BasicChristian_Essentials.zip

This page was last modified on June 4, 2012, at 16:23.

Basic Christian - Holiness Summit 2015

From Common Christian Community: Wiki

Holiness Summit 2015

Spiritual belts help define our standing in God's Kingdom

1. Adam and Eve

God rejected the clothing/belt of fig leaves that Adam and Eve made.

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together [i.e. a belt], and made themselves aprons. ~ Genesis 3:7

God Himself made and provided the acceptable clothing for Adam and Eve.

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins [leather], and clothed them. ~ Genesis 3:22

Note: the Christian clothing in our present day is our Bible the word of God and like the days of Adam and Eve we have choices in our clothing. We can choose to remain naked and unclothed by avoiding the Bible. We can also be incorrectly clothed with the wrong bible versions in mistakenly clothing ourselves with the fig leaves of the man-made, edited Egyptian papyrus manuscripts [NIV, ESV, ect.] or like our forefathers we can be properly clothed in the garments and Bible provided by God in the leather (membrane) scrolls of the [KJV] original Church documents.

2. Moses - Levitical Law and Levitical Priesthood [Temple]

And take you [Moses] unto you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the Children of Israel, that he may minister unto Me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother for glory and for beauty. And you shall speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto Me in the priest's office. And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a turban, and a girdle [linen belt]: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto Me in the priest's office. ~ Exodus 28:1-4

3. Elijah

And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words? And they answered him, He [Elijah] was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle [belt] of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite. ~ 2 Kings 1:7-8

4. Isaiah mentions the Messiah (Jesus Christ)

And righteousness shall be the girdle of [Jesus] His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of [Jesus] His reins. [During the Millennial Kingdom] The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid [young goat]; and the calf [young cow] and the young lion and the fatling [i.e. young lamb] together; and a little child shall lead them. ~ Isaiah 11:5-6

5. Jeremiah

This evil people, which refuse to hear My Words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle [decayed belt], which is good for nothing. ~ Jeremiah 13:10

6. John the Baptist

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent [change your attitude] all of you: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. For this is he [John the Baptist] that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare all of you the way of the Lord [Jesus], make His paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle [belt] about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him [the citizens of] Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. ~ Matthew 3:1-6

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare all of you the way of the Lord [Jesus], make His paths straight. John [the Baptist] did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There comes One [Jesus] mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but He [Jesus] shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit. ~ Mark 1:3-8

7. Apostle Paul

And as we tarried [waited] there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus says the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. ~ Acts 21:10-11

8. Byzantine Texts [KJV] - leather scrolls - belted with straps of leather

Apostle Peter

Among the earliest of the recorded activities of the Apostle Peter is the Apostle spending considerable time with a tanner at his leather shop. In all probability the Apostle Peter was securing the leather scrolls that the new Church documents i.e. the Gospels, the book of James, etc. would be written on.

And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon [Peter], whose surname is Peter: He lodges with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he [Apostle Peter] shall tell you what you should do. ~ Acts 10:5-6

Apostle Paul

The coat that I [Apostle Paul] left at Troas with Carpus, when you [Timothy] come, bring with you, and the books, but especially the parchments (lit. membrane) [i.e. sheepskin, leather scroll - G3200]. ~ 2 Timothy 4:13

Note: the Apostle Paul is specifically requesting that Timothy bring him the leather scrolls apparently placing a higher value on the leather (membrane) scrolls than the Egyptian reed papyrus.

Also Note: the word (G3200) in the Bible is literally leather scroll and translating membrane (G3200) into parchment is an inaccurate translation.

Then said I, Lo, I come in the volume of the book [G975] it is written of Me (Jesus Christ), to do your will, O God. ~ Hebrews 10:7

9. Ephesians - Belt of Truth

Stand therefore, having your loins girt [belted] about with Truth, and having on the breastplate of Righteousness; ~ Ephesians 6:14

10. Jesus - Royal Law and Melchizedek Priesthood [Heaven]

And I [Apostle John] turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks One like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the breast with a golden girdle [Heavenly belt]. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire; And His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters. And He had in His right hand seven stars: and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and His countenance was as the sun shines in his strength. ~ Revelation 1:12-16

God bless everyone,
David Anson Brown

Basic Christian - Holiness Summit 2014

From Common Christian Community: Wiki

In the previous Holiness Summits and the End Times Summits many of the examples were given as illustrations of our current ongoing Christian Walk of Faith in this life. In this current Show Bread edition of the Holiness Summit it is intended that all of the Show Bread items (illustrations) will be pointing to events yet future. Harvest type fulfillment events that are yet to have a future completion, these are events of the Bible that we as Christians have to look forward to in being completed in our own life.

In the two previous Holiness Summits the concepts of Temple Wash Basins and Temple Lightening were used as illustrations, this Holiness Summit is using the concept of Temple Shew Bread (Show Bread - Display Bread) to help illustrate our items of instruction.

The end result in the grain harvest is the valued Bread of Life. It is the Bread of Life that ultimately sustains our physical life and it only comes as the final result of the harvest of grain. It is the final result of the Harvest, the Bread of Life that is on display in the Temple as the Show (Display) Bread, not the grain, the seeds, the plant or the process but the final milled flower mixed and baked into the completed Bread of Life that God has Displayed for us as an illustration both in His Temple and previously in His Tabernacle.

Our Christian faith in this life is like the Temple Show Bread in that our faith in God begins as a small perceivable seed that then becomes a living faith inside of us but then only after the completed harvest of our soul does it truly become the Temple Show Bread a completed part of the eternal Bread of Life.

John 4:35-38 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white [righteousness] already to Harvest [it is the rightiousness that is the eternal harvest]. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

1. Display Bread - Our Blessed Hope

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By Whom also we have access [to Father God] by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the Glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh [us] not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad [lit. generously distributed - G1632] in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Titus 2:13-14 Looking for that Blessed Hope [Eternal Kingdom of God], and the Glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might Redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous [desirous] of good works.

2. Display Bread - The Royal Priesthood Kingdom

Note: the Display Bread is ultimately a product of the Priesthood as it is the Priests (the Believer's Priesthood) that are responsible for displaying the Bread of Life on the Table for God to view.

Exodus 25:30 And thou shalt set upon the Table Shewbread (Display Bread) before Me always.

1 Chronicles 9:32 And other of their [Levi] brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the Shewbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.

Hebrews 9:2 For there was a Tabernacle made; the first [enclosed room], wherein was the Candlestick, and the Table, and the Shewbread (Display Bread); which is called the Sanctuary.

3. Display Bread - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Revelation 19:5-9 And a voice came out of the Throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give Honour to Him: for the Marriage of the Lamb [Jesus Christ] is come, and His wife [Church] hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the Righteousness of Saints. And He saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. And He saith unto me, These are the True sayings of God.

4. Display Bread - The Millennial Kingdom Reign

Amos 9:13 Behold, the [Kingdom Reign] days come, saith the LORD, [the harvest will be so extended] that the plowman shall overtake the reaper [harvester], and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the Mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills [opposition] shall melt.

5. Display Bread - The New Jerusalem

Revelation 21:1-5 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the Throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these Words are True and Faithful.

Basic Christian - Holiness Summit 2013

From Common Christian Community: Wiki

Holiness Summit 2013 - The Plan for the Basic Christian: Holiness Summit 2013 is going to be to have 3 sessions [and some additional info] (based on some Biblical encounters with God - i.e. Lightning) that we can watch as lighted glimpses of God's message for fellowship with mankind.

Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of (Jesus) the Son of Man be.

Ezekiel 1:3-14 The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the [Levitical] Priest, the son of Buzi, in the land [Babylon] of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him. And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great [Glory] cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness [of God] was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. ... As for the likeness of the living creatures [spirit beings - Angels], their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.

1. The first Lightning Strike (man's encounter with God) that we are going to examine is Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek. The King, Prophet and Priest Melchizedek like a bolt of lightning Melchizedek shined into the dark lives of mankind during His brief but historic visit with 'The Father of our Faith' Abraham. - As Abraham is the Father [example] of our Christian Faith, do we as Christians worship the same God that Abraham encountered and worshiped and do we as modern Christians observe the same Life Giving faith that Abraham observed? It is crucial, in our day that we still adhere to the Bible and the Biblical examples like Abraham that are set before us.

Romans 4:1-18 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt [wages - payment]. But to him that worketh not, but believeth [Faith] on Him [Jesus] that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as (King) David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness [by faith] without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered [at the cross of Jesus]. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute [consider guilty for] sin. ... and [Abraham] the father of circumcision [Hebrews-Jews] to them who are not of the circumcision only. but who also [Gentiles who] walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. ... Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise [Promises of God] might be sure to all the seed [descendants]; not to that only which is of the [Jewish] law, but to that also [Gentiles] which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father [of faith] of us all, As it is written, I have made thee [Abraham] a father of many Nations, before Him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth [makes alive] the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope [Abraham] believed in hope, that he might become the father of many Nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Genesis 14:18-20 And Melchizedek King of Salem (Peace) brought [prophetically] forth [Communion] bread and wine: and He was the [Melchizedek] Priest of the Most High God. And he blessed him [Abraham], and said, Blessed be Abram [uncircumcised (Gentile) Abraham] of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the Most High God [only God can speak for Himself], which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he [Abram] gave Him tithes of all.

2. The second Lightning Strike (man's encounter with God) that we are going to examine are the two dreams that Joseph interpreted while he was in a dark prison in Egypt. Joseph like his father [Great-Grandfather] Abraham before him also had Communion with Melchizedek in that generations before the Laws of Moses, Joseph while in a prison in Egypt still had fellowship with God and partook of the light of faith and spiritually ate and drank of the Gospel Communion with God.

Genesis 40:8-13 And they said unto him [Joseph], We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you. And the chief butler [cupbearer] told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, [Communion Wine] a vine was before me; And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her [wisdom] blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them [wine] into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand. And Joseph said unto him, This [from God] is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore [Communion, Wine, Restoration] thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.

Genesis 40:16-19 When the chief baker [Communion Bread] saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head: And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats [i.e. breads] for Pharaoh; and the [evil birds of the air - wolves in sheep's clothing] birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree [cross - Communion, Bread, Brokenness (Matthew 26:26)]; and the [evil] birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.

3. The third and final Lightning Strike (man's encounter with God) that we are going to examine is King David's personal encounter with the Messiah - Jesus Christ. Note: King David as a person actually broke most of the 10 Commandments and disregarded many of the Levitical Laws of Moses. Yet it was declared that David was a man in the manner of God's own heart. It then couldn't be that God has a heart for rigged impersonal Levitical rules and laws but only that God has a heart for the personal relationship offered and provided in the Melchizedek Priesthood. King David suffered as many dark nights and dark times as any person who has ever lived yet like his father Abraham King David the King of Israel suffered yet met face to face with the God of Israel and fellowshipped on a personal level with God.

Acts 2:25-28 For [King] David speaketh concerning Him [Messiah - Jesus Christ], I [via the Melchizedek Priesthood] foresaw the Lord always before my face [Levitical Law prohibited even the High Priest from seeing God and Living (Leviticus 16:2, Numbers 4:20)], for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in [resurrection] hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One [Messiah] to see corruption. Thou [God] hast made known to me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of joy with Thy countenance [glad presence].

2 Samuel 6:15-21 So [King] David and all the House [Tribes] of Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. And as the Ark of the LORD came into the city [Jerusalem] of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing [Melchizedek Praise] before the LORD; and she despised him in her [Levitical] heart. And they brought in the Ark of the LORD, and set it in His [Jesus] place, in the midst of the Tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he [King David] blessed the people in the Name of the LORD of Hosts. And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread [Communion Bread], and a good piece of flesh [for fellowship], and a flagon of wine [Communion Wine]. So [being the Sabbath - Saturday - unable to assemble] all the people departed every one to his house. Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the King of Israel today, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD [King Melchizedek], which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.

1 Samuel 13:13-14 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment [only Levitical Priests can offer Levitical sacrifices to God] of the LORD thy God, which He commanded thee [in the Laws of Moses]: for now would the LORD have established thy [a Melchizedek] kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy [entire] kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man [King David] after his own [Melchizedek] heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be Captain [1st in charge] over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

Psalms 110 A Psalm of [King] David. The LORD [God] said unto my Lord [Savior - Messiah], Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of Thy strength out of Zion [religious Jerusalem]: rule Thou in the midst of Thine enemies. Thy people [Christians] shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauties of Holiness from the womb of the morning: Thou hast the dew of Thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou [Messiah] art a Priest forever [eternal] after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at Thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of His wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, He shall fill the places with the dead bodies; He shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall He lift up the head [in awareness of the surroundings].

Regarding the Permanent Eternal Melchizedek Priesthood

The Levitical Law was temporary instruction [Romans 3:20, Galatians 3:19, Colossians 2:17] intended to teach regarding the actual, permanent, eternal, Melchizedek Priesthood.

The Blood Sacrifice of the Melchizedek Priesthood

The Levitical Law taught that the sin was in the flesh of the body [Romans 8:3] and that it was the death [Romans 6:26] of the body that paid the price for the sin (substitutionally) of the sinner. Then once the death had occurred and sin had been paid for then the blood was to be poured out for an extended period of New Life (Salvation) [Leviticus 8:15, Leviticus 17:11]. In the Levitical sacrifice system Atonement and New Life (Salvation) are wrongly intermingled as the sacrificed animal both bleeds and dies at the same time. While on the cross of Jesus the sins of mankind were first atoned (Atonement) with the physical death of Jesus on the cross [John 19:30] and then later after death the side of Jesus was pierced and eternal life blood brought forth [John 19:34] for our eternal Salvation. First the death and atonement then the blood of eternal life Salvation.

Not even the Levitical High Priest could see God and Live

The Levitical High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies in the Levitical Temple only once a year and only if enough smoke from the incense alter was first applied so that the Levitical Priest could in no way see the Glory of God [Leviticus 16:13]. Yet in the Melchizedek Priesthood [Matthew 5:8] everyone is to see the Gory of God.

Matthew 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He [Jesus] went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His Disciples came unto Him: And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, 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.

The Lightning illustrations of the Bible present a God that is bright light, powerful and yet personal to His creation and it is worth noting that these examples and illustrations of the Bible are recorded in both the Old and the New Testaments of the Bible.

Revelation 4:5-11 And out of the Throne [of God] proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the Throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the Throne, and round about the Throne, were four beasts [eternal spirit beings] full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sat on the Throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive Glory and Honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.

Basic Christian - Holiness Summit 2012

From Common Christian Community: Wiki

Holiness Summit 2012 - The Plan for the Basic Christian: Holiness Summit 2012 is going to be to have 10 sessions (i.e. based on the 10 smaller wash basins of the Temple) that we can wash in as our offerings to God during the Holiness Summit - As the 10 wash basins of the Temple were in two groups of five each we are going to have two groups of five sessions each - "2 Chronicles 4:6 He [King Solomon] made also ten lavers [wash basins], and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash [offerings] in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea [the Temples' one large main wash basin] was for the priests to wash in."

Sessions: The first five sessions (wash basins for offering to God) are going to be centered on Christian Church Councils-Creeds and the first five topics will be Jesus' Sermon on the Mount [Jesus' Sermon on Justification by Faith (in Jesus) and not by the works of man], Holy Week [our Justification (Righteousness) towards God fulfilled by Jesus (Romans 4:24-25)], The Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26), The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:6) and The Apostles' Creed [by Bishop Ambrose in about 390 A.D.] - The second group of five sessions (wash basins) are going to be Christian Church Theology topics - Holiness Doctrines - and for this series the topics will be Law, Justification, Faith, Atonement and Adoption. - "Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

Basic Christian Wiki: The Basic Christian Research Wiki 'Common Christian Community' The Basic Christian Research Wiki 'Common Christian Community' wiki website.

Holiness Summit 2012 - An excellent opportunity to look at Holiness Doctrines to see where the Holiness Movement historically has been and also to see what changes can be made in order to better present the movement, revitalize the movement for today and help move it on into the future.

Basic Christian - Holiness Summit 2012

The Sermon on the Mount - Jesus chose the time and the location, and then with all of His invited Disciples gathered in attendance, Jesus began to speak - The original Church Council meeting was now in session - "Matthew 5:1-2 And seeing the multitudes, He [Jesus] went up into a Mountain: and when He was set [having taken a seat as a Rabbi - Master Teacher], His disciples came unto Him: And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying ..."

Did Jesus really speak, saying? Blessed are those who tithe, blessed are those who put on a show and preach from behind pulpits, blessed are those personality preachers who draw men after themselves, blessed are those who exert themselves above others, blessed are the arrogant, blessed are the abusive and most of all blessed are those who boast. Of course NOT though you wouldn't know it from Christianity today. Instead what Jesus really said was - "Matthew 5:3-16 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the Children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are ye, 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. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour [by striving against the Holy Spirit], wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. ..."

The Sermon on the Mount is not about one's own boasting because it is not about ourselves as in a works relationship with God - The Sermon on the Mount is about a personal Relationship with God so what is mentioned are not works but our predicaments [i.e. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.] along with our desires, hopes and aspirations all focused on the Kingdom of God - "Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and **His Righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Conclusion: The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' Sermon on our Justification (Righteousness) by Faith in Jesus and not by any works of man. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus is making it clear that any notion of a previous Law Righteousness (Matthew 5:20) or of a Works Righteousness (Matthew 5:27-30) is completely inadequate and unacceptable in the Kingdom of God. To the point that Jesus says that if even though you have your works and you sin then cut off your arm (Matthew 5:30), illustrating the point that if a person were to cut off one arm or pluck out one eye in an attempt at sinless self-works righteousness it wouldn't work because we would still have another arm and another eye to sin with and even if we lost both arms and both eyes we still have our mouth to sin with so the answer to our Righteousness is not in our works nor in the Law but ONLY by our faith in Jesus Christ. - "Matthew 7:24-29 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine (Jesus), and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house Upon a Rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded Upon a Rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at **His Doctrine: For He taught them as One having Authority, and not as the scribes."

Holy Week - Like the previous Church Council (The Sermon on the Mount) Jesus would also choose the time "this is the day" (Psalms 118:24), "this thy day" (Luke 19:42) for His Triumphal Entry and the location "Jerusalem" for this Church Council the Church Council of Holy Week - Where all the previous Prophecies of Old and the Teachings of Jesus would come together and actualize into our human realm and into our human existence.

Holy Week, where Prophesy and Preaching become reality. While still in the Upper Room on the night of the Passover, just after Judas had departed to go and betray Jesus, Jesus spoke these words to His Disciples "John 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me (Jesus). In My Father's House are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go [to Heaven] ye know, and the way [our Salvation in Jesus] ye know." - Later that same night as Jesus and the Disciples were on route to the Garden of Gethsemane [the Garden of Destiny] Jesus would speak these words to His Disciples "John 16:5-16 But now I (Jesus) go My way to Him (Father) that sent Me; and none of you (Disciples) asketh Me, Whither goest Thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the Truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter [Holy Spirit] will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him [i.e. itself] (Holy Spirit) unto you. And when He is come, He [Holy Spirit] will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on Me (Jesus); Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; Of judgment, because the Prince of this World (Satan) is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He [Holy Spirit], the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He (Holy Spirit) shall glorify Me (Jesus): for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you [Disciples]. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while [the cross], and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while [the resurrection], and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father." - Jesus will conclude His teachings to His Disciples in His "High Priestly Prayer" (John 17:1-26) with these Words "John 17:22-26 And the Glory which Thou (Father) gavest Me (Jesus) I have given them (Disciples); that they may be one, even as We (Father, Son-Jesus, Holy Spirit) are One: I (Jesus) in them (Disciples), and Thou (Father) in Me (Jesus), that they (Disciples) may be made perfect [complete] in one; and that the world may know that Thou (Father) hast sent Me (Jesus), and hast loved them (Disciples), as thou hast loved Me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given Me, **be with Me where I am; that they may behold My Glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these (Disciples) have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy Name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them."

Holy Week - Where the restoration desires of God became attainable to mankind - "Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating [the Passover], Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the Disciples, and said, Take, eat; **this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For **this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

Conclusion: The multiple events of Holy Week [4 Feasts] are segmented but still combine into the one Passover Celebration. Jesus entered Jerusalem and with His presence the Triumphal Entry, on the Sabbath (Saturday) fulfilled the Feast of Sabbath [biblically the Triumphal Entrance of Jesus was on a Saturday (Mark 11:11, Acts 1:12) though today we celebrate it on Sunday as Palm Sunday]. The Night of the Feast of the Lord's Passover Jesus instituted the New Testament by His body and His blood. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was fulfilled the next day by Jesus' death on the cross. Three days later with the resurrection of Jesus and His giving to His Disciples the Firstfruits of His Resurrection Spirit Life (John 20:22) the Feast day of Firstfruits began to be fulfilled in the Church. Four separate events [Feast Days] yet all four are required and combined into the one Passover Celebration, the celebration of life as death has passed over. It is the restoration of eternal life where an unsaved person has become saved. The "salvation" event in the life of a believer is not just one solo event i.e. confessing Jesus as God but more accurately our confession is four events in one statement: 1. Jesus is King, Messiah of the Virgin Birth (our Sabbath rest), 2. The New Testament (Passover, promises of God), 3. The Cross (redemption - removal [payment] regarding our sin), 4. The Resurrection (salvation - receiving the 'born again' resurrection salvation Spirit from Jesus [John 20:22] - our Firstfruits of the Holy Spirit [Romans 8:23]) - "Romans 4:24-25 But for us (believers) also, to whom it [faith - faith in Jesus' events/works of Holy Week] shall be **imputed (imputed righteousness), if we believe on Him [Father (Galatians 1:1), Jesus (John 10:17-18), Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11)] that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was [during Holy Week] delivered [the cross] for our offences, and was raised again [His resurrection] for our justification." - Note: after Salvation via the established events of Holy Week there is the additional event of Pentecost and the empowering of the Holy Spirit given to an already 'born again' Christian. Later still are the three additional, future Fall Feasts [Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)].

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit - The Apostle Paul's, Holy Spirit given, Creed of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit - "Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the (Holy) Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: **against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified [dead to this world] the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live [living in the Kingdom of God] in the (Holy) Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be [worldly] desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."

The Apostle Paul would later write - "Ephesians 5:6-21 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these [disobedience] things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were [before] sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as Children of Light: **For the fruit of the (Holy) Spirit is in all Goodness and Righteousness and Truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore He [Holy Spirit - Isaiah 60:1-3,61:1] saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of [Jesus] the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."

Council of Jerusalem - The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:6-31) [in about 49 A.D. or 52 A.D.] where we read of the first General Church Council - The first Church Council w/o Jesus physically presiding though presiding in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit [the council of Acts 1:15 (in about 33 A.D.) was just prior to Pentecost in Acts 2:1] - A serious question of doctrine arose, and "the Apostles and the Presbyters came together to consider this matter" - The decree of the Council of Jerusalem went on, then, to establish a binding obligation upon all Christians in the local churches of Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: "that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality" (Acts 15:29) - Did the local churches bristle at this imposition of doctrine and practice from the ecclesiastical leadership of the whole Church? Not at all, but rather they "rejoiced over its encouragement" (Acts 15:31) - {Note: The Church Creeds [Jerusalem, Nicene, etc.] are important and relevant to all of Christianity. The Jerusalem Creed [1st Church Council about 49 A.D. in Jerusalem] has 4 Cornerstones the fourth one being not to offend traditional Jews. Since one of the Cornerstones of the 1st Church Council is to support Jews and Traditional Judaism it is an original and longstanding tenant that true Christianity acknowledges its debt and emergence from (God ordained) Mosaic Judaism. "Acts 1:20-21 But that we [Apostles] write unto them [Gentile Christians], (1.) that they abstain from [occult] pollutions of idols, (2.) and from [immorality] fornication, (3.) and from things [cruelty] strangled, (4.) and from [Levitical] blood. **For Moses of old time hath [traditional Jews] in every city them that preach him (Moses), being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day." - Also Note: The personal change among each individual Apostle seems to have been substantial as it encompassed their personalities, individual behavior and individual outlook on life - Therefore the majority of the Biblical writings of the Apostles is directed at a certain amount of expected godly behavior modification in the lives of each new Christian convert. But by the time the Christian Church matured into the later Church Councils [i.e. the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.] the majority of the entire Church Councils were no longer about individual Christian behavior modification but instead became vested, almost exclusively, in individual Christian though, knowledge and doctrine. Though now Pastor Rick Warren and many others are dramatically shifting the current Christian Church away from thought, creeds and doctrines and are again shifting the Christian Church back into the realm of behavior modification [Purpose Driven - yoking works] but disastrously it is not a return to the original behavior modification (Acts 15:6-31) and godly accountability the Church Apostles sought for each Christian convert but is instead a behavior modification that is directing each individual away from Christianity by linking them back into the abyss of the world.}

The Council of Jerusalem: We may prove this quite readily by turning to Acts 15:6-31, where we read of the first General Church Council. A serious question of doctrine arose, and "the apostles and the presbyters came together to consider this matter" (Acts 15:6). After hearing the arguments and testimony of Peter, Paul and Barnabas, the leader of the Council, James [half-brother of Jesus, writer of the book of James], then passed a decree with the words, "Therefore I judge" (Acts 15:19, 'dio ego krino'). This passage describes no truly democratic process, but rather it describes submission to the judgment of a central ecclesiastical authority [an authority completely submitted to Jesus Christ]. - After receiving the judgment of James, "it pleased the apostles and presbyters together with the whole Church" (Acts 15:22: 'apostolois kai tois presbyterois syn hole ekklesia') to dispatch delegates with a letter promulgating the decree of the Council. The council then drafted a letter in the name of "the apostles and the brother-presbyters" (Acts 15:23: 'hoi apostoloi kai hoi presbyteroi adelphoi'). This phrasing, and especially the apposition of 'presbyteroi' and 'adelphoi', is quite precise in establishing the authority of the decision of the Council in the office of the ministers who serve and lead the Church, as opposed to a democratic process. - Does the phrase "whole Church" here refer to the universal Church, or merely to the entirety of the congregation at Jerusalem. Recalling that the leadership of the Council was comprised of the apostles who were planting local churches in the Hellenistic world, delegates of the Hellenistic churches, and the presbyters of the church at Jerusalem, we can only rightly conclude that they spoke in the name of the universal Church. Indeed, the letter explicitly states that the authors speak in the authority of the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28); since Paul tells us that it is by one Spirit that we were baptized into one body (1 Cor. 12:13) which is Christ (1 Cor. 12:27) and over which Christ is the head (1 Eph. 1:22-23), when Luke writes in Acts 15:22 of the leadership of the whole Church assenting to the decree of James which is binding on all Gentile Christians, he is necessarily speaking of the Church in its universal or catholic sense. - The Council then sent the letter to the local churches in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. This letter remarks that the false doctrine which the council repudiated was in fact discernibly false because "we gave no such commandments" (Acts 15:24). Hence, the Bible tells us that right doctrine is subject to the discernment of the leadership of the whole Church. The decree of the Council of Jerusalem went on, then, to establish a binding obligation upon all Christians in the local churches of Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: "that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality" (Acts 15:29). Did the local churches bristle at this imposition of doctrine and practice from the ecclesiastical leadership of the whole Church? Not at all, but rather they "rejoiced over its encouragement" (Acts 15:31). Clearly, the Bible itself sets a precedent for the government of the universal Church by means of General Councils.

The Apostles' Creed - Sometimes titled Symbol of the Apostles, is an early statement of Christian belief, a creed or "symbol" - It is widely used by a number of Christian denominations for both liturgical and catechetical purposes, most visibly by liturgical Churches of Western tradition, including the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheranism, the Anglican Communion, and Western Orthodoxy - It is also used by Presbyterians, Methodists, and Congregationalists - The earlier text [The Old Roman Symbol, or Old Roman Creed - Wikipedia.org] evolved from simpler texts based on Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" and it has been argued that it was already in written form by the late second century (circa 180 A.D.) - The title, Symbolum Apostolicum (Symbol or Creed of the Apostles), appears for the first time in a letter from a Council in Milan (the letter probably written by Bishop Ambrose of Milan) to Pope Siricius in about 390 A.D. "Let them give credit to the Creed of the Apostles, which the Roman Church has always kept and preserved undefiled" - But what existed at that time was not what is now known as the Apostles' Creed but a shorter statement of belief - Apostles' Creed "I believe (faith) in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended to the dead. the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen."

While the individual statements of belief that are included in the Apostles' Creed - even those not found in the Old Roman Symbol - are found in various writings by Irenaeus, Tertullian, Novatian, Marcellus, Rufinus, **Ambrose (about 337 A.D. - 397 A.D.), Augustine, Nicetus, and Eusebius Gallus, the earliest appearance of what we know as the Apostles' Creed was in the De singulis libris canonicis scarapsus ("Excerpt from Individual Canonical Books") of St. Priminius (Migne, Patrologia Latina 89, 1029 ff.), written between 710 A.D. and 714 A.D. This longer Creed seems to have arisen in what is now France and Spain. Charlemagne imposed it throughout his dominions, and it was finally accepted in Rome, where the Old Roman Creed or similar formulas had survived for centuries. - {Note: The Christian Church historically has sought in large to be directed by the Gospels and the Apostolic Epistles of the New Testament - The Apostles' Creed is a classic and still currently relevant example of how true to form the Doctrines of the Church have remained in being faithful to the "common salvation" (Jude 1:3) as it was initially delivered to the Christian Church.}

Wikipedia: Ambrose - Aurelius Ambrosius, better known in English as Saint Ambrose (about 337 A.D. - 4 April 397), was a bishop of Milan who became one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century - He was one of the four original doctors (of particular importance) of the Roman Catholic Church - In spite of Imperial opposition, Bishop Ambrose declared: "If you demand my person, I am ready to submit: carry me to prison or to death, I will not resist; but I will never betray the Church of Christ. I will not call upon the people to succour [help] me; I will die at the foot of the altar rather than desert it. The tumult of the people I will not encourage: but God alone can appease it." - Soon after acquiring the undisputed possession of the Roman empire, Emperor Theodosius died at Milan in 395 A.D., and two years later (April 4, 397 A.D.) Ambrose also died - He was succeeded as bishop of Milan by Simplician - Ambrose's body may still be viewed in the church of S. Ambrogio in Milan, where it has been continuously venerated - along with the bodies identified in his time as being those of St. Gervase and St. Protase - and is one of the oldest extant bodies of historical personages known outside Egypt.

Bishop of Milan: In the late 4th century there was a deep conflict in the diocese of Milan between the Catholics and Arians. In 374 the bishop of Milan, Auxentius, an Arian, died, and the Arians challenged the succession. Ambrose went to the church where the election was to take place, to prevent an uproar, which was probable in this crisis. His address was interrupted by a call "Ambrose, bishop!", which was taken up by the whole assembly. Ambrose was known to be Catholic in belief, but also acceptable to Arians due to the charity shown in theological matters in this regard. At first he energetically refused the office, for which he was in no way prepared: Ambrose was neither baptized nor formally trained in theology. Upon his appointment, St. Ambrose fled to a colleague's home seeking to hide. Upon receiving a letter from the Emperor Gratian praising the appropriateness of Rome appointing individuals evidently worthy of holy positions, St. Ambrose's host gave Ambrose up. Within a week, Ambrose was baptized, ordained and duly consecrated bishop of Milan. As bishop, he immediately adopted an ascetic lifestyle, apportioned his money to the poor, donating all of his land, making only provision for his sister Marcellina (who later became a nun), and committed the care of his family to his brother. Ambrose also wrote a treatise by the name of "The Goodness Of Death". - Ambrose and Arians: According to legend, Ambrose immediately and forcefully stopped Arianism in Milan. He studied theology with Simplician, a presbyter of Rome. Using his excellent knowledge of Greek, which was then rare in the West, to his advantage, he studied the Hebrew Bible and Greek authors like Philo, Origen, Athanasius, and Basil of Caesarea, with whom he was also exchanging letters. He applied this knowledge as preacher, concentrating especially on exegesis of the Old Testament, and his rhetorical abilities impressed Augustine of Hippo, who hitherto had thought poorly of Christian preachers. In the confrontation with Arians, Ambrose sought to theologically refute their propositions, which were heretical. The Arians appealed to many high level leaders and clergy in both the Western and Eastern empires. Although the western Emperor Gratian held orthodox belief in the Nicene creed, the younger Valentinian II, who became his colleague in the Empire, adhered to the Arian creed. Ambrose did not sway the young prince's position. In the East, Emperor Theodosius I likewise professed the Nicene creed; but there were many adherents of Arianism throughout his dominions, especially among the higher clergy. In this contested state of religious opinion, two leaders of the Arians, bishops Palladius of Ratiaria and Secundianus of Singidunum, confident of numbers, prevailed upon Gratian to call a general council from all parts of the empire. This request appeared so equitable that he complied without hesitation. However, Ambrose feared the consequences and prevailed upon the emperor to have the matter determined by a council of the Western bishops. Accordingly, a synod composed of thirty-two bishops was held at Aquileia in the year 381 A.D. Ambrose was elected president and Palladius, being called upon to defend his opinions, declined. A vote was then taken, when Palladius and his associate Secundianus were deposed from the episcopal office. Nevertheless, the increasing strength of the Arians proved a formidable task for Ambrose. In 385 or 386 the emperor and his mother Justina, along with a considerable number of clergy and laity, especially military, professed Arianism. They demanded two churches in Milan, one in the city (the basilica of the Apostles), the other in the suburbs (St Victor's), to the Arians. Ambrose refused and was required to answer for his conduct before the council. He went, his eloquence in defense of the Church reportedly overawed the ministers of Emperor Valentinian, so he was permitted to retire without making the surrender of the churches. The day following, when he was performing divine service in the basilica, the prefect of the city came to persuade him to give up at least the Portian basilica in the suburbs. As he still continued obstinate, the court proceeded to violent measures: the officers of the household were commanded to prepare the Basilica and the Portian churches to celebrate divine service upon the arrival of the emperor and his mother at the ensuing festival of Easter. - In spite of Imperial opposition, Bishop Ambrose declared: "If you demand my person, I am ready to submit: carry me to prison or to death, I will not resist; but I will never betray the church of Christ. I will not call upon the people to succour me; I will die at the foot of the altar rather than desert it. The tumult of the people I will not encourage: but God alone can appease it."

Holiness Summit 2012 - The first group of five sessions (wash basins), centered on Christian Church Councils-Creeds, has concluded - The second group of five sessions (wash basins) centering on Christian Church Theology topics and Holiness Doctrines will begin soon!

Sessions: The second group of five sessions (wash basins) are going to be Christian Church Theology topics - Holiness Doctrines - and for this series the topics will be Law, Justification, Faith, Atonement and Adoption. - "Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

Law - "Matthew 22:36-39 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, [Deuteronomy 6:5] Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, [Leviticus 19:18] Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." - The Law is not a series of events to be accomplished by an unaccomplished mankind nor is the Law a hidden trap to keep people from the True knowledge of God but rather the Law of God is both an Image and a boundary - It is the Image [Word] of God (John 1:1) and is also a boundary (Exodus 19:23) to keep mankind while in sin, away from God. - "John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word [Jesus with Authority], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word [as revealed to us in the Law] was made flesh [entered our physical realm], and dwelt among us, and we (Apostles) beheld His Glory, the Glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of Grace and Truth."

"Exodus 19:23 And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai: for Thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds [a boundary] about the Mount, and sanctify [set apart] it." - The Law does not take us into the presence of God but only to a boundary that actually keeps us apart from God. The original law in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17) was a boundary a boundary between mankind and the experience and knowledge of evil. Mankind crossed God's Law boundary and went into the knowledge of evil [God continued to give mankind the knowledge of good]. With mankind now knowledgeable of evil the Law is not just a boundary from evil but out of necessity the Law has now also become a boundary between mankind and the Holiness of God. - The Law is the Image and Holiness of God and therefore the Law now reveals God to a separated mankind (Matthew 5:17-18) and once seeing God in His Holy Law mankind can easily recognize the need for mankind to be separated from the presence and Glory of the Holy God. Separated from God that is only until a remedy can be provided to fix man's sinful predicament and remove the boundary of sin and of the Law. The remedy for our predicament and separation from God has been provided but not in our life, only in a new life, in the Resurrection Life provided by God's Son Jesus Christ. The Law was actually a boundary keeping sinful people apart from the Holy God but after being cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ and with the finality of His death (Romans 6:23) on the cross [full payment for our sins] with the resurrection of Jesus the Holy Spirit then removed the boundary of the law from us and reconciled us (Colossians 1:20) into the actual perceivable presence of God. - "Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." - {A side note: no person has ever kept (fulfilled) the Law only Jesus has fulfilled the Law because the Law represents God. In the same way no person has ever fulfilled any of the Holy Feast days because like the Laws of Israel the Feasts of Israel are intended to represent God and be accomplished by God and not by mankind.}

Justification - is a part of our imputed righteousness, meaning that righteousness (justification) is not something that we earn it is something we receive, it has been given to us as a free gift from God - Though once imputed to us it should be evident in our life (James 2:22-24) - How do we fallen humans become Righteous and Justified in the sight of God, it's not by our works [trying to become righteous] but only by our faith [receiving God's free gift] in what God our Savior has already completed for us - "1 Corinthians 6:10-11 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are **justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - "Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him (Jesus) that Justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."

"Titus 3:3-8 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God [Jesus] our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; **That being justified by His Grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good [i.e. genuine] works. These things are good and profitable unto men."

Faith - Belief (vb.) Faith (n.) - Belief [Pisteuo - G4100, verb], Faith [Pistis - G4102, noun] {G4100 (Belief) KJV Authorized Version Translation Count - Total: 248 - believe 239, commit unto 4, commit to (one's) trust 1, be committed unto 1, be put in trust with 1, be commit to one's trust 1, believer 1} - {G4102 (Faith) KJV Authorized Version Translation Count - Total: 244 - faith 239, assurance 1, believe + 1537 1, belief 1, them that believe 1, fidelity 1 - blueletterbible.org}

"Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." - The Bible has one specific meaning for the word faith. Faith is specifically a faith in the resurrection of Jesus. Faith does not mean, "I have faith that God will pay the bills." God may or may not pay the bills, either way God is doing a work and He has a purpose for whatever He does or doesn't do. The faith, the one and only Christian faith, is in the resurrection of Jesus. When we have true faith the belief in the resurrection of Jesus and that through Jesus we too will be resurrected to everlasting life with Jesus in heaven, then who really cares about anything else? Who cares if the bills don't get paid? Who cares what the governments of the world are doing? who cares if disease is racking the body? When there is faith in eternity, then the things of this world take a back seat to the things of God. Faith in the resurrection does free us up; it frees us up from the worries of this world. Sure there are bills to be paid, corrupt governments and illnesses to be dealt with, but when we deal with life in the context of eternity and the living caring God we are then freed up to make better decisions with more choices. "Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." - The two Greek words Pistis (faith) and Pisteuo (belief) are the same word with two different endings just like talk and talking. In English we do not say faith and faithing, but we say faith and belief, just like we might say talk and speak. Faith and belief are the same word, they both mean trust. Sometimes we think that if only I believe then I would gain faith, except that is like saying if only I could speak then I could talk. Faith (trust) does not come from believing (trusting), but is a product of love and love is a product of a relationship. - "Galatians 5:6 ... but faith which worketh by love." Love comes First and then Faith (trust) comes from love. Our faith in Jesus comes from our love of Jesus. (source: BasicChristian.org/theology.html)

Atonement - Jesus became a man "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14) primarily for the main reason of offering Atonement on our behalf to God the Father - Sinful man is unable to offer eternal atonement, man being unable to save ourselves from our own sin - Necessitating that God become a human High Priest and offer an eternal sacrifice (Himself), one that would provide Eternal Salvation to all mankind, all those who would answer the calling of God and enter into an eternal relationship with God - Through the provided and completed Atonement of Jesus Christ - Atonement happened for mankind at one time, in one location, the cross of Jesus Christ - "Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."

Atonement is an offering, a High Priest offering, it is an offering from man (only the High Priest) on behalf of all men to God and then God either accepts the offering (atonement) or God rejects the offering (non-atonement) and the result is universal to all men either there is atonement or there isn't, there is no partial-atonement. - "Hebrews 7:11-28 If therefore perfection [completion] were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people received the [Levitical] law [at Mt. Sinai], what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec [Melchizedek - Genesis 14:18-22] , and not be called after the [Levitical] order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed [from Levitical to Melchizedek], there is made of necessity a change also of the law [Old Testament to New Testament]. For He (Jesus) of whom these [High Priest] things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe [Judah, not Levi], of which [Tribe of Judah - Tribe of the Kings] no man gave attendance at the [Levitical - Tribe of Levi - Tribe of the Priests] altar. For it is evident that our Lord [Jesus] sprang out of Juda [Tribe of Judah]; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec (Melchizedek) there ariseth another priest, [Eternal] Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an [Eternal] endless life. For He [Holy Spirit] testifieth, [Psalm 110:4] "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Melchizedek). For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment [Levitical Laws - O.T.] going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the (O.T.) law made nothing perfect [completed], but the bringing in of a better hope [Promises of God] did; ***by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath [with an oath, promise - Psalm 110:4] He (Jesus) was made Priest (Eternal - High Priest): For those [Levi] priests were made without an oath; but this (N.T.) with an oath by Him [Father] that said unto Him [Jesus], The Lord sware and will not repent, [Psalm 110:4] "Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Melchizedek): By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better Testament (N.T.) And they truly were many [Levi] priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: ***But this man (Jesus, our High Priest), because He continueth ever [eternal], hath an unchangeable priesthood. ***Wherefore He (Jesus) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing **He ever [eternal] liveth to make intercession for them [sinners]. For such an High Priest [Jesus] became [i.e. fittingly for] us, who is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made Higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those [Levi] high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this He (Jesus) did once, when He offered up Himself (on the cross). For the [Levitical] law maketh men [Levi] High Priests which have infirmity; but the Word of the Oath [Promises of God], which was since the law [Psalm 110 via King David came years after the law via Moses and Mt. Sinai], maketh the Son, who is consecrated [lit. complete] for evermore." - Even in the Old Testament the atonement was not limited to just Israel as in practice it was a universal atonement from the one High Priest of Israel on behalf of all mankind. [Old Testament] "2 Chronicles 6:32-33 Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of Thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for Thy Great Name's sake, and Thy mighty hand, and Thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this House [Temple, greater Temple area]; Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to Thee for; that all people of the earth may know Thy Name, and fear thee, as doth Thy people Israel, and may know that this House [Temple] which I [King Solomon] have built is called by Thy Name." - The Levitical Atonement was both a yearly reminder of sin and also an instructional for better things to come [permanent sacrifice] through the Messiah but the O.T. atonement did not 'save' Israel or anyone from their sins as the [atonement] blood of bulls and goats did not save anyone, Jew or Gentile. "Hebrews 10:4-5 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats [Old Testament Levitical atonement] should take away sins. Wherefore when He (Jesus-Messiah) cometh into the world, He saith, [Levitical] Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not [didn't want], but a body [sacrifice - offering] hast thou prepared [made] Me:" - The Old Testament atonement was in a sense universal in that there was the one Jewish High Priest offering to God on behalf of mankind and yes there were probably problems (i.e. John 2:16) with the administration of the O.T. atonement. Since the O.T. atonement was universal in form (not necessarily in function) how much more is the one offering of the Messiah, Jesus Christ universal to all. But unlike the previous O.T. Levitical administration the administration of the Melchizedek Priesthood is complete, trustworthy and without any errors. "Hebrews 9:11-15 But [Jesus] Christ being come an [human] High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place [Heaven], having obtained **eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth [Levitical redemption] to the purifying of the flesh: **How much more shall the [N.T. Salvation] blood of Christ, who through the eternal [Holy] Spirit offered Himself [as a human for Atonement] without spot to God [Father], purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause He (Jesus) is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death [payment for sin (Romans 6:23)], for the redemption of the transgressions (sins) that were [kept, covered] under the first testament (O.T.), they which are called [all dispensations] might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."

Adoption - Prior to 'Adoption' a person must first become a 'born again' Child of God (John 3:3) and then after becoming a Child of God, and it is only Children of God, that later receive the Adoption of God and with Adoption the accompanying Inheritance as Sons/Daughters of God - "Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, [Children of God] which have the Firstfruits of the [Holy] Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption [Sonship/Daughtership)], to whit, the redemption of our body."

"John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be *born again [become a Child of God], he cannot see the Kingdom of God." - Adoption Biblically is slightly different than what we think of as adoption. For instance a stranger is not adopted into the family of God, like the concept we have of adoption where a non-family member becomes a family member through adoption. The Biblical concept of adoption is confirmation of adulthood of an existing family member and with adulthood comes privileges and inheritance "as Sons". In the Bible Jacob actually adopted his two grandchildren Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob did not need to adopt them to make them family but he did need to adopt them to give them an inheritance in the promise land. Indeed Ephraim and Manasseh did receive inheritances in the promise land just like their uncles did, because they were adopted as sons and received the same inheritance as their uncles the sons of Jacob. - We are born into the family of God, through faith in the resurrection of Jesus in the new covenant. Jesus spoke to Nicodemus and told him that he must be "Born Again" in order to see the Kingdom of God, [in Jesus the kingdom of God is now available] the First step to becoming a member in the family of God is to be born into the family as a child of God and that is done by the person accepting the covenant of God that we are His creation separated by our sin and that He loves us and died for our sins on the cross and then He resurrected from death to reconcile us to Him in His resurrection life. When we accept the "New Covenant" we are now in a correct relationship with God, we acknowledge that God exists and that we desire to have a relationship with Him. We have asked for forgiveness of our sins, we are now cleansed from our sin, we are now clean and God in Spirit has come inside of us giving us a new life in Him, our new birth into His family as a child of God. - Once we are a "born again" child of God we are then predestined (appointed outcome) to the adoption. The actual adoption [to sons] takes place later, when we physically die and our spirit and soul enter the visible presence of God where we are then adopted as sons of God and being sons of God we then receive an inheritance in heaven in the visible presence of God. - "Romans 8:14-17 For as many [born again Children of God] as are led by the Spirit of God, they are [through predestination] the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The [Holy] Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are **the Children of God: And if children, then heirs [Sons/Daughters]; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together."

Conclusion: We have concluded our Basic Christian: Holiness Summit 2012 - And like the Priests of old we have gone to the Temple [Jesus] and have washed our offerings to God - And not only have we washed our offerings in the wash basins throughout the Temple - But as Priests of the Believers' Priesthood we have washed in the Temple's one Sea in the precious water of the Holy Bible - "Ephesians 5:24-27 Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word [Bible], That He might present it [Church] to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

"Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." - In any Bible study regarding holiness, sanctification and offerings to God the question then becomes, who is a Priest? Who, is able to offer to God a sacrifice of service and adoration that is an acceptable offering? - "Revelation 5:9-10 And they [redeemed Christians] sung a new song, saying, Thou (Jesus) art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; ***And hast made us [Christians] unto our God kings and **priests: and we shall reign on the earth."

God bless everyone,
David Anson Brown

Source: Basic Christian - Wiki

Basic Christian Wiki: The Basic Christian Research Wiki 'Common Christian Faith'
The Basic Christian Research Wiki 'Common Christian Faith' wiki website. [article link]

This page was last modified on October 7, 2015

David Anson Brown 06:46, 19 August 2012 (MST)

Basic Christian - End Times Summit 2015

From Common Christian Community: Wiki

Church splits, factions and denominations a sign of the End Times

There have been literally thousands of church splits and factions within Christianity most of them occurring within the last century and virtually all of the Church splits are a result of a disagreement regarding the Church Sacraments.

Traditionally there are two explicit Protestant Sacraments and two implied Protestant Sacraments. The two explicit sacraments are water baptism and communion while the two implied sacraments are the individual's confession of faith and obedience to the faith.

Note: the 3C Christianity ministry (3C-Christianity.com) focuses on the three sacraments of confession of faith, water baptism and communion while understandably considering obedience to the faith to be a personal devotion committed to the individual's own personal faith fulfillment directed to Jesus Christ.

3C Christianity regards all four of the Christian Protestant Sacraments to be essential to the Christian faith.

Church Sacraments in Order of Historical Church Splits

1. Confession of Faith - Doctrines

The earliest forms of church splits occurred regarding the sacrament of confession of faith.

Actually some of the first church splits were in determining who is a Christian and who isn't. The cult of Arianism for example was declared unChristian based on their unBiblical doctrines and confessions.

The early church creeds became the main remedy regarding the individual's confession of faith.

2. Communion - Eucharist

The next major church splits have occurred over the perceived presence of Jesus Christ in the sacrament.

Roman Catholics consider a real presence of Christ in the Eucharist while Protestants consider Communion to be primarily symbolic of Jesus Christ.

3. Baptism

Remaining elements of the church that could agree on confessions and communion couldn't agree on baptism.

Primarily the splits occur regarding an infant baptism policy vs an adult believers 'confessional' water baptism.

Note: for Protestant sects and denominations that practice confessional adult baptism the infant baptisms are considered ‘baby dedications' where the parents present and dedicate the child to God but reframe from actual baptism until the child is old enough to make an individual decision and Confession of Faith.

4. Obedience to the Faith

The Christian church already having vigorously split over just the three sacraments has in recent history fractured into thousands of pieces based solely on individual interpretations of Christian obedience including the gifting and works of the Holy Spirit.

The vast majority of Protestant sects and denominations all agree overwhelmingly in the three sacraments regarding the Confessions of Faith, a symbolic Communion and adult Baptism yet how individuals reveal their individual obedience to the Christian Faith causes more splits than any other church controversy.

Though the greater Christian Church appears to be fractured and dispersed the reality is that present day "End Times" Christianity in maintaining a certain unity of the four Protestant Sacraments is closely aligned and substantially united.

God bless everyone,
David Anson Brown

Basic Christian - End Times Summit 2014

From Common Christian Community: Wiki

The 2014 End Time Summit's continuation of the 2013 End Times Summit, a categorized list of items considered to be clean [dove] occurrences and practices within the modern Christian Church Congregation/Assembly.

Noah a 'Preacher of Righteousness'

Genesis 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before Me in this generation.

1. Dove - The Church, the Congregation, the Called-Out Assembly

The word 'Church' comes from the Greek word 'ekklesia' (G1577) which comes from two words 'ek' meaning 'out of' and 'kaleo' meaning 'to call' the assembled who are 'called out' of their current assembly to join the a separate assembly the Congregation of God.

The Jewish Church

The Jewish Congregation - i.e. "Church of the Wilderness" the Called Out of Egypt (the world) and into Fellowship with God

Acts 7:30-40 And when forty years [Moses in Median] were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sina (Sinai) an Angel of the Lord (Jesus) in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, Saying, I Am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is Holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of My people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and Am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel [Messenger] which appeared to him in the bush. He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses, which said unto the Children of Israel, A Prophet [Jesus] shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren [i.e. Tribe of Judah], like unto me; Him shall ye hear [obey]. This is he, that was in the Church in the Wilderness with the Angel [Jesus] which spake to him in the Mount Sina (Sinai), and with our fathers: who received the lively (life giving) oracles (Bible) to give unto us: To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

The Christian Church

The New Testament Christian Church "Called out" of the World and (secular) Jerusalem and Assembled/Congregated in Holy Zion (Eternal, Righteous-Jerusalem)

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord [harmony, agreement] hath Christ with Belial [Devil]? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the Temple of God with idols? for ye [Christians] are the Temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My Sons and Daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

The Martyred Saints of Revelation

Called out of the Great Tribulation/Satan's Deception and Congregated (gathered) in Heaven

Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the Fifth Seal, I saw [in Heaven] under the altar [Assembled - Congregated] the souls of them [Martyred Saints of Revelation] that were slain for the Word of God, and for the Testimony [personal witness] which they held:

2. Dove - The Bible

2 Timothy 3:14-17 But continue thou in the [Church] things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures [Bible], which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture [the Bible] is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for Instruction in Righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect [complete], thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

3. Dove - The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the Fruits of Righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the Glory and Praise of God.

Galatians 5:22-25 But the Fruit of the [Holy] Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

4. Dove - Christian Fellowship

Including the Confession of Faith, Water Baptism, Bread and Wine Communion

Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one [Church] body, and one [Holy] Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you [Christians] all.

2 Corinthians 13:11-14 Finally, brethren [Christians], farewell. Be perfect [complete in Christ], be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy [not vile] kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

5. Dove - 3 Church Governments

Jesus and the Apostles - Servant Ministry - Congregational (equality)
Episcopal - Bishops (Popes) and Overseers
Presbyterian - Elders and Leaders (Pastors)

Hebrews 13:15-18 By Him [Jesus Christ our High Priest] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of Praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them [Christian leaders] that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us [Christian leadership]: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

Revelation 19:8 And to her [Church] was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the Righteousness of Saints.

Basic Christian - End Times Summit 2013

From Common Christian Community: Wiki

The 2013 End Time Summit is going to categorize a small list of items considered to be unclean [raven] occurrences and practices within the modern church. Then the soon to be posted 2014 End Time Summit Preview is going to have a small list categorized as clean (acceptable) [dove] church practices, traditions and occurrences.

Genesis 8:6-12 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro [didn't return to the ark], until the waters were dried up from off the earth. Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she [dove] returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark; And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth. And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him anymore.

1. Raven - The Deeds of the Nicolaitan (Superiority)

The Christian Church is ceasing to be a place of Worship, Fellowship and of Renewal for a hurting and fallen world. Instead the modern Church is becoming a place to be lorded over, conquered, stolen from, used and even abused by a voracious, unceasingly greedily, unskilled, unloving, unmotivated, uncaring, modern staff of semi-church professionals.

Revelation 2:5-6 Nevertheless I [Jesus] have somewhat against thee [Church], because thou hast left thy first [Agape] love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent [return], and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick [God's presence, blessings] out of His place, except thou repent. But this [good practice] thou hast, that thou hatest the Deeds [superiority practices] of the Nicolaitanes [lit. Nico: conquer or even destroyer of the Laitan: "laity" the people - G3531], which I [Jesus] also hate.

2. Raven - The Doctrine of Balaam (Immorality)

Today modern day Balaam stumbling blocks are everywhere in secular society especially in the media, entertainment, sports and education. But now the same devious stumbling blocks, designed to topple our faith, come not just from outside the Congregation as it did in the days of Moses and Joshua but today the stumbling blocks are being cast from behind the very pulpits that are within the modern Church Congregations.

Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee [Church], because thou hast there them that hold the Doctrine of Balaam [a Gentile Prophet, Numbers 22:5], who taught Balac [a Gentile, Moabite King] to cast a stumblingblock [sexual immorality and worldly worship] before the Children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Numbers 31:16 Behold, these [Moabites] caused the Children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the [Redeemed] Congregation of the LORD. [Numbers 25:1]

Deuteronomy 23:3-5 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the Congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD forever: Because they met you [Israel] not with bread and with water in the way [desert], when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee (Israel) [by enticing Israel into immoral practices]. Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken (listen) unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.

Joshua 13:22 Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the Children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them. [Numbers 31:8]

3. Raven - Antinomianism (Lawlessness)

Antinomianism is in essence a teaching that implies that the Bible as it is isn't really relevant in the lives and times of today's believers. Conversely of sound doctrine; human wisdom, socially acceptable trends and select personality traits are then used to replace, often as subtle substitutes, the previously existing doctrines, instructions and wisdom of the Bible.

Antinomianism: In Christianity, an antinomian is "one who holds that under the gospel dispensation of grace the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation". The term antinomianism emerged soon after the Protestant Reformation (about 1517 A.D.) ... Antinomianism in modern times is commonly seen as the theological opposite to Legalism or Works righteousness [the] notion that obedience to religious law earns salvation. This makes antinomianism an [extreme] exaggeration of justification by faith alone. - Wikipedia.com

1 Timothy 1:5-11 Now the end of the Commandment [God's Commanding - Paul's Apostleship] is charity [kindness] out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some [Christians] having swerved have turned aside unto vain [empty] jangling [talk]; Desiring to be teachers of the [Levitical] law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof [that] they affirm [a law-system that has passed]. But we know that the law [as it presents an image of God] is good, if a man use it lawfully [with mercy]; Knowing this, that the law [condemnation] is not made for a righteous [saved] man, but for the [unsaved] lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious Gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

4. Raven - Modern Edited (Redacted) Bible Translations

Do to the many edits, discrepancies, personal assumptions and outright errors abounding in the translations of the modern bible publications it amounts to a "category error" to insist that a modern multi edited translation is still an authoritative representation of God's Word.

A category mistake, or category error, is a semantic [grammar] or ontological [reasoning] error in which "things of one kind are presented as if they belonged to another" - Wikipedia.com

For Example:

Correct: King James Version (KJV 1611) - Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Correct: Catholic Bible (Douay-Rheims 1899) - Revelation 5:10 And hast made us to our God a kingdom and priests, and we shall reign on the earth.

These modern bible publications present both grammatical [sentence structure] and ontological [presupposition - presupposed] reasoning errors.

Error: Modern Catholic Bible - Revelation 5:10 You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth."

Error: English Standard Version (ESV) - Revelation 5:10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.

i.e. "them a kingdom and priests to our God" is a grammatical error in that "them" does not fit the original Greek sentence structure - the original word "us" fits the correct Greek grammar sentence structure. It is also an ontological [reasoning] error because "them" and "our" are two separate categories and correctly it would be stated "have made them a kingdom ... to their god".

Error: New International Version (NIV) - Revelation 5:10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.

Error: New King James Version (NKJV) - Revelation 5:10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.

In this publication the grammar structure is somewhat preserved but the intended meaning of the sentence has been rearranged, In the KJV verse people are Christians first and then as a result become kings and priests "unto" God. While the NKJV now reads as though it is ambiguous as to the role kings and priests will serve on earth, will they serve God or reign on earth for themselves?

5. Raven - Modern Reformation (Redacted) Sola Principles

Theological Issues of the Protestant Reformation from approximately (1517 - 1564 A.D.)

The word Protestant comes from two Latin words, "Pro" means "in favour of", and "Testari" means "to bear witness to, to make a declaration of belief opinion or resolution".

The theology of the Reformers departed from the Roman Catholic Church primarily on the basis of three great [Pro-Witness] principles:

Sole authority of Scripture - Sola Scriptura
Justification by faith alone - Sola Fide
Priesthood of the believer - Sola Sacerdo

Source: Theopedia.com

The Reinvented "Five Solas" of the Modern Reformation Movement

Original - Sola Scriptura - Scripture Alone
Added - Solus Christus - Christ Alone
Added - Sola Gratia - Grace Alone
Original - Sola Fide - Faith Alone
Added - Soli Deo Gloria - The Glory of God Alone

Redacted - Priesthood of the believer - Sola Sacerdo

Not only has the Believer's Priesthood of Revelation 5:10 been modified in ALL of the modern bible translations but the very concept of the Believer's Priesthood [one of the original three tenants of the Protestant Reformation] has been redacted (removed) from modern Reformed theology.

In a review of Terry Johnson's excellent The Case for Traditional Protestantism, Chad B. van Dixhoorn, Research Fellow at Wolfson College, Cambridge University and Director of the Westminster Assembly Project, states the matter provocatively. "The popular delineation of these five solas is not a Reformation idea but a modern one. That is to say, if the Reformers were told to list their core doctrines they might as readily have spoken about salvation by the Holy Spirit alone in the church alone" (Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology 23.1 [2005]: 119).

Source:

Conclusion: Two Parables of Jesus

Matthew 13:31-35 Another parable put He [Jesus] forth unto them, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the [unclean] birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Another parable spake He unto them; The Kingdom of Heaven (on earth) is like unto [corrupt] leaven, which a [deceitful] woman took, and hid [inserted] in three [pure] measures of [fellowship - worship] meal, till the whole [church worship practices] was [corrupted] leavened. All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet [Maschil from the Levitical Priesthood (Kohath) family of Asaph - Temple Worship Musicians - Psalm 78:2], saying, I [Messiah] will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Basic Christian - End Times Summit 2012

From Common Christian Community: Wiki

Update 01-27-2012: There probably won't be enough time to have an End Times Summit before Holy Week 2012, so the schedule is going to be to work on Jesus Walk 2012 and a few other updating projects this Spring and into the Summer and then later in the Summer and into the Fall to have the Basic Christian: End Times Summit. ~ God bless everyone, David Anson Brown

Basic Christian - End Times Summit 2012 End Times Summit 2012: I think we can fit in the 2012 Basic Christian: End Times Summit before Holy Week 2012 and not have to wait until later in the year as was previously thought. - Then we have Holy Week 2012. - After Holy Week there are some decisions to be made regarding the current Basic Christian Ministry. The plan is that the current Basic Christian Ministry should be able to wrap up this year and any further Ministry material would be transitioned from text (pdf, etc.) to video projects though transiting the website from text to video is not entirely certain at this point though still highly likely. Conclusion: after Holy Week any future Basic Christian: Summits or events [except for updates - i.e. Jesus Walk] would be posted in video (mp4) format and not in text as were the previous blog postings. Though any final decisions regarding the website and ministry will only come after Easter 2012 and I'll keep the website posted and updated regarding any ministry status. ~ God bless everyone, David Anson Brown

Basic Christian - End Times Summit 2012 Introduction - Basic Christian: End Times Summit 2012 - In the recently completed Holiness Summit 2012 we had the theme of the 'wash basins' used by Priests in the Temple - In this End Times Summit instead of the theme of Priests and 'wash basins' we are going to follow the Prophets and as the Prophet Jeremiah said "Set thee up waymarks" [signposts] - Instead of Priests and 'wash basins' we will have Prophets and 'waymarks' or designators consisting of Biblical signs, prophecies, signposts, markers and events to help guide us along on the highway of the End Times and current events.

"Jeremiah 31:21-23 Set thee up waymarks [signposts], make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway [know which way you are going - i.e. know where you have come from and also know where you are going], even the way which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these [customs] thy cities. How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing [New Testament] in the earth, A woman [Virgin Birth] shall compass [give birth to] a man [the Son of God - Sonship birth of Jesus Christ - as God Jesus was incarnated among mankind, Jesus as God was not 'born again' nor adopted as a son but born the existing 'Son of God']. Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, and Mountain of {God (Ezekiel 28:14-16, Revelation 21:10)} Holiness." The Signs of the End Times: "Jeremiah 10:1-2 Hear ye the Word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O House of Israel: Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the *signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them." - The End Times are primarily the fulfillments of centuries of Bible Prophecy. It is the sign that Heaven [dwelling of God and angels] and earth [dwelling of man] are becoming united once again. Becoming one again with each other as was originally intended in the original creation of God (Genesis 1:31). - "Acts 2:19-21 And I [God] will shew wonders in heaven [sky] above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable [Second Coming] Day of the Lord (Jesus) come: And [-through it all-] it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name (Jesus) of the Lord shall be saved."

Background: The genesis of the Bible and our 1st 'waymark' is that mankind is separated from God and in need of instruction and interaction with the True God in order to be reconciled back to God - What is not immediately inherent in man's separation from God is the reality of the vast separation that really has existed between God and mankind - When Adam and Eve fell they fell with only a minimal knowledge of who God really is and at best were able to pass along only minimal info to their descendants about who God is - The fall of mankind into sin left behind such a drastic void between God and mankind that it would be two generations, into the days of Enos, before people (completely lost and perplexed) would generally [the general population at whole - as there is always the remnant] begin to call upon God in expectance of the sure salvation of the coming redeemer Jesus Christ - "Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called (H7121) his name Enos: **then [two generations after Adam and Eve] began men [people in general ] to call (H7121) [in expectation of salvation] upon the Name of the LORD."

The void of knowledge that man has had regarding God would be diminished but only through the coming of the Jewish Prophets (i.e. Abraham - John the Baptist), Priests (i.e. Samuel), and Kings (i.e. David, Solomon). Eventually Jesus Himself and His Apostles would do the most in removing the void between God and mankind by filling it with Knowledge but not stopping at the Apostles as knowledge and experience will continuing to come with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and with His Kingdom on earth and into eternity. - "Ephesians 1:17-21 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love [like Jesus], May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus **throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

Melchizedek - waymark #2: Melchizedek the King, Prophet and Priest - "Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek **King of Salem (Peace) brought forth [Prophecy - Prophet] bread and wine (N.T. Communion): and He was the **Priest of the Most High God."

"Genesis 14:19-20 And He [Melchizedek - as God (King, Prophet, Priest) Melchizedek is mediating between God and man] **blessed him [Abraham], and said, Blessed be Abram of the most High God, possessor of heaven and earth: And **blessed be the most High God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he [Abraham] gave Him [Melchizedek] tithes of all." - Melchizedek has appeared into the human realm blessing both Abraham and also blessing God while at the same time Prophetically Ministering as a Priest by serving (N.T. Communion) bread and wine to Abraham. Who is Melchizedek, and would mankind be both reunited back to God and a participant in the eternal Kingdom of God without the appearance and Ministry of Melchizedek? The Ministries of Melchizedek in Prophet, Priest and King are what enable mankind to be both reconciled to God and also once reconciled to fully participate in the Kingdom of God. Who is Melchizedek? There is a possibility that Melchizedek is a visitation of the Triune Person of the Holy Spirit though the much greater probability [especially if we consider Psalm 110 to be confirming the existing status of Jesus rather than bestowing a new status] is that Melchizedek is a pre-incarnation visit of the Messiah Jesus Christ. - "Psalms 110:4 The LORD hath sworn [confirmed], and will not repent, Thou [Messiah - Jesus Christ] art a **Priest forever [eternally] after the order of Melchizedek."

Birth of Jesus - waymark #3: The birth of Jesus the Messiah, the visit and gifts from the wise men - "Matthew 2:11 And when they [wise men] were come into the house, they saw the young child [Jesus] with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold [for the King], and frankincense [for the Priest], and myrrh [for the Prophet]."

Jesus as Melchizedek: "Matthew 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him." - Where Melchizedek was a brief appearance in the Old Testament officiating only to Abraham while in the three offices of King, Prophet and Priest however with the birth of Jesus Christ the Messiah we have the physical manifestation of the very same three offices of Melchizedek brought forth permanently in the one person of Jesus Christ. Is Jesus the Melchizedek King, Prophet and Priest of the Old Testament, probably, and certainly Jesus is in the same Ministry and office of Melchizedek. - "Hebrews 7:22-26 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better Testament [N.T.]. And they [O.T.] truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man [incarnation of Jesus], because He continueth ever [eternally], hath an unchangeable Priesthood. Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He [Jesus] ever liveth to make intercession for them [people]. For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens"

Baptism by John - waymark #4: John's water baptism of confession (acknowledging sins) and repentance (desiring to change from sinful ways) - "Matthew 3:1-3 In those days came John the Baptist [a Levitical Priest (Luke 1:5)], preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand [The Messiah has arrived]. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias (Isaiah), saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare [remove any obstructions] ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight."

Baptism of John: "Matthew 3:5-6 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in [the river] Jordan, confessing (acknowledging) their sins." - John the Baptist the prophesied forerunner (announcer) for the Messiah has completed his Levitical ministry of directing the people into the eternal Ministry of the Messiah Jesus Christ. - "Matthew 3:11-17 I [Levitical Priest - John the Baptist] indeed baptize you with water unto **repentance [change of ways]: but He [Messiah - Jesus Christ - Melchizedek Priest] that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He [Jesus] shall baptize you with the **Holy Ghost [eternal life], and with [cleansing] **fire: Whose fan [threshing tool] is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge [thresh - separate] His floor [harvest field], and gather His wheat into the garner [building]; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized [washed for His ministry] of him. But John forbad Him, saying, I have need [to confess sin] to be baptized of thee, and comest Thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us ***to fulfill all righteousness [both in Jesus setting an example for His disciples who are commanded to be baptized (Matthew 28:19) and also this is a Priestly washing (Exodus 29:4, Numbers 8:20-22) a transition from the Levitical Priesthood to the Melchizedek Priesthood of Jesus]. Then he suffered [allowed] Him. And Jesus, when He was baptized [washed, initiating the incarnated Melchizedek Priesthood], went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, **the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: And lo a voice from Heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I Am well pleased."

Baptism by Jesus - waymark #5: Holy Week, The Feast of Firstfruits, Resurrection of Jesus, Baptism of Jesus and the birth of the 'born again' Christian Church - "John 20:19-22 Then the same day [Resurrection Day - Easter] at evening, being [Sunday] the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus [through the shut doors] and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, **Peace be unto you. And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His [nail pierced] hands and His [spear pierced] side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord [Jesus]. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. ***And when He had said this, He [Jesus] breathed [baptized (Matthew 3:11)] on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost [become a 'born again' Christian]:"

Baptism of Jesus: The same events of John 20:19-22 but recorded in the Gospel of Luke: "Luke 24:36-45 And [Resurrection Day - Easter Sunday] as they [Disciples] thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, **Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold My [nail pierced] hands and My [nail pierced] feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not [a body] flesh and bones, as ye see Me have. And when He had thus spoken, He shewed them His hands and His feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And He took it, and did eat before them. And He said unto them, These are the Words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that **all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses [Priests], **and in the prophets [Prophets], **and in the psalms [Kings], concerning Me. Then [baptizing them] opened He their understanding, that they [Holy Ghost filled 'born again' Christians] might understand the [Bible] scriptures" - The Apostle Paul also wrote regarding the Holy Spirit baptism by Jesus. "Romans 8:23 And not only they [all creation], but ourselves also, which have the **firstfruits [Resurrection Day - Feast of Firstfruits] of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." - "Philippians 1:19 For I [Apostle Paul] know that this [strife] shall turn to my salvation [delivery] through your prayer, and the supply of **the ['born again' baptism] Spirit of Jesus Christ"

Baptism by Holy Spirit - waymark #6: Pentecost, The Feast of Pentecost - Where the Baptism of Jesus is to become a 'Child of God' unto eternal life the later [Feast Day of Pentecost type] Baptism of the Holy Spirit is unto empowerment in order for an already 'born again' Christian 'Child of God' to live the Christian life and fulfill Christian Ministry in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ - "Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost [Feast of Pentecost] was fully come, they ['born again' Christian Apostles] were all with one accord in one place [the upper-room]. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled [empowered] with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - And also again later in - "Acts 4:31 And when they [disciples] had prayed, the place [house] was shaken where they were assembled together; and **they [Christians] were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and [again empowered] they spake the word of God with boldness."

Pentecost the transition into the End Times: Where the Baptism work of Jesus began on the Resurrection Day [Feast of Firstfruits] the 'born again' Baptism of Jesus Christ will conclude with the coming Rapture of the entire Christian Church. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit that began at Pentecost Day [Feast of Pentecost] will continue past the Rapture of the Christian Church, throughout the entire Tribulation Period [both the Tribulation and the Great Tribulation] and still be at work at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. - "Acts 2:14-21 But [the Apostle] Peter, standing up with the eleven [Apostles], lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, **be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour [9:00 A.M.] of the day. But **this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass ***in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: {sometime after the Church Rapture} The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable [Second Coming] day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name (Jesus) of the Lord shall be saved."

[Second Coming] Fall Feasts - waymark #7: The three Fall Feasts [Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)] - Apparently the Apostle Paul was looking prophetically (to the Second Coming of Jesus as being fulfilled during) a future set of Fall Feats and most importantly to their complete fulfillment in Jerusalem - "Acts 18:20-21 When they [Ephesians] desired him [Apostle Paul] to tarry [stay] longer time with them, he consented not; But bade them farewell, **saying, I must by all means keep this feast [the later three Fall Feasts, after Pentecost, **all three Fall Feasts are yet to be Fulfilled for the Jews in Jerusalem] that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will [i.e. in part if the 2nd Coming didn't happen]. And he sailed from Ephesus."

The 8 Holy Feasts [Leviticus chapter 23] are fulfilled by Jesus in Jerusalem: "Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday [Feast Day], or of the new moon [festival], or of the sabbath days: **Which [Levitically] are a shadow of things to come; ***but the body [fulfillment] is of Christ." - The first five Feast Days [Sabbath, Lord's Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits and Pentecost] of the eight Leviticus chapter 23 Feast Days have been completely fulfilled by Jesus in Jerusalem (Jesus sent the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost) during the 1st Coming of Jesus the Messiah. The remaining three Feast days [Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)] the later or 2nd Coming, Fall Feast days though already initiated by Jesus during Holy Week are being fulfilled by the Christian Church but have yet to be completed by Jesus in Jerusalem for the Jews as the Jews do not yet acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. - The Apostle Paul apparently remained very aware of the Jewish Feast Days "Acts 27:9 Now when much time was spent [at the sea port of fair havens], and when sailing was now dangerous, because the Fast (Yom Kippur) was now already past, Paul admonished them"

Church Rapture - waymark #8: The End of the Christian Church Age - Possibly the First Fall Feast, the Feast of Trumpets - "Revelation 1:8 I (Jesus) Am *Alpha (beginning) and Omega (ending), the beginning and the ending [of the Christian Church Age], saith the Lord, [eternal] which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." - "Revelation 4:1 After this I [Apostle John] looked, and, behold, **a door was opened in Heaven: and the first voice which I heard was **as it were of a trumpet (G4536) talking with me; **which said, Come up hither [to Heaven], and I will shew thee things which must be **hereafter [after the Christian Church Age]."

The Mystery of the Christian Church Rapture: "1st Corinthians 15:51-55 Behold, I show you a mystery; We (Christians) shall not all sleep (suffer physical death), but we shall all be changed (translated). In a moment, in the twinkle of an eye, at the last trump (G4536) {announcement}: for the trumpet shall sound {this trumpet is a call to gathering sounded by God. It does not have anything to do with the future trumpet judgments of Revelation that are later sounded by angels} and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed (translated). For this corruptible (fleshly body) must put on incorruption (spiritual body) and this mortal must put on immortality." - The Rapture of the Christian Church into Heaven at the calling of God in Heaven is the Omega (ending) of the Christian Church Age. The Christian Church that began (Alpha) with Jesus on the Resurrection Day [Feast of Firstfruits] will conclude apparently with a Church wide Rapture into Heaven. - "1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren, concerning them which are asleep (physically dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God: And the dead in Christ shall rise First: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (Harpzo, Rapture) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

Church Martyrs - waymark #9: The Christian Church Martyrs - The Christian martyr (witness) Stephen as an acceptable offing and sacrifice to God was received directly by God into His presence - Jesus was seen standing as High Priest [instead of seated as King] in order to receive Stephen's life as his priestly offering into His presence - "Acts 7:55-59 But he [Stephen - first Church martyr], being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into Heaven, and saw the Glory of God, and **Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they [accusers] cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul [Apostle Paul]. And they stoned Stephen, [as he was] calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he [died] fell asleep."

Eternal life: After our physical death [while a disembodied spirit - death is the separation of the spirit from the physical body] then comes the judgment (Hebrews 9:27) and once judged after death [while a disembodied spirit] if we are an acceptable Child of God we are then 'adopted' by God into Sonship. It is only after the judgment, adoption and Sonship/Daughtership that a person then receives an inheritance from God and a part of the eternal inheritance is a new eternal spiritual body. - "2 Corinthians 5:1-15 For we know that if our earthly house [body of flesh and bones] of this tabernacle [tent - physical body] were dissolved, we have a building [Temple - spiritual body] of God, an House not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house [spiritual body] which is from Heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle [fleshly body] do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now He that hath wrought [made] us for [eternal fellowship] the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest [seal] of the [Holy] Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body [flesh], we are absent from the Lord: For we walk by faith, not by sight: We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. ***For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that He [Jesus] died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again."

Tribulation Martyrs - waymark #10: The 5th Seal of Revelation - The Tribulation Saints (Martyrs) of Revelation - "Revelation 6:9-11 And when He [Jesus] had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar [in Heaven] the souls of them [Martyred Saints of Revelation] that were slain for the **Word of God, **and for the [Christian] Testimony which they held [*note: these Saints are from the first 3½ years of the Tribulation period this is prior to the Mark of the Beast 666 and the Great Tribulation]: And they [Saints] cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, Holy and True, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? **And white robes [of righteousness] were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren [Martyred Saints of the Great Tribulation], that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled."

The Great Tribulation Saints (Martyrs) of Revelation: The Christian Church Age Martyrs (i.e. Stephen) appear directly before the Throne of Jesus but with the conclusion of the Christian Church Age (Revelation 4:1) at the Rapture of the Church (after the Rapture Jesus will not be Baptizing individuals with His Spirit until the end of the Tribulation Age) when the Martyred Saints of Revelation (both groups) will be assembled together under the altar in Heaven and the entire group will be presented to Jesus at one time. - "Revelation 15:1-4 And I saw another sign in Heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath (passion) of God. And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire [judgment]: and them [Great Tribulation Saints (Martyrs) of Revelation] **that had gotten the victory over the *beast (Antichrist), *and over his image (idol), *and over his mark (branding), *and over the number (666) of his name, stand [with all the Tribulation Saints] on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they [Tribulation Martyred Saints - Gentiles and Jews, after the Church Age] **sing the song of Moses the servant of God, **and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; Just and True are Thy ways, **Thou King of Saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and Glorify Thy Name? for Thou only art Holy: for ***all Nations shall come and worship before Thee; for Thy judgments are made manifest."

Marriage Feast - waymark #11: The Marriage Feast in Heaven - "Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet [Jesus] the bridegroom. And five of them were wise ['born again'], and five were foolish [not 'born again']. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no [Holy Spirit] oil with them: But the wise took [Holy Spirit] oil in their vessels [body] with their lamps [spirit]. While the bridegroom tarried [waited], they **all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, **Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your [Holy Spirit] oil; for our lamps are gone out. ***But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: ***but go ye rather to [God] Them [Father, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit] that sell [for free], and buy [for free] for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him ***to the Marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the **other virgins [from other religions], saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But He [Jesus] answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. **Watch [be alert] therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein [Jesus Christ] the Son of Man cometh."

The Marriage Feast in Heaven: "2 Corinthians 11:2-4 For I [Apostle Paul] am jealous over you [Christian Church] with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one Husband [Jesus Christ], that I may present you as a chaste virgin [Bride] to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent [Satan] beguiled Eve **through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity [Gospel - free gift] that is in Christ [Jesus]. For if he [deceiver] that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye [being deceived] receive another [unclean] spirit, [the Holy Spirit] which ye have not received, or another gospel, [the true Gospel] which ye have not accepted, ye might [by mistake] well bear [and tolerate being abused] with him [the deceiver]." - Apparently there is a unique Wedding Feast in Heaven that is strictly for the Christian Church (Bride) and Jesus. But ultimately [and this seems to be the reason that the Marriage Supper is mentioned so vaguely in the Bible] the Wedding Feast (Marriage Supper) is ALL inclusive (Revelation 19:7) encompassing ALL the Saints throughout all creation. This is evident in the Bible in that technically throughout the Old Testament the Jews (Jeremiah 3:14) are the Bride of God the Father, in the New Testament the Christian Church is the Bride (John 3:27-29) of Jesus Christ and the Martyred Saints of Revelation are the Bride (Acts 2:21) of God the Holy Spirit. "Revelation 19:6-9 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God [Jesus] omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for **the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife [all the Saints since creation] hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he [Holy Angel] saith unto me [Apostle John], Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the True sayings of God."

Judgments of Revelation - waymark #12: The Seal Judgments of Jesus Christ, the Trumpet Judgments of the Holy Spirit and the Bowl [measured] Judgments of the Father - Each of the three groups of the Revelation Judgments are administered in the oversight of God for instance it is Jesus Himself that is breaking [removing the restraints] of the Seal Judgments - "Revelation 6:1-3 And I saw when the Lamb [Jesus Christ] opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts [Angels - Spirit beings] saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he [Antichrist] that sat on him had a bow; and a crown [kingdom of Antichrist] was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. And when He [Jesus Christ] had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see ..." - "Revelation 8:2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them [on behalf of God] were given seven trumpets." - "Revelation 16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the Temple [in Heaven] saying to the seven angels, Go your ways [on behalf of God], and pour out the vials (measured amounts) **of the wrath (passion) of God upon the earth."

Holy, Holy, Holy, is the [One] LORD: Angels in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible are recorded as saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD" this is in reference to the 'One' God; God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. [Old Testament] Isaiah 6:3 And one (Angel) cried unto another, and said, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of Hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory." - [New Testament] "Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts (Angels - Spirit beings) had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, [Eternal] which was, and is, and is to come."

Kingdom of Antichrist - waymark #13: The Kingdom of the Antichrist, The 7th Global Kingdom on earth - "Revelation 17:10-11 And there are seven [Global Gentile] kings: five [Nimrod (Tower of Babel), Pharaoh Akhenaten (possibly Joseph's dream Pharaoh in Egypt - Genesis 41:1), Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon), Cyrus (Persia), Alexander the Great (Greece)] are fallen, and one is [Throne of Julius Caesar (Rome)], and the other [Throne of Antichrist] is not yet come; and when he [Antichrist] cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast [Antichrist] that was [7th Kingdom], and is not [yet], even he is the eighth [apparently after an assassination attempt he will appear to have his own resurrection - his own eternal kingdom], and [but really] is of the seven [7th Kingdom], and goeth into perdition [eternal damnation]."

Mark of the Antichrist (Beast) 666: Just as the Christian Receives the Holy Spirit from God as a seal, a mark of belonging to God, in the future Satan will counterfeit the 'Born Again' condition of the Christian with his own Satanic version. Remember that the issue here is Eternal Life and who can provide it, the God who Created Life, or the counterfeit and lies of Satan. Satan's counterfeit mark is the promise to offer eternal life yet Satan is not God and does not have the ability to fulfill his promises and likewise Satan is not God and does not have the Triune nature of God therefore Satan cannot give a spirit himself so continuing his counterfeit Satan seals the initiate with a demonic spirit. It is this sad and permanent spiritual marriage/matting between the human and the demonic spirit [Nirvana] that so alters the human that the human is no longer in the image that God created the human to be in and is now therefore incapable of ever receiving salvation from God. The human with the Mark of Satan has forfeited any opportunity to receive Salvation from God. - This demonic infusion (mingling - Nirvana) into the human spirit and soul by the human receiving the Mark of the Beast (Antichrist) is best explained by the Old Testament Prophet Daniel. "Daniel 2:42-45 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the (Satanic) kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron [demons] mixed with miry (bad/unusable) clay [people], they (demons) shall mingle themselves with the seed (soul) of men: but they shall not cleave [join] one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven {return and} set up a Kingdom, [Eternal] which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other (non-Christian) people ...

Kingdom of Jesus Christ - waymark #14: Millennial Reign, 1,000 year Kingdom of Jesus Christ on earth - "Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he [Saints] that hath part in the first resurrection [prior to the second Judgment (Revelation 20:12)]: on such the second death [second judgment (Revelation 20:12)] hath no power, but they [Saints] **shall be priests of God and of Christ, **and shall reign with Him [on earth] a thousand years."

The coming Millennial Reign: The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah best explains the Kingdom of Messiah both the 1st coming childhood of Jesus and also the 2nd Coming Kingdom, Millennial Reign of the Messiah Jesus Christ. "Isaiah 11:2-9 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him [Messiah - Jesus Christ], **the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And [as a child - 1st Coming] shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and [2nd Coming - Kingdom Reign] **He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears: ***But with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod [Word] of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins. The wolf [now tame] also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard [no longer dangerous] shall lie down with the kid [baby goat]; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them [without the possibility of getting injured by them]. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and **the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp [snake], and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' [spider] den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My Holy Mountain: **for [during the 1,000 year reign of Messiah - Jesus Christ] the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."

Reconciliation - waymark #15: God and man reconciled - Reconciled into more than the simple friendship of the original creation relationship with Adam and Eve - Reconciled this time into a personal, intimate and highly precious relationship between God and His humanity - "Revelation 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" Reconciliation and oneness: The accomplishment of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer on the night of His betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. "John 17:1-26 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; Glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may Glorify Thee: ... I have given them Thy Word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the Truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them [Christians] also which shall believe on Me through their word; ***That they all [Christians] may be one; as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the Glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one [body - fellowship], even as we are One [God]: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect [complete] in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me. Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, **be with Me where I am; that they may behold My Glory, which Thou hast given Me: for thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these [Apostles] have known that thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy Name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them."

Conclusion: Eternity - The Eternal State - "Revelation 21:1-3 And I saw a new heaven (sky) and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband. And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God."

New Jerusalem: The Eternal city "Revelation 22:1-5 And He shewed me [Apostle John] a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the Throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there **the Tree of Life (Genesis 2:9), which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the Nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the Throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him: And they shall see His [Jesus'] face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."

God bless everyone,
David Anson Brown

Source: Basic Christian - Wiki

This page was last modified on September 18, 2015
David Anson Brown 06:10, 19 August 2012 (MST)

Statement of Faith

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

1 Timothy 1:15-17 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Basic Christian: Statement of Faith

We believe that God is the creator of the universe creating both of the seen (physical) and the unseen (spiritual) realms and that God the creator is also the giver of life.

We believe the Holy Bible is God's word Personally spoken by God for mankind for the purpose of revealing who He is and it is without error in all issues to which it speaks.

We believe in the Triunity (Trinity), one God in three Persons, consisting of Father, Son Jesus, and Holy Spirit.

We Believe Jesus Christ is Divine God who came from Heaven to mankind as a man yet retaining the Divinity of God and who while living a sinless life was rejected and betrayed by man to be crucified and die on the cross yet not to remain dead but to Resurrect the third day in accordance with His Everlasting Divine life.

We believe that the death of Jesus on the cross provided complete atonement for all the sins of the world therefore cleansing those who choose to be cleansed from their sin to then receive the Holy Spirit and by receiving the Holy Spirit becoming "Born Again" and being Born Again becoming children of God. Children in the family of God and as children in a personal relationship with their Father who is God above all and as children also inheritors in the Heavenly Kingdom of Jesus the kingdom that is without end.

We believe that Jesus is the judge of all of mankind's thoughts, intentions and actions and that He is just and wise in His judgment. As judge, Jesus will judge the unjust [those who are not covered by the blood of Jesus Christ] to everlasting condemnation while to the righteous [those who are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ] He will give of His life, His gifts, and His glory.

We believe Jesus physically rose from the dead, was seen by and interacted with many eyewitnesses including the Disciples and Apostles and that Jesus has now ascended back into Heaven where He originally came from. Jesus is currently seated in Majesty, Power and Authority alongside the Father and He is now accessible to us in both Prayer and Fellowship.

God Bless you
David Anson Brown

The Apostles' Creed

Traditional English Version

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker [Creator] of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was *conceived by the Holy Ghost [Luke 1:35, Hebrews 10:5], born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell [to the ancient, redeemed, righteous, paradise side of hell [Luke 16:22, Acts 2:31-32, 1 Peter 3:18-19] with Abraham and the rest of the O.T. saints of old -- not to eternal hell or the torments of hell]; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty [1 Peter 3:22]; from thence He shall come [Second Coming] to judge the quick [living] and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic [greater] Church; the Communion [Fellowship - with God and with one another] of Saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.

AMEN.

Source: www.Creeds.net

*A physical body for the manifested incarnation of Jesus Christ into the physical world was prepared by God the Holy Ghost in Mary. Neither was there a physical encounter between God the Father and Mary nor does God the Holy Spirit comprise a female Spiritual form being that Mary was female and the Holy Ghost who only 'overshadowed' Mary is God Himself and of the nature and substance of God.

THE NICENE CREED 325 A.D.

TRADITIONAL WORDING

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 only begotten [incarnate] Son of God, begotten [in the flesh with the approval] of His Father [but eternal with the Father and the Holy Ghost] before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten [manifested], not made, being of one substance with the Father [and the Holy Ghost]; by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick [living] and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Live, who proceedeth [provides intervention mor mankind] from [both] the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets.

And I believe one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

AMEN.

The Nicene Creed is the most widely accepted and used brief statements of the Christian Faith. In liturgical churches, it is said every Sunday as part of the Liturgy. It is Common Ground to East Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Calvinists, and many other Christian groups. Many groups that do not have a tradition of using it in their services nevertheless are committed to the doctrines it teaches.

(Someone may ask, "What about the Apostles' Creed?" Traditionally, in the West, the Apostles' Creed is used at Baptisms, and the Nicene Creed at the Eucharist (aka the Mass, the Liturgy, the Lord's Supper, or the Holy Communion). The East uses only the Nicene Creed.)

I here present the Nicene Creed in two English translations, The first is the traditional one, in use with minor variations since 1549 A.D., The second is a modern version, that of (I think) The Interdenominational Committee on Liturgical Texts. Notes and comment by me follow.

Source: www.iclnet.org

The Athanasian Creed

Whoever desires to be saved should above all hold to the catholic [one-universal] faith. Anyone who does not keep it whole and unbroken will doubtless perish eternally.

Now this is the catholic faith:

That we worship one God in trinity and the trinity in unity [TriUnity], neither blending their persons nor dividing their essence. For the person of the Father is a distinct person, the person of the Son is another, and that of the Holy Spirit still another. But the divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty co-eternal.

What quality the Father has, the Son has, and the Holy Spirit has. The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, the Holy Spirit is uncreated. The Father is immeasurable, the Son is immeasurable, the Holy Spirit is immeasurable. The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, the Holy Spirit is eternal. And yet there are not three eternal beings; there is but one eternal being. So too there are not three uncreated or immeasurable beings; there is but one uncreated and immeasurable being. Similarly, the Father is almighty, the Son is almighty, the Holy Spirit is almighty. Yet there are not three almighty beings; there is but one almighty being.

Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God. Yet there are not three gods; there is but one God. Thus the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, the Holy Spirit is Lord. Yet there are not three lords; there is but one Lord.

Just as Christian truth compels us to confess each person individually as both God and Lord, so catholic religion forbids us to say that there are three gods or lords. The Father was neither made nor created nor begotten from anyone. The Son was neither made nor created; He was begotten from the Father [God] alone. The Holy Spirit was neither made nor created nor begotten; He proceeds from the Father and the Son.

Accordingly there is one Father, not three fathers; there is one Son, not three sons; there is one Holy Spirit, not three holy spirits. Nothing in this trinity is before or after, nothing is greater or smaller; in their entirety the three persons are co-eternal and co-equal with each other. So in everything, as was said earlier, we must worship their trinity in their unity and their unity in their trinity [TriUnity].

Anyone then who desires to be saved should think thus about the Trinity [TriUnity].

But it is necessary for eternal salvation that one also believe in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ faithfully.

Now this is the true faith:

That we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, God's Son, is both God and human, equally. He is God from the essence of the Father, begotten before time; and He is human from the essence of his mother [Virgin Mary], born in time; completely God, completely human, with a rational soul and human flesh; equal to the Father as regards divinity, less than the Father as regards humanity.

Although He is God and human, yet Christ is not two, but one. He is one, however, not by his divinity being turned into flesh, but by God's taking humanity to Himself. He is one, certainly not by the blending of His essence, but by the unity of His person. For just as one human is both rational soul and flesh, so too the one Christ [Jesus Christ] is both God and human.

He suffered for our salvation; He descended to hell; He arose from the dead; He ascended to heaven; He is seated at the Father's right hand; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. At His coming all people will arise [the redeemed] bodily [the unsaved as disembodied souls] and [all] give an accounting of their own deeds. Those who have done good will enter eternal life, and those [unconfused] who have done evil will enter eternal fire.

This is the catholic faith: one cannot be saved without believing it firmly and faithfully.

This creed is named after Athanasius (A.D. 293-373), the champion of orthodoxy against Arian attacks on the doctrine of the trinity. Although Athanasius did not write this creed and it is improperly named after him, the name persists because until the seventeenth century it was commonly ascribed to him. It is not from Greek (Eastern), but from Latin (Western) origin, and is not recognized by the Eastern Orthodox Church today. Apart from the opening and closing sentences, this creed consists of two parts, the first setting forth the orthodox doctrine of the trinity, and the second dealing chiefly with the incarnation and the two-natures doctrine. The translation above was adopted by the CRC Synod of 1988.

© 1987, CRC Publications, Grand Rapids MI. www.crcna.org. Reprinted with permission.

Source: crcna.org

David Anson Brown 02:53, 27 August 2012 (MST)

Church Governments

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Jesus - Apostles -- Servant Ministry

Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man (Jesus) hath not where to lay His head.

Mark 9:33-35 And He (Jesus) came to Capernaum: and being in the house [Peter's house] He asked them [Disciples], What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And He sat down, and called the Twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Luke 1:53-55 He [God] hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away. He [God] hath holpen [helped] His servant Israel [Jacob], in remembrance of His mercy; As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My Kingdom [the Kingdom of God] is not [earthly] of this world: if My Kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews [Temple guards]: but now [Heavenly] is My Kingdom [and servants] not from [this world] hence.

Acts 13:1-2 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul [Apostle Paul]. As they ministered (served) to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul [Apostle Paul] for the [missionary] work whereunto I have called them.

Romans 1:1 [Apostle] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God,

Romans 16:1-2 I [Apostle Paul] commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye [in Rome] receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer [helper] of many, and of myself also.

Colossians 4:12-13 Epaphras, who is one of you [from the city of Colosse], a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I [Apostle Paul] bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis [an ancient Greco-Roman city in Phrygia (in modern-day Turkey) - source: wiki.com].

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter [Apostle Peter], a servant and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Jude 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His Angel unto His servant [Apostle] John:

New Testament -- Three and Four Tiered Fellowships

Bishops - Pastors - Leaders

Elders - Office-bearers - Teachers {the Bishops were to test their theology, get their Biblical instruction and receive leadership guidance primarily from the church Elders}

Deacons - Servants {the Deacons served the Congregants (internal and external i.e. hospital visits) and inform the Elders regarding the needs and condition of the Congregation}

Congregation - Members {believing in God the Father, the Deity - Virgin Birth and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Ministry of the Holy Ghost, publically confessing Jesus Christ the only Son of God, water baptized, and having received the bread (unleavened - unsweetened) and cup (fruit of the vine, grape juice) communion}

The biblical pattern

The three prominent forms of church government [Episcopal, Presbyterian, Congregational] all appeal to the Scriptures as well as church tradition for support of their respective positions. Since the Bible is not silent on the subject, key elements in the biblical examples are germane. Greg Bahnsen has noted the following:

There is no distinction between "elders" and "bishops" (Titus 1:5-7; Acts 20:17, 28); these represent the same office and order.

Each congregation and center of leadership is to have a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23; 20:17; Phil. 1:1), not one-man rule.

These elders have oversight of the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2-3) and are thus responsible to rule the congregation (1 Tim. 3:5; 5:17; 1 Thes. 5:12; Heb. 13:7, 17, 24). They judge among the brothers (cf. 1 Cor. 6:5) and, in contrast to all the members, they do the rebuking (1 Tim. 5:20). Christ calls them to use the "keys of the kingdom" to bind and loose (Matt.16:19; 18:18; John 20:23) - these keys being the preaching of the gospel (I John I:3), administering of the sacraments (Matt. 28:19-20; I Cor. 11:23ff.), and the exercise of discipline (Matt. 18:17; I Cor. 5:1-5).

The elders are assisted in their ministry by "deacons" who give attention to the ministry of mercy (Phil. 1:1; Acts 6:1-6; cf. 1 Tim. 3:8-13).

The office-bearers in the church are nominated and elected by the members of the congregation (e.g. Acts 6:5-6), but must also be examined, confirmed and ordained by the present board of elders (Acts 6:6; 13: 1-3; 1 Tim. 4:14).

Members of the church have the right to appeal disputed matters in the congregation to their elders for resolution, and if the dispute is with those local elders, to appeal to the regional governing body (the presbytery) or, beyond that, to the whole general assembly (Acts 15). The decisions of the wider governing bodies are authoritative in all the local congregations (Acts 15:22-23, 28, 30; 16:1-5).

Source: Theopedia.com

Church Fathers -- Bishop Ministry

Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons (b. 120/140 Asia Minor - d. 200/203 AD)

The oldest lists of bishops also were countermeasures against the Gnostics, who said that they possessed a secret oral tradition from Jesus himself. Against such statements Irenaeus maintains that the bishops in different cities are known as far back as the Apostles - and none of them was a Gnostic - and that the bishops provided the only safe guide to the interpretation of the Scriptures. With these lists of bishops the later doctrine of "the apostolic succession" of the bishops could be linked. Source: NT Canon

Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea (b. AD 263 - d. 339 AD) also called Eusebius of Pamphili was a Roman historian, exegete and Christian polemicist - He became the Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine [Israel] about the year 314 AD

Eusebius' list [of NT Bible books] shows that a consensus had already been reached on at least twenty books to be included in the new collection of sacred writings [finalized with 27 NT books], to be known as the New Testament. He divided books into three categories: "acknowledged," "disputed," and "rejected" writings. That division is typical of earlier lists also. We know, for instance, that Irenaeus, bishop of Lyon in Gaul (France), in works produced about 185 C.E., regarded the twenty books that later appeared in Eusebius' "acknowledged" category as canonical books. In addition, he recognized Revelation and the Shepherd of Hermas, for a total of twenty-two. Early in the next century, Origen of Alexandria endorsed twenty-two writings as canonical. Origen's list was nearly identical with those accepted by Irenaeus and listed as "acknowledged" by Eusebius. Source: How the 'Bible' Canon Was Formed

Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria (b. 296-298 AD - d. 2 May 373 AD)

By the early 200s, Origen may have been using the same twenty-seven books as in the Catholic New Testament canon, though there were still disputes over the canonicity of the Letter to the Hebrews, Epistle of James, II Peter, II John and III John and the Book of Revelation, known as the Antilegomena. Likewise, the Muratorian fragment is evidence that, perhaps as early as 200, there existed a set of Christian writings somewhat similar to the twenty-seven book NT canon, which included four gospels and argued against objections to them. Thus, while there was a good measure of debate in the Early Church over the New Testament canon, the major writings are claimed to have been accepted by almost all Christians by the middle of the 3rd century.

Origen was largely responsible for the collection of usage information regarding the texts which became the New Testament. The information used to create the late-4th-century Easter Letter, which declared accepted Christian writings, was probably based on the Ecclesiastical History [HE] of Eusebius of Caesarea, wherein he uses the information passed on to him by Origen to create both his list at HE 3:25 and Origen's list at HE 6:25. Eusebius got his information about what texts were then accepted and what were then disputed, by the third-century churches throughout the known world, a great deal of which Origen knew of firsthand from his extensive travels, from the library and writings of Origen. In fact, Origen would have possibly included in his list of "inspired writings" other texts which were kept out by the likes of Eusebius, including the Epistle of Barnabas, Shepherd of Hermas, and 1 Clement. Notwithstanding these facts, "Origen is not the originator of the idea of biblical canon, but he certainly gives the philosophical and literary-interpretative underpinnings for the whole notion."

In his Easter letter of 367, Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, gave a list of the books that would become the twenty-seven-book NT canon, and he used the word "canonized" (kanonizomena) in regards to them. The first council that accepted the present canon of the New Testament may have been the Synod of Hippo Regius in North Africa (AD 393); the acts of this council, however, are lost. A brief summary of the acts was read at and accepted by the Councils of Carthage in 397 and 419. These councils were under the authority of St. Augustine, who regarded the canon as already closed. Pope Damasus I's Council of Rome in 382 AD, if the Decretum Gelasianum is correctly associated with it, issued a biblical canon identical to that mentioned above, or, if not, the list is at least a 6th-century compilation. Likewise, Damasus' commissioning of the Latin Vulgate edition of the Bible, c. 383, was instrumental in the fixation of the canon in the West. In c. 405, Pope Innocent I sent a list of the sacred books to a Gallic bishop, Exsuperius of Toulouse. Christian scholars assert that, when these bishops and councils spoke on the matter, however, they were not defining something new but instead "were ratifying what had already become the mind of the Church."

The New Testament canon as it is now was first listed by St. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, in 367 AD, in a letter written to his churches in Egypt, Festal Letter 39. Also cited is the Council of Rome, but not without controversy. That canon gained wider and wider recognition until it was accepted at the Third Council of Carthage in 397 AD and 419 AD. Even this council did not settle the matter, however. Certain books, referred to as Antilegomena, continued to be questioned, especially James and Revelation. Even as late as the 16th century, the Reformer Martin Luther questioned (but in the end did not reject) the Epistle of James, the Epistle of Jude, the Epistle to the Hebrews and the Book of Revelation. To this day, German-language Luther Bibles are printed with these four books at the end of the canon, rather than in their traditional order as in other editions of the Bible. In light of this questioning of the canon of Scripture by Protestants in the 16th century, the (Roman Catholic) Council of Trent reaffirmed the traditional western canon (i.e., the canon accepted at the 4th-century Council of Rome and Council of Carthage), thus making the Canon of Trent and the Vulgate Bible dogma in the Catholic Church. Later, Pope Pius XI on June 2, 1927 decreed the Comma Johanneum was open to dispute and Pope Pius XII on 3 September 1943 decreed the Divino Afflante Spiritu which allowed translations based on other versions than just the Latin Vulgate, notably in English the New American Bible.

Thus, some claim that, from the 4th century (300's), there existed unanimity in the West concerning the New Testament canon (as it is today), and that, by the 5th century, the Eastern Church, with a few exceptions, had come to accept the Book of Revelation and thus had come into harmony on the matter of the canon. Nonetheless, full dogmatic articulations of the canon were not made until the Canon of Trent of 1546 AD for Roman Catholicism, the Thirty-Nine Articles of 1563 AD for the Church of England, the Westminster Confession of Faith of 1647 AD for Calvinism, and the Synod of Jerusalem of 1672 AD for the Greek Orthodox.

Source: Wikipedia.org

Saint Ambrose - Aurelius Ambrosius, Bishop of Milan (330 AD - 4 April 397 AD) was a bishop of Milan who became one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. He was one of the four original doctors of the Church. -- Wiki.com

Ambrose was born a citizen of Rome in Trier, Germany, between 337 and 340 AD. His family were Christians. His father was prefect [equivalent of a mayor and commissioner - Wiki.com] of Gallia Narbonensis, his mother a woman of intellect. He was educated in Rome a for a career following that of his father. As his education in literature, law, and rhetoric progressed he was placed by praetor Anicius Probus on the council of Ligura and Emilia and then made consular prefect with headquarters in Milan. In this position he established himself as an excellent administrator.

In the contention between the Nicene and Arian parties for the succession to the vacant see of Milan after the death of the Arian Auxentius in 374, an address that Ambrose delivered in the midst of the crisis led to his acclamation as the only competent candidate for the position of bishop of Milan. While he was only a catechumen, he was quickly baptized and then within days installed as the new bishop of Milan. He quickly began studying theological under Simplician, a presbyter of Rome. After settling his personal life, dividing his money among the poor and arranging for the care of his family, and he, then, devoted himself to the work of the church.

Ambrose is ranked with the great Western Christian leaders of the time: Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Gregory the Great, and St. Hilary of Poitiers. Ambrose was most known for his administrative talents, given his education and early experience before becoming a bishop. Yet, like Hilary he [**Ambrose of Alexandria (before 212 AD - 250 AD) - not Saint Ambrose] was an Alexandrian and [the Saint Ambrose] was in the forefront in the doctrinal issues of the day, particularly those concerning Arianism. His sermons were famous and were influential in the conversion of Augustine. His endeavors in hymn writing became models of hymns of dignified simplicity for future times. Ambrose is credited with introducing antiphonal chanting wherein one choir alternates with another. Of particular note is that Ambrose baptized Augustine, his celebrated convert. Ambrose's successor as bishop of Milan was Simplician. Source: OrthodoxWiki.org

Roman Catholic -- Bishop Hierarchy - The Bishop of Rome

Catholic Church hierarchy

The term hierarchy (literally, "holy government") has a variety of related usages in the Catholic Church. There is a hierarchy of truths, which refers to the levels of solemnity of the official teaching of the faith. There is a hierarchical nature of the church, which is a structural feature considered to be of divine institution.

Most commonly, it refers to the ordering of ministry in the church into the threefold order of episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate, which is considered to be divinely instituted and essential to the Church itself. In some cases, it refers only to the magisterium, the official teaching body of the church, the bishops, excluding deacons and presbyters (priests).

There is, in addition, an order of precedence of the various offices and ministries, which indicates the precedence or 'rank' of various ministers and offices in the Church for use during liturgies or other ceremonies where such protocol is helpful.

The Catholic Church comprised, as of December 31, 2011 [of] 2,834 dioceses, each overseen by a bishop. Dioceses are divided into individual communities called parishes, each staffed by one or more priests. Priests may be assisted by deacons. All clergy, including deacons, priests, and bishops, may preach, teach, baptize, witness marriages and conduct funeral liturgies. Only priests and bishops are allowed to administer the sacraments of the Eucharist, Reconciliation (Penance), Confirmation (priests may administer this sacraments with prior ecclesiastic approval), and Anointing of the Sick. Only bishops can administer the sacrament of Holy Orders, which ordains someone into the clergy.

The Pope - The Bishop of Rome

Catholics believe Pope Benedict XVI, like his predecessors, is the Vicar of Christ and 265th successor of St. Peter the Apostle, and therefore the leader of all Catholics and head of the Catholic Church.

What most obviously distinguishes the Catholic Church from other Christian bodies is the link between its members and the Pope. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, quoting the Second Vatican Council's document Lumen Gentium, states: "The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter's successor, 'is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful.'"

The Pope is referred to as the Vicar of Christ and the Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church. He may sometimes also use the less formal title of "Servant of the Servants of God". Applying to him the term "absolute" would, however, give a false impression: he is not free to issue decrees at whim. Instead, his charge forces on him awareness that he, even more than other bishops, is "tied", bound, by an obligation of strictest fidelity to the teaching transmitted down the centuries in increasingly developed form within the Church (though he himself is the final arbiter of what constitutes fidelity to those teachings.).

In Catholic theology, the bishop who is the successor of Saint Peter in the episcopal see of Rome is viewed as the head of the College of Bishops, as Saint Peter was the chief of the Apostles; and communion with him is considered essential for the existence of the College of Bishops. He has direct authority, not an authority mediated through other bishops, over the whole Church.

Source: Wikipedia.org

English Catholic -- Anglican

Anglican History

The name "Anglican" means "of England", but the Anglican church exists worldwide. It began in the sixth century in England, when Pope Gregory the Great sent St. Augustine to Britain to bring a more disciplined Apostolic succession to the Celtic Christians. The Anglican Church evolved as part of the Roman church, but the Celtic influence was folded back into the Roman portion of the church in many ways, perhaps most notably by Charlemagne's tutor Aidan. The Anglican church was spread worldwide first by English colonization and then by English-speaking missionaries.

The Anglican church, although it has apostolic succession, is separate from the Roman church. The history of Christianity has produced numerous notable separations. In 1054 came the first major split from Roman administration of the church, when the Eastern Orthodox church and the Roman split apart.

The conflict of authority in England between church and state certainly dates back to the arrival of Augustine, and has simmered for many centuries. The murder of Thomas a Becket was one of the more famous episodes of this conflict. The Magna Carta, signed by King John in 1215, contains 63 points; the very first point is a declaration that the English church is independent of its government.

The beginning of the sixteenth century showed significant discontent with the Roman church. Martin Luther's famous 95 Theses were nailed to the door of the church in Wittenburg in 1517, and news of this challenge had certainly reached England when, 20 years later, the Anglican branch of the church formally challenged the authority of Rome. Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and abbeys in 1536 AD.

The newly-separated Anglican church was given some formal structure in 1562 during the reign of Elizabeth I. That structure is not a management process or governing organization. What binds us together is not common administration but shared tradition and shared belief. Our belief is written down in the Holy Bible and the Articles of Religion; our tradition is in part embodied in our Book of Common Prayer. The first Book of Common Prayer was produced in 1549. In it the Latin liturgy was radically simplified and translated into English, and for the first time a single 'use' was enforced throughout England. It has been revised numerous times since then, the most significant revision being the first, in 1552. All revisions since then, before the modern era, were very conservative revisions. The 1662 English Book of Common Prayer forms the historical basis for most Anglican liturgy around the world. While several countries have their own prayer books, all borrow heavily from the English tradition rooted in Cranmer's original work [Thomas Cranmer (2 July 1489 - 21 March 1556 AD) was a leader of the English Reformation and Archbishop of Canterbury - Wiki.com].

Source: Anglican.org

November 9, 2012 Justin Welby Named as Next Archbishop of Canterbury
He will take on the Church of England's most senior post at a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral on 21 March 2013. Bishop Welby will become the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury ... At a press conference at Lambeth Palace on Friday, Bishop Welby said it was a time for "optimism and for faith" in the Church.

November 8, 2012 Justin Welby to Be Named New Archbishop of Canterbury The Church of England - Anglican Church, Anglican Communion
The Church will hope that his passion for resolving conflict and finding workable solutions will equip him for some of the huge challenges confronting the worldwide Anglican community over the coming months and years.

The 1563 AD Anglican Thirty Nine Articles of Religion PDF
The 1559 AD Anglican Book of Common Prayer PDF

THE DESTINY OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCHES - A SHORT STUDY OF THE HISTORY, PRINCIPLES AND PROSPECTS OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION by EDWIN JAMES PALMER, D.D. 1931

Why the AMIA (Anglican Mission in the Americas) is Causing Schisms
AMIA Church Podcasts

Reformed Anglican -- Episcopal

History of the Episcopal Church

The beginnings of the Church of England, from which the Episcopal Church derives, date to at least the second century, when merchants and other travelers first brought Christianity to England. It is customary to regard St. Augustine of Canterbury's mission to England in 597 as marking the formal beginning of the church under papal authority, as it was to be throughout the Middle Ages.

In its modern form, the church dates from the English Reformation of the 16th century, when royal supremacy was established and the authority of the papacy was repudiated. With the advent of British colonization, the Church of England was established on every continent. In time, these churches gained their independence, but retained connections with the mother church [England] in the Anglican Communion.

MOVEMENTS WITHIN THE CHURCH: The Evangelical Movement in the 18th century tended to emphasize the Protestant heritage of the Church, while the Oxford Movement in the 19th century emphasized the Catholic heritage. These two attitudes have persisted in the Church, and are sometimes characterized as "Low Church" and "High Church." Since the 19th century, the Church has been active in the Ecumenical Movement.

A completely revised Book of Common Prayer was adopted in 1979, and an updated Hymnal was adopted in 1982.

(Copyright 1999, Diocese of Oregon. All rights reserved.)

Source: EpiscopalChurch.org

Episcopal Church Structure & Governance PDF
Episcopal 1979 AD Book of Common Prayer PDF
Episcopal Dissertation on BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION PDF

Reformation -- Presbyterian

Presbyterian Church History

In western Europe, the authority of the Roman Catholic Church remained largely unquestioned until the Renaissance in the 15th century. The invention of the printing press in Germany around 1440 AD made it possible for common people to have access to printed materials including the Bible. This, in turn, enabled many to discover religious thinkers who had begun to question the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. One such figure, Martin Luther, a German priest and professor, started the movement known as the Protestant Reformation when he posted a list of 95 grievances against the Roman Catholic Church on a church door in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517 AD. Some 20 years later, a French/Swiss theologian, John Calvin, further refined the reformers' new way of thinking about the nature of God and God's relationship with humanity in what came to be known as Reformed theology. John Knox, a Scotsman who studied with Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland, took Calvin's teachings back to Scotland. Other Reformed communities developed in England, Holland and France. The Presbyterian church traces its ancestry back primarily to Scotland and England.

Source: PresbyterianMission.org

Reformed churches are joined by historical lineage and certain beliefs rather than by a way of structuring their communities and churches. They are churches that developed out of the Swiss Reformation founded by Huldrych Zwingli in Zurich and John Calvin in Geneva. Like other Protestants they state a belief that salvation is through faith alone, and a belief that the Bible is the final authority for matters of belief and practice. In contrast to other Protestant Christians they are more likely to hold to the doctrine of predestination, though contemporary Reformed scholarship has helped them to understand this in the light of the grace of Christ. They are more likely to believe that Christ is present spiritually or symbolically in the Lord's Supper than physically.

Reformed and Presbyterian churches are somewhat distinguished from Lutheran and Anglican (Episcopal) churches in the way they organize their communities. This derives from Zwingli's principle that what is not expressed in scripture is not allowed (as opposed to Luther's principle that what is not forbidden in scripture is allowed). In some ways Zwingli and Calvin are more radical reformers than Luther, especially when it came to Church structure. They, and Reformed Christians who followed them, tried to set up their churches on the model they found of the early Church in scripture. In general Reformed churches reject a model of organization based on bishops (Lutherans, Anglicans, and some Wesleyans continued this model) in favor of a structure based on elders and deacons. ... Written by: Ted Vial Source: Patheos.com

The 1647 AD Westminster Confession of Faith PDF
The 1662 AD Book of Common Prayer PDF

Westminster Confession of Faith (Kindle)
Westminster Confession of Faith (iPad)
Westminster Confession of Faith (Palm)
Source: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church

Reformed Presbyterian -- Congregational

History of the Congregational Church

According to the congregationalist theory of the history of the Christian Church, the early disciples of Jesus had little or no organization. Congregationalists believe that in the centuries after the spread of Christianity, attempts to gain influence over all the churches were made by leaders in centers like Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, Byzantium, and Jerusalem. Typically, congregationalists view this supposed accumulation of power to be complete by the year AD 1000, with the bishop of Rome claiming authority over all Christendom, and many churches throughout the western part of Europe submitted to his authority. The churches of eastern Europe, all of Asia, and Egypt likewise had been gathered under a hierarchy of bishops, but retained their independence from the pope, according to this view.

Congregationalists sympathetically interpret various dissident movements among the western churches, that were suppressed throughout the Middle Ages. By the sixteenth century, political and cultural changes had created a climate in which the Roman church could no longer suppress the protests of men such as John Wycliffe, John Hus, Martin Luther, and John Calvin against alleged church abuses. These reformers advocated a return to the simplicity and sincerity they saw described in the New Testament Church, which congregationalists believe is fulfilled in the congregationalist model of church governance.

There are difficulties in identifying a specific beginning because Congregationalism is more easily identified as a movement than a single denomination, given its distinguishing commitment to the complete autonomy of the local congregation. The idea that each distinct congregation fully constitutes the visible Church can, however, be traced to John Wyclif and the Lollard movement which followed after Wyclif was removed from teaching authority in the Roman Catholic Church.

The early Congregationalists shared with Anabaptist theology the ideal of a pure church, which made adult conversion experience important for full membership in the church, unlike other Reformed churches. As such, the Congregationalists were a reciprocal influence on the Baptists, differing from them in that they counted the children of believers in some sense members of the church unlike the Baptists, because of baptism.

In England, the Roman system of church government was taken over by the king, Henry VIII, who (because he wanted to legitimize his marriage to Anne Boleyn in 1533 after divorcing his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, without the blessing of the Pope in Rome) influenced Parliament to enact the 1st Act of Supremacy in 1534, which declared the reigning sovereign of England to be 'the only supreme head on earth of the Church in England', an act which is in effect to this day. Robert Browne, Henry Barrow, John Greenwood, John Penry, William Brewster, and John Robinson were notable people who, in defiance of royal command, established churches separate from the Church of England.

With the demise of the monarchy, the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) was officially declared the statement of faith for both the Church of England (Anglican) and Church of Scotland (Presbyterian). The Congregationalists created their own version of the Westminster Confession called the Savoy Declaration in 1658. The underground churches in England and exiles from Holland provided about 35 out of the 102 passengers on the Mayflower, which sailed from London in July 1620. They became known in history as the Pilgrim Fathers. The early Congregationalists sought to separate themselves from the Anglican church in every possible way and even forwent having church buildings. They met in one another's homes for many years.

The Pilgrims sought to establish at Plymouth Colony a Christian fellowship like that which gathered around Jesus Himself. Congregationalists include the Pilgrims of Plymouth, and the Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which were organized in union by The Cambridge Platform in 1648. These settlers had John Cotton as their most influential leader, beginning in 1633. Cotton's writings persuaded the Calvinist theologian John Owen to separate from the Presbyterian church, after which he, among others, became very influential in the development of Congregationalist theology and ideas of church government. Jonathan Edwards, considered by some to be the most important theologian ever produced in America, was also a Congregationalist.

The history of Congregational churches in the United States is closely intertwined with that of American Presbyterianism, especially in New England where Congregationalist influence spilled over into the Presbyterian churches farther west. Some of the first colleges and universities in America, including Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Williams, Bowdoin, Middlebury, and Amherst, all were founded by the Congregationalists, as were later Carleton, Grinnell, Oberlin, Beloit, and Pomona.

Without higher courts [church committees - synods] to ensure doctrinal uniformity among the congregations, Congregationalists have been more diverse than other Reformed churches. Despite the efforts of Calvinists to maintain the dominance of their system, some Congregational churches, especially in the older settlements of New England, gradually developed sentiments toward Arminianism, Unitarianism, Deism, and transcendentalism. By the 1750s, several Congregational preachers were teaching the possibility of universal salvation, an issue that caused considerable conflict among its adherents on the one side and hard-line Calvinists and sympathizers of the First Great Awakening on the other. The first church in America with an openly Unitarian theology was established in Boston, Massachusetts in 1785 (although in a former Anglican parish) and by 1800, all but one Congregational church in Boston had Unitarian preachers teaching the strict unity of God, the subordinate nature of Christ, and salvation by character. Harvard University, founded by Congregationalists, itself became a source of Unitarian training. Eventually, the Unitarian churches, prompted by a controversy over a theological appointment to Harvard, separated from Congregationalism in 1825; most of its descendants now hold membership in the Unitarian Universalist Association, founded in the 1960s by a merger with the theologically-similar Universalists, another group dissenting from Calvinist orthodoxy.

Thus, the Congregational churches were at the same time the first example of the American theocratic ideal and also the seed-bed from which American liberal religion and society arose. Even still, many Congregationalists in the several successor denominations to the original tradition consider themselves to be Reformed first, whether of traditional or neo-orthodox persuasion.

In 1931 the Congregational Churches and the General Convention of the Christian Church, a body from the Restoration Movement tradition of the early 19th century, merged to form the Congregational Christian Churches. The Congregationalists were used to a more formal, less evangelistic form of worship than the Christian Church members, who mostly came from rural areas of the South and the Midwest. Both groups, however, held to local autonomy and eschewed binding creedal authority.

In 1957, the General Council of Congregational Christian Churches in the U.S. merged with the Evangelical and Reformed Church to form the United Church of Christ.

© 2008 by Gene Webster
Source: KellerHouse

© 2008 by Gene Webster
Source: KellerHouse

The 1658 AD Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order PDF
The Principles of the Congregational Independents PDF

Emergent church -- Emergent Anglican

What is the Emerging Church?

The Emerging Church is a movement that claims to be Christian. The term 'Emerging Church' is used to describe a broad, controversial movement that seeks to use culturally sensitive approaches to reach the postmodern, un-churched population with the Christian message. Some Emerging Churches might use props such as candles, statues, and incense along with poems, open mics, and videos, etc. EC services are sometimes extremely informal, while others are more formal.

Emerging Churches seek to reach the lost by focusing on relationships and developing a "story," a "journey of life" that is expressed through the "narrative" of learning. These words and others are often used by emerging teachers in describing their religious experience. Other terms sometimes used are "reimagine," "tribe," "story of Jesus," "deconstruction," etc. There is sometimes an ambiguous, feelings-oriented desire to experience God and also share in the lives of people as they seek to find God in their way. Some Emerging Churches are inclusivistic (those outside of Christianity will be saved), while others are not. Some Emerging Churches are environmentally focused, while others concentrate on local issues. Some downplay doctrine, reinterpret creeds, and de-emphasize tradition, while others hold to them. Obviously, it is difficult to define precisely what is emerging and what is not.

Seeker-sensitive churches are similar to Emerging Churches except that Emerging Churches are sometimes lax doctrinally, where seeker-sensitive churches, which sometimes are lax in presenting the gospel, hold nonetheless to orthodox theology. Seeker-sensitive churches try to meet people's needs through programs, where Emerging Churches do this by investing time in people's lives. Seeker churches tend to focus on people in their thirties and up where Emerging Churches tend to reach people in their teens to thirties. But, some areas of the Emerging Church are so similar to seeker-sensitive churches that it is hard to tell the difference. So how do you distinguish between the two? Generally, a church is emerging if it seeks to reach those lost in the post-modern culture, rejects doctrinal absolutes, and, of course, proclaims itself to be emerging.

No official Emerging Church or doctrine

There is no official single Emerging Church or Emerging Church doctrine so there is no unified structure to examine. But, there are a lot of Emerging Church writings. The more I read them, the more concerned I become. It is apparent that the movement as a whole is off-center and is sacrificing time-honored biblical truths for a let's-get-along kind of attitude.

Remember, the Emerging Church is, in part, reacting against the modernistic, absolute structure of stale traditional churches that want people to convert to their style of worship and time-frozen culture. Instead, Emerging Church members believe it is necessary to establish relationships with people, going where they are, meeting them on their level, and then later presenting doctrinal truths after they have become part of their lives. I must admit, this is what Jesus did. He was involved with the lives of the disciples, interacted with them, grew very close to them and taught them by example, not just propositionally.

Conclusion

Even though there are some pastors in the Emerging Church Movement that are true to scripture, the movement as a whole needs to stick to the essentials of the Christian faith, otherwise, in spite of its proclamation to renew Christianity afresh, it will become stale and heretical. No one, no movement of people should ever be so arrogant as to say that they can't fall into error -- even though they seek truth. As I've always said, if you want to mess something up, all you need is two things: people and time. The Emerging Church movement has much good in it, but it also has a good bit of bad already within its doors. by Matt Slick

Source: carm.org

Cults

The Marks of a Cult

Extrabiblical Authority: All cults deny what God says in His Word as true. Cults have shifted their theological point of authority away from God's full and final written Word, the Bible, to their own unique, self-promoting opinions about the Bible; they generally will use parts of the Bible but will have their own unique scripture which is considered to be superior to the Bible. While some cult groups give token respect for the Bible and go through the motions of accepting the authority of Scripture, in reality, they honor the group's or leader's novel interpretation of Scripture as normative.

Works Salvation/Legalism: Cults teach that eternal life depends upon something other than the Atonement; i.e., faith in the atoning, finished work of Christ on the cross is deemed not to be sufficient (usually replaced with human works and human responsibility). Rather than relying on the grace of God alone for salvation, the salvation message of the cults always boils down to required obedience to, or abstention from, certain obligations and practices (some even including obedience to the Old Testament law).

No Assurance of Salvation: The issue of a cult member's salvation is never settled, but is constantly affected by the changing circumstances of life; in this way, cult leaders are able to produce continued obligation and spiritual bondage, rather than spiritual freedom.

Guru-Type Leader/Modern Prophet: The cult leader is looked to as the infallible interpreter of Scripture, specially appointed by God to be a special saint, guru, or contemporary messiah, and thereby, has divine authority that must not be violated. Cultists almost always quote their leader rather than the Bible. The cult's adherents often expound the virtues of the founders and seek to cover the founder's sins and wickedness.

Vacillating, Ambiguous Doctrines/Spiritual Deception: In order to gain favor with the public, and thereby aid in the recruitment of new members, cult "doctrine" tends to be characterized by many false or deceptive claims concerning the cult's true spiritual beliefs (e.g., Mormons are not quick to reveal their belief that God was a man, who has now become the God of planet Earth).

Exclusivity from/Denunciation of Other Groups: Each cult group, regardless of what other doctrines are taught, will all have this one common idea -- "The Only True Church Syndrome." The members of each specific organization have been taught that their church, organization, or community, is the only true group and that all other groups are false. The group's leaders will explain that it is impossible to serve God without being a member of the specific group. Moreover, when the cult leader announces himself as the true "Messiah," all others are declared to be dishonest, deceitful, and deluded, and must be put down; alternative views are denounced as being satanic and corrupt. Persecution is welcomed, and even glorified in, as "evidence" that they are being persecuted for righteousness sake. Thus, if a member decides to leave the group, they have been told that they are not simply leaving an organization, but rather they are leaving God and His only true organization. Hence, for a member of a cult who has been in a group for any length of time, the action of leaving the group is much more difficult than what most Christians understand. To leave the group is, in the minds of the cult member, tantamount to leaving God.

Claims of Special Discoveries/Additional Revelation: Acceptance of new, contemporary, continual revelations that either deny the Bible or are allowed to explain it. The fundamental characteristic of Christianity is that it is historical, not dependent upon private knowledge and secret, unconfirmable relationships, while the almost universal basis of cult religion is the claimed exclusive revelation that one person has supposedly received. Rather than conforming to Biblical rules of evidence (2 Cor. 13:1), cult leader revelations almost always emanate from hallucinations, visions, dreams, private discoveries, etc. These new revelations often become codified as official written "scripture" of the cults (e.g., The Book of Mormon), and are considered as valid as that of the apostles (and even more relevant because they are given in these end times).

Defective Christology: Cults always have a false view of the nature of the Person of Jesus Christ; a cult will usually deny the true deity of Christ, His true humanity, His true origin, or the true union of the two natures in one Person.

Defective "Nature of Man": Most cults do not see man as an immortal being; instead they see him either as an animal without a soul or as a being which is being perfected to the point of becoming a god. They usually do not see man as a spirit clothed in a body of flesh awaiting the redemption of body and soul.

Out-Of-Context Scripture Use as Proof-Texts/Segmented Biblical Attention: Cults tend to focus on one verse or passage of the Bible to the exclusion of others, and without regard for the context in which Scripture is given (e.g., 1 Cor. 15:29 used by Mormons to justify baptism for the dead). In addition, cults have made an art form out of using Christian terminology, all the while pouring out their own meanings into the words.

Erroneous Doctrines Concerning Life After Death and Retribution: Covering the gamut from soul sleep to annihilationism to purgatory to universalism to the progression to godhood, cults invariably deny the existence of a final judgment of, and a final "resting" place for, the unrighteous.

Entangling Organization Structure: The less truth a movement represents, the more highly it seems to have to organize itself; the absence of truth seems to make necessary the application of the bonds of fear. Cults often demand total commitment by their converts to an organizational involvement that entangles them in a complicated set of human restrictions, giving the impression of passionate and often irrational devotion to a cause.

Financial Exploitation: The cultic practitioner strongly implies that money contributed to the cause will earn the contributor numerous gifts, powers, and abilities, and in many cases, outright salvation.

Pseudomystical/Spiritistic/Occultic Influence: Occult influence is many times found in either the origin of the group and/or in its current practices.

Source: The Marks of a Cult

See Also: Minister or Sinister?

MARKS OF A CULT They are now found in Fundamental Bible believing fellowships

User: David Anson Brown 16:38, 14 July 2012 (MST)

Church Scandals

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

New

Evangelicals and Catholics Divided Mp3's
Verse by Verse Ministry International Audio Mp3's

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This is an informative article from a different liberal/New Age perspective

Why All Big Empires Die: NATO [UN] Is Rapidly Collapsing As It Widens Many Wars

The income gap problem is huge. No empire lasts very long with very unhappy peasants and with the very rich growing fat and lazy as they suck down everything and live in vast palaces and shut out the cries of the people for mercy and help. A country, an empire like this is easily defeated in war. The weak, demoralized population makes poor soldiers and people who hate their rulers are usually anxious to overturn them.

Economic empires are the same: when a group of people gain control of great power they can either be nice to everyone and insure all are cared for and there is a good society with jobs, industry, good care of the lands, careful stewardship. Or they can loot everyone, refuse to pay taxes for their own military power and make the gap between themselves and the rest of humanity as huge as possible. This 'greed is good' method of rule has one end: the guillotine or death at the hands of other empires coming in to loot.

...

This, in turn, has excited great energy in Muslim populations who hate the Europeans and Americans as infidels and the more NATO slugs these angry Muslims, the madder they get and the more they fight and the battles are now endless, every year, and extremely expensive. And the oil held by these nations is taken off world markets leading to very high energy prices across the board (they all go up together, more or less!) so the economies of ALL the NATO countries is now in greatest distress.

...

Not that people at the top can figure this out! They see only victory in the future, and more wealth for them and less for the rest of humanity and frankly, they don't care to read history or learn harsh lessons from the past. They think they are geniuses who have found a magic way of being extremely powerful and totally greedy.

Source: Article "Why All Big Empires Die: NATO Is Rapidly Collapsing As It Widens Many Wars" from January 30, 2012 by Culture of Life News blog

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm studying the Old Testament book of Zephaniah and comparing it to the New Testament book of Romans. It's very interesting in that both books are very similar having some of the same content and actually parallel each other in the transition from subject to subject. Different from my study but noticing that just a casual reading of Romans or any book in the Bible actually destroys the false premises of the Reformed Theology - Calvinism.

Therefore as by the offence (sin) of one [Adam] judgment (death) came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness (Holiness) of one [Jesus Christ] the free gift (eternal life) came upon all men unto justification of life. Romans 5:18

The problem is that Calvinism is a flawed [legal] system that is being commonly used today to build [oligarchy style - i.e. mafia style] church congregations that require people to follow an obviously flawed and restricted system. Calvinism is a system from the middle-ages [serfs and peasants] that does not accurately represent the truth of the biblical, caring and loving accessibility of Christianity.~ Update: March 10, 2015

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Listening to this train wreck of a sermon by John MacArthur and it's possibly the most inaccurate Holy Week sermon I have ever heard from a mainstream ministry. It is crowded with so many errors, inaccuracies and false assumptions that it's difficult to even listen to.

My Devotional with an introduction on April 8th (page 103) the Christian Community Year Devotional covers the days and events of Holy Week in a much more accurate, responsible and reasonable manner than the intangible, confused and irresponsible John MacArthur message.

I'm wondering if MacArthur's medication is out of balance or something because he is so incoherent and confused [i.e. placing Palm Sunday on a Monday] really there must be external problems. A normal rational person just doesn't say those things [i.e. calling the Temple demonic]. You would think someone at MacArthur's church would step in and assume some leadership responsibility and save him from himself but that's the problem with a 1-man show when it implodes no has the sense to intervene.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gnostic: Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens YouTube - Download -- The Gnostic Mind Control and Slavery of Star Wars Explained
Disney Exposed YouTube and Hollywood Exposed YouTube
Star Wars Pastors YouTube

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

JAY BAKKER Interview Sep 4, 2014 on WTF Podcast (Mp3) WTF_-_EPISODE_530_JAY_BAKKER.mp3

Jay Bakker is the younger of two children born to televangelists Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Bakker Messner. Jay gives some incredible firsthand knowledge regarding the probably illegal actions of Jerry Falwell (Liberty University) and Pat Robertson (The 700 Club). Apparently Jerry Falwell used the same lawyer as Larry Flynt (Hustler magazine).

Note: Jerry Falwell died under suspicious circumstances in 2007 having a quick burial and no autopsy was performed. Mark DeMos (Mitt Romney advisor - Billy Graham advisor - Jerry Falwell advisor) was possibly the last person to see Jerry Falwell alive. Supposedly Mark DeMos and Jerry Falwell were having a disagreement regarding Jerry Falwell's refusal to back the Mitt Romney Presidential campaign - later the Billy Graham Ministry did endorse the Mormon Mitt Romney.

Related info:

Jimmy Swaggart And His Unfinished Business With A Prostitute named Suzi - PART ONE Video 1 PART ONE Video 2

Watch the real story behind the prostitute scandal that exposed more of Jimmy Swaggart's hidden character in the 1980's. Through recently acquired information that had been scrubbed from public view since 1988, this video reveals what REALLY happened with Jimmy and a prostitute nicknamed "Sexy Suzi". This video proves how the official story today is in fact a COVER-UP using a DIFFERENT prostitute, a DIFFERENT motel, a "new" photographer, and STAGED photographs to go along with those new details. The video reveals a time scenario surrounding the suspicious disappearance of the real prostitute, positioning the spotlight now on Jimmy Swaggart and his highly possible involvement with the woman's unexplained disappearance and apparent death.

In Swaggart's "tearful confession" and three pulpit messages shortly following, Jimmy projected his desire to identify with David in the Bible. David had a TRUE heart after the Lord, but fell in one instance of adultery and one instance of murder. Apparently Jimmy was looking for the same sort of "forgiveness" from his audience, even though his one EXPOSED instance of adultery was in fact just one of HUNDREDS of such instances of Swaggart's adultery. And now this newly uncovered evidence ALSO reveals that Swaggart could well have participated in a MURDER just like David did - the murder of his prostitute "Sexy Suzi".

Sadly, scores of people have gotten closer to Jimmy and his wife Frances than the stage normally allows. They have seen that they are far from the characters they act out on stage. Their arrogant and often vicious ways leave a lasting impression on those who knew them personally but got on their "wrong side". Some of those individuals never got the chance to talk about it. So it is with his prostitute "Sexy Suzi" - a girl Jimmy loved to "play with", but who somehow vanished after she talked too much.

While this video presents much of the evidence that the producers now have, it does not in any way present all of the evidence. Statements and conclusions are made based on more evidence than was possible to present for a public viewing.

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the SERVANTS of corruption. II Peter 2:19

Current

Paul's Passing Thoughts Blog 2nd Source Videos Original Blog Site -- Paul's Passing Thoughts Blog Videos (Zipped Mp4 Videos)
Podcast Ephesians 5:11 Blog 2nd Source Mp3s Original Blog Site -- Ephesians 5:11 Blog Podcast Mp3s (Zipped Mp3 Podcasts)

FBC Jax Watchdogs Al Mohler has declared from his lofty perch at SBTS that church members do not have the "right" to leave their church, unless it is for a primary doctrinal reason.

This is not only unbiblical, it is just plain stupid and illogical. Let me give just a few reasons why Mohler is out in left field on this issue: ... We could go on, but you get the point. Christian, you and your family have the right - even the Christian responsibility - to change churches and take your money with you for any reason you deem fit. It could be because the newly appointed pastor is more of a traveling evangelist who loves to go on cruises with the rich folk. Or maybe the pastor is an angry, pompous ass in the pulpit and you just can't stomach his rants each week. It could be because your kids don't fit into the youth group, or the youth group is dysfunctional. It could be even something as simple as worship style preferences.

Friends, Albert Mohler is regarded by many to be one of the greatest minds in modern day evangelicalism. Albert telling church members they are morally bound to stay attached to their 501(c)3 religious organization else they are harming the cause of Christ, tells me that we not only can't trust men like Mohler and those he trains to teach the bible rightly, we can't trust them to make arguments that are logical, or even congruent with their other core beliefs.

"Hotel Calvinista" [Eagles - Hotel California]

"Last thing I remember, I was
Running for the door
I had to find the church house
at the place I was before
'relax,' said [the night man] Albert Mohler,
We are programmed to receive.
You can checkout any time you like,
But you can never leave!"

Good Fight Theater Eagles song 'Hotel California' is explained A part of the song is also played backwards (Video) -- [Type Eagles in top search box]

snopes.com Hotel California - Claim: The Eagles song "Hotel California" is about Satanism.

There's a rumor that's been around for some time concerning the Eagles' song "Hotel California". The basic premise is that the song is about a Christian church that was abandoned (or otherwise vacated) in 1969, and was taken over by an occultic group (usually Satan worshippers). For some unknown reason, it became known as the "Hotel of California".

However, by far the most common theme to surface in Hotel California rumors is one that links the song to devil worship. The lyrics (which speak of trying to "kill the Beast" and not having had "that spirit [communion wine] here since 1969") form the bedrock of the various Satan-related theories, but the belief is also fed by the album design. The inner cover is a photograph of people in a courtyard of a Spanish-looking inn. In a balcony above them looms a shadowy figure with arms spread. Many who look at that photo see Anton LaVey, leader of the Church of Satan, and interpret the spread arms as his welcoming the populace below into Satan's trap. That the people in the picture seem unaware of the gleefully evil figure standing above them only adds to the implicit horror of the scene - the innocents below are oblivious to their having wandered into the house of the Devil.

Pastors Chuck Smith Sr. and Brian Broderson - Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa in Santa Anna, CA

RemnantXRadio: Seed of the Father - Chuck Smith Jr. Expose' P1 (Mp3) - Alternate Download Mp3
Rapture Ready Radio: TBN and the lapse of the so-called solid [Bible] teachers Show-Mp3 by Jackie Alnor
Info and Research on "Moses Model Pastors" CalvaryChapelPastors.wordpress.com - Exposés
Note: Joshua (Jesus) led the Children of Israel - Aaron and Moses as biblical types of the Law didn't even enter into the Promise Land [Numbers 20:24, 27:12-23]

Source: CorporationWiki.com - Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa filed as a Articles of Incorporation on Thursday, December 21, 1961 in the state of California.

Source: Wikipedia.org - Chuck Smith [replaced an unknown Pastor and] started pastoring at Calvary Chapel in December of 1965 with an [existing] congregation of twenty-five people.

Note: what was originally a public Church has now apparently been transformed into a Smith family private enterprise.

Galatians 4 blog: Chuck Smith Sr. Exposed

Brian Broderson, son-in-law of Chuck Smith ... Is Brian a Jesuit (a secret Roman Catholic and agent of the Illuminati)? Ephesians 5:11 blog

August 19, 2010 Calvary Chapel News/Abuse blog Open Letter to Brian Brodersen Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa

Read CalvaryChapelAbuse.com. Read all the testimonies. Bob has a trail of hurt lives and ruined lives in his wake...and more are being hurt right now due to his terrible leadership. You guys give him power by giving him a Dove. You need to hold him to account and bring some discipline. Bob should not be a pastor...he is disqualified per 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Why have you not taken action? Why does Bob Grenier still get the full endorsement of Calvary Chapel by the fact that he is still affiliated? I'm asking you Brian, in the hopes that I can find one man in a leadership position at CC that is Spiritual and worried more about doing what's right...than protecting the Business. Please contact me so we can discuss this matter.

Calvary Chapel Abuse blog: Comments

#70. Here's my best summary:

The original CC was an independent church that spawned many "mini-me's".

Chuck Smith said he was avoiding the problems of denominations by only having a "movement" that was described as an "association".

Many speculate he was actually trying to avoid responsibility, while still maintaining the control.

Chuck Smith still made decisions about other CC churches/pastors/how sin was handled, etc... But he did it when he wanted to and not when he didn't want to.

Many CC pastors declared Chuck Smith is their leader.

In the wake of troubles within the CC (lawsuits) CCOF (Chuck Smith is the president, the ruling arm of CC) began changing it's lingo to make it sound more like CC pastors simply shared some commonality, declaring they were all totally independent ... yet, this was not necessarily reflected in how Chuck Smith or the CC pastors acted.

In the most recent lawsuit (child abuse in CC,) Chuck Smith said he has absolutely no rule or control over any CC's anywhere.

In the last month, Chuck Smith (who declared he has no control) made the decision to reorganize CC and create a hierarchy of sorts geographically. But each church is totally independent ... but they have to now answer to their regional leaders ... for what? dunno?

So you tell me? Are their any higher ups in CC?

Alex has tried for years to go to elders, board members, regional CC leaders, other CC pastors, and even a face to face meeting with Chuck Smith, himself. All to no avail. They say they don't have power. Some just ignore Alex.

In my case, when our CC pastor was AWOL for months and the "left behind" assistant pastor had to run the whole show alone, he called the board for help ... only to discover there was no board, hadn't been one for 3 years. He found out very quickly that there wasn't anyone who could legally make a decision. So some other CC pastors came into the vacuum of leadership and basically took over (some call it a huge asset grab!)

To my knowledge, the power/asset grab was not actually legal. From what we can surmise, they had the absent CC pastor over a barrel for breaking the law in operating without a board, along with damning evidence of the CC pastor's extramarital adventures, or whatever evidence they had on him at the time (more showed up later.)

In essence, there was no one really empowered to deal with this errant pastor. Letters and calls to Chuck Smith and CCOF went unanswered, from what I've been told.

#71. My understanding is that there is still an affiliation process to become a CC and that responsibility now lies with the regional pastors. I believe there is a national counsel that also over sees this process. So there does seem to be some sort of vetting process and standard that needs to be observed to become a CC but I think its just about any one's guess to what it takes to become unaffiliated. It seems like its a free for all at this point since there has been no intervention with anything since the lawsuit against CCOF. So all these CC churches end up endorsed on their website with the CCA's stamp of approval.

#72. And it's not really the church (the members) that are endorsed its actually [only] the senior pastor that is affiliated and endorsed. This basically is CC's understanding of what a church is.

#73. I think it's important to remember, that if an "affiliated" CC pastor leaves a CC church, the church ceases to be a CC, unless another is "affiliated" in his place.

In essence, the pastor is the church and not the people. The people have no say, do not have the right to see the finances by law, cannot hold a pastor accountable for ethical or biblical failures, and have no influence over the direction of the church and its resources.

#74. ... so in your situation when the pastor went AWOL, the church ceased to be a CC but somewhere along the line, the CC system went in and grabbed the assets (building, land, equipment, etc..). So in away, the "right of survivorship" belongs to this massive CC system yet they have the audacity to say they are all 100% independent.

Ok, so that sounds essentially the same as my former church. BGBC is affiliated with Grace Brethren, they pay their membership dues each year, but no one is over the individual churches. They are independent churches with a club membership (with the membership, they have access to a summer camp facility).

#75. So basically, CC is run like all other Independent Fundamental Bible churches (IFB). No wonder there are so many problems in these churches with the lack of oversight.

Source: CalvaryChapelAbuse.com

Election 2012

Mitt Romney is Named the Least Influential Person of 2012

At first, I wasn't sure if I agreed with this reasoning. I mean Romney did manage to become one of the two finalists to be the next President of the United States of America. That has to make him more influential than Amanda Bynes, right?

Not really. Mitt Romney spent six years of his life running for president. In those six years can you name one original idea or policy proposal that he came up with? Just one. You can't, because Mitt Romney spent nearly a decade planning and running for president without adding a single new idea to our national discourse. Some people called Romney an empty suit, but his problem was an empty mind.

Then, there were the gaffes. Mitt Romney's self inflicted wounds were so severe that he made Sarah Palin look like Stephen Hawking.

Romney spent the entire 2012 campaign being the least popular nominee in modern American political history. Not only was Romney completely devoid of ideas, but people felt historic levels of dislike for him. One of the great oddities of Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign was that the more voters saw of Romney, the less they liked him. The writing was on the wall in state polls of places like Ohio and Pennsylvania, where Romney remained more disliked than liked.

Naming Mitt Romney the least influential person of 2012 isn't kicking a man when he is down. It is telling the truth about a presidential nominee who had done so little, yet felt entitled to so much.

Mitt Romney's 'Project ORCA' Was A Disaster, And It May Have Cost Him The Election Project ORCA -- Comments: "The bitter irony of this entire endeavor was that a supposedly small government candidate [Mitt Romney] gutted the local structure of GOTV efforts in favor of a centralized, faceless organization in a far off place, in this case their Boston headquarters. Wrap your head around that." It is not irony of any sort. It is precisely the way the GOP operates: They claim to be one thing then govern as the exact opposite.

airō blog provides three excellent reasons Why I'm NOT Voting for Mitt Romney & with a clear conscience -- I'm voting the Higher Way 'Jesus Christ'

LDS throws Mitt from the Mormon Bus via Huffington Post The highest-ranking Mormon in Congress Harry Reid "Mitt Romney 'Sullied' Mormonism, Isn't The Face Of The Religion"

New Calvinism, New Baptist, New Evangelical, Gnosticism, and Communism 'Church Communes'

A multiple part sermon review from the Paul's Passing Thoughts blog by Paul Dohse - Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 (Mp4 - Downloads)

Reviewed Sermon: A progressive (Gnostic, New Calvinism, Commune) sermon given at Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Portsmouth, OH -- Source: Paul's Passing Thoughts blog

Sermon Synopsis:

1. The Prodigal Son parable is supposedly about the older son (a Christian or a Jew) being mostly bad while the departed worldly son (worldly people) as being mostly good, and if we are like either son [we will end up like the Corinthians] and then if we attempt to discern spiritual matters ourselves without a Pastor {I guess, because only the Pastor has the Holy Spirit} - it could make us 'spiritually schizophrenic' and we don't want that -- or something like that.

2. Also, FYI wisdom and knowledge are NOT the same thing - but the Pastor is the shepherd - so use wisdom (a vision of good) but not knowledge (a way to defend individual bad ideas) in seeking a new Pastor 'shepherd' for the church.

3. Supposedly we then need to choose and align our choices according to the Pastoral-cultural 'group' (tribe) mentality - not by any real individual Biblical based concepts.
because the individual = division | while the group = justice

Conclusion: resistance is futile, [if you are not careful] you will be assimilated into this new Emerging Progressive (New Calvinism, New Baptist, New Evangelical, Gnostic, and Communism 'Church Communes') slave system to be sent out and produce your best (tithes) and give your free services to the community all the while most importantly being very obedient to your Pastor and your appointed church leaders [except of course for that Jesus Christ person because He really doesn't matter in this new system], and have a blessed day - but only by their approval.

Warnings and Exposés

Ephesians 5:11 Blog and also the Calvary Chapel Watchman blog both hosted by William Saunders

Warnings and Exposés regarding corrupt Watchman and dishonest End Time Ministries
i.e. Chuck Missler, Roger Oakland, Deborah Dombrowski, Chris Pinto, David Barton, Glenn Beck, John Hagee, Brannon Howse, Tim LaHaye, LA Marzulli, Ergun Caner, Calvary Chapels, Alex Jones, Nicholas F. Papanicolaou, Jesuit Father Justo Lacunza Balda, Jerry Boykin, Ron Matsen, Martin Erdmann, etc.

Ephesians 5:11 Podcast (Mp3s) Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

September 14, 2012: Occult Deception practices within the Church

Modern (occult) pastors seem to be continually instituting a false system within the Church. A pseudo system that vaguely resembles the Old Testament, particularly in part in reinstituting the already completed Levitical Law (i.e. tithing). What this pseudo church (i.e. wrongly insinuating that we Christians have to prove our actual Justification (faith in Jesus) by showing our obedience to O.T. Levitical Law like practices). This places a false atmosphere within the Church and creates a false impression that insinuates that Biblical practices are being followed and adhered to [well negated O.T. practices] and in this false O.T. system it places individuals i.e. pastors into a perceived position of the O.T. offices of anointed king, anointed prophet or anointed priest and it is creating a dismal, dysfunctional, corrupt and error ridden system that is devastating the modern Church.

See Also: False Repentance Doctrine Exposed (Mp3) -- Faithful Word Baptist Church Sermons

New Release: "Of Chaos and Confusion" The Modern Church - A Megiddo Films Production Online Movie Link -- Produced, Written and Directed by Paul Flynn -- Running Time: 2.5 hours - Copyright 2012 Paul Flynn

September 14, 2012: Inform-A-Thon -- Chronicling some of Jack Schaap's many deceitful actions Videos via the blog Good Soldier of Jesus Christ

Note: GoodSoldierOfJesusChrist.blogspot.com scrolling down to -- "This is an image (photo) of the inside of First Baptist Church of Hammond ... a massive [two-tone] Catholic Celtic cross [one tone is a wooden Protestant cross the second tone adds a white Roman Catholic border to the cross] up over the Altar [with a set of about 13 red steps between the altar and some doors positioned below the cross - an Eye of Horus 'Lucifer' symbol is over the doors] that has been turned into a Pulpit." -- This is just amazing in that the occult deception has just been hardwired into this IFB (SBC) church probably at least for a while.

See Also: Occult Pastor Dr. David Jeremiah -- "I stumbled upon the all-seeing eye (Eye of Horus) that overlooks his [church] altar and sanctuary" Photos

American Family Association (Values Voters) afa.net now has an 'Eye of Horus' over the top of their logo (it's not a half of a fish logo it's an Eye of Horus symbol) - the non-profit 501(c3) organization was founded in 1977 by Donald E. Wildmon, who was pastoring First United Methodist Church in Southaven, Mississippi, at the time. Since 1977, AFA has been on the frontlines of America's culture war. The original name of the ministry was National Federation for Decency but was changed to American Family Association (AFA) in 1988.

The question has to be asked are these Church Sanctuaries or are these Satanic Covens? Are they secretly functioning as both churches and covens? Pseudo pretend churches designed to take money and lie to unsuspecting Christians while the real intention is to fund and facilitate Satanic Covens.

Transcript of the Satanic invocations contained in the video of these pastors [Kenneth Copeland, Rodney Howard Browne, Mike Evans] while in church services.

Examples:

Example 1 Kenneth Copeland while pretending to be speaking in tongues says the words, "Come take the mark of the beast" as he invites Dennis Bourke to come forward for ministry.

Example 2 Kenneth Copeland says the words, "Tell my brother now take the beast, take together Satan here, yeah have the mark off from the beast" as he communicates with Rodney Howard Browne in supposed tongues about a man who is about to be prayed for by Rodney Howard Browne.

Example 3 Kenneth Copeland asks Satan to tie up the money that is coming in through the movement. He can be heard saying the words. "Tie my money Satan."

Example 4 Kenneth Copeland says the words, "I bun you Satan our lord tie the money" as a man is doing a sort of running dance after Rodney Howard Browne lays his hand on him and tells him to run with the move of God.

Example 12 As Rodney Howard Browne works upon the audience getting them into a passive state of mind, Kenneth Copeland can be heard calling personally upon the devil to give a demon to the people in the audience. He says the words, "My devil now give a demon in em" and Rodney Howard Browne says yeah, yeah, in agreement as Kenneth Copeland is saying those words.

Example 13 A demon speaks out of a lady that Rodney Howard Browne ministers to, says the words, "Move Satan master" as the lady is manifesting the laughter and demonic tongues.

Example 14 Rodney Howard Browne says the words, "Our Satan was moving her" referring to the lady who manifests the laughter and demonic tongues.

Example 23 As Rodney Howard Browne is repeating the words, "have a drink of the new wine, have a drink of the new wine", Kenneth Copeland can be heard disgustingly calling upon Satan. He says the words, "Come our Satan".

Example 24 Stacey Campbell, one of the leading ladies of the movement gets taken over by evil spirits and begins channeling.

Example 25 Kenneth Copeland asks Satan to move by jumbling the words that he says, instead of saying, "move over my beast" he says the words, "Beast move over my".

Example 26 Mike Evans says the words, "Take over my Satan" when he is being ministered to by Kenneth Copeland and Rodney Howard Browne. When he says this Rodney Howard Browne breaks out in laughter at Mike Evans poor effort in trying to disguise the word "Satan".

Example 27 Mike Evans continues to communicate and call upon Satan while receiving ministry for Kenneth Copeland and Rodney Howard Browne. He says the words, "Naughty pa rule my Satan, naughty master" as he is making out to be speaking in tongues.

Example 28 Kenneth Copeland says some words in tongues that cause Mike Evans to fall back onto the floor. Then in his next bit of tongues he disgustingly tells Rodney Howard Browne that it was Satan their master who did it. He says the words, "Warst our Satan master."

Pastor Jack Schaap Scandal - First Baptist Church of Hammond, IN - Hyles-Anderson College

Update: 3/20/2013 Jack Schaap Will Serve 12 Years in a Federal Prison for Sex with MOLESTING a Minor

Jack Schaap scandal Former First Baptist Church of Hammond pastor Jack A. Schaap faces 10 years in prison - Prosecutors file memorandum outlining 'grooming' of underage victim

While Schaap eventually took responsibility for his actions Schaap initially denied the allegations when he was confronted by church officials, Lozano said. In explanations for the stiffer sentence, the judge pointed to Schaap's attempts to get rid of evidence by deleting text messages and photos of him with the girl and that the pastor [Schaap] also fired at least one church staffer who had questioned the pastor's relationship with the girl, Lozano said.

Charisma News - Jack Schaap Faces 10-Year Sentence in Teen Sex Case

The Five Most Revolting Details from the Evidence in the Jack Schaap Case

1. Schaap kissing the victim during counseling
2. Schaap's claim that Christ wanted the two to be together
3. Schaap's cover stories for his numerous rendezvous with the teen
4. Schaap having sex with the teen in his office - during a church youth conference
5. Schaap dishonoring the teen's Father and Mother

Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church Pastor says let God judge accusers "Jesus didn't answer his accusers during trials before religious and civil authorities 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem" -- Actually, Jesus was innocent!!

Prestonwood Baptist Doesn't Call the Cops on the Molester, But They Call the Cops on the Church Member Who Asks Questions About the Molester

Update: 9/19/2012 8:30 EST Jack Schaap's Plea Wheeling & Dealing - Turns out that the ten years [Jack] Schaap agreed upon [in plea bargain] is the minimum they can sentence him to for that crime. Also when Jack Schaap returns from prison he'll have to register as a sex offender wherever he moves. He was taken into custody this afternoon so he's behind bars even now. Sentencing hearing will be on Sept. 26th.

September 14, 2012: Inform-A-Thon -- Chronicling some of Jack Schaap's many deceitful actions Videos via the blog Good Soldier of Jesus Christ

Alert 8-17-2012: exPastor Jack Schaap 'Adultery' (Molestation) Scandal

Last week, the church's board of deacons revealed that Schaap, 54, had admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with a school girl who is currently 17. The girl, however, would have been just 16 years old when the inappropriate relationship began. Schaap had led the 15,000-member congregation for the past 11 years, and has not yet made a public comment since the FBI launched an investigation into his relationship.

The Lake County Sherriff's office revealed that Schaap is being investigated along with Hyles-Anderson College, where the former pastor was once a vice president, and where the teenage girl took classes. It is unclear whether the pastor will face criminal charges since the age of consent in Indiana is 16, but the married father of two was still removed from his position for committing adultery.

"The investigation is still open, and they are saying that he could be charged at any time, but there are no new findings. We speak to the local authorities just about every day, just to find out what's being done," Wilson added, revealing that the church has little information on Schaap's current whereabouts, though they believe he is out of state.

Comments:

8:02 PM on August 16, 2012

I personally contacted the FBI asked them about reporting information or incidents that are related to the recent Jack Schaap (former pastor), First Baptist of Hammond Indiana or Hyles-Anderson College investigation. The FBI stated that if you have informaion that would assist them, you can contact the Merrillville, Indiana office at (219)769-3719.**ALL CALLS AND INFORMATION ARE CONFIDENTIAL**

1:05 PM on August 16, 2012

This ex-pastor has had sexually charged messages for years. Any man that will preach about and deomonstrate a "Polished Shaft" in front of youth should be investigated thouroughly. The church has feigned transpareny after firing Schaap by requesting any other victims to speak with their DEFENSE ATTORNEY. If you haven't see this message-it speaks volumes of the type of man Jack really is. YouTube.com

10:18 PM on August 15, 2012

Schaap's leadership is on vivid display: (quoting the article) "There's a sense of commitment on the member part to see that the church goes forward. We are 125 years old, a big congregation, and they are all very committed to making sure that the church succeeds..." Note: the church doesn't seem to be concerned with the victims, or protecting the children in its congregation, they do not mention taking steps to ensure the victims are helped in any way possible. Their only concerns appear to be keeping the status quo and preserving their precious reputation. If only they would look around and realize what that reputation actually is...

8:07 PM on August 15, 2012

Christian Post, I am appalled at the biased view shared on your news article. This church is a cult that allows predators for generations to go unchecked. Just last week I had to contact the FBI because they are still NOT reporting abuse that is happening in their congregation. This church is not unified- they are spinning a story so that they can protect their corrupt institution. I am not a "bitter" ex member- but one who understands the system. Please take time to know what you are dealing with when you help perpetuate an image that is false.

Read more at christianpost.com

Jack Schaap Confesses To Sexual Relationship With Teen After Firing From Megachurch

The church plans to fully cooperate with an FBI investigation into allegations that multiple sexual encounters involving the same girl took place across state lines.

"Stick with us," the board asked of the 15,000 member congregation, according to the WGN.

Schaap's affair was outed accidentally, a former church member told CBS Chicago

"Jack Schaap had left his cell phone on the pulpit and a deacon had seen it on the pulpit and had picked it up to bring it back to him," Trisha Kee, who maintains a Facebook group for ex-congregants, told the station. "From what we understand, the deacon then saw a text come through from a teenage girl in the church, and it was a picture of Jack Schaap and this girl making out."

Lake County Sheriff John Buncich says that his department began a criminal investigation into the church and its Hyles-Anderson College Tuesday after talking with senior church representatives, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Update: Radio - Mp3 Info

Pastor Jack Schaap's "Fall" and The Cult Legacy of Jack Hyles -- Megiddo Radio (Mp3s) Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
See Also: Pastor Perry Noble 'NewSpring church' Wants to Rock And Roll All Night & Party Everyday -- Fighting for the Faith with host Chris Rosebrough (Mp3s)

"A source close to the investigation said Schaap began an affair in April with a 16-year-old girl who was affiliated with the church's Hyles-Anderson College in Crown Point, though she was not a student."

"We became involved from the outset. There is an allegation that the pastor transported an underage minor across state lines for the purpose of having sex. The investigation is ongoing and rapidly unfolding. We have allocated a fair amount of resources to this. We conducted several interviews yesterday and are continuing those today. We expect to have a definitive resolution on whether to go forward with charges within the next week." -- Supervisory Spec. Agent Robert Ramsey (Northern District of Indiana, FBI)

"The truth is that Jack Schaap didn't fall from anything. A cursory glance at his doctrine and deeds over the last eleven years would have revealed to any discerning Christian that he was a false prophet, a wolf, a viper, a dog, and an evil worker. Those are Biblical words. It is sad that he used the name Baptist but he was no more a Baptist than was Balaam. It is sad that he hurt many people and has misrepresented Christianity, but his preaching and practice plainly evinced that he was never what he claimed to be." --Pastor Bobby Mitchell, Jr., Mid-coast Baptist Church, Brunswick, Maine

"My dad (Jack Hyles) lived a double life, one of a righteous family man and of a dynamic speaker in the public eye, but [another] one of sordid sexual secrets privately, secrets that only my siblings and me and my mom knew. He hated my mom. Hated her. Treated her terribly. Abused her. And even turned his own children against his mother. We hated her. He told us she was crazy. We thought to make him happy, we would hate her too. Our home was so full of turmoil, hatred, stress, strife, and as a little girl, it was isolating, it was intense, and it was frightening. He had affairs. He had a mistress for many years, the wife of a Sunday School teacher. He built her family a beautiful home right around the corner from our house. You could see their family from our back door. It was craziness, living one way, preaching another." -- Linda Murphrey (Jack Hyle's daughter)

Source for Quotes: Megiddo Radio

More Info:

Jack Schaap Confesses To Sexual Relationship With Teen After Firing From Megachurch
The Two Jacks -- Hyles and Schaap -- Exposed -- PDF
The Doctrine of Centralism Will Save First Baptist Church of Hammond and IFB
The Doctrine of Centralism and the "Cult" Misnomer

Statement on Jack Schaap -- The Jack Hyles Home Page strongly condemns the current pastor [now expastor] of First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana for his ongoing attacks against the inspiration and preservation of the King James Bible. Pastor Jack Schaap has engaged in lies and deception in his attempt to repudiate the clear King James Bible teachings of his predecessor, Dr. Jack Hyles. We no longer recommend Hyles-Anderson College to Bible-believing Christians.

Jack Schaap: Isolated Incident or the One That Got Caught?

So how does something that horrible as child abuse and sexual molestation get covered up by authorities and the members of the church? Well, it looks a great deal like what happened here in my small Virginia town back in 2004 when IFB minister and Jack Schaap/Jack Hyles crony Charles Shifflett was accused of abusing the kids at the church connected school. He'd been allegedly molesting children at the school unchecked for years. Some of his former students came forward and laid the charges of abuse against Pastor Shifflett.

How tight was Pastor Charles Shifflett with Jack Hyles and the Hyles-Anderson College?
Hyles came down to his church to speak many times as well as many children from Calvary Baptist went to Hyles-Anderson College
Pretty strong bonds

Some of the students of the Calvary Baptist school came forward and accused Charles V. Shifflett with a wide variety of abuses, including sodomy, beatings and other actions that have no place in any school. Sadly enough the young adults that came forward to speak of the abuse going on at Calvary Baptist were derided and thought to be liars by many in the community at large and completely dismissed as liars by the members of Calvary Baptist Church. They faced a gauntlet of disapproval as well as having to deal with Sheriff Lee Hart who supposedly told the accusers that if they went forth with their legal charges that the Sheriff would have to charge their own parents with failure to protect their children from harm.

As a side note Sheriff Lee Hart has his own hornet's nest of allegations of improprieties by him and his office he's been dealing with. Notice our current Sheriff is embroiled in the same scandals? So much for true justice.

There is an audio documentary detailed everything that happened. It's called The Lambs of Culpeper by Jeri Massi. Listen and judge for yourself if these young people were making up tales or were truly molested. Many of the local newspaper articles about the sins of Charles V. Shifflett have disappeared. The details in this documentary are enough to break your heart. The legacy that Pastor Shifflett leaves with these young adults will not be long forgotten. It impacts their souls and every aspect of their lives.

August 06, 2012 Two Curious IFB reactions to the Schaap Fiasco

Bob Gray said recently on his blog:
"May I say David Gibbs is also responsible? Why did he not, with his depth of wisdom, pick up the phone and call Jack Schaap and say, "WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU DOING?" We out here did! But, then again look what happened to us? We were exiled to the Isle of Patmos!...Why applaud those who did absolutely nothing to stop what Jack Schaap was doing to the church, schools, the college, and independent Baptist churches for these past 11 years...Why not call for the men of the church to come to the altar to start the service with confession and repentance rather than joking about the deacons in attendance as well as the churches attendance? This is no light hearted moment for you! Will there be a "cleaning" of the house or a real "cleansing" of the house. The truth is, it is the responsibility of the membership to ask for an outside man of God to come in and do a thorough "cleansing."

This brings me to the reaction that I read by Paul Chappell who knows well about the blackballing tactics in the IFB since he was there when his boss blackballed Voegtlin. He said on his blog: "The pastor involved in the current situation is Jack Schaap from Hammond, Indiana. Some years ago, a number of us realized we could not fellowship with him due to some of his teachings and practices...Sadly, when well-intentioned men tried to warn him, he would not receive it. Most of us who travel a bit know that his influence with most pastors has been very limited. Still, because First Baptist of Hammond is a well known Baptist church, there are those who have asked our thoughts." I find it interesting that Paul Chappell's reaction to Schaap's heresies was essentially the same as Bob Gray's...they separated. However, Chappell decided to silently separate. Up until now, I don't think he has ever publicly mentioned his separation from Schaap. It was simply something you could observe from the outside when you never would see them preach on the same platform (except for the Baptist Friends meeting a couple years ago.). I wonder why he didn't publicly renounce the egregious errors of Jack Schaap and let it be known that he was not in fellowship with him before this incident? I can't help but think that Bob Gray revealed what would have happened if he had: "exile to the Isle of Patmos!"

That's what would happen! All these men who knew Jack Hyles will never come out and renounce the sins of Hyles that are now so openly documented and easily verifiable. Schaap is an easier target now since he fell, but the root that produced his wicked fruit still lies buried and until these Fundamentalist leaders are willing to go back to the heresies of Jack Hyles and uproot them, we will continue to see these kinds of scandals. Bob Gray is partly right...they need to do a major cleansing, but where he is wrong is not to go back to the teachings of Hyles, they need to go back to the teaching of Scripture.
Source: Article

Wrap-Up

Active Christian Media ACM (Mp3) Free for All Friday 09/21/2012 - Jack Schaap Scandal, Jesus' Wife, Islam
Jack Schaap plead guilty in court on September 26, 2012 "[Judge] Lozano deferred accepting Schaap's plea until the scheduled January 15, 2013 sentencing hearing" Hammond pastor pleads guilty
Schaap also claimed he did not realize it was illegal at the time he was carrying out the acts. -- Schaap told Lozano he had someone else - who was not named during the proceedings - drive the victim to locations in Crete, Ill., and western Michigan for the encounters. [Schaap did not realize it was illegal but he thought it best to have someone else illegally drive her across the state line for him. -- Schaap isn't to good at keeping his lies straight.]
Jack Schaap a Judas not a David (blog)
Fundamentally Toxic Christianity (blog)

Pastor Chuck O'Neal Scandal - Grace Bible Church of Beaverton, OR

July 27, 2012 Bloggers: 2, Pastors: 0 Julie Anne Smith Wins Complete Victory Julie Anne Smith and her co-defendants have prevailed. Their pastor's attempts to sue them for half a million in damages because they dared to criticize their former church and pastor, have ended in shame and disgrace for Beaverton Grace Bible Church - and have piled on a debt of probably $50,000 in legal fees and court costs. Judge Jim Fun granted Julie Anne's anti-SLAPP motion, tossing out Chuck O'Neal's ridiculous lawsuit, and ordering Chuck and Church to fork over the money to pay for the defendants' legal defense.

May 13, 2012 Mother and Daughter Being Sued by Their Former Pastor - Pastor Claims He Was Told to Sue by John MacArthur's Church Beaverton Grace Bible Church Chuck wants $500,000 in damages from Julie Anne, Julie Anne's daughter, and a few other blog commenters that have criticized Chuck for what Julie claims is spiritual abuse she has endured after being kicked out of Chuck's church.

Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, IL

Moody Bible Radio interview of James MacDonald

James MacDonald, the Elephant Room, and the "Spinning" of the Truth Earlier this week, Chris Fabry of Moody Bible Radio, hosted an interview with Pastor James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Chapel. Given all of the controversy that has surrounded MacDonald's interaction with T.D. Jakes at the Elephant Room, Moody graciously saw fit to offer MacDonald an opportunity to clear the air and really speak into the issues at hand. Unfortunately, much of what was said further muddied the waters and complicated the situation. by Scott William Bryant

Moody Radio promotes heresy, Emergent church heresy promoter Steven Furtick appeared this week on the September 12th, 2012 edition of Chris Fabry Live, which is produced by Moody Radio.

Pastor James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Chapel

Harvest Bible Chapel's New $65 Million Debt The following is the story of how Harvest Bible Chapel went from being a church flush with equity to a church burdened by approximately $65 million of debt (please see The Documents for all supporting materials).

During the accumulation of this $65 million debt, did Pastor James MacDonald personally profit from the rapid expansion of his ministry?

Pastor James MacDonald's Salary

In October 2005, Pastor James MacDonald purchased a home in Inverness, Illinois for $1.9 million.

In 2008, the elders' interpretation of this resource suggested that James MacDonald should receive a salary of $250,000. Unsatisfied with this offer, James MacDonald brought several other external resources into the conversation, primarily leaning upon Jack Graham and the Southern Baptist Convention. Apparently, he believed his services to be worth far more than that which Harvest was offering. In the end, the elders consented to give him a salary of $350,000. But what must be remembered is that this request for a 40% pay increase came during a season that Harvest was in massive financial debt and the broader economic culture at large was on the verge of historic collapse.

In 2009, Pastor James MacDonald received over $500,000 in monetary compensation from Harvest Bible Chapel and [his radio show] Walk in the Word. This does not include any monies received from Harvest through his access to a staggeringly large personal expense account. It also does not include any possible, additional income he may have derived from other sources including: preaching fees, outside speaking fees, Churches Helping Churches, Harvest Bible Fellowship, book royalties, advances on book sales, 403B employer contributions, health benefits, or any other potential sources of income.

Since 2009, it has become far more difficult to track and document MacDonald's compensation. Prior to 2010, Walk in the Word was a legally independent non-profit organization that was separate from Harvest Bible Chapel. But as of 2010, Walk in the Word was brought under the leadership of Harvest Bible Chapel as a ministry of HBC. While this may not seem significant at first, it actually makes tracking salaries far more problematic.

So, to recap. After leading a church into astronomical debt, James MacDonald pursued a $100,000 dollar raise (or a 40% increase in base salary) all while ministering to a largely middle class community, some of whom were presumably struggling with economic hardship. What does this reveal, if anything, about the heart of the man? Why would a pastor who does not love money ask for such a raise during a season such as this? Were other staff members given raises during this year, as well? And if so, what were those raises like? Finally, why would a church offer raises of this magnitude when many within society were taking pay cuts just to stay employed?

JAMES MACDONALD AND ALLEGATIONS OF GAMBLING (Photos)

Update: Recent Developments (7 November 2012) HBC Gambling Accusations Readers raise new concerns regarding two [more] staff members and their alleged involvement with gambling.

This merely serves to raise the question as to whether a culture of gambling [i.e. taking from others through the occult arts of lying (bluffing), 'Sacred Space' (occult spiritualism - demonic realm interaction with the intent of manipulating people, places and resources) and other practices of deception] exists at Harvest Bible Chapel.

N.T. Wright's Lectures at Moody Bible Institute

N.T. WRIGHT part 4 - Vimeo Video
Source: Patheos.com

Notes RE: N.T. Wright's Lectures at Moody Bible Institute

Earlier in his talk Nicholas Thomas "Tom" Wright [N.T. Wright] attempts to redefine salvation and offers a twisted description of Christian imputed righteousness our righteousness found in the righteousness of Jesus Christ - Yet N.T. Wright in attempting to redefine salvation completely ignores and neglects, the very important Biblical concept of Propitiation (Romans 3:24) our sins paid in full on the cross by Jesus Christ.

After offering a redefinition of salvation N.T. Wright then goes on to present several horrific distortions as he attempts to redefine both the Christian Church Age and God's personal Biblical relationship with the Jewish Nation of Israel.

N.T. Wright also misspoke when he inferred that the Prophet Isaiah was writing about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem after the destruction had already occurred when in fact the Prophet Isaiah [prophesying in the era of about 740 B.C.] was prophesying of the coming destruction of the 1st Temple in Jerusalem [the 1st Temple was destroyed in 586 B.C. - 200 years after the Prophet Isaiah]. - N.T. Wright is presenting the Bible texts as reactive to past events when in actuality the Bible both O.T. and N.T. [End Times] are written as Prophetic (future) events.

N.T. Wright then goes into full Heresy mode and actually begins espousing Paganistic doctrines in stating that "the earth is god's temple" and that "god indwells inside the earth" - making his god the pagan ruler of the underworld. -- Isaiah 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The Heaven is My Throne, and the earth is My footstool ...

C3Exchange formally Christ Community Church of Grand Haven, MI with Atheist Reverend Ian Lawton

December 16, 2008 Pastor Ian Lawton Teaching Spiritual Atheism in Schools

Jun 27, 2010 - Pastor Ian Lawton's Church Removes Cross To Appease Non-Christians & Progressives

July 31, 2012 Pastor Ian Lawton Preaches "Inspiring Atheism" and Freethinking -- YouTube

August 17, 2012 Pastor Ian Lawton Confesses to Being an Atheist for the Past 20 Years Fighting for the Faith -- Mp3

David Anson Brown 04:44, 18 August 2012 (MST)

Church Governing Practices:

Tithing, financial accountability, personal accountability, nepotism policies, leadership qualifications, ministry openness.

Church Fellowship Practices:

Are there Apostles in the fellowship today?, are there Prophets in the fellowship today?, does the pastor or leadership think that they are a Jesus figure or a Moses figure presiding over the Church fellowship? is the Church leadership considered extra anointed?, what Gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be exercised publically?, does the Church fellowship provide for hospital visits?, What resources are freely available?

Biblical Church Doctrines:

What is the Church?, when did the Church start?, how does the Church end?, where is the real Mt. Sinai?, is Mormonism Christian?, what is the best and most accurate Bible translation?

David Anson Brown 07:54, 23 June 2012 (MST)

The Holiness Movement and Calvinism Contrasted

Why Holiness and Calvinism for the most part are mutually exclusive

The Holiness Movement is a system of consideration and cooperation both with God and among one another

Calvinism is a system that inserts human Legalistic and Contractual obligations between God and one another

Calvinism has wrongly reduced the goodness of God into a Legalistic framework as though we humans who suffer death simply need a good lawyer that can get us off of our death sentence based on a cosmic legal technicality when in fact all along it is God that is giving us biological Life where death exists. Our human condition is more biological than legal. We don't need the great lawyer of Calvinism - we need the Great Physician of Holiness who is for compatibility conforming us into His image of righteousness - we need Jesus Christ!

Holiness is Kingdom Millennial in vision, encompassing the desires, compatibility and ability in assisting the individual to assimilate into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed [Holy] be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come [the coming Global Kingdom on earth after the 7th kingdom of Antichrist - the coming 8th Global Kingdom]. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts [sins], as we forgive our debtors [sinners]. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever. Amen.

The passage to Christianity isn't from Law to Grace (not even for the Jews) as Christians are still under law - it is just a different law - the passage to Christianity is from death to life

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Theological Issues of the Reformation

The theology of the Reformers departed from the Roman Catholic Church primarily on the basis of three great principles:

Sole authority of Scripture

Justification by faith alone

Priesthood of the believer

by Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura) rejection of the Codex Vaticanus -- acceptance of the Textus Receptus

Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone) was one of the watchwords of the Reformation. This doctrine maintains that Scripture, as contained in the Bible, is the only authority for the Christian in matters of faith, life and conduct. The teachings and traditions of the church are to be completely subordinate to the Scriptures. Roman Catholicism, on the other hand, holds Scripture and Tradition to be of the same inspired Deposit of Faith.

by faith alone (Sola Fide)

Sola Fide (by faith alone) was the other watchword of the Reformation. This doctrine maintains that we are justified before God (and thus saved) by faith alone, not by anything we do, not by anything the church does for us, and not by faith plus anything else. It was also recognized by the early Reformers that Sola Fide is not rightly understood until it is seen as anchored in the broader principle of Sola Gratia, by grace alone. Hence the Reformers were calling the church back to the basic teaching of Scripture where the apostle Paul states that we are "saved by grace through faith and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God," Eph. 2:8.

Priesthood of all believers - 'one priesthood of believers' (Sola Sacerdos)

The third great principle of the Reformation was the priesthood of all believers. The Scriptures teach that believers are a "holy priesthood," 1 Pet. 2:5. All believers are priests before God through our great high priest Jesus Christ. "There is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus," 1 Tim. 2:5. As believers, we all have direct access to God through Christ, there is no necessity for an earthly mediator. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox concept of the priesthood was seen as having no warrant in Scripture, viewed as a perversion and mis-application of the Old Testament Aaronic or Levitical priesthood [the O.T. having been successfully accomplished, completed and fulfilled in the bringing in and establishing of the Messiah, Jesus Christ and His N.T.] which was clearly fulfilled in Christ and done away with by the New Testament.

Source: Theopedia.com

Issues of the Modern Reformation - New Calvinism

Sola Scriptura - Scripture Alone *rejection of the Textus Receptus -- acceptance of the Codex Vaticanus

Solus Christus - Christ Alone

Sola Gratia - Grace Alone

Sola Fide - Faith Alone

Soli Deo Gloria - The Glory of God Alone

Source: Monergism.com

Note: The three original Sola Positions of the Reformed Era have been edited and reworked into a new version of five repetitive Sola positions.

Also Note: The Sola Sacerdos 'Priesthood of all believers' has been edited out of the modern version of Reformed theology.

Grace is the Virgin Mary Idol of Calvinism

Grace does not remove Sin only the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross does that.

Grace goes not give eternal Salvation life only the Spirit of God does that.

Grace does not provide comfort only God's mercy does that.

Grace is not Wisdom, God is Wisdom.

Grace is not Strength, God is Strength.

Grace is not Peace, God is Peace.

Turn from the Virgin Mary Idol of Grace and boldly seek the actual presence, the real forgiveness and the eternal salvation of the living loving God Jesus Christ.

Resources

Excellent!! Dr. D. James Kennedy Explains the difference between Justification and Sanctification YouTube

Justification does not encompasses Sanctification ... Justification [the outcome/result of our Redemption] and Sanctification [our continuing individual Christian growth] must always be distinguished (differentiated) but they can never be separated.

It's All About the "O": Mohler, DeYoung, Lucas; We Own You

In our recent TANC 2012 conference, author John Immel nailed it-it boils down to who owns man: in the Christian realm; does Christ own you or Reformed elders? In the secular realm, does man own man or does government own man? Recently, our President stated that government owns man. Recently, in a trilogy of articles by three Reformed pastors published by Ligonier Ministries, it was stated that the church owns Christians, and I will give you three wild guesses as to who represents the authority of the church. That would be the elders.

So it's all about the "O." It's all about "ownership."

True, elders have authority, but not beyond the Scriptures that call Christians to interpret them according to their own biblically trained consciences. As we shall see, these articles plainly state the Reformed tradition that came from Catholic tyranny. The Reformers never repented of the same underlying presuppositions concerning man's need to be owned by enlightened philosopher kings. The Reformation was merely a fight for control over the mutton with the Reformers seeing themselves as the moral philosopher kings as opposed to the Romish ones. Their doctrine was just a different take on how the totally depraved are saved from themselves. But both doctrines reflect the inability of man to participate in sanctification.

The three articles posted were: Should I Stay or Should I Go? by Albert Mohler; Where and How Do We Draw the Line? by Kevin DeYoung; and, Who Draws the Line? by Sean Michael Lucas. All linked together for your indoctrination convenience. ...

New Calvinists have serious authority issues, and you don't have to necessarily join in official membership to be considered under their authority. A contributor to Mark Dever's 9 Marks blog stated that anyone who comes in the front door of a church proclaiming Christ as Lord is under the authority of that church. It's time for Christians to nail down the "O." Who owns you? Are you aware of who owns you (or at least thinks so)? And are you ok with that?

paul ~ Paul's Passing Thoughts blog

David Anson Brown 04:16, 17 September 2012 (MST)

Greek Orthodox Church - 1054 AD

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Greek Orthodox Church the Eastern Catholic Church

East-West Schism

Note: this really is a cultural East-West separation (the East with Oriental mysticism, Greek philosophy and longstanding Islamic influences and the West with European rationalism, individual idealism and longstanding secular influences) as much as it is a doctrine and theology separation

The East-West (1054 AD) Schism, sometimes known as the Great Schism, is the medieval [in the era of Charlemagne] division of Chalcedonian Christianity into Eastern (Greek) and Western (Latin) branches, which later became known as the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, respectively. Relations between East and West had long been embittered by political and ecclesiastical differences and theological disputes. Prominent among these were the issues of "filioque", whether leavened or unleavened bread should be used in the Eucharist, the Pope's claim to universal jurisdiction, and the place of Constantinople in relation to the Pentarchy.

Pope Leo IX and Patriarch of Constantinople Michael Cerularius heightened the conflict by suppressing Greek and Latin in their respective domains. In 1054, Roman legates traveled to Cerularius to deny him the title Ecumenical Patriarch and to insist that he recognize the Church of Rome's claim to be the head and mother of the churches. Cerularius refused. The leader of the Latin contingent, Cardinal Humbert, excommunicated Cerularius, while Cerularius in return excommunicated Cardinal Humbert and other legates. This was only the first act in a centuries-long process that eventually became a complete schism. Source: Wikipedia.org

Filioque "and (from) the Son" - Western Nicene Creed

Latin version of the Western Nicene Creed "And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and giver of life, who from the Father and the Son {the Filioque} proceeds."

Filioque (Ecclesiastical Latin: "and (from) the Son", is a phrase found in the form of Nicene Creed in use in most of the Western Christian churches. It is not present in the Greek text of the Nicene Creed as originally formulated at the First Council of Constantinople, which says only that the Holy Spirit proceeds "from the Father" ... The Latin text speaks of the Holy Spirit as proceeding "from the Father and the Son". ... Together with Papal primacy (Rome), differences over this doctrine have been and remain the primary causes of schism between the Western and Eastern Orthodox churches. The Filioque has been an ongoing source of conflict between the East and West, contributing, in part, to the East-West Schism of 1054 AD and proving an obstacle to attempts to reunify the two sides.

Greek version of the Eastern Nicene Creed "And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, from the Father proceeding."

Latin version of the Western Nicene Creed "And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and giver of life, who from the Father and the Son {the Filioque} proceeds."

Source: Wikipedia.org

OrthodoxWiki - Filioque

Filioque is a Latin word meaning "and the Son" which was added to the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed by the Church of Rome in the 11th century, one of the major factors leading to the Great Schism between East and West. This inclusion in the Creedal article regarding the Holy Spirit thus states that the Spirit "proceeds from the Father and the Son."

Its inclusion in the Creed is a violation of the canons of the Third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD, which forbade and anathematized any additions to the Creed, a prohibition which was reiterated at the Eighth Ecumenical Council in 879-880 AD. This word was not included by the Council of Nicea nor of Constantinople. The term itself has been interpreted in both an Orthodox fashion and a heterodox fashion. It may be read as saying that the Spirit proceeds from the Father through (dia) the Son. This was the position of St. Maximus the Confessor. On this reading, the Son is not an eternal cause (aition) of the Spirit. The heterodox reading sees the Son, along with the Father, as an eternal cause of the Spirit. Most in the Orthodox Church consider this latter reading to be a heresy.

The description of the filioque as a heresy was iterated most clearly and definitively by the great Father and Pillar of the Church, St. Photius the Great, in his On the Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit. He describes it as a heresy of Triadology, striking at the very heart of what the Church believes about God.

Source: OrthodoxWiki.org

A Journal of Orthodox Opinion

The Christian Activist Website

The Fundamental Difference Between the Greek "East" and Latin "West"

EDITOR'S NOTE: What follows is a heavily excerpted and slightly edited transcript of three lectures given by the great Orthodox scholar John S. Romanides in 1981 at Holy Cross Seminary in the Patriarch Athenagoras Memorial Lecture series.

This article deals with the fundamental difference between Orthodoxy and Western Christianity, mainly Roman Catholicism. Readers will be surprised to learn that the division between "East" and "West" was actually more of a political division, caused by the ambitions of the Franks and other Germanic tribes, than a "Theological" question.

Professor John Romanides of the University of Thessalonike challenges the common views regarding the causes for the Schism of the Church in the "Roman world," and offers his own provocative interpretation of the historical background of this tragedy in the history of the Christian Church.

Far from seeing basic differences in the "Roman world," which led to alienation between the East and West, Romanides argues for the existence of "national, cultural and even linguistic unity between East (Byzantine) and West Romans"; that is, until the intrusion and takeover of the West Romans (the Roman Catholics) by the Franks (German tribes).

The Christian Activist extends its thanks to Holy Cross Press for permission to reprint these lectures, which they first published in 1981.

European and American histories treat the alienation between Eastern and Western Christian Churches as though it were inevitable, because of an alleged separation of the Roman Empire itself into "East" and "West," because of alleged linguistic and cultural differences, and because of an alleged difference between the legal West and the speculative East.1 Evidence strongly suggests that such attempts to explain the separation between East and West are conditioned by prejudices inherited from the cultural tradition of the Franks, and from the centuries-old propaganda of the Frankish (Germanic dominated) Papacy.

The evidence points clearly to the national, cultural, and even linguistic unity between East and West Romans which survived to the time when the Roman popes were replaced by Franks. Had the Franks not taken over the Papacy, it is very probable that the local synod of the Church of Rome (with the pope as president), elected according to the 769 election decree approved by the Eighth Ecumenical Synod in 879, would have survived, and that there would not have been any significant difference between the papacy and the other four Roman (Orthodox) Patriarchates.

However, things did not turn out that way. The Papacy was alienated from the (Orthodox) East by the Franks, so we now are faced with the history of that alienation when we contemplate the reunion of divided Christians. By the eighth century, we meet for the first time the beginnings of a split in Christianity. In West European sources we find a separation between a "Greek East" and a "Latin West." In Roman sources this same separation constitutes a schism between Franks (a confederation of Germanic Teutonic peoples living on the lower banks of the Rhine who by the sixth century AD conquered most of France, the low countries and what is now Germany. ed) and Romans. One detects in both terminologies an ethnic or racial basis for the schism which may be more profound and important for descriptive analysis than the doctrinal claims of either side.

The Roman Empire was conquered in three stages: by Germanic tribes (the Franks) who became known as "Latin Christianity," by Muslim Arabs, and finally, by Muslim Turks. In contrast to this, the ecclesiastical administration of the Roman Empire disappeared in stages from West Europe, but has survived up to modern times in the "East Roman Empire" the Orthodox Patriarchates of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem.

The reason for this is that the Germanic - Frankish conquerors of the West Romans (who became known as the "Roman Catholic Church.") used the Church to suppress the Roman nation, whereas under Islam the East Roman nation, the Orthodox Church, survived by means of the Orthodox Church. In each instance of conquest, the bishops became the ethnarchs of the conquered Romans and administered Roman law on behalf of the rulers. As long as the bishops were Roman, the unity of the Roman Church was preserved, in spite of theological conflicts.

Diagnosis and Therapy

Let us turn our attention to those aspects of differences between Roman and Frankish theologies which have had a strong impact on the development of differences in the doctrine of the Church. The basic differences may be listed under diagnosis of spiritual ills and their therapy.

According to the Orthodox Church, the "East Romans," Glorification is the vision of God in which the equality of all men and the absolute value of each man is experienced. God loves all men equally and indiscriminately, regardless of even their moral status. God loves with the same love, both the saint and the devil. To teach otherwise [Predestined Election - Calvinism], as Augustine [alluded to] and the Franks did, would be adequate proof that they did not have the slightest idea of what glorification was.

Note: "God loves all men equally and indiscriminately" and "God loves with the same love, both the saint and the devil" this is in fact true when the word 'love' is used as the word commitment. God is in fact committed to the highest good for all of mankind for both the saint and the sinner as is evidenced in the cross of Jesus Christ.

Example: Matthew 26:20 50 And Jesus said unto him (Judas Iscariot), *Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took Him.

According to the Orthodox [and its Oriental mystical and Greek philosophical influences], God multiplies and divides himself in His uncreated energies undividedly among divided things, so that He is both present by act and absent by nature to each individual creature and everywhere present and absent at the same time. This is the fundamental mystery of the presence of God to His creatures and shows that universals do not exist in God and are, therefore, not part of the state of illumination [regeneration 'born again'] as in the Augustinian (Frankish Latin) tradition.

According to the Orthodox, God himself is both heaven and hell, reward and punishment. All men have been created to see God unceasingly in His uncreated glory. Whether God will be for each man heav-en or hell, reward or punishment, depends on man's re-sponse to God's love and on man's transformation from the state of selfish and self-centered love, to Godlike love which does not seek its own ends.

One can see how the Frankish understanding of heaven and hell poetically described by Dante, John Milton, and James Joyce are so foreign to the Orthodox tradition (but in keeping with the "Latin" tradition).

According to the Orthodox, since all men will see God, no religion can claim for itself the power to send people either to heaven or to hell. This means that true spiritual fathers prepare their spiritual charges so that vision of God's glory will be heaven, and not hell, reward, and not punishment. The primary purpose of Orthodox Christianity then, is to prepare its members for an experience which every human being will sooner or later have.

While the brain (according to the Orthodox) is the center of human adaptation to the environment, the noetic faculty in the heart is the primary organ for communion with God. The fall of man or the state of inherited sin is: a) the failure of the noetic faculty to function properly, or to function at all; b) its confusion with the functions of the brain and the body in general; and c) its resulting enslavement to the environment.

Each individual *experiences the fall of his own noetic faculty [i.e. "flawed" mode where humanity inherited the 'flaws' consequences of sin, but not the guilt - Wikipedia.org]. One can see why the [Original Sin] Augustinian "Latin," (Frankish) understanding of the fall of man as an *inherited guilt [i.e. "guilt" mode of the existence of man - This guilty nature (sinful mankind) and all that has come from it is a result of that "original sin" - All humanity shares in the sin and guilt of Adam because like him, they are human (descendants of Adam and Eve) - The union of humanity with Divinity in (innocent) Jesus Christ restored, in the person of Jesus Christ, the ('born again') mode of existence of (innocent) humanity - Wikipedia.org - modified version] for the sin of Adam and Eve is not, and cannot, be accepted by the Orthodox tradition. ...

This view differs from the Roman Catholic (Augustinian) doctrine of Original Sin in that man is not seen as inherently guilty of the sin of Adam. According to the Orthodox, humanity inherited the consequences of that sin, not the guilt. The difference stems from Augustine's interpretation of a Latin translation of Romans 5:12 to mean that through Adam (as descendants) all men sinned [note: Psalms 51:5 Behold, I (King David) was shapen in iniquity; and *in sin (the original sin of Adam and Eve) did my mother conceive me.], whereas the Orthodox reading in Greek interpret it as meaning that all of humanity sins as part of the inheritance of flawed nature from Adam. The Orthodox Church does not teach that all are born deserving to go to hell, and Protestant doctrines such as Predeterminism that derive from the Augustinian understanding of original sin are not a part of Orthodox belief. Source: Wikipedia.org

The Theological Background

At the foundation of the filioque controversy between Franks and Romans lie essential differences in theological method, theological subject matter, spirituality, and, therefore, also in the understanding of the very nature of doctrine and of the development of the language or of terms in which doctrine is expressed.

When reading through Smaragdus' minutes of the meeting between Charlemagne's emissaries and Pope Leo III, one is struck not only by the fact that the Franks had so audaciously added the filioque to the Creed and made it into a dogma, but also by the haughty manner in which they so authoritatively announced that the filioque was necessary for salvation, and that it was an improvement of an already good, but not complete, doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit. This was in answer to Leo's strong hint at Frankish audacity. Leo, in turn, warned that when one attempts to improve what is good he should first be sure that in trying to improve he is not corrupting. He emphasizes that he cannot put himself in a position higher than the Fathers of the Synods, who did not omit the filioque out of oversight or ignorance, but by divine inspiration.

The question arises, "Where in the world did the newly born Frankish theological tradition get the idea that the filioque is an improvement of the Creed, and that it was omitted from creedal expression because of oversight or ignorance on the part of the Fathers of the Synod?" Since Augustine is the only representative of Roman theology that the Franks were more or less fully acquainted with, one must turn to the Bishop of Hippo for a possible answer. I think I have found the answer in Saint Augustine's lecture delivered to the assembly of African bishops in 393. Augustine had been asked to deliver a lecture on the Creed, which he did. Later he reworked the lecture and published it. I do not see why the Creed expounded is not that of Nicaea-Constantinople, since the outline of Augustine's discourse and the Creed are the same. Twelve years had passed since its acceptance by the Second Ecumenical Synod and, if ever, this was the opportune time for assembled bishops to learn of the new, official, imperially approved creed. The bishops certainly knew their own local Creed and did not require lessons on that. In any case, Augustine makes three basic blunders in this discourse and died many years later without ever realizing his mistakes, which were to lead the Franks and the whole of their Germanic Latin Christendom into a repetition of those same mistakes.

In his De Fide et Symbolo,10 Augustine makes an unbelievable naive and inaccurate statement: "With respect to the Holy Spirit, however, there has not been, on the part of learned and distinguished investigators of the Scriptures, a fuller careful enough discussion of the subject to make it possible for us to obtain an intelligent conception of what also constitutes His special individuality (proprium)."

Everyone at the Second Ecumenical Synod knew well that this question was settled once and for all by the use in the Creed of the word procession as meaning the manner of existence of the Holy Spirit from the Father which constitutes His special individuality. Thus, the Father is unbegotten, i.e. derives His existence from no one. The Son is from the Father by generation. The Holy Spirit is from the Father, not by generation, but by procession. The Father is cause, the Son and the Spirit are caused. The difference between the ones caused is the one is caused by generation, and the other by procession, and not by generation. [i.e. a type of Modalism]

The Significance of the Filioque Question

Smaragdus records how the emissaries of Charlemagne complained that Pope Leo III was making an issue of only four syllables. Of course, four syllables are not many. Nevertheless, their implications are such that Latin or Frankish Christendom embarked on a history of theology and ecclesiastical practice which may have been quite different had the Franks paid attention to the "Greeks."

I will indicate some of the implications of the presuppositions of the filioque issue which present problems today.

1) Even a superficial study of today's histories of dogma and biblical scholarship reveals the peculiar fact that Protestant, Anglican, Papal, and some Orthodox theologians accept the First and Second Ecumenical Synods only formally. This is so because there is at least an identity of teaching between Orthodox and Arians, which does not exist between Orthodox and Latins, about the real appearances of the Logos to the Old Testament prophets and the identity of this Logos with the Logos made flesh in the New Testament. This, as we saw, was the agreed foundation of debate for the determination of whether the Logos seen by the prophets is created or uncreated. This identification of the Logos in the Old Testament is the very basis of the teachings of all the Roman Ecumenical Synods.

We emphasize that the East Roman (Orthodox) Fathers never abandoned this reading of the Old Testament theophanies. This is the teaching of all the West Roman Fathers, with the single exception of Augustine, who, confused as usual over what the Fathers teach, rejects as blasphemous the idea that the prophets could have seen the Logos with their bodily eyes and, indeed, in fire, darkness, cloud, etc.

The Arians and Eunomians had used, as the Gnostics before them, the visibility of the Logos to the prophets to prove that He was a lower being than God and a creature. Augustine agrees with the Arians and Eunomians that the prophets saw a created Angel, created fire, cloud, light, darkness, etc., but he argues against them that none of these was the Logos himself, but symbols by means of which God or the whole Trinity is seen and heard.

Augustine had no patience with the teaching that the Angel of the Lord, the fire, the glory, the cloud, and the Pentecostal tongues of fire, were verbal symbols of the uncreated realities immediately communicated with by the prophets and apostles, since for him this would mean that all this language pointed to a vision of the divine substance. For the bishop of Hippo this vision is identical to the whole of what is uncreated, and could be seen only by a Neoplatonic type ecstasy of the soul, out of the body within the sphere of timeless and motionless eternity transcending all discursive reasoning. Since this is not what he found in the Bible, the visions therein described are not verbal symbols of real visions of God, but of creatures symbolizing eternal realities. The created verbal symbols of the Bible became created objective symbols. In other words, words which symbolized uncreated energies like fire, etc., became objectively real created fires, clouds, tongues, etc.

2) This failure of Augustine to distinguish between the divine essence and its natural energies (of which some are communicated to the friends of God), led to a very peculiar reading of the Bible, wherein creatures or symbols come into existence in order to convey a divine message, and then pass out of existence. Thus, the Bible becomes full of unbelievable miracles and a text dictated by God.

3) Besides this, the biblical concept of heaven and hell also becomes distorted, since the eternal fires of hell and the outer darkness become creatures also whereas, they are the uncreated glory of God as seen by those who refuse to love. Thus, one ends up with the three-story universe problem, with God in a place, etc., necessitating a demythologizing of the Bible in order to salvage whatever one can of a quaint Christian tradition for modern man. However, it is not the Bible itself which needs demythologizing, but the Augustinian Franco-Latin tradition and the caricature which it passed off in the West as "Greek" Patristic theology.

4) By not taking the above-mentioned foundations of Roman Patristic theology of the Ecumenical Synods seriously as the key to interpreting the Bible, modern biblical scholars have applied presuppositions latent in Augustine with such methodical consistency that they have destroyed the unity and identity of the Old and New Testaments, and have allowed themselves to be swayed by Judaic interpretations of the Old Testament rejected by Christ himself. Thus, instead of dealing with the concrete person of the Angel of God, Lord of Glory, Angel of Great Council, Wisdom of God and identifying Him with the Logos made flesh and Christ, and accepting this as the doctrine of the Trinity, most, if not all, Western scholars have ended up identifying Christ only with Old Testament Messiahship, and equating the doctrine of the Trinity with the development of extra Biblical Trinitarian terminology within what is really not a Patristic framework, but an Augustinian one. Thus, the so-called "Greek" Fathers are still read in the light of Augustine, with the Russians after Peter Mogila joining in.

5) Another most devastating result of the Augustinian presuppositions of the filioque is the destruction of the prophetic and apostolic understanding of grace and its replacement with the whole system of created graces distributed in Latin Christendom by the hocus pocus of the clergy.

For the Bible and the Fathers, grace is the uncreated glory and rule (basileiva) of God seen by the prophets, apostles, and saints and participated in by the faithful followers of the prophets and the apostles. The source of this glory and rule is the Father who, in begetting the Logos, and projecting the Spirit, communicates this glory and rule so that the Son and the Spirit are also by nature one source of grace with the Father. This uncreated grace and rule (basileiva) is participated in by the faithful according to their preparedness for reception, and is seen by the friends of God who have become gods by grace.

Because the Frankish filioque presupposes the identity of uncreated divine essence and energy, and because participation in the divine essence is impossible, the Latin tradition was led automatically into accepting communicated grace as created, leading to its objectification and magical priestly manipulation.

On the other hand, the reduction by Augustine of this revealed glory and rule (basileiva) to the status of a creature has misled modern biblical scholars into the endless discussions concerning the coming of the "Kingdom" (basileiva should rather be rule) without realizing its identity with the uncreated glory and grace of God.

In the patristic tradition, all dogma or truth is experienced in glorification. The final form of glorification is that of Pentecost, in which the apostles were led by the Spirit into all the truth, as promised by Christ at the Last Supper. Since Pentecost, every incident of the glorification of a saint, (in other words, of a saint having a vision of God's uncreated glory in Christ as its source), is an extension of Pentecost at various levels of intensity.

This experience includes all of man, but at the same time transcends all of man, including man's intellect. Thus, the experience remains a mystery to the intellect, and cannot be conveyed intellectually to another. Thus, language can point to, but cannot convey, this experience. The spiritual father can guide a person to, but cannot produce, the experience which is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

When, therefore, the Fathers add terms to the biblical language concerning God and His relation to the world like hypostasis, ousia, physis, homoousios, etc., they are not doing this because they are improving current understanding as over against a former age. Pentecost cannot be improved upon. All they are doing is defending the Pentecostal experience which transcends words, in the language of their time, because a particular heresy leads away from, and not to, this experience, which means spiritual death to those led astray.

For the Fathers, authority is not only the Bible, but the Bible plus those glorified or divinized as the prophets and apostles. The Bible is not in itself either inspired or infallible. It becomes inspired and infallible within the communion of saints because they have the experience of divine glory described in the Bible.

The presuppositions of the Frankish ("Latin") filioque are not founded on this experience of glory. Anyone can claim to speak with authority and understanding. However, we Orthodox follow the Fathers and accept only those as authority who, like the apostles, have reached a degree of Pentecostal glorification.

Within this frame of reference, there can be no institutionalized or guaranteed form of infallibility, outside of the tradition of spirituality which leads to theoria, mentioned above, by St. Gregory the Theologian.

What is true of the Bible is true of the Synods, which, like the Bible, express in symbols that which transcends symbols and is known by means of those who have reached theoria. It is for this reason that the Synods appeal to the authority, not only of the Fathers in the Bible, but also to the Fathers of all ages, since the Fathers of all ages participate in the same truth which is God's glory in Christ.

For this reason, Pope Leo III told the Franks in no uncertain terms that the Fathers left the filioque out of the Creed neither because of ignorance nor by omission, but by divine inspiration. However the implications of the Frankish filioque were not accepted by all Roman Christians in the Western Roman provinces conquered by Franco-Latin Christendom and its scholastic theology. Remnants of Roman biblical orthodoxy and piety have survived and all parts may one day be reassembled, as the full implications of the Patristic tradition make themselves known, and spirituality, as the basis of doctrine, becomes the center of our studies.

Source: The Christian Activist - Website

Video - History of the Orthodox Church

GodTube History of the Orthodox Church (Part 1 of 9) - Ministry Videos

History of the Orthodox Church (Part 2)
History of the Orthodox Church (Part 3)
History of the Orthodox Church (Part 4)
History of the Orthodox Church (Part 5)
History of the Orthodox Church (Part 6)
History of the Orthodox Church (Part 7)
History of the Orthodox Church (Part 8)
History of the Orthodox Church (Part 9)

GodTube: This video is a documentary produced by Greek Orthodox Telecommunications that tells the history of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Greek Orthodox - Muslim Relations

Orthodox Peace Fellowship Orthodox-Muslim Relations: The Search for Truth by Hilary Kilpatrick

"The Way, the Truth and the Life": if we believe that Christ is all these things, we must seek to avoid falsehoods, in personal but also in public life. To lie about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq was not just politically misguided or un-ethical, it was un-Christian.

Many of the antagonisms which lead to war in our world feed on lies or half-truths about "the other." This is especially true when two communities have a history both of coexistence and conflict. It is easy then to find justifications for fearing, hating and even attacking "the other."

Thanks to geography, Orthodox Christians and Muslims have had a shared history since the rise of Islam in the seventh century. Sometimes Muslims dominated Orthodox, as in the various Near Eastern Muslim states and the Ottoman Empire, sometimes Orthodox dominated Muslims, as in Tsarist Russia. Any community living under the domination of others suffers injustice, and both Orthodox and Muslims can point to wrongs they have endured as minorities ruled by adherents of the other faith.

Since before modern times the two communities identified themselves first and foremost by religion. They remembered wrongs - even when they had nothing to do with religion - as inflicted by Muslims on Orthodox (or the reverse), rather than as, for instance, by tax-collectors against peasants or soldiers against civilians.

As time passed, these memories became simplified, creating a picture of oppression remaining at a constant level over four or five centuries. In some cases the oppressor was then held responsible for everything that had gone wrong, although quite other factors might have been involved. Unscrupulous politicians could, and can, easily turn such a sense of injustice suffered into a desire for revenge, as the break-up of Yugoslavia has shown.

If we leave aside our collective memories and what we imagine the past to have been and look instead at contemporary records, we find a much more complicated picture. This corresponds to our own experience of life. Few situations we encounter are entirely black or white.

... [Extensive History Review] ...

A commitment to discovering historical truth also allows justice to be done to individuals who go against the dominant opinion in their community and act with wisdom or according to principles of common humanity. For instance, if the Turkish authorities were to recognize the Armenian genocide, they would not only help to heal the trauma of its survivors and their descendants, but they would also be able to celebrate the courage and humanity of the handful of Turkish officials who refused to carry out the policy and even cooperated with foreign institutions to save Armenians.

In the shared history of Orthodox and Muslims such individuals exist, too. One example is the Algerian emir Abd al-Kader, an exile in Damascus after the French crushed his resistance to their colonization of Algeria; he was instrumental in saving many Syrian Christians from death in the riots of 1860.

On the Orthodox side, a memorable role has been played recently by Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, welcoming all refugees from former Yugoslavia, whatever their religion.

In the search for truth and in Christ's service, we need to be open to these individual acts of humanity and to admit that they may come from quarters we do not expect. For in the end, it is people created in the image of God with whom we deal. There is a temptation to forget this and to see only faceless masses whom it is easy to demonize in situations of tension or conflict. By trying to discover the truth about their history, we can give them back their faces and start to recognize them as our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Hilary Kilpatrick, a longtime member of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship, is an independent scholar in Lausanne (Switzerland). Her current research is on Arabic literature of the Ottoman period.

Muslim Statistics (Population) - WikiIslam.net

WikiIslam.net

Africa

According to Shaykh Ahmed Katani, in Africa, 6 million Muslims convert to Christianity every year: (English Translation | Arabic)

Islam used to represent, as you previously mentioned, Africa's main religion and there were 30 African languages that used to be written in Arabic script. The number of Muslims in Africa [a land of 1 billion] has diminished to 316 million, half of whom are Arabs in North Africa...In every hour, 667 Muslims convert to Christianity. Everyday, 16,000 Muslims convert to Christianity. Every year, 6 million Muslims convert to Christianity. These numbers are very large indeed.

Egypt

The number of Muslim-born converts to Christianity in Egypt, who are keeping their faith secret, has reached several million. Due to the State Security's persecution, torture and rape, they have established outside Egypt an organization called "Freed by Christ" as well as "Way TV" to speak on their behalf to the West, and expose their sufferings at the hands of State Security. It is headed by the Christian convert Dr. Mohamad Rahouna, ex-dean of the Faculty of Arabic Studies, Minya University, who fled to the United States. September, 2009

France

Muslims are converting to Christianity in their thousands in France but face exclusion from their families and even death threats. . . . Muslims each year are converting to Christianity - around 10,000 to Catholicism and 5,000 to Protestantism. . . . Many Muslims in France hide their conversion but the trend is continuing. Worldwide around six million Muslims a year convert to Christianity. December, 2011

Iran

There has also been concern over fact that many young people in Iran have abandoned Islam because they're tired of the many restrictions imposed by the faith. According to unofficial sources, in the past five years, one million Iranians, particularly young people and women, have abandoned Islam and joined Evangelical churches. This phenomenon has surprised even the missionaries who carry out their activities in secret in Iran. March, 2008

On October 2, the government-supported news website, Javan-Online, acknowledged that the acceptance of Christianity was becoming a trend and reported 200 house churches were discovered in just a few months in the traditionally Islamic city of Mashhad.

Many high ranking government officials and Islamic religious leaders have also made statements expressing concern over the spread of Christianity. Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani, a prominent Islamic theologian and writer, publicly spoke about the conversion of 600 people to Christianity in the city of Neishabour, according to a local newspaper in the Southern Khoarasan Province. The Head of the Ministry of Intelligence in Iran, Heydar Moslehi, also warned the heads of education in Iran about the spread of Christianity in schools. December, 2011

Malaysia

Head of the Malaysian State of Perak Mufti (religious head) Dato' Seri Haji Harussani Haji Zakaria announced that there are close to 250,000 Muslim apostates in Malaysia. This figure includes about 100,000 Malay Muslims who have declared themselves Christians.

This announcement was made on a TV Forum entitled "Pekerti Islam" in the Malaysian State of Kedah recently which was aired by RTM (Malaysian TV & Radio Department) at 2 pm this evening.

Another 100,000 Muslims are in the process of filing for apostasy while the rest are filing in to have their Muslim name changed to "other religion name"

"This figure does not include individuals who don't do solat, doesn't fast and breaks all the tenets of Islam" he said. According to the Perak Mufti he has personally received a letter from the American Christian Missionary Association which accuse the Malaysian religious authorities of being cruel (or mean) for not allowing about 30,000 Malay Muslims to convert out to Christianity. February, 2006

Netherlands

Mosque attendance is dropping faster than church attendance (machine translated from the original Dutch).

One in five Dutch adults regularly visit a religious gathering. Church attendance was in recent years further back, but the mosque attendance fell hard. In 1998 was 47 percent of Muslims once a month to the mosque in 2008 that only 35 percent. "Half is rarely, if ever," reports CBS.

The percentage of Catholics who regularly visit services, dropped from 31 to 23 percent.

Again turn Protestants, including but PKN'ers and (experimentally) Calvinists are the most faithful churchgoers. Among them was therefore hardly a drop in sight: 63 percent visit at least once a month worship. Of these, half each week.

Volunteer: Especially the PKN'ers, and to a lesser extent, the Calvinists, show a strong commitment to the community by working as volunteers. People of other denominations and unchurched less so. According to the chart that the CBS does, Muslims are the least involved in the community.

CBS calls it "remarkable" that the church membership in the large cities increased, whereas in all other areas is declining. July, 2009

Pakistan

There are over 700 cases of forced conversion to Islam in Pakistan each year, according to Fides [news agency]. June, 2011

Around 20 to 25 forced conversions [of Hindu girls to Islam] take place every month in Sindh. March, 2012

As many as 2,000 women and girls from various minority sects were forcibly converted to Islam through rape, torture and kidnappings... in 2011, according to a report by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC). September, 2012

Russia

The number of ethnic Muslims in Russia who adopted Christianity is 2 million, while the number of the Orthodox who have been converted to Islam is only 2,5 thousand, stated Roman Silantyev, executive secretary of the Inter-religious Council in Russia. . . . As a result of what happened in Beslan, the proportion of Muslims in North Ossetia has decreased at least by 30%, while in Beslan itself, where Muslims had comprised from 30 to 40% of the population, their number has decreased at least by half.

'As even Muslim sources confirm, after each terrorist action, thousands and may be even dozens of thousands of ethnic Muslims adopt baptism' November, 2005

The number of ethnic Muslims in Russia is more or less known and estimated to be 14.5 million, Silantyev said. Yet surveys say that there are only 7 to 9 million people who adhere to the Islamic faith in Russia. . . . 'Less than 3,000 ethnic Russian have converted to Islam for the last 15 years,' Silantyev said.

According to the researcher, for the same period almost 2 million ethic Muslims have become Orthodox Christians for the same period. Over 400 Russian Orthodox clergy belong to traditionally Muslim ethnic groups, 20 percent of Tatars are Christian, and 70 percent of interfaith marriages result in the Muslim spouse conversion to Christianity. April, 2007

Turkey

Some 35,000 Turks converted from Islam to Christianity last year,with most joining evangelical congregations the newspaper, "Milliet," reports. If true, this would amount to a mass movement, considering Christians make up only 0.2 percent of Turkey's 68 million population. January, 2004

United Kingdom

Families headed by a Muslim are more likely than other families to have children living with them. Nearly three quarters (73 per cent) had at least one dependent child in the family in 2001, compared with two fifths of Jewish (41 per cent) and Christian (40 per cent) families.

Muslim families also had the largest number of children. Over a quarter (27 per cent) of Muslim families had three or more dependent children, compared with 14 per cent of Sikh, 8 per cent of Hindu, and 7 per cent of Christian families.

The larger proportion of families with children and larger family sizes is partly a reflection of the younger age structure of the Muslim population, but may also reflect their intentions to have larger families. Many Muslims have a Pakistani or Bangladeshi background and it has been shown that these ethnic groups intend to have on average over 3 children, compared with around 2 for the White population. April 2001

Mr Hussein, a 39-year-old hospital nurse in Bradford, is one of a growing number of former Muslims in Britain who face not just being shunned by family and community, but attacked, kidnapped, and in some cases killed. There is even a secret underground network to support and protect those who leave Islam. One estimate suggests that as many as 15 per cent of Muslims in Western societies have lost their faith, which would mean that in Britain there are about 200,000 apostates. February, 2005

United States

According to research carried out by the respected Pakistani-born American Muslim Dr. Ilyas Ba-Yunus (1932 - 2007), 75% of new Muslim converts in the US leave Islam within a few years. Listen to the clip detailing this research (listen on Youtube)

Growth of Islam in the US stems from immigration.

Roughly two-thirds (65%) of adult Muslims living in the United States were born elsewhere, and 39% have come to the US since 1990. May, 2007

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life says its latest report contains "the most up-to-date and fully sourced estimates of the size and distribution of the worldwide Muslim population." . . .

When it comes to the U.S., however, the Pew survey offers a figure significantly smaller than those favored by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and other organizations. Pew says there are 2.454 million Muslims in the U.S., about 0.8 percent of the country's total population.

Source: WikiIslam.net

The Hagia Sophia Cathedral - Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia - Greek: "Holy Wisdom"; Latin: Sancta Sophia or Sancta Sapientia; Turkish: Ayasofya

Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. From the date of its dedication in 360 AD until 1453 AD, it served as the Greek Patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople, except between 1204 and 1261, when it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Empire. The building was a mosque from 29 May 1453 until 1931, when it was secularized. It was opened as a museum on 1 February 1935.

The Church was dedicated to the Logos, the second person of the Holy Trinity, its dedication feast taking place on 25 December, the anniversary of the Birth of the incarnation of the Logos in Christ. Although it is sometimes referred to as Sancta Sophia (as though it were named after Saint Sophia), sophia is the phonetic spelling in Latin of the Greek word for wisdom - the full name in Greek being, "Shrine of the Holy Wisdom of God".

Famous in particular for its massive dome [and has been used as the model for most mosques], it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and is said to have "changed the history of architecture." At the time of its construction it was the largest building in the world. It remained the world's largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years thereafter, until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520. The current building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and was the third Church of the Holy Wisdom to occupy the site, the previous two having both been destroyed by rioters. It was designed by the Greek scientists Isidore of Miletus, a physicist, and Anthemius of Tralles, a mathematician.

The church contained a large collection of holy relics and featured, among other things, a 49-foot (15m) silver iconostasis. It was the seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople and the religious focal point of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly one thousand years. It is the church in which Cardinal Humbert in 1054 excommunicated Michael I Cerularius - which is commonly considered the start of the Great Schism.

In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks under Sultan Mehmed II, who subsequently ordered the building converted into a mosque. The bells, altar, iconostasis, and sacrificial vessels were removed and many of the mosaics were plastered over. Islamic features - such as the mihrab, minbar, and four minarets - were added while in the possession of the Ottomans. It remained a mosque until 1931 when it was closed to the public for four years. It was re-opened in 1935 as a museum by the Republic of Turkey.

For almost 500 years the principal mosque of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia served as a model for many other Ottoman mosques, such as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque of Istanbul), the Sehzade Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque and the Kiliç Ali Pasa Mosque.

Source: Wikipedia.org

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

The Church of the Holy Wisdom, known as Hagia Sophia in Greek, Sancta Sophia in Latin, and Ayasofya or Aya Sofya in Turkish, is a former Byzantine church and former Ottoman mosque in Istanbul. Now a museum, Hagia Sophia is universally acknowledged as one of the great buildings of the world.

History

Unfortunately nothing remains of the original Hagia Sophia, which was built on this site in the fourth century by Constantine the Great. Constantine was the first Christian emperor and the founder of the city of Constantinople, which he called "the New Rome." The Hagia Sophia was one of several great churches he built in important cities throughout his empire.

Following the destruction of Constantine's church, a second was built by his son Constantius and the emperor Theodosius the Great. This second church was burned down during the Nika riots of 532, though fragments of it have been excavated and can be seen today.

Hagia Sophia was rebuilt in her present form between 532 and 537 under the personal supervision of Emperor Justinian I. It is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, rich with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. After completion, Justinian is said to have exclaimed, "Solomon, I have outdone thee!".

The architects of the church were Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles, who were professors of geometry at the University of Constantinople. Their work was a technical triumph, even though the structure was severely damaged several times by earthquakes. The original dome collapsed after an earthquake in 558 and its replacement fell in 563. Steps were taken to better secure the dome, but there were additional partial collapses in 989 and 1346.

Justinian's basilica was both the culminating architectural achievement of Late Antiquity and the first masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Its influence, both architecturally and liturgically, was widespread and enduring in the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Muslim worlds alike.

For over 900 years the Hagia Sophia was the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople and a principal setting for church councils and imperial ceremonies.

In 1204 the cathedral was ruthlessly attacked, desecrated and plundered by the Crusaders, who also ousted the Patriarch of Constantinople and replaced him with a Latin bishop. This event cemented the division of the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches that had begun with the Great Schism of 1054. It also means that most of Hagia Sophia's riches can be seen today not in Istanbul, but in the treasury of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.

Despite this violent setback, Hagia Sophia remained a functioning church until May 29, 1453, when Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror entered triumphantly into the city of Constantinople. He was amazed at the beauty of the Hagia Sophia and immediately converted it into his imperial mosque. ...

In 1934, under Turkish president Kemal Atatürk, Hagia Sofia was secularized and turned into the Ayasofya Museum. The prayer rugs were removed, revealing the marble beneath, but the mosaics remained largely plastered over and the building was allowed to decay for some time. Some of the calligraphic panels were moved to other mosques, but eight roundels were left and can still be seen today.

A 1993 UNESCO mission to Turkey noted falling plaster, dirty marble facings, broken windows, decorative paintings damaged by moisture, and ill-maintained lead roofing. Cleaning, roofing and restoration have since been undertaken; many recent visitors have found their view obstructed by a huge scaffolding stretching up into the dome in the center of the nave. ...

All interior surfaces are sheathed with polychrome marble, green and white with purple porphyry, and gold mosaics. On the exterior, simple stuccoed walls reveal the clarity of massed vaults and domes.

The Islamic calligraphic roundels suspended from the main dome since the 19th century remain in place and make for a fascinating religious contrast with the uncovered Christian mosaics. The names painted on the eight wooden medallions are: Allah and Muhammad (flanking the apse); the first four Caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali (at the four corners of the dome); and the two grandsons of Mohammed, Hasan and Husayn (in the nave). ...

There are several interesting things to see outside Hagia Sophia, including three mausoleums of sultans, the church's baptistery, and the excavated remains [ruins] of Theodosius' Hagia Sophia [the second Hagia Sophia church building construction began on 10 October 405 AD].

Source: Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

David Anson Brown 08:12, 21 September 2012 (MST)

English Anglican Church

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Anglican Church the English Catholic Church - 1534 AD

Anglican Church Information and Resources

The Church of England
AnglicanChurch.net Anglican Church in North America
Anglican.org
AnglicanHistory.org
AnglicansOnline.org
Anglicans Ablaze blog

History of the Anglican Communion

The history of the Anglican Communion may be attributed mainly to the worldwide spread of British culture associated with the British Empire. Among other things the Church of England spread around the world, gradually developing autonomy in each region of the world, becoming the communion as it exists today.

Note: the glory and growth of the Anglican Church in the riches of Jesus Christ has been spread abroad by individuals; travelers, Priests [Vicars, Rectors, etc.] and laity but the more modern Anglicanism becomes confined particularly to buildings and secular structures the more irrelevant it becomes.

Separation took Church from the buildings and set it free to be in the minds and hearts of the people

The great Church Separations of Church History have taken Christianity from the confines of the Cathedrals and from the one or two hours of worship each week that was equated within the brick and mortar church buildings and has set worship free among the land to be a continual worship of God in the great outdoors, in the country, in the streets, in the cities and most importantly of all into the minds and hearts of the people.

After careful consideration regarding the Basic Christian Ministry, where it has been, where it is now and where it is intending to go it seems that we will need a long dedicated look into where the ministry should be going - so for the rest of the year and all of next year the Basic Christian Ministry is going to try to focus on the one topic of Church Separation. Specifically we are going to go back and look at specific areas of Church History [Greek Orthodox and English Anglican] to see where large successful movements have left abusive and domineering church systems and have not only survived but have also thrived. All things considered now is a very opportune time to rapidly flee from the current abusive, out of touch, domineering, Corporation, church as a profit business, secular system. So we are going to spend the next months and the next year taking steps to separate and remove ourselves, our family and our friends from the current modern church as a Corporation system. - God bless everyone! ~ David Anson Brown 9/20/2012

Although Henry VIII broke with the Church of Rome in the 1530s, he strongly resisted thereafter associating the English Church with the Continental Protestant Reformation. Henry's position was however, reversed in the brief reign of his young son Edward VI 1547-1553, when the leaders of the Church of England, especially Thomas Cranmer, actively sought to establish England as the center of evolving Reformed churches. Cranmer's ambitions, however, were not widely shared amongst the bulk of laity and clergy; and accordingly, the return to the religious forms of traditional Roman Catholicism under Queen Mary was widely welcomed.

The Elizabethan Settlement of England again broke with Rome's authority and communion was broken in 1570 with the excommunication of Elizabeth. Although few, if any, concessions were made to the Papacy or to Roman Catholic doctrine, a small number of changes were then made to the Articles of Religion and to the Prayer Book, especially in relation the Real Presence and to the continuation of worship in more traditional forms. Only one of Mary's English and Welsh bishops conformed to the Elizabethan settlement, though all save 300 of the parish clergy subscribed. In Ireland the position was reversed; all bishops save two accepted the Elizabethan Settlement, but the bulk of parish clergy and laity remained loyal to the pope. In the period since 1553, Continental Reformed Protestantism had itself continued to develop, especially in Geneva and Heidelberg, but English divines who wished the Elizabethan church to take part in these developments were to be bitterly disappointed; Elizabeth refused any further change to the forms or structures of religion established in 1559. In particular, Protestant controversialists began to attack the episcopal polity, and the defined liturgy of the Elizabethan Church as incompatible with the true Reformed tradition; and, in response, defenders of the established church began, from the early 17th Century onwards, to claim these specific features as positively desirable, or indeed essential.

Anglicanism in the colonies

The first Anglican service in North America was conducted in California in 1579 by the chaplain accompanying Sir Francis Drake on his voyage around the globe. The first baptisms were held in Roanoke, North Carolina, by the ill-fated Roanoke colony. The continuous presence of Anglicanism in North America, however, begins in 1607 with the founding of Jamestown, Virginia. By 1700 there were more than 100 Anglican parishes in British colonies on the mainland of North America, the largest number in Virginia and Maryland. The American War for Independence resulted in the formation of the first independent national church in the Anglican tradition.

Lambeth Conferences

The conference of Anglican bishops from all parts of the world, instituted by Archbishop Longley in 1867 and known as the Lambeth Conferences, though even for the Anglican Communion they have not the authority of an ecumenical synod and their decisions are rather of the nature of counsels than commands, have done much to promote the harmony and co-operation of the various churches within Anglicanism.

An even more imposing manifestation of this common life was given by the great Pan-Anglican Congress held in London between June 12 and June 24, 1908, which preceded the Lambeth Conference opened on July 5. The idea of this originated with Bishop Montgomery, secretary to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, and was endorsed by a resolution of the United Boards of Mission in 1903.

As the result of negotiations and preparations extending over five years, 250 bishops, together with delegates, clerical and lay, from every diocese in the Anglican Communion, met at Lambeth Palace, the opening service of intercession being held in Westminster Abbey. In its general character the meeting was but a church congress on an enlarged scale and the subjects discussed, e.g. the attitude of churchmen towards the question of the marriage laws or that of socialism, followed much the same lines. The conference had no power to decide or to legislate for the church, its main value being in drawing its scattered members closer together, in bringing the newer and more isolated parts into consciousness of their contact with the parent stem, and in opening the eyes of the Church of England to the point of view and the peculiar problems of the daughter-churches.

Bonn Agreement

In 1931 the Anglican Communion and the Old Catholics of the Union of Utrecht enter into full communion in the Bonn Agreement. Both the Old Catholics and the Anglicans agree on several key points:

Each communion recognises the catholicity and independence of the other and maintains its own.

Each communion agrees to permit members of the other communion to participate in the sacraments.

Inter-communion does not require from either communion the acceptance of all doctrinal opinion, sacramental devotion or liturgical practice characteristic of the other, but implies that each believes the other to hold all the essentials of the Christian faith.

With this new inter-communion cross-episcopal ordinations began, further endorsing the apostolic succession within Anglicanism.

Modern history

Meetings began in 1937 about inter-communion between the Episcopal Church and the Presbyterians. After two years these talks arrived at no concrete conclusion because the Episcopalians insisted on the historic episcopate. The Presbyterians backed out of the talks in 1940.

Source: Wikipedia.org

The Anglican Church Law Canons of 1571 AD

*The following excellent article is reposted in its entirety though without endnotes, footnotes and comments.

A View of the English Reformation and the Elizabethan Settlement: The Canons of 1571
By Robin G. Jordan -- Friday, October 22, 2010

Introduction

The Canons of 1571, like the Act of Uniformity of 1558-1559, the Book of Common Prayer of 1559, Archbishop Parker's Advertisements, the Articles of Religion of 1571, and other primary source documents from the reign of Elizabeth I, are windows through which we can view this important phase in the English Reformation. The English Reformation did not conclude with the untimely death of young King Edward VI and the fiery martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. It experienced a temporary hiatus during the bloody reign of Elizabeth's older half-sister Mary. During her short reign Mary restored the Pope's authority over the Church of England and returned the English Church to ignorance and superstition. But she could not stamp out the desire in Englishmen's hearts for a reformed Church and a reformed faith. Elizabeth I is something of enigma. Whatever personal beliefs she may have held and whatever practices she may have permitted in her royal chapel, the Church of England became Protestant and Reformed in faith during her reign. God blessed Elizabeth with a long reign. He spared her from her enemies who wished to drag her from the English throne and install a Catholic monarch upon it. England would prosper under her rule.

The shape the Church of England took during Elizabeth's reign is often described as the Elizabethan Settlement. The Elizabethan Settlement did not establish the English Church as a via media between Rome and Geneva, as the Tractarians would claim in the nineteenth century. The two poles that the Elizabethan Settlement holds in tension are the Churches of Geneva and Zurich. Both Churches are Protestant and Reformed in faith, as would be the Church of England. Where they differ is in the spheres of church governance and discipline and the relationship of the church to the state. The English adopted the model of Zurich and a number of other Swiss Reformed Churches. In these churches the state governed the church and the church acted as the conscience of the state while in Geneva the church governed the state and was its own conscience.

During Elizabeth's reign the Articles of Religion of 1571, the confession of faith of the reformed Church of England and historic Anglicanism was adopted by Convocation and Parliament and would receive the royal assent. The first Protestant services were held in North America, using The Book of Common Prayer that she had sanctioned as the supreme governor of the English Church. The Elizabethan Prayer Book, authorized for use in 1559, was essentially Cranmer's 1552 Reformed liturgy with three or four alterations. While the Declaration on Kneeling was dropped from the 1559 Prayer Book, its teaching was not abandoned by the English Church. The removal of the crucifixes, images, reliquaries, stone altars, and other trappings of Medieval Catholicism begun in the reign of Edward VI was completed in Elizabeth's reign. Stone altars were replaced with movable wooden communion tables that could be placed in the body of the church for the celebration of the Holy Communion. At the request of Convocation Dean Alexander Newell drew up a reformed Catechism for use in grammar schools and universities, which Convocation would sanction in 1563. The Second Book of Homilies was published in for the use of clergy who were not licensed to preach. Among the requirements for a preaching license Archbishop Matthew Parker would prescribe the systematic study of the New Testament and Swiss Reformer Henry Bullinger's Decades, a collection of fifty sermons which Bullinger had prepared to teach systematic theology to the laity. These sermons would serve Elizabethan clergy as a textbook on divinity.

The Convocation of Canterbury put forward a new Book of Canons, also known as the Book of Discipline, for the reformed Church of England in the spring of 1571. They were signed, in person or by proxy, by all the *bishops of the Southern province. A copy of the Canons in the library of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge shows that they were also signed by the Archbishop of York and the Bishops of Durham and Chester who may have been acting as proxies for the other bishops of the Northern province. However, they were not signed by the Lower House of the Convocation of York and therefore their placement before that body is questioned.

William Edward Collins argues in his introduction to The Church Historical Society's 1899 edition of The Canons of 1571 in English and Latin that the [Anglican Church Laws] canons derive their authority from the bishops in synod and not from the advice and consent of the clergy. In any event [unlike the Articles of Religion of 1571, etc.] the Canons never received the royal assent and consequently they possessed no legal force. While the Canons were thus lacking [English Law] legal validity, they were accepted as authoritative in the Province of Canterbury and were acted upon in the dioceses of the Southern province.

Looking through the windows that the Canons of 1571 and other primary source documents from the Elizabethan period is like looking at the English countryside through the different windows of a large, old English country house. Each window gives us a different view of the English countryside. Often what we read in the more recent histories of the Elizabethan Church is one person's impressions of the countryside as seen from only a few windows. It is not the same thing as taking an unhurried look through each window ourselves and taking in every detail of what we see.

One particular passage from the Canons of 1571 has frequently been taken out of context and used to support the contention that the English Reformers gave much greater weight to the teaching of the Patristic writers than they actually did. But chiefly they shall take heed, that they teach nothing in their preaching, which they would have the people religiously to observe, and believe, but that which is agreeable to the doctrine of the old Testament, and the new, and that which the catholic fathers, and ancient Bishops have gathered out of that doctrine.

The English Reformers were certainly well acquainted with the early Church fathers and cited them in their writings. However, they did not read the Patristic writers uncritically as would the seventeenth century Caroline High Churchmen and the nineteenth century Tractarians and their Anglo-Catholic successors. They tried the writings of the early Church fathers by Scripture as they did the later Schoolmen and the sixteenth century Church of Rome. For the English Reformers the rule that had the greatest weight was not the rule of antiquity but the rule of Scripture. They recognized that the Patristic writers were fallible men who at times erred in their understanding and interpretation of Scripture.

What is frequently not mentioned in such arguments is the context of this passage, the passages in the Canons of 1571 that emphasized conformity to the Articles of Religion, including the passage that immediately follows it. And because those articles of Christian religion, agreed upon by the Bishops, in the lawful, and godly convocation, and by their commandment, and authority of our noble princess Elizabeth assembled and holden [= held], undoubtedly are gathered out of the holy books of the old, and new Testament, and in all points agree with the heavenly doctrine contained in them: because also the book of common prayers, and the book of the consecration of Archbishops, Bishops, Ministers and Deacons, contain nothing repugnant to the same doctrine, whosoever shall be sent to teach the people, shall not only in their preaching, but also by subscription confirm the authority, and truth of those articles. He that doth otherwise, or troubleth the people with contrary doctrine, shall be excommunicated.

To help my readers take a look at the Elizabethan Church through the window of the Canons of 1571, I have modernized the spelling and have inserted explanation of certain words in brackets in the text. The text I used comes from The Church Historical Society's 1899 edition of The Canons of 1571 in English and Latin. I have taken Professor Collins' footnotes, renumbered them, and converted them into endnotes. I have also included the appendix to The Church Historical Society's 1899 edition of The Canons of 1571 in English and Latin.

Of Bishops [Pastors]

If here followeth in this book some certain articles of the holy ministry, and of the offices of the Church, fully agreed upon by Matthew Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of all England, and Metropolitan, and all other Bishops of the same Province, which were partly present in person, and partly subscribed by the hands of their Proctors, in a Synod begun at London in the Church of S. Paul the third day of April. 1571.

All Bishops shall diligently teach the Gospel, not only in their Cathedral Churches which they govern, but also indifferently in all the Churches of every of their diocese, where they shall think it most needful.

And principally they shall exhort their people to the reading, & hearing of the holy scriptures, & that they come together in times appointed, every man to his own Church, and that they give ear diligently to the preachers of the Gospel, and that both they do hear reverently the godly prayers which shall be spoken by the minister, and also pray themselves with him, that they may be partakers of that heavenly mysteries, as they be now godly ordained lawfully in our Churches by the authority, and commandment of the whole Realm.

Every Bishop before the Kalends [= first of the month, also spelled 'calends'] of September next, shall call unto him the public preachers, such as shall be in his own diocese, and shall require again of them, their licenses of preaching, which they have signed with any authentic seal, which they shall retain with themselves, or else abolish. After prudent choice made of them, he shall give new licenses to the whom he shall find able to that great office, in respect of their years, doctrine, judgement, honesty of life, modesty and gravity: and yet so that they first subscribe to the articles of Christian religion, publicly approved in the Synod, and that they make promise willingly to maintain, and defend that doctrine, which is contained in them, as most agreeable to the verity of God's word.

The Bishop must very diligently consider what manner of men he do admit into his household: for it chanceth sometimes where this foresight is not used, that wicked men, and enemies to the true religion, vitious [= depraved, given to vice, esp. buggery (sodomy), pedastry] men, and corrupt in all their life, yea, and men void of grace be admitted. Whereby the adversary will soon take occasion to speak evil.

The Bishops servants shall so modestly & orderly apparel themselves, in every part of their garments, that they do not offend their brethren whom Paul calleth of the household of faith. The Bishop shall lay his hands on none henceforward, but such as have been trained up in good letters, either in the university, or some other inferior school, or that doth understand the Latin tongue competently, and hath been well exercised in the holy scriptures: nor yet on any, except he be of that lawful age which is appointed by the statute and law: nor except his life & honest behavior, be commended by the testimony of grave and godly men, and such as are well known unto the bishop: nor on any that hath been brought up in husbandry, or some other base and handicraft labor: nor on any, but such as have some title (as they call it) whereby he may live, if by God's sufferance, he become blind, or fall into grievous sickness of the body, or into a continual & languishing disease: nor except he will exercise the holy ministry within his own diocese: nor at any other time, but when it shall chance, that some place of ministration is void [= empty] in the same diocese. And he shall admit no stranger, nor any that he knoweth not, either to the profits of any benefice [= church living], or to ecclesiastical ministry, except he bring with him that bishop's letters of commendations, which they call letters dismissory, out of whose diocese he came.

The bishop shall not grant unto any man the next, or second, or third advowson [= right of presentation to benefice], (as they call it) of any prebend [= stipend of canon or member of chapter, land or title providing it] or benefice belonging unto him: for those advowsons are far from good doings and Christian charity: neither shall he ratify and confirm the leases of any profits or revenues of any parsonage, or ecclesiastical benefice, for term of many years, in any wise.

The bishop shall suffer no man to be occupied in the ministration of the church, which calleth him self by the idle name of a reader, not having received imposition of hands.

Every archbishop and bishop shall have in his house, The Holy Bible in the largest volume, as it was lately printed at London, and also that full and perfect history, which is entitled Monuments of Martyrs, and other such like books, fit for the setting forth of religion. These books must be placed either in the hall, or in the great chamber, that they may serve to the use of their servants, and of strangers.

Deans of Cathedral Churches

The very same books, which we spoke of last, every Dean shall cause to be bought, and to be bestowed in his Cathedral church, in such convenient place: that the vicars and peticanons, and other ministers of the church, as also strangers and foreigners may easily come unto them and read thereon.

The Dean, and every chief Residentiary whom they call the dignities of the church, shall buy the same books every one for his own family, and shall lay them in some fit place, either in the hall, or in the chamber.

The Dean & his prebendaries shall preach the word of God diligently, not only in the cathedral church where they live, but in other churches also of the same Diocese, and especially in the same places whence they receive yearly revenues and profits. Which if they do not, they shall be punished according to the discretion of the bishop.

No Dean, nor Archdeacon, nor Residentary, nor master, nor warden, nor head of any college, or cathedral church, neither president, nor Rector, nor any of that order, by what name so ever they be called, shall hereafter wear the Gray Amice, or any other garment which hath been denied with the like superstition. But every one of them shall wear only that linen garment, which is as yet retained by the Queen's commandment, and also his scholar's hood, according to every man's calling, and degree in school.

Every Dean shall be resident in his cathedral church, four times a year at the least. And shall continue there, by the space of a month every time (if he may possible) in preaching the word of God, and keeping good hospitality, except he shall be otherwise letted [= hindered, obstructed] with weighty and urgent causes. Which causes he shall at every such time, declare unto his ordinary. When he is come to his church, he together with his prebendaries resident, shall foresee that the statutes of his church, if they be not contrary to the word of God (as many are) and that the statutes of this realm whatsoever, concerning ecclesiastical order, and all Injunctions, either set forth by the Queen's Majesty, or enjoined by the bishop in his visitation of the same church, be diligently observed. Moreover the Dean and Residentaries shall endeavor, as much as lieth in the [sic], that the peticanons, or vicars, and other ministers of their church, (lest they live idly, and unprofitably in slothfulness, and give themselves to unlawful gaming,) be constrained to the study of the Holy Scriptures, and that every one of them have the New Testament, not only in Latin, but also in English.

The Deans, and Residentaries shall see that there be no other form observed in singing, or saying prayers, or in the administration of the Sacraments, but only that which is set forth, and prescribed in the book of Common Prayers: neither shall they suffer any stranger to preach unto the people, except the Queen's Majesty, or the Archbishop of the same Province, or the Bishop of the same Diocese, have granted him license thereunto. And if such a Preacher so allowed, either by the Queen's Majesty, or by the Archbishop, or Bishop, shall in his sermon publish any doctrine either strange, wicked, or disagreeable with the word of God: or with the Articles of our Religion, agreed upon in the Convocation house (which no doubt are consonant to the Scriptures) or with the book of Common Prayers: the Dean, or the Residents shall as soon as may be, give notice of the same to the Bishop by their letters, subscribed also with some of their hands which heard him preach: that he may determine on the matter, as he shall see good.

Archdeacons

Every Archdeacon shall have in his house both the other books, and namely those which are entitled, Monuments of Martyrs.

Every Archdeacon which hath authority to visit, either by common law, or by prescription, shall visit his territory once every year in his own person: and he shall not substitute any to be his Official, but such a one as hath been brought up in the universities, and hath studied the civil law, and is of the full age of xxiiij. years, being able not only in learning, but also in gravity, and modesty to discharge that office.

Archdeacons, and their substitutes (whom they call Officials) shall call the clergy to accompt [= account] in their visitations, how much every one of them hath profited in the study of Scripture, and shall give unto so many of them, as have not taken the degree of a master of Arts upon them in the university, some part of the New Testament to be learned without book, and at the next synod shall compel them to make repetition thereof: and they shall detect unto the Bishop, such as are either stubborn, or negligent herein.

When the visitation is finished, the Archdeacon shall signify unto the Bishop, whom he hath found in every deanery, so furnished with learning and judgement, that they may be thought worthy to instruct the people in sermons, and to rule and govern others. Of these the Bishop may chose some, whom he will have rural Deans.

Archdeacons shall straightly and severely punish all offenders, and not wink at their faults, or suffer any man to escape unpunished, who is known to have offended. Archdeacons shall have a special care, that the monuments of their acts, and doings be faithfully and safely preserved, and shall once every year bring to their Bishop, all the original copies of such testaments, which shall be proved before them the year before, that they may be preserved by the Bishops register. They shall write out the copies of the same testaments to their own use, if they will.

Chancellors, Commissaries, and Officials

Every Chancellor, commissary and official shall be learned in the ecclesiastical and civil laws, which is twenty and six years old, and hath taken some degree in the schools for learning's sake, and is reasonably well practiced in common pleas, touching whose life & manners, no evil report be heard. Besides, every one of these, either shall be in the ministry, or if he be not, yet shall he be well affected, and zealously bent toward religion, and that he shall openly and freely pretend [= lay claim], and before he enter his office, he shall take an oath of the authority and supremacy of the prince, and also shall subscribe to the articles of religion allowed in the convocation of Bishops.

None of these, neither Chancellor, Commissary, nor official shall proceed in examination of matters unto the sentence of excommunication, but only in causes of instances. In matters of correction, they shall do all other things, which lawfully they may, and are wont to be done.

But the sentence of excommunication they shall leave only to the Bishop, which either he himself shall pronounce, or shall commit the pronouncing thereof to some grave man, which is in the ministry. After that he hath given sentence, he shall also add, for a warning and terror to the people, a certain order of words, which after shall be showed: and also shall cause some like instrument, which shall be used in signifying the excommunication to the people, to be written out, and sent to every minister in their churches, that they may have it in readiness to occupy, if need require. But the penance enjoined, neither Chancellor, Archdeacon, Official, nor Commissary, shall alter. That authority, for many weighty causes is reserved only to the Bishop, or if he shall appoint any other, by special commandment for that purpose.

No ecclesiastical judge, of what place or degree so ever he be, shall absolve any that is excommunicated, at his own house, or otherwise in private houses, but only openly, and in the consistory.

Chancellors, Officials, Commissaries, shall do their endeavour, that all others which are under their jurisdiction, do their duty. Especially, that Parsons, Vicars, and ministers of Churches may painfully [= taking pains to do, taking the trouble to do] be occupied in the scriptures, that they provide them books fit for their degree and profession, that whosoever hath not proceeded master of arts, buy for himself two books of the New Testament, the one translated in Latin, the other in English, that every one of them learn without book, that task of Scriptures which is enjoined him, either by the ordinary ecclesiastical judge, or by some other, whom for his trust & painfulness the bishop will rather choose: that they observe the orders, and customs prescribed in the book of common prayers, as well in reading the holy scripture, and saying of prayers, as in ministration of the sacraments: that they neither diminish, nor add anything, neither of the matter, nor of the manner: that they behave themselves honestly, and walk modestly and comely in sober apparel appointed in the book of advertisements: that, if they have a family, and have no wife, they keep no other woman at their house, but either their mother, sister, or niece by brother or sister: but if they live unmarried, and have no wives, let them not board in any Tavern or Alehouse, but in some honest house in the same parish, where they may live without suspicion: that they play not at dice, cards, or other unlawful games: that they use their bow and shafts only, and that to refresher their minds, modestly, and in due time, that they be not let [= hindered, obstructed] from doing their duty, or study of the holy Scripture.

They shall take heed also, that no Parson, Vicar, or Curate, serve anywhere, either in Chapel, or other place of prayer, or say common service in any private man's house, except the Bishop grant him license by his own instrument & subscription of his hand: & that no Parson, Vicar, or Curate serve more then one Church or Chapel in one day.

Every minister of the Church, before he enter that holy function, shall subscribe to all articles of Christian religion, which were agreed upon in the convocation, and wheresoever the Bishop shall command, shall declare his conscience to the people, what he thinketh of those articles, and the whole doctrine. And he being once admitted into the holy ministry, shall from thenceforth never depart from it, nor shall use himself as a layman, either in apparel, or in any part of his life.

Every Parson, Vicar, or Curate shall yearly before twenty days after Easter, exhibit to the bishop, or to his Chancellor or Commissary, the names and surnames of his parishioners, as well men as women, (of those I say) -which being fourteen years of age, come not to the holy Communion, (as by the statutes & ecclesiastical laws of this Realm, they are bound) & such as refuse to be examined by the minister of the Church, in learning the Catechism, and articles of Christian religion, and what parents or masters think scorn to send their children or servants to Church, at the times appointed, to hear and learn the same Catechism. They shall suffer none to undertake for an Infant at Baptism, except he have received the Communion, and have been partaker of the holy mysteries, and he shall admit none to the partaking of the sacraments, which hath not learned the Catechism, and articles of the faith.

Every Sunday and holyday, the parsons vicars and curates, shall come to the church so timely, and conveniently in due season, that the parishioners having done their business, may come thither with their children & servants. And there they shall reverently, (as it is fit) and godly say or sing the holy service, so plainly, so manifestly, & distinctly, that the people may hear & understand, what is said or song, & thereof receive comfort and commodity. The like reverence and godliness they shall observe in celebrating the most holy Sacraments, so that they turn not to superstition, or worshipping, or Idolatry. But if that in time of the holy Communion there shall be no sermon, they shall on the book in the pulpit read some one, or other of those homilies, which we have to that end set forth before. In the mean time they shall exhort the people, to come diligently to church, that they may attentively hear that which is read and said, and that all the time thereof, they use themselves reverently and modestly: and least the godly may be offended thorough wantonness and lightness, void of religion, they shall take heed, that young men, especially countrymen, (whose nature is more prone to the contempt of godliness and disorder) neither ring bells, neither walk in the churches nor have idle talk together, nor by laughing, or noise, or unhonest jesting, either let [= hinder, obstruct] the minister, or offend the people.

They shall admonish the people to come oftener to the holy Communion, & that before, they prepare themselves with a perfect mind, as it is fit. And that all may understand, what duty they owe to God, what duty to the prince, whom they ought to love & reverence as the vicar of God, what they owe to the laws, what to the magistrates, what to their brethren, what to the people of God: they shall be ready in the church straight after noon, every Sunday & holy day, & there at the least they shall read two hours, and teach the Catechism, and therein shall instruct, all their flocks of what age or degree so ever, not only maidens and children, but also the elder, if need be. But especially they shall warn young folks, not only men, but also women, that it is provided by the laws, that none of them may either receive the holy Communion, or be married, or undertake for a child in baptism, except before they have learned the principles of Christian religion, and cannot fitly and aptly answer to all the parts of the Catechism.

But if the parsons, vicars, curates, either cannot preach, or have not received license to preach of the bishop, yet they shall teach children to read, to write, and know their duty, toward God, toward their parents, and all others: and if they perceive any of them to be of that disposition, that by teaching and instruction they may attain to the knowledge of learning, they shall counsel their parents, to set them to school, that being endowed with learning, they may one day become fit for the holy ministry of the mighty God: but whom they perceive to be duller, and not disposed to learning, to see them set to some other science, or to husbandry.

They shall also warn their parishioners, that for great and weighty causes it was appointed in the convocation by the Reverend father in God, Matthew Archbishop of Canterbury, and the other bishops, that their children marry not, without consent of the parents, and that no young man hath power in himself to marry, before he be xvj. years of age, and no maid before she be xiiij. years old.

Churchwardens and sidemen

Churchwardens according to the custom of every parish, shall be chosen by the consent of their parishioners, and their minister: otherwise they shall not be churchwardens: neither shall they continue any longer then one year in that office, except perhaps they be chosen again. And all churchwardens once every year shall give up just account of such money, as they have received: and also particularly shall shew, what cost they have bestowed in repairing the houses, and for the use of the church. Last of all going out of their offices, they shall truly deliver up to the parishioners, whatsoever money, or other ecclesiastical things shall remain, & be in their hands, that it may be redelivered by them to the next churchwardens.

The churchwardens shall see, that the churches be diligently and well repaired with lead, tile, lime and glass, that neither the minister, nor the people, either in the holy ministry and worshipping of God, or in celebrating the heavenly mysteries, or in receiving and hearing the Communion, be troubled with tempestuous weather. But especially they shall looked unto, that in the meeting of the congregation peace be well kept: and in all visitations of bishops and archdeacons, they shall truly and personally present, and name all those, which rudely behave themselves in the church, or which by untimely ringing of bells, by walking, by talking, or noise shall let [= hinder, obstruct] the minister or preacher.

Churchwardens shall see, that the churches be kept clean and holy, that they be not loathsome to any, either by dust, sand, or any filthiness. They shall also see, that the holy Bibles be in every church in the largest volume, (if it may conveniently be) such as were lately Imprinted at London: that the book of common Prayers, that the holy Homilies, which lately were written against rebellion, be in every church. It is meet that these books be whole and clean, not torn or foul in any wise, lest it breed irksomeness or contempt amongst the people. They shall see, there be a joined handsome table, which may serve for the administration of the holy Communion, and a clean carpet to cover it: a convenient pulpit, whence the heavenly doctrine may be taught. Moreover they shall see, that all sellers, in which wooden crosses stood, and all relics of superstition be clean taken away, that the walls of the churches be new whited [= whitened], and decked with chosen sentences of the holy Scripture, that by the reading and warning thereof, the people may be moved to godliness. Last of all they shall see, that in every church there be a holy font, not a basin, wherein Baptism may be ministered, and it be kept comely and clean.

They shall also warn vintners [= wine-sellers] and victuallers [= food-purveyors], which sell acates, that they receive none into their tavern or alehouse, all that time wherein either is preaching, or common service. If any do contrary, upon contempt or stubbornness, they shall present both him, & them whom he received, personally in the next visitation. If any offend their brethren, either by manifest adultery, or whoredom, or incest, or drunkenness, or much swearing, or bawdry, or usury, or any other uncleanness and wickedness of life, let the churchwardens warn them brotherly and friendly, to amend. Which except they do, they shall personally shew them to the parson, vicar, or curate, that they may be warned more sharply and vehemently of them: and if they continue so still, let them be driven from the holy Communion, till they be reformed. And that all which live unchastely and loosely, be punished by the severity of the laws, according to their deserts. The same churchwardens shall present those adulterers, whoremongers, incestuous, drunkards, swearers, bawds, and usurers in the Bishop's and Archdeacon's visitations.

Churchwardens shall suffer no feasts, banquets, suppers, or common drinkings to be kept, in the church, neither the bells to be rung superstitiously, either in the feast of all souls, or the day after all saints, (which day not long since was kept holy for the souls of the dead) neither at any time at all, whereas the custom of ringing, shall seem to incline to superstition. They shall suffer ringing only at those times, which are appointed in the book of advertisements, and to that only use, and after that only order.

It shall not be lawful to keep fairs, and common markets upon the Sunday: neither on that day to put to death, and openly punish offenders condemned by the sentence of the Judge.

They shall not suffer, that any of these light wanderers in markets, and pelting merchants, which carry about, and sell pins, points, and other small trifles, whom they call peddlers, to set out their wares to sale, either in the churchyards, or in the porches of churches, or anywhere else, on holydays or Sundays, whilst any part of the holy ministry is in doing, or any sermon is preached, neither that beggars, or vagabonds, which have no certain dwelling, abide either in the churchyard, or in the church porch, all the time of service or preaching: but shall command them, either to come in, or to depart.

They shall also search and diligently inquire, if any of the parishioners either come not at all to church, or come later or slower, at the times appointed by the laws: and whom they shall find so to offend, they shall amerce [= fine, (loosely) punish] them, according to the appointing of the law. They shall mark whether all & every of the parishioners come so often every year to the holy communion, as the laws & statutes do command: and whether any strangers from other parishes, come more often and commonly to their church, and shall shew their curate of them, lest perhaps he admit them to the Lord's table amongst others, but shall send them rather to their own curates.

They shall receive no parson, nor vicar, to the ministry of their church, but whom the Bishop shall allow by his institution, and by his mandate shall put in possession of that church. They shall receive no curate, but him that by the letters, and seal of the Bishop is specially appointed for that church. But if the Parson, Vicar, or Curate, behave himself otherwise in his ministry, or that he read ill, darkly, and confusedly, or that he live more loosely, and licentiously than is fit for a man of that calling, and thereby great offence be taken: the churchwardens shall speedily present him to the Bishop, that by and by he may be punished, and amendment of his fault may follow.

And that the Bishop may understand, what sermons are made in every church of his diocese: the churchwardens shall see, that the names of all preachers, which come to them from any other place, be noted in a book, which they shall have ready for that purpose, and that every preacher subscribe his name in that book, and the name of the Bishop, of whom he had license to preach.

Last of all, the churchwardens shall see, that all things be diligently observed, which pertain to their offices, and that are contained in the Queen's injunctions, and the book of advertisements, and that shall be set forth by the Archbishop or Bishop in every their visitations, for the use of the churches. But if any do rail upon them, or go to law with them, for doing their duty, and detecting of offenders, that also they shall present unto the Bishop, that by his means & travail, they may more easily be delivered from that trouble.

Preachers

No man shall openly preach in his parish, but being licensed by the Bishop, neither hereafter shall be so bold, as preach out of his own cure & church, except he have obtained license so to preach, either of the Queen's Majesty, over all her realm: either of the Archbishop, through his province: or of the Bishop, in his diocese. And no license to preach shall hereafter stand in force, but that which hath been obtained after the last day of April, which was in the year, 1571. Preachers shall behave themselves modestly and soberly in all their life.

But chiefly they shall take heed, that they teach nothing in their preaching, which they would have the people religiously to observe, and believe, but that which is agreeable to the doctrine of the old Testament, and the new, and that which the catholic fathers, and ancient Bishops have gathered out of that doctrine. And because those articles of Christian religion, agreed upon by the Bishops, in the lawful, and godly convocation, and by their commandment, and authority of our noble princess Elizabeth assembled and holden [= held], undoubtedly are gathered out of the holy books of the old, and new Testament, and in all points agree with the heavenly doctrine contained in them: because also the book of common prayers, and the book of the consecration of Archbishops, Bishops, Ministers and Deacons, contain nothing repugnant to the same doctrine, whosoever shall be sent to teach the people, shall not only in their preaching, but also by subscription confirm the authority, and truth of those articles. He that doth otherwise, or troubleth the people with contrary doctrine, shall be excommunicated.

In preaching they shall wear a very modest and grave garment, which may become, and set forth the minister of God, and such as is prescribed in the book of advertisements. They shall require no money or reward for their preaching, but shall be content with meat and drink, and plain provision, and one night's lodging.

They shall teach no vain, and old wives opinions, no heresies, nor popish errors, disagreeing from the doctrine and faith of Christ: neither anything at all, whereby the rude people may be stirred up to the desire of novelties, or contention. But they shall always teach that, which may make for edifying, and may unite the hearers in Christian peace and love.

Residences

The absence of the shepherd from the Lord's flock, and that careless negligence, which we do see in many, and forsaking of the ministry, is a thing in it'self to be abhorred and odious to the people, and pernicious to the church of God. Therefore we exhort all pastors of churches, in the Lord Jesus, that forthwith they return everyone to their parishes, and diligently teach the gospel, according to their living to keep house, to help the poor by hospitality, and there to be resident every year no less then lx. days.

Plurality

It shall be lawful for no man, of what degree, or order so ever he be, to have at one time, any more than two ecclesiastical benefices: neither shall it be lawful for any man at all, to obtain two benefices, if they be distant more than xxvj. miles. Of schoolmasters

It shall not be lawful for any to teach the Latin tongue, or to instruct children, neither openly in the schools, neither privately in any man's house, but whom the bishop of that dioceses hath allowed, & to whom he hath given license to teach under the seal of his office. And here we except, (for honours sake) the Lords of the Parliament: but the bishop shall allow no schoolmaster, nor accompt [= account] worthy of that office, but whom he shall find in his judgement to be learned, and worthy of that place, and whom he shall see commended by the testimony of godly men, touching his life and manners, and especially his religion.

Schoolmasters shall teach no Grammar, but only that, which the Queen's majesty hath commanded to be, read in all schools through the whole realm, neither any other Latin Catechism, then that which was set forth, in the year 1570. The which also, that is translated into English, we will have taught unto children, that are ignorant of the Latin tongue.

All other books they shall teach, whereby the fullness and fineness of the Latin & Greek tongue may be learned, & those especially, which profit to the knowledge of Christ and godliness. And once every year they shall signify to the Bishop, what chosen scholars they have of all their number, which are of that aptness & so forward in learning, that there may be good hope, they will become fit, either for the common wealth, or for the holy ministry. By this hope the parents being allured, will more willingly keep them at school.

But chiefly they shall so order and frame the tongues of children, that they may pronounce openly, plainly and distinctly. And as often as any sermon shall be, they shall either send them or bring them to church, that from their childhood they may be brought up in godliness: & lest they should hear it negligently, at their return to school, they shall call and examine every one, what they have learned out of that sermon: and that the minds of children, may be the more stirred up to virtue and diligence, they shall rebuke the idle and sluggish, and shall praise the attentive and diligent.

Patrons and Proprietaries

The Bishop shall earnestly and diligently exhort patrons of benefices, to consider the necessities of the churches and to have before their eyes the last day, and judgement, and the tribunal seat of God. Therefore that they prefer no man to any ecclesiastical living, but him which by doctrine, judgement, godliness, honesty, and innocency of life, is able to bear so heavy a burthen [= burden], that they do nothing therein, but uprightly, incorruptly & truly, & he shall profess that he will use all honest, and lawful means to search out the truth. But if, either in the presentation, or else after he shall perceive any corruption, or simony to be committed any way, either closely, either directly, or indirectly, by him, or any other, either that money, or money's worth [= service or other thing recognized as the equivalent to money], or that any commodity, or any part of the profits should come unto him: that he then will publish and declare this wicked deed and simony, not only in the cathedral church, but also else where, to his shame and perpetual reproach, & also thrust out that minister, whom he so wickedly presented, not only from the office of a priest, which he unlawfully entered: but also from all ministry, and out of the whole diocese.

Humble petition must be made to the Queen's majesty, that some way by her leave, and commandment may be found, that the chancels of those churches, may speedily be repaired, which by impropriation are come unto her, and that a yearly stipend may be appointed for serving the cure thereof: for now in many places, both the chancels are foully fallen down, and the ministry of the church is destitute because of the smallness of the stipend.

The Bishop shall see, that a true inventory and (as they call it) a terres , of all the lands, meadows, gardens, orchards, which belong to any parsonage, or vicarage, be taken by the view [= inspection, survey] of honest men, and be laid up in his treasury of evidences, for a perpetual memory thereof.

The Bishop shall not suffer the farmer of any benefice, to have any authority over the minister of God, that he may either admit, or reject him. Neither shall the minister take less, then x. pounds for his stipend.

All matrimonies, which anywhere are contracted within the degrees of consanguinity, or affinity forbidden in the xviij. of Leviticus, shall be dissolved by the authority of the Bishop: but especially, if any man, his first wife being dead, shall take her sister, to wife: for this degree, by common consent, and judgement of learned men is thought to be forbidden in Leviticus.

It shall not be lawful for any man, to marry within those degrees, which are forbidden in the table written, and published for that end, by the reverend father in God, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The form of the sentence of excommunication

Brethren, because all we which do profess the name of Christ Jesus, are members of one body, & it is meet that one member should feel, and suffer the grief of another member: by reason of mine office I signify unto you, that A. B. is openly accused of adultery, wherein, the report is, that he hath lived wickedly, and filthily, to his shame and infamy, and grievous offence of the church of God: and for that cause he is cited to the bishop's consistory, that his notorious disorder may some way be punished. And because the foresaid A. B. through guiltiness of his wickedness, hath contemned to appear at the day lawfully named, and stubbornly hath withdrawn himself from Justice, and by his example hath hearted others to the like stubbornness, therefore, this I further warn you, that our bishop, by the name and authority of the most mighty God, hath excommunicated him from all company of the church of God, & hath cut him of as a dead member, from the body of Christ: In this state, & in so great danger of his soul is he at this time. S. Paul being taught by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, commandeth that we eschew the fellowship, & company of such men, lest we be partakers of the same wickedness. Yet, as Christian charity warneth us, because he will not pray for himself, neither understandeth his danger, let us all in his name pray unto God, that once he may acknowledge his misery and filthiness of life, and may repent, and turn unto God. For our God is merciful, and can call them from death, that were fallen.

Appendix

The Earl of Windsor to Archbishop Parker [Parker MSS. cxiv. 307, C. C. C. Cambridge.]

Right Honorable good Lord may it please your grace to understand that Wheare John Earle Clarke standeth bound to the Queen's Majesty by recognizances [= bonds, sureties] remaining in your grace's hand for his abode at Croundall and Bentley and for the rendering of the epistle of St Paul to the Galatians without book, and for his honest and quiet behavior These may be to certify you that his abode hath been and is at this present time at Croundall. And as concerning the epistle the vith day of January last past he rendered to me without book at my house of Bentley. And for his Behavior as I have heard hath been honest and quiet this that I certify you of is nothing but the very truth. Therefore I desire you to consider his poverty and stand his good lord as charity shall move you. Not doubting but he will continue of such good behavior as your grace shall think your favor well bestowed toward him. Thus beseeching almighty God to send your grace long life with increase of honor I leave troubling you any farther at this time.

Written the xxith day of January 1559

Yours to command Thomas Wyndesore

(Endorsed) To the right honorable my Lord of Canterbury's grace give these.

Parker has written at the foot of the letter, "I pray you send me the commission for the oath taking & c. by your next trusty messenger."

Your M. C. '

and added the endorsement " To my L. of London."

Endnotes [not included]

Source: Anglicans Ablaze

David Anson Brown 07:00, 22 September 2012 (MST)

The Christian Sacraments

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

The Common Christian Sacraments

1. Confession of Faith

Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him (Jesus Christ) shall not be ashamed.

God the Father: John 6:44 No man can come to Me (Jesus), except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

2. Baptism - Spirit, water, fire

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them [Apostles], saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and Teach all Nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son (Jesus), and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

God the Son - Jesus Christ: Matthew 3:11-12 I [John the Baptist] indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He [Messiah] that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He [Jesus Christ] shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan [i.e. tools] is in His hand, and He will throughly purge [completely empty] His floor [workspace], and gather His wheat [saved] into the garner [building]; but He will burn up the chaff [unsaved] with unquenchable fire.

3. Communion

Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is My blood of the New Testament [eternal life], which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

God the Holy Ghost: 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God [Father], and the Communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Notes

Note: To participate in any one of the 3 Sacraments is to participate in all of them. An individual confession of faith that Jesus Christ is the Savior, the Son of God is the same profession as Baptism and Communion.

1 Peter 3:21-22 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us not [the water and] the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 For I [Apostle Paul] have received of the Lord [Jesus Christ] that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same [Passover] night in which He was betrayed took bread: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped [eaten], saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death [i.e. and resurrection] till He come.

Baptism

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Exodus 29:4 And Aaron [Levitical Priesthood] and his sons thou (Moses) shalt bring unto the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation and shalt wash (baptize) them with water.

1 Peter 3:21-22 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us not [the water and] the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him.

Acts 8:35-38 Then (the Christian) Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Jesus' Baptism

Matthew 3:13-17 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John [the baptist], to be baptized of him. But John forbad Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered Him. And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him [John the Baptist], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: And lo a voice from Heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

When Jesus was Baptized it wasn't to take away sins, Jesus didn't have any instead it was to reveal Jesus as the Messiah, [Melchisedec (Melchizedek) High Priest] and was for Jesus to set an example for us to follow as an opportunity for us His followers to be baptized like Jesus was and in fact to enter into His one Priesthood baptism.

Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the [Holy] Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord [Jesus Christ], one faith [Christian], one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Note: Baptism by water does take away our sins it is only the blood of Jesus that removes our sins. Our Baptism in water represents our faith in the blood-death and resurrection life of Jesus the Messiah-Christ. Baptism represents that we are dead with Jesus (immersed in water) and buried to this world and then (reemerged) resurrected with Jesus and alive in heaven.

Romans 6:3-5 Know ye (Christians) not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection:

Criteria for Christian Baptism

1. The person being baptized confesses a personal individual faith in Jesus Christ [the Apostles' Creed, a Psalm or a Bible verse can be read or recited]. Acknowledging the sinless Divine life, sacrificial atoning death on the cross and three days later the resurrection [eternal life] of Jesus Christ.

2. The person administering the baptism is to baptize in the Name of God the Father, the Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit [not in the name of any individual, group or denomination] i.e. (Matthew 28:18-20) "I baptize you in the Name of God the Father, the beloved Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit."

3. The water baptism event [submerging into water] signifies our (dying) death and burial to this world (sin and death) while then [emerging from the water] signifies our own personal resurrection with eternal life in Jesus Christ entering into a new life in the eternal Kingdom of God.

4. Note: The water baptism [and accompanying confession of faith] is the Biblical public confession of faith for each individual Christian and is not to be confused with an alter call that although being a public stand it is not in its entirety the Biblical confession of faith.

Our Baptism

Matthew 28:17-20 And when they (Disciples) saw Him (Jesus), they worshipped Him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I Am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Water Baptism is an act of obedience towards God it is a public declaration of one's Christian faith declaring openly to both the human physical realm and also to the Angelic spiritual realm that a person is now a Child of God. Baptism is like confession of faith and communion in that it is also an act of participation in the Kingdom of God. Notably water Baptism does not save a person from their sin as only a belief in Jesus Christ particularly that His blood that He shed on the cross covers our sins and that His resurrection declares us to be righteous proving our sins are forgiven. Water Baptism is an act of obedience committed by an already believing, Spirit filled, submitted, child of God, disciple of Jesus Christ in obedience to Jesus Christ.

The 3 Types of Baptism

Baptism: Water

Water is an element in cleansing and washing. The Levitical priests at the age of 30 were publicly washed with water signifying their cleanliness and start of priestly duties. Likewise when one becomes a Christian we become clean and a part of Jesus' priestly kingdom. We as Christians are also each a priest that means that we can each approach God. In approaching God we offer our own individual offerings to God, including prayers and fruits of praise and thanksgiving to God. The water baptism is significant to the converted believer; the washing in water is also a symbol to the spirit realm that the baptized person is cleansed and now in the kingdom of God. Evil spirits and demons lose the bondage they once had on a person. The demons can no longer go to the believer, at the desire of the demons. Unfortunately though the believer can still go to or invite the demons into their life and there will also always be periods of testing and sifting, that include demonic attacks. But a baptized Christian is now in a new relationship with God, a relationship that includes support, protection and guidance. Water baptism is a commandment from Jesus and is something every obedient Christian has to take part in.

Baptism: Fire

Fire is also a cleansing element. Fire cleanses items from corruption and disease. Fire also strengthens items, clay jars are stronger and more reliable and more useful after they have been in fire. The baptism of fire also helps us becoming more like and more identifying with Jesus. The fire in the life of the Christian is the fire of trials and testing. The important thing about this fire is that it is God's fire. God controls the circumstances in the believer's life. He turns up the heat to refine us by taking out the impurities in our life. We lack compassion so God allows circumstances in our life, in order to give us a heart of compassion like His heart. Trials and fire create in us compassion and mercy, eyes to notice the hurting and suffering that is going on around us and a heart to desire to change it. The fire also strengthens us; it gives us hope and a clearer picture of who God is and how powerful He is. As the fire of circumstances burns in our life we become stronger knowing from past experience that God is in control, this gives us patience and the ability to reach out and help others.

Baptism: Holy Spirit

Another Baptism where we become more identified with Jesus is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that when He left, He would not leave us as orphans but that He would send the Comforter the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our comforting friend He teaches us right from wrong He guides and directs us, He gives the Bible meaning to us and He teaches us to pray to the Father. The interesting thing about Christianity that separates Christianity from all of the world's religions and makes Christianity not a religion but a relationship, is that God has come to us. All of the world's religions focus on man and man's shortcomings. The Christian relationship with God focuses on God coming to man. The way of Christianity is that God meets us where we are, He leads, He guides and He instructs us into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Himself. Religion has man guessing and attempting to get man's act together in the hopes that some god will approve and then reward man with something like money or fame. In the real relationship with God, God says He knows that we make mistakes. He knows all of our thoughts, our hopes, our fears and our anger. But He says that He is bigger than any of that. When we look to God we replace our fears, our anger with His love, His compassion and His mercy. When we replace what we have with what God has for us, we are being baptized.

Communion

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Communion

Criteria for Christian Communion

1. First the 'body' (of Jesus Christ) bread [wafer] is to be unleavened (sinless), unsweetened (reality), salt (preserved), holes (pierced) and browned (bruised).

2. Second the 'blood' (of Jesus Christ) cup [grape juice, wine] is to be mingled (combined) 1/3 water with 2/3 grape [fruit of the vine]. Use three separate glasses or containers, 1 with water, 1 with grape, 1 empty. Then pour [mingle] at the same time both the grape and the water into the empty cup creating the cup of 2/3 grape mingled with 1/3 water.

3. Reading a Bible verse or passage provides the 3rd element of Communion the element of the Word of God being the Spirit of God.

4. Note: When the Communion bread is lifted up blessed, exalted and broken it represents the physical body of Jesus Christ on the cross then when the bread is eaten (consumed, eternalized) it represents the Spiritual [resurrection] body of Jesus Christ. Likewise when the Communion blood is mingled [grape, water] it represents the physical blood and water of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross [after His death - by the spear wound (John 19:34-35)] for the remission of our sins and then when the blood is drink (consumed, eternalized) it represents the resurrection eternal life Spiritual blood of Jesus Christ. Both [the one body] the physical (earthly) body of Jesus Christ and His eternal Spiritual Resurrection [bodily resurrection] of Jesus Christ [along with our new eternal spiritual body in Jesus Christ] are represented in the one Communion of bread and wine (grape).

Matthew 26:26-29 And as they were eating, Jesus took [Communion] bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the Disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My Body. And He took the [Communion] cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed [after the atoning death on the cross] for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that [Heavenly] day when I drink it new with you in My Father's Kingdom.

1 Corinthians 11:23 For I [Apostle Paul] have received of the Lord [Jesus] that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus *the same night in which He was betrayed [by Judas] took bread ... - Note: The Communion represents and is a part of the Levitical Feats of "The Lord's Passover" Jesus was betrayed on the night of the Passover Feast [14th of Nisan - Leviticus 23:5]. The very next day, the day of the crucifixion (cross) of Jesus is the Levitical Feast the "Feast of Unleavened Bread" [15th of Nisan - Leviticus 23:6] then that first day of the week [Sunday] is the Feast of Firstfruits [Leviticus 23:7] - Jesus Resurrected on Sunday the Feast of Firstfruits and began (John 20:22) to give individually to each one of His disciples the Firstfruits of His Holy, eternal resurrection life - Romans 8:23 And not only they [all of creation groans for redemption], but ourselves also, which have *the Firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption [from Children of God to Sons of God], to wit, the redemption of our body.

Christian Communion - The New Testament - The body [both the physical and the resurrection body of Jesus] and the blood [both the physical blood and the resurrection - eternal life, spiritual blood] of Jesus Christ: 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 23 For I [Apostle Paul] have received of the Lord [Jesus] that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is *My body [representing both the physical body and resurrection (spiritual) body of Jesus], which [physical body] is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood [both physical blood and resurrection Spirit-life blood]: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. *For as often as ye eat *this [unleavened] bread, and drink this [grape and water mingled] cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily [thinking they are not a sinner], shall be guilty of the [sacrifice for our sins] body and blood of the Lord. **But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, **not discerning the Lord's body [that the physical body of Jesus was given physically for our sin on the cross (redemption) and that the Spiritual body of Jesus is given to us from His eternal life resurrection (Salvation)]. For this cause [not knowing that the same body of Jesus from the cross is the same body that resurrected and is for our eternal, resurrection life, salvation] many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep [are unaware of the power and of the pending resurrection in our own life]. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened (Hebrews 12:6) of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. - Note: The 'cup' is in reference to both the physical life-blood and the Spiritual life-blood of Jesus. The Communion of Jesus Christ represents both the body on the cross and the resurrection life body of Jesus. The New Testament - The Communion of Jesus Christ represents both the Redemption (cross) and Salvation (resurrection) body of Jesus Christ. - Also Note: Jesus being without sin in His body (Matthew 17:2), bodily resurrected in His same body. We having sin our own physical body we vacate our physical body and it returns to dust [Genesis 3:19] then we each receive a new spiritual body - not a new physical body [not a reincarnation of a physical body] but a new eternal spiritual body for the purposes of our [continuing] eternal spiritual life.

Communion is an opportunity to participate with God in the Kingdom of God

Communion is a reenactment of Jesus' cross (His broken body, bread) and resurrection (His new resurrection life, cup of wine). Communion is an act of obedience towards God and it is also an opportunity to participate in a new life with God and a way to appropriate the new Kingdom of God into our lives.

Jesus did not limit His blood to the physical realm

Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

The blood of Jesus is physical and it is also Spiritual His blood has both Spiritual and physical implications therefore the message of the Bible is both Spiritual and physical.

Matthew 26:27 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Matthew 1:21 And she (Virgin Mary) shall bring forth a son ("her seed" Genesis 3:15), and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for He shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 26:27-28 And He (Jesus) took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them (Disciples), saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Matthew 26:39 And He (Jesus) went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father (God), if it be possible, let this cup [death on the cross] pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

John 1:29 The next day John (the Baptist) seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb (Sacrifice) of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:31-36 ... but that He (Savior) should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I (John the Baptist) come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him (Jesus). And I knew Him not: but He (God) that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him (Jesus), the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as He walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! -- "Again the next day ... and looking upon Jesus as He walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!"

John the Baptist twice in two days proclaimed Jesus to be the Holy blood Sacrifice (Lamb) of God and Jesus did not challenge or even alter in any way the statement of the Prophet John the Baptist.

John 12:30-33 Jesus answered and said, This voice (from Heaven) came not because of Me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world (Satan) be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up (crucifixion and resurrection) from the earth, will draw all men unto Me. This he said, signifying what (crucifixion) death He should die.

Genesis 3:14-15 And the LORD God said unto the serpent (Satan), Because thou hast done this [deceived mankind], thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I (God) will put enmity between thee (Satan) and the woman, and between thy (Satanic - Antichrist) seed and her (Jesus - Salvation) seed; it (cross of Jesus - "Golgotha") shall bruise thy head, and thou (Satan) shalt bruise His heel (nailed feet and a bruised heel on the cross at Golgotha (Matthew 27:33)).

Revelation 1:4-5 John (the Disciple) to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten (Resurrected) of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,

Revelation 5:6 And I (Disciple John) beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts (Spirit beings), and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain,

Revelation 5: 8-9 And when He (Jesus) had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they (Saints of Heaven) sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God [the Father] by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Revelation, reveals the living resurrected Jesus Christ in Heaven and the resurrected Jesus in the final verses of the entire Bible puts His seal of approval on the entire Bible.

Revelation 22:20-21 He (Jesus) which testifieth these things saith, Surely I (Jesus) come [return] quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

The shed blood of Jesus covers both the physical on the earth and also the Spiritual heavenly realms.

The Communion and the Communion elements the unleavened broken bread and the wine mixed with water represent the Promises of God to complete and finalize the Redemption (bread) and the Salvation (wine) process.

John 6:27 Labour not for the meat (food) which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of Man shall give unto you: for Him (Jesus) hath God the Father sealed.

John 6:34-35 Then said they (Disciples) unto Him, Lord, evermore give us this (everlasting life) bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.

John 6:53-63 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This (the body of Jesus) is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where He was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I (Jesus) speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Just like in the days of Abraham when the Promises of God came first before the actual shedding of the blood covenant with Abraham the Christian Communion bread and Cup are tokens and symbols coming first representing the Promises of God and then later enacted on the cross and with the resurrection. Abraham was given the promises of God to be blessed, to multiply, to possess the land and to have Jesus the Redeemer come through his lineage all while Abraham was yet uncircumcised then later at 99 years of age Abraham was circumcised shedding his own blood in confirming the covenant promises previously given to him by God.

Genesis 12:1-3 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country (Babylon-Iraq), and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land (Israel) that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Genesis 15:1-6 After these things (after Lot was rescued) the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This (servant) shall not be thine heir; but he (son) that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And He brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed (descendants) be. And he believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness.

Genesis 17:1-14 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine (age of 99), the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect (completed). And I will make My covenant between Me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with Him, saying, As for Me, behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish My covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt Me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised [those without the covenant tokens] man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

Romans 4:10-12 How was it (his faith counted for righteousness) then reckoned? when he (Abraham) was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith (belief in the promises of God) which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

Communion represents both the Physical and the Spiritual blood of Jesus

[Christian Communion 1 of 3] The necessity of having the correct Communion elements in the Christian Communion - Wine/Grape product (fruit) of the Vine and the unleavened/unsweetened Bread 'body of Jesus Christ' -- "John 15:5 I (Jesus) Am the Vine, ye (Disciples/Christians) are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me [Vine] ye can do nothing." "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 For I (Apostle Paul) have received of the Lord (Jesus) that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same [Passover Feast] night in which He was betrayed took [Passover - unleavened/unsweetened] bread: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body [both His sinless, physical body and also His eternal, resurrection Spiritual body], which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the [Passover - Communion] cup [wine], when He had supped, saying, This Cup [physical and Spiritual] is the *New Testament in My blood [physical blood for the remission of our sins and also Spiritual blood for our eternal life]: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me [Jesus]. For [being both physical and Spiritual] as often as ye eat this bread (body), and drink this cup (wine/vine), ye do shew the Lord's [physical] death till He [bodily/Spiritually] come [return - 2nd Coming]." -- Note: Jesus is clearly the Vine and we are attached to, fellowshipping with and partaking of the Vine (Jesus Christ) as Born Again Christian believers. -- Also Note: The Olive Tree/Oil is generally considered to be a representation of the Holy Spirit and is not to be confused with Jesus. "Romans 11:24 For if thou [Gentiles] wert cut out of the [disassociated] olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good Olive Tree [Holy Spirit]: how much more shall these [Jews], which be the natural [associated with God] branches, be graffed [knowingly] into their own [natural] Olive Tree [the Holy Spirit]?" -- Further Note: The Fig Tree (branch, fruit, leaves) are often associated with mankind and the works, fruits and natural unrighteousness of humans, though with potential to give good fruit (figs). Three main Biblical plants [Vine, Olive Tree and the Fig Tree are each mentioned in James 3:12]. -- "James 3:12 Can the Fig Tree [man], my brethren, bear Olive [Holy Spirit fruit] berries? [or] either a Vine [Jesus - Wine], figs? so can no fountain both yield salt [undesirable drinking] water and fresh [desirable drinking water]."

[Christian Communion 2 of 3] Both the physical Communion body of Jesus and His Spiritual resurrection body are without sin -- "Matthew 17:1-3 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was *Transfigured [from physical body to Spiritual body] before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias (Elijah) talking with Him (Jesus)." ... "Matthew 17:5-7 While he (Disciple Peter) yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice [from God] out of the cloud, which said, **This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; **hear ye Him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, **and said, Arise [in Jesus Christ's resurrection-transfigure], and be not afraid." Note: Jesus being God and without the curse of human sin (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 1:29) was able to bodily Transfigure on the Mt. of Transfiguration and also able to bodily resurrect (John 20:5) into His eternal Spiritual body. Jesus will be the only person in heaven who was able to retain any semblance (Revelation 5:6-7) to his previous earthly physical body. The rest of us (Romans 8:3) having within us the curse of sin and death (Romans 6:22-23) do not retain any resemblance to our physical, sin laden, body (2 Corinthians 5:1-9) but instead resurrect as disembodied human spirits to be judged by God (2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10, Revelation 20:14) and then if Adopted as Sons/Daughters of God we receive a new spiritual body a body that matches our spiritual composition [i.e. a devout handicapped person on earth doesn't just receive legs in heaven that can walk, like everyone that person receives a new (Spiritual) body]. We Humans receiving our new Spiritual body is the correction to sin and is not in any way any type of reincarnation because being given a new body we will still be (soul, spirit) of who we are and more importantly will still be recognizable as who we are by others, it will just be a better, more accurate and more complete eternal bodily match to our soul and spirit than our sin laden physical body could ever be. Reincarnation would involve receiving a body that is not recognizable to others for instance a person reincarnating and becoming a different person or even an animal. -- "2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all [sinner and non-sinner] appear [w/o a physical body] before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his [physical] body, according to that he hath done [on earth], whether it be good or bad."

[Christian Communion 3 of 3] The eternal pre-existent nature of Jesus [Communion both physical and Spiritual] is revealed in the multi-dimensional, multi-realm (physical, spiritual) aspects of Jesus -- "Matthew 14:25-28 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a [multi-dimensional] spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water." -- "John 20:19 Then the same day [Easter - Resurrection Day] at evening, being [Sunday] the first day of the week, when *the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst [of the locked room], and saith unto them, Peace be unto you."

Note: Mankind seems to have been originally created to be in the 6th dimensional realm along with the Angels however after the sin and fall of mankind it appears that mankind fell two dimensions into the 4th dimension [height, width, length, time]. The Salvation restoration of mankind, those saved in Jesus seem to be restored to the higher 7th dimension. While God [Father, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit] have always existed outside the 7 created realms in their un-created, un-restricted, eternal realm. -- "John 1:18 No [restricted - mortal] man hath seen [unrestricted - eternal] God [the Father] at any time {unrestricted dimensions}; [except] the only begotten Son (Jesus), which is in the bosom of the Father, He (Jesus) hath declared [revealed] Him (Father)." -- "John 5:26 For as the Father hath [eternal] life in Himself; so hath He given (G1325 - administration) to the Son (Jesus) to have [eternal -giving] life in Himself;" -- "John 10:30 I and My Father are One [unrestricted dimension]." -- "Hebrews 1:3 [Jesus] Who being the brightness of His [Father's] glory, and the express (exact) [Spiritual] image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He (Jesus) had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty [Father God] on High;" -- "Hebrews 9:24 For [resurrection] Christ is not entered [earthly] into the holy places [Jewish Temple] made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into Heaven itself, now **to appear in the presence of God for us:"

BasicChristian.org: Article Introduction - The 7 physical and spiritual dimensions as unfolded in the 7 Days of the Genesis creation model {the 8th dimension being God's realm of unrestricted eternity} Humans exist in and are limited to the first three physical dimensions (length, height, width) and also the fourth dimension (restriction) of time. The spiritual realm of demons, angels and in part the coming Antichrist exists in the less restricted 5th and 6th dimensions. In fact the coming Antichrist is going to bring down or "contact" the 5th and 6th dimensions and infuse 4th dimensional human beings with 5th dimensional demons [Nephilim spirits] and 6th dimensional fallen [Satanic] angelic spirit beings consequently orchestrating 5th and 6th dimensional miracles and signs and wonders in order to deceive mankind. Note: So who is Melchizedek? Melchizedek is the manifestation [into our human realms] of the infinite dimensional (infinite dimensions - no restrictions - unrestricted) God in Person. Melchizedek is God the Holy Spirit in Person. Melchizedek is the Order of the Holy Spirit Priesthood. -- Also Note: In the Basic Christian article "Who is Melchizedek?" the 8 dimensions (restrictions) are listed in conjunction with the original creation week (Genesis 1:1-2:4) and are categorized as follows: 1. Length [Day one creation - light separated [Judgment] (length) from darkness] 2. Height [Day two creation - divided the waters above from the waters below] 3. Width [Day three creation - dry land and plants] 4. Time [Day four creation - sun, moon, stars for times and seasons] 5. Demonic [Nephilim spirits] - demons [Day five creation - fish from the waters below, birds from the waters above] 6. Angelic - Holy Angels and also Satan with all of his fallen angels [Day six creation - land animals and humans (pre-fall) - humans the highest part of creation created separate and above the animals and equal to the angels but with sin mankind fell from the 6th dimension to the 4th dimension, in fact with the sin of mankind all of creation also fell from its original creation status] 7. Human Salvation redeemed by the blood, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ [Day seven creation - Rest] 8. Unrestricted [outside of creation] - The only Unrestricted, Eternal, Wise, 8 Infinite, Almighty God consisting of God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. -- "Genesis 2:4 These are the generations [dimensions] of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens ..."

Regarding the Hebrews/Jews as a continuing society, religion, ethnicity of people and their affiliation with the Messiah Jesus Christ

Possibly: The Jews as a people never rejected the Messiah (Christ) [True Vine] - many of the Jews rejected Jesus as a man claiming to be the Messiah though a remnant of Jews believed Jesus and began the Christian Church. It is important to note that signs, wonders and miracles alone Do Not authenticate the person of Christ. It is necessary for fulfillment of Bible prophecy (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) and for the resurrection from death [conquering human sin and death] to provide for the authenticity of the Messiah. The Jews rejected the man Jesus and being Spiritually blinded (Romans 11:7, Romans 11:25) have been unable to see the Messiah until "the fullness of the Gentiles has come in" (Romans 11:25, Acts 15:14-18) and the un-blinding (Acts 9:17-18) of the Hebrews/Jews can take place. Having not rejected the Messiah, the resurrected and proven Messiah Jesus Christ, due to their Spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 3:14) the Jews as a people and a society are not condemned and far from it they are instead much beloved of God being among (Romans 9:4-5) His called, chosen, elect and redeemed people. -- Note: Judas was the only Jewish/person to take N.T. Communion with Jesus, at the 'Passover' Last Supper, and then (John 17:12) "the son of perdition" [Judas first coming] reject (John 13:30) Jesus as the Messiah. {Note: "the son of perdition" during the 2nd coming return of Jesus is going to be the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3)}. The other 11 Disciples all believed and all who follow the resurrection of Jesus believe. -- Also Note: There were still ramifications for rejecting the physical presence of Jesus as both the Temple and the city of Jerusalem were later destroyed but the continuity of Judaism as the chosen people of God remains and it remains under the New Testament (Ephesians 2:12) - the New Testament having been implemented by Jesus in Jerusalem, among and for the Jews (Hebrews 8:8-10) not at the exclusion of the Jews but for all people Jewish and Gentile.

Source: The Pierre Statement on Biblical Doctrines by confessing Christians

User: David Anson Brown 07:32, 18 December 2011

Priesthood of Believers

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

1 Peter 2:5 Ye [Christians] also, as lively stones, are built up a Spiritual House, a Holy Priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood, an Holy Nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him [Jesus Christ] who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now [Christians] the people of God: which [while unsaved] had not obtained mercy, but now [saved] have obtained mercy.

Romans 12:1 I urge you brethren by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Theological Issues of the Reformation

The theology of the Reformers departed from the Roman Catholic Church primarily on the basis of three great principles:

Sole authority of Scripture

Justification by faith alone

Priesthood of the believer

by Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura)

Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone) was one of the watchwords of the Reformation. This doctrine maintains that Scripture, as contained in the Bible, is the only authority for the Christian in matters of faith, life and conduct. The teachings and traditions of the church are to be completely subordinate to the Scriptures. Roman Catholicism, on the other hand, holds Scripture and Tradition to be of the same inspired Deposit of Faith.

by faith alone (Sola Fide)

Sola Fide (by faith alone) was the other watchword of the Reformation. This doctrine maintains that we are justified before God (and thus saved) by faith alone, not by anything we do, not by anything the church does for us, and not by faith plus anything else. It was also recognized by the early Reformers that Sola Fide is not rightly understood until it is seen as anchored in the broader principle of Sola Gratia, by grace alone. Hence the Reformers were calling the church back to the basic teaching of Scripture where the apostle Paul states that we are "saved by grace through faith and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God," Eph. 2:8.

Priesthood of all believers - 'one priesthood of believers' (Sola Sacerdos)

The third great principle of the Reformation was the priesthood of all believers. The Scriptures teach that believers are a "holy priesthood," 1 Pet. 2:5. All believers are priests before God through our great high priest Jesus Christ. "There is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus," 1 Tim. 2:5. As believers, we all have direct access to God through Christ, there is no necessity for an earthly mediator. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox concept of the priesthood was seen as having no warrant in Scripture, viewed as a perversion and mis-application of the Old Testament Aaronic or Levitical priesthood [the O.T. having been successfully accomplished, completed and fulfilled in the bringing in and establishing of the Messiah, Jesus Christ and His N.T.] which was clearly fulfilled in Christ and done away with by the New Testament.

Source: Theopedia.com

The Believer's Priesthood

1st Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a Spiritual House, a Holy Priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

The main difference between the Levitical Priesthood of the Old Testament and the Royal Priesthood of the New Testament is that the Levitical Priesthood is physical in nature while the Royal Priesthood is Spiritual in nature otherwise the two priesthoods are nearly identical in that the physical sacrifices the Levitical Priests offered up to God are actually models and types of the Spiritual sacrifices that we now offer up to God.

Hebrews 8:4-6 For if He (Jesus) were on earth, He should not be a Priest, seeing that there are priests (Levitical) that offer gifts according to the law: Who (Levitical Priests) serve unto the Example and Shadow of Heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the Tabernacle: for, See, saith He (God), that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount. But now hath He (Jesus) obtained [after the Resurrection] a more excellent (than the Levitical) Ministry, by how much also He is the Mediator of a Better (New) Covenant, which was established upon better (blood of Jesus and the Resurrection of Jesus) promises.

Jesus instructed that the entire teaching of the Old Testament Law and of the Prophets is not physical but is Spiritual to direct mankind into a relationship of loving God and of loving our fellow neighbor.

Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the Law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt Love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

This is now fulfilled in the Royal Law of the New Testament's Royal Priesthood.

James 2:8 If ye fulfill the Royal Law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:

1st Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a Royal Priesthood for God's own possession.

Both Priesthoods require a High Priest and for the Royal Priesthood it is Jesus that is the High Priest as Jesus occupies All three offices of King, Priest and Prophet and therefore His Priesthood derives the name of "Royal" Kingly Priesthood.

Hebrews 9:11-12 But Christ being come a High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once [to stay] into the Holy Place, having obtained Eternal Redemption for us.

Let's look at the significance of the Old Testament (Levitical) Priesthood [and the New Testament (Melchisedec) Priesthood] to help determine our part in God's Royal Spiritual Priesthood.

Source: The Royal Priesthood

Holy Week

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Luke 12:49-50 I Am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism [Holy Week - cross - resurrection] to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! ~ Jesus Christ

Original Holy Week

A Timeline and Biblical explanation of the events of the original ten days of Holy Week

Friday

Jesus and His disciples in the village of Bethany

John 12:1-3 Then Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom He raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with Him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Mark 11:1-3 And when they [Jesus and His Twelve Disciples] came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and **Bethany, at the mount of Olives, He sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village [Bethphage] over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

Saturday

Palm Saturday the Triumphal Entry of King Jesus into Jerusalem, the Feast of Sabbath is fulfilled

Mark 11:7-11 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and He sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord: Blessed be the Kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the Name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. **And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the Temple: and when He had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, He went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

Sunday

Jesus cleanses the Temple of moneychangers

Mark 11:12-17 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, He was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply He might find any thing thereon: and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And His disciples heard it. ***And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the Temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the Temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the Temple. And He taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My House [the Temple] shall be called of all Nations the House of Prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Monday

The Pharisees dispute the authority of Jesus & the Mt. Olivet discourse is given

Mark 11:20-22 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto Him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God [Jesus].

Mark 13:1-4 And as He went out of the Temple, one of His disciples saith unto Him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto Him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And ***as He sat upon the Mount of Olives over against the Temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately, Tell us, when shall these [Kingdom] things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

Tuesday

Judas agrees to betray Jesus

Matthew 26:14-16 Then one of the Twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

Wednesday

The New Covenant of Jesus. God agrees to die for our sins; therefore death has "Passed us Over." The Feast of the Lord's Passover is fulfilled

Matthew 26:17-20 Now the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread [Passover] the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto Him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Passover? And He said, Go into the city [Jerusalem] to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at thy house with My disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover. Now when the even was come, He sat down with the twelve.

Thursday

Crucifixion and death of Jesus on the cross, providing removal of our sins, the Feast of Unleavened Bread is fulfilled

Matthew 27:1-2 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death: And when they had bound Him, they led Him away, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the Governor.

Friday

The tomb of Jesus is sealed by the Romans, spices and ointments are purchased and prepared to further anoint the body of Jesus

Matthew 27:62-66 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation [for the Feast of Unleavened Bread], the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch [guards]: go your way, make it as sure [secure] as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure [inventory of the tomb contents], sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Saturday

The tomb of Jesus remains sealed, Sabbath day

Luke 23:52-24:1 [Thursday][Crucifixion day] This man, Joseph of Arimathaea, went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down [from the cross] and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulcher (tomb) that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation [preparation for the evening Sabbath of Unleavened Bread], and the Sabbath [Unleavened Bread, evening Sabbath curfew] drew on. And the women also, which came with Him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld (observed) the sepulcher, and how His body was laid. And they returned (home) and [Friday] [normal Day] prepared (worked & labored) spices and ointments; and **rested the [Saturday][Sabbath Day] Sabbath day according to the commandment [the 4th of the 10 commandments, the weekly Saturday Sabbath]. Now upon the first day of the week [Sunday][Resurrection Day], very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

Sunday

The Resurrection of Jesus, the Feast of First Fruits is fulfilled as Jesus gives the First Fruits of the Holy Spirit to His disciples

Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

Source: The Jesus Walk 10 Day Holy Week Timeline Devotion

David Anson Brown 11:47, 18 December 2011 (MST)

Christmas

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the Government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His Government and Peace there shall be no end, upon the Throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this.

Matthew 2:7-11 Then [king] Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young Child [Jesus]; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house [house of the birth of Jesus - not a cave], they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Luke 2:1-11 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus [a great-nephew of Julius Caesar], that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the House and lineage of [King] David: To be taxed with Mary [also of the House of King David] his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him [Jesus] in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger [i.e. a basket for feeding animals]; because there was no room for them in the inn [lit. spare room of the house]. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them, and the Glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the Angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city [Bethlehem] of [King] David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Christmas Day "Savior Day"

CHRISTmas - 'Glory to God in the Highest'

Celebrating the Arrival (Birth) of Jesus Christ the Savior of Mankind.

Christmas Day - "Savior Day" The Day Jesus Christ the Savior of the world entered into the world!

Christmas Day is "Savior Day" the day God (Jesus Christ) the Savior of mankind entered into the physical human realm to accomplish both the Redemption [crucifixion] and Salvation [resurrection] of mankind.

The exact Christmas Day is thought to be in the Fall sometime however the actual day is unknown as the Bible highlights the adult Ministry of Jesus and particularly the last week, Holy Week, when Jesus was with His disciples in and around Jerusalem and among His fellow Jews in their Temple.

Christmas time is a wonderful time it is a time of reassurance of God's love and of God's commitment for all mankind throughout all time.

Enjoy the Christmas holiday season knowing that there is indeed a Savior-Redeemer for mankind and that Jesus Christ is the Savior-Redeemer.

Note: Jesus was not born in a cave He was born in a house -- Matthew 2:11 "the house" where Jesus was born. Joseph was born in Bethlehem and his relatives still lived there that is why Joseph had to return there to report for the census. Mary was probably 18+ years old and was not a little child herself. Mary's conduct, replies and responses (Luke 1:46-56) indicate that at the least Mary was a very mature woman.

Source: Christmas Traditions

The Exodus

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Numbers 1:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the Tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying ...

God is separate and distinct from the world 'Egypt' therefore to Fellowship with God it is necessary to go outside the earthly realm i.e. depart Egypt and go to Mt. Sinai but not staying at Mt. Sinai 'The Law Mountain' (Exodus 19:12) instead journeying with Joshua 'Jesus' to Mt. Zion in Jerusalem the 'Mountain of Provision' (Genesis 22:8) and completeness (Colossians 2:10) the Mountain of the completed cross and provided eternal resurrection works of Jesus Christ.

Source: blog Bible Study

Timeline

{Possibly Joseph's dream Pharaoh - Genesis 41:1} Pharaoh Akhenaten (Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt) Reign 1351-1334 B.C. - {Possibly the other Pharaoh in Joseph's time - Genesis 50:4} Tutankhamun [King Tut] son of Akhenaten (last Pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty) Reign 1333-1323 B.C. -- {Possibly the Pharaoh of Moses' time - Exodus 1:8} Ramesses II (Nineteenth Dynasty) Reign 1279-1213 B.C.

Genesis 15:13-18 And He [God] said unto Abram [Abraham], Know of a surety that [you and] thy seed [descendants] shall be a stranger in a land [among Amorites, Kenites, Hittites, Perizzites, etc. and also in Egypt] that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years [in both Cannan and Egypt]; And also that nation [Egypt], whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. **But in the fourth generation [Levi, Kohath, Amram, Moses or Levi, Jochebed, Aaron, Eleazar ~ about 140 years total in Egypt, not 400 years in Egypt] they shall come [out of Egypt and back to Cannan and make it Israel] hither again: for the iniquity [judgment] of the Amorites is not yet full [but will be in 400 years]. And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. ***In the same day [Cannan Passover 430 years before the Egypt Passover] the LORD made a ***covenant with Abram [the famous Abrahamic Covenant], saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land [Israel], from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Exodus 6:20-27 And Amram took him Jochebed [a daughter of Levi born in Egypt] his father's [Kohath's] sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years. And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri. And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites. And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families. These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies. These are they which spake to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt: these are that Moses and Aaron.

Numbers 26:58-60 These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. **And Kohath begat Amram. And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister. And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

Exodus 12:40-43 Now the sojourning [travels] of the [Jews] Children of Israel, who {also} dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years [in both Cannan and Egypt]. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years [starting in Genesis 15:13 ~ night of the Abrahamic Covenant], even the selfsame day [Passover 430 years later] it came to pass, that all the hosts [people] of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the Children of Israel in their generations. And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the [Egypt] Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:

Resources

Mountain of Fire pt. 3 -- Mp4
Mountain of Fire pt. 4 -- Mp4
Mountain of Fire pt. 5 -- Mp4
Chariot Parts in the Red Sea -- Mp4
The Real Exodus -- Mp4
Source: ArkDiscovery.com

David Anson Brown 12:05, 12 December 2011 (MST)

Paul's Shipwreck

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Verses

Acts 27:40-44 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

Source: blog History Study

Paul's Shipwreck - Resources

Paul's Shipwreck - Mp4
Searching for Paul's Shipwreck on Malta - Mp4
Bob Cornuke Interview - Mp4
Source: - Paul's Shipwreck

David Anson Brown 17:15, 12 December 2011 (MST)

The Rosetta Stone

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Resources

The Rosetta Stone - British Museum - Mp4
History of The Rosetta Stone - Mp4
History Channel - The Rosetta Stone 1 of 5 - Mp4
History Channel - The Rosetta Stone 2 of 5 - Mp4
History Channel - The Rosetta Stone 3 of 5 - Mp4
History Channel - The Rosetta Stone 4 of 5 - Mp4
History Channel - The Rosetta Stone 5 of 5 - Mp4
The London Walks - British Museum Tour - Mp4

Source: blog History Study

This page was last modified on 19 December 2011, at 03:51.

Ancient Bibles

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Hebrew Old Testament Bible

The original O.T. Bible scriptures were written in Hebrew from about 1450 B.C. to about 515 B.C.

The book of Job is considered to be the oldest book of the Bible then Moses later wrote the first 5 books of the Bible (Genesis - Deuteronomy).

The last O.T. book of the Bible is the book of Malachi written in about 515 B.C.

Hebrew Interlinear Bible (OT)

Online Interlinear Hebrew Texts - Website

Hebrew Text : WLC_v (v1.1): Westminster Leningrad Codex with vowels

Greek New Testament Bible

The original N.T. Bible scriptures were written in Greek from about 42 A.D. to about 92 A.D.

The Bible's Book of James and the Gospel of Matthew are considered to be the first Epistle (letter) and first Gospel (acccount of Christ) written while the Book of Revelation was later written in about 92 A.D. [by the Disciple John] and is considered to be the last book of the Bible to be written.

Greek Interlinear Bible (NT)

Online Interlinear Greek Texts - Website

Greek Text : ScrTR Scriveners Textus Receptus 1894 (Basis of KJV / AV translation)

This page was last modified on 14 December 2011, at 09:40.

Reformation Bibles

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Psalms 119:105 Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect (complete), throughly furnished unto all good works.

Resources

Part 1 of 3 - The Story of The King James Bible - Mp4
Part 2 of 3 - The Story of The King James Bible - Mp4
Part 3 of 3 - The Story of The King James Bible - Mp4
Source: -- Scourby.com

Note: the primary reason for King James giving his authority 'Authorizing' an official English language Bible (translation) was that the previous few English Bible versions i.e. The Tyndale New Testament, The Coverdale Bible, The Matthews Bible, The Great Bible, The Geneva Bible, and the Rheims New Testament (greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history) and a few others had 'commentaries' primarily in the form of footnotes. It was the commentaries or footnotes that were generally in contention when people wanted a new Bible version and not the Biblical text itself. The KJV Bible text itself remained 80%-90% of the previous English Bible translations particularly the translating work of William Tyndale. King James agreed to 'Authorize' an English Bible but only on the condition that it would be a translation only and not have any footnotes or commentaries as the previous Bible versions had and having excluded any commentary or 'notes' the English Bible translation of the KJV 1611 Bible was then granted by King James the status as "AV" or "Authorized Version" of the English Bible.

Reformation Bibles

1382 Old English Bible - John Wycliffe

Wycliffe Bible 1382 A.D. (Old English) - Pdf

Note: the 'English' text translated in the various versions of the Wycliffe Bible was [from] the Latin Vulgate -- Source: Wikipedia.com

1526 New Testament - William Tyndale

A Biography of William Tyndale - Audio

The Tyndale Bible generally refers to the body of biblical translations by William Tyndale. Tyndale's Bible is credited with being the first English translation to work directly from Hebrew and Greek texts. Furthermore it was the first English biblical translation that was mass produced as a result of new advances in the art of printing. The term Tyndale's Bible is not strictly correct, because Tyndale never published a complete Bible. Prior to his execution Tyndale had only finished translating the entire New Testament and roughly half of the Old Testament. Of the latter, the Pentateuch, Jonah and a revised version of the book of Genesis were published during his lifetime. His other Old Testament works were first used in the creation of the Matthew Bible and also heavily influenced every major English translation of the Bible that followed. -- Source: Wikipedia.com

1599 Geneva Bible

The 1599 A.D. Geneva Study Bible - Website

The Geneva Bible is one of the most historically significant translations of the Bible into the English language, preceding the King James translation by 51 years. It was the primary Bible of the 16th century Protestant movement and was the Bible used by William Shakespeare, Oliver Cromwell, John Milton, John Knox, John Donne, and John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress. It was one of the Bibles taken to America on the Mayflower, it was used by many English Dissenters, and it was still respected by Oliver Cromwell's soldiers at the time of the English Civil War.

What makes this version of the Holy Bible significant is that, for the very first time, a mechanically printed, mass-produced Bible was made available directly to the general public which came with a variety of scriptural study guides and aids (collectively called an apparatus), which included verse citations which allow the reader to cross-reference one verse with numerous relevant verses in the rest of the Bible, introductions to each book of the Bible which acted to summarize all of the material that each book would cover, maps, tables, woodcut illustrations, indexes, as well as other included features - all of which would eventually lead to the reputation of the Geneva Bible as history's very first study bible.

Like most English translations of the time, the Geneva Bible was translated from scholarly editions of the Greek New Testament and the Hebrew Scriptures that comprise the Christian Old Testament. The English rendering was substantially based on the earlier translations by William Tyndale and Myles Coverdale (more than 80 percent of the language in the Genevan Bible is from Tyndale). However, the Geneva Bible was the first English version in which all of the Old Testament was translated directly from the Hebrew (cf. Coverdale Bible, Matthew Bible). -- Source: Wikipedia.com

1611 King James Version (KJV)

Holy Bible KJV 1611 - Pdf

The Authorized Version, commonly known as the King James Version, King James Bible or KJV, is an English translation of the Christian Bible by the Church of England begun in 1604 A.D. and completed in 1611 A.D. First printed by the King's Printer Robert Barker, this was the third official translation into English. The first was the Great Bible commissioned by the Church of England in the reign of King Henry VIII, and the second was the Bishop's Bible of 1568 A.D. In January 1604 A.D., King James VI of Scotland and I of England convened the Hampton Court Conference where a new English version was conceived in response to the perceived problems of the earlier translations as detected by the Puritans, a faction within the Church of England.

James gave the translators instructions intended to guarantee that the new version would conform to the ecclesiology and reflect the episcopal structure of the Church of England and its belief in an ordained clergy. The translation was done by 47 scholars, all of whom were members of the Church of England. In common with most other translations of the period, the New Testament was translated from Greek, the Old Testament was translated from Hebrew text, while the Apocrypha were translated from the Greek and Latin. In the Book of Common Prayer (1662 A.D.), the text of the Authorized Version replaced the text of the Great Bible - for Epistle and Gospel readings - and as such was authorised by Act of Parliament. By the first half of the 18th century, the Authorized Version was effectively unchallenged as the English translation used in Anglican and Protestant churches. Over the course of the 18th century, the Authorized Version supplanted the Latin Vulgate as the standard version of scripture for English speaking scholars.

Old Testament

For their Old Testament, the translators used a text originating in the editions of the Hebrew Rabbinic Bible by Daniel Bomberg (1524/5), but adjusted this to conform to the Greek LXX or Latin Vulgate in passages to which Christian tradition had attached a Christological interpretation. For example, the Septuagint reading "They pierced my hands and my feet" was used in Psalm 22:16 (vs. the Masoretes' reading of the Hebrew "like lions my hands and feet"). Otherwise, however, the Authorized Version is closer to the Hebrew tradition than any previous English translation - especially in making use of the rabbinic commentaries, such as Kimhi, in elucidating obscure passages in the Masoretic Text; earlier versions had been more likely to adopt LXX or Vulgate readings in such places.

New Testament

For their New Testament, the translators chiefly used the 1598 and 1588/89 Greek editions of Theodore Beza, which also present Beza's Latin version of the Greek and Stephanus's edition of the Latin Vulgate. Both of these versions were extensively referred to, as the translators conducted all discussions amongst themselves in Latin. F.H.A. Scrivener identifies 190 readings where the Authorized Version translators depart from Beza's Greek text, generally in maintaining the wording of the Bishop's Bible and other earlier English translations. In about half of these instances, the Authorized Version translators appear to follow the earlier 1550 Greek Textus Receptus of Stephanus. For the other half, Scrivener was usually able to find corresponding Greek readings in the editions of Erasmus, or in the Complutensian Polyglot. However, in several dozen readings he notes that no printed Greek text corresponds to the English of the Authorized Version, which in these places derives directly from the Vulgate. For example, at John 10:16, the Authorized Version reads "one fold" (as did the Bishops' Bible, and the 16th century vernacular versions produced in Geneva), following the Latin Vulgate "unum ovile", whereas Tyndale had agreed more closely with the Greek, "one flocke". The Authorized Version New Testament owes much more to the Vulgate than does the Old Testament; still, at least 80% of the text is unaltered from Tyndale's translation. -- Source: Wikipedia.com

Modern bibles

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy City [eternal city], and from the things which are written in this book.

Postmodern - Modern bibles

1972 NIV

NIV Exposed - Website

1979 NKJV

NKJV Exposed - Website

2001 ESV

What's missing from the ESV bible - Pdf

This page was last modified on 12 June 2012, at 18:05.

Church Discernment

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Ezekiel 22:27 Her [Mystery Babylon] princes in the midst [of God's people] thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. ~ Prophet Ezekiel

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. ~ Jesus Christ

Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. ~ Apostle Paul

Source: blog History Study

Church Discernment

Resources

Introduction to the Emerging church - Mp4 (1 of 8)
Gary Gilly - Mp4 (2 of 8)
Ray Yungen - Mp4 (3 of 8)
Oprah's church - Mp4 (4 of 8)
Johanna Michaelson - Mp4 (5 of 8)
Brian McLaren - Mp4 (6 of 8)
Mike Oppenheimer - Mp4 (7 of 8)
Sandy Simpson - Mp4 (8 of 8)
Source: Reformed Nazarene

David Anson Brown 05:03, 13 December 2011 (MST)

Church Heresy

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you [religious leaders], scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. ~ Jesus Christ

Church Heresy

Ancient Heresy

313 A.D. Emperor Constantine

Constantine appointed his mother Helen as Augusta Imperatrix, and gave her unlimited access to the imperial treasury in order to locate the relics of Judeo-Christian tradition.

In 326-328 A.D. Helena undertook a trip to the Holy Places in Palestine [Israel].

The chapel at St. Catherine's Monastery [in Sinai Egypt - including Helen's Chapel of the Burning Bush] often referred to as the Chapel of Saint Helen-is dated to the year AD 330.

{Note: every 'discovery' of Helena the mother of Emperor Constantine I is considered to be discredited - especially her [confirming] Mt. Sinai in Egypt [the Chapel of the Burning Bush - Source: SacredSites.com] when the Bible proclaims that the real Mt. Sinai was 'outside' (Exodus 18:1,5) of Egypt (Galatians 4:25) [in Arabia - Saudi Arabia]. Also Note: **it is one of the most blasphemous concepts [Mt. Sinai in Egypt] to locate God in Egypt - God is not in Egypt, He is outside of Egypt [human slavery and human bondage] - the whole concept of the Bible is to leave Egypt [the world system] and for worshipers go outside of Egypt (the world) to have a true relationship [fellowship] with God - **pastors who preach that one corner of Egypt [Sinai Peninsula - St. Catherine's Monastery] is acceptable to God have missed much of the entirety of the Bible - The Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus was even crucified outside the city of Jerusalem so we would know to look outside the [world system] city for a true relationship with Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:12-14).}

-- Note: A sustainable relationship with God is generally not to be found in this worldly system though minor glimpses and interactions with God can be experienced. The worldly system saturated with misconceptions and false premises from deceived and misinformed individuals like Richard Dawkins is a system designed and maintained simply to hinder a person's true relationship with God. Therefore leaving the misinformed worldly system and entering the Promises of the Biblical realm is an important part of a sustainable relationship with God.

Modern Heresy

1881 A.D. Corrupt modern bible translations - the Westcott and Hort bible text

KJV vs. Modern Translations A Preview

XI. WERE WESTCOTT AND HORT SECRET PRACTITIONERS OF THE OCCULT?

In 1993, Gail Riplinger published [an excellent book called] New Age Bible Versions. In this book, she alleges that Westcott and Hort were practitioners of the [Satanic] occult. It is indicated that they [Westcott and Hort] provide a bridge between apostate Christianity and the [Satanic] occult and the New Age Movement. This charge created a sensation and generated a tremendous amount of criticism for Mrs. Riplinger. It is, of course, a very important charge. An objective look at the evidence for such a charge is important. ... The evidence for Mrs. Riplinger's assertions is strong. Would Westcott and Hort's defenders accept anyone today who had such connections? They were clearly in contact with people who were "familiar" with spirits. There is every reason to suspect that they might also have been in contact with spirits. Based upon their associations, there is no clear reason to reject the suggestion that they were involved in the occult. The balance of evidence creates, at the very least, a strong suspicion of occult influence on both Wescott and Hort (especially Dr. Wescott).

THE WESTCOTT AND HORT ONLY CONTROVERSY

Corrupt Modern bible Translations -- Postmodern, Non-Reformation, Westcott and Hort bible Advocates

NIV -- Rick Warren and Beth Moore

ESV -- John MacArthur and Phil Johnson

The Message -- Joel Osteen and Greg Laurie

NKJV -- Jerry Falwell Jr., Chuck Smith Sr., Adrian Rogers and Paige Patterson

Current Heresy

N.T. Wright's Lectures at Moody Bible Institute

N.T. WRIGHT part 4 - Vimeo Video
Source: Patheos.com

Notes RE: N.T. Wright's Lectures at Moody Bible Institute

Earlier in his talk Nicholas Thomas "Tom" Wright [N.T. Wright] attempts to redefine salvation and offers a twisted description of Christian imputed righteousness our righteousness found in the righteousness of Jesus Christ - Yet N.T. Wright in attempting to redefine salvation completely ignores and neglects, the very important Biblical concept of Propitiation (Romans 3:24) our sins paid in full on the cross by Jesus Christ.

After offering a redefinition of salvation N.T. Wright then goes on to present several horrific distortions as he attempts to redefine both the Christian Church Age and God's personal Biblical relationship with the Jewish Nation of Israel.

N.T. Wright also misspoke when he inferred that the Prophet Isaiah was writing about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem after the destruction had already occurred when in fact the Prophet Isaiah [prophesying in the era of about 740 B.C.] was prophesying of the coming destruction of the 1st Temple in Jerusalem [the 1st Temple was destroyed in 586 B.C. - 200 years after the Prophet Isaiah]. - N.T. Wright is presenting the Bible texts as reactive to past events when in actuality the Bible both O.T. and N.T. [End Times] are written as Prophetic (future) events.

N.T. Wright then goes into full Heresy mode and actually begins espousing Paganistic doctrines in stating that "the earth is god's temple" and that "god indwells inside the earth" - making his god the pagan ruler of the underworld. -- Isaiah 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The Heaven is My Throne, and the earth is My footstool ...

David Anson Brown 07:04, 13 December 2011 (MST)

This page was last modified on 12 June 2012, at 18:06.

God's Plan

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Psalms 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

God's Plan of Salvation

Hebrews 2:16-17 For verily He (Jesus) took [manifested] not on Him [the likeness or] the nature of angels; but He took (manifested) on Him [as a human in] the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things [as an incarnated human] it behoved Him to be made [human] like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful [Melchisedec] High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people [and not reconciliation for the sins of the fallen angels].

Romans 2:14-16 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature [a good conscience] the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Recovering the Gospel - Why Belief in an Unlimited Atonement Matters

I expect there will be no disagreement on the affirmation regarding the penal substitution of Christ. The penal substitutionary atonement, though often attacked and vilified in modern theology, is the bedrock doctrine for explaining the work of Christ on the cross for the sins of the world. Sin can only be atoned by the shed blood of Christ on the cross as our substitute. The word "penal" connotes legal imagery. Jesus' death on the cross satisfied the justice and wrath of God against our sin. Apart from Christ, there is no salvation. Apart from his atonement, there is no salvation. Only the cross of Christ provides an available and effective sacrifice for the sins of every person. ... When it comes to the atonement, it is crucial to keep three major concepts in mind: 1) intent, 2) extent, and 3) application. The "intent" of the atonement answers the question: "What was God's purpose in providing the atonement. The "extent" of the atonement answers the question: "For whose sins did Christ die?" The "application" of the atonement answers the question: "When and to whom is the atonement applied?" Though these questions are interrelated, my comments below will be focused primarily on the question of "extent." ... The key issue in the debate over the extent of the atonement has to do with the "sufficiency" of Christ's death. All Calvinists will affirm this sufficiency as "infinite" to save any and all. But, and this is crucial, what those who hold to limited atonement mean by this is that Christ's death could have paid for the sins of the whole world had God intended for it to do so, but He did not intend such and hence the death of Christ is limited to the sins of the elect. We believe, along with all Calvinists who reject limited atonement, that Christ's death is actually sufficient for the sins of all because it actually paid for the sins of all. This is called "infinite" or "universal" sufficiency. ...

By David L. Allen, Professor of Preaching, George W. Truett Chair of Ministry, Director of the Southwestern Center for Expository Preaching, and Dean of the School of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Article Seven: The Sovereignty of God of "A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God's Plan of Salvation" sbctoday.com

For most of us, it is moral and ethical character and not skilled intimidation that elicits praise. What is truly praiseworthy about God's sovereignty is not that He exercises a power He obviously has, but that, because of His character, He does not exercise all the power He could. Perhaps the greatest testimony to God's sovereignty is that God created beings who possess the power to say no to Him. ~ Dr. Bruce McLaughlin

Review by Mike Leake (blog: Borrowed Light) of the book "Killing Calvinism" by Greg Dutcher Borrowed Light

Here are his eight ways that Calvinists can destroy Calvinism

By loving Calvinism as an end in itself

By becoming theologians instead of disciples

By loving God's sovereignty more than God himself

By losing an urgency in evangelism

By refusing to learn from non-Calvinists

By tidying up the Bible's "loose ends"

By being a bunch of arrogant know-it-alls

By scoffing at the emotional hang-ups others have with Calvinism

Reading through Dutcher's work exposed a few vestiges of both pride and inconsistency in my walk with Christ. There were a few moments in the book where I found myself soundly rebuked. Funny thing is I think I had even taught some of these points myself, but the way that Dutcher worded them and proclaimed them brought conviction to my soul. Here is a helpful sample for you to see how Dutcher is passionate, forceful, and yet very gracious: A disciple is a student of Christ-someone who spends time with the Savior in order to come to know him better and resemble him more closely. As a pastor, I have found that many Christians simply assume that learning more and more about the Bible and theology-Reformed theology in particular-is the same thing as growing as a disciple. It isn't. Robust theology can be a powerful catalyst in this process, but like anything else, we can turn it into an idol. The danger is that, while we may begin with Reformed theology as the framework by which we more coherently understand and appreciate our faith, over time it can become the substance of our faith. At that point, daily living is more about mastering Reformed doctrine than being mastered by Jesus and his total claim over every area of life. ~ Mike Leake

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Hebrews 10:14-25 For by one [atonement] offering He (Jesus) hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He had said before, This is the Covenant [New Testament] that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into [the opened way - into the presence of God - and eternal life - provided by the atonement] the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated [atoned] for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; And having an [Melchisedec] High Priest over the House of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised; And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day [return of Jesus Christ] approaching.

When the broken relationship is identified as broken, it is then possible to determine a remedy (Atonement). It is up to the offended party to declare what is suitable to repair the relationship and it is up to the offending party to desire to remedy the relationship otherwise the relationship will remain broken.

God being the offended one has declared that a relationship in the current sinful physical state of man is not acceptable. God has determined that to repair the relationship it will be necessary to have a new birth, a new Spiritual Born Again birth. Now it would normally be up to the offending party to meet the needs of the offended one therefore restoring the relationship. In this case, man is not able to repair the breach, the brokenness is too broken for us to repair. In this case God, has sent Himself to repair (atone) the separation on man's behalf.

The atonement is what the offending party is offering to the offended party. God has a special category of people that make offerings to Him. This group of people is called priests. A priest offers to God on behalf of man, where a prophet receives from God and offers it to man. Because God is not upset with Himself and God is not in a broken relationship with Himself, God has no need to make atonement with Himself. For this reason God had to become a man. God had to become a man and serve as a priest to offer atonement (repair) for the broken relationship between man and God.

After the offending party offers the repair (atonement) it is up to the offended party to determine if the offering is acceptable and if acceptable, therefore repairing and restoring the relationship. We know beyond any doubt that Jesus and what Jesus did as a Priest in offering atonement to God is acceptable to God and has repaired the relationship between man and God. The reason that we know this is that God resurrected Jesus from death in an eternal Spiritual body.

Romans 1:3 Concerning His (Father's) Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

The atonement between man and God is complete and completed; there is no current or future work of atonement. We have received the work that Jesus as our High Priest did for us on the cross. The relationship between man and God is now open and available. The atonement is a sacrifice that is offered from a priest to God. We do not receive atonement [directly] from God. God is not offering atonement directly to us because He has not offended us. Now that the relationship between God and man has been atoned (repaired) by the cross of Jesus Christ it is now the responsibility of each individual person to take advantage of the repaired relationship and enter into the atonement of Jesus Christ and have a relationship with God.

It should also be noted: Regarding the incorrect doctrine of 'Limited Atonement' that the Atonement [Christ] was sacrificed here on earth - there is no atonement blood being sacrificed in heaven to be given down to mankind. The atonement blood sacrifice was shed on the cross of Jesus on earth and the works of the cross of Jesus offered up and accepted by God the Father in Heaven creating a completed atonement [the repaired relationship between the Holy God and a sinful mankind] at one time for all mankind; past, present and future. -- "Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." -- "Leviticus 6:7 And the priest (Hebrews 3:1, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 6:20) shall make an atonement for him [sinner] before the LORD [God]: and it shall be forgiven him [sinner] for any thing of all that he hath done [sins] in trespassing therein." -- Also Note: The atonement sacrifice of Jesus is complete, conclusive and eternal for all mankind who are willing to receive it because the blood that Jesus shed on the cross after His death [full payment for our sins] is blood that is sinless [unlimited], Holy [in fellowship with God] and eternally [pre-existent] alive [Spirit life]. We receive our eternal life from the eternal life of the blood (Leviticus 17:11) of Jesus promised at the Last Supper Communion (Matthew 26:28) then shed and poured out (John 19:34 - Psalms 22:14 - Isaiah 53:12) on the cross. -- David Anson Brown

John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word (Jesus Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word (Jesus Christ) was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him (Jesus Christ); and without Him was not any thing made [created] that was made. In Him (Jesus Christ) was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man [John the Baptist] sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He [John the Baptist] was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That (Jesus Christ) was the True Light, which lighteth [gives life to] every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name (Jesus Christ): Which were born [Spiritually], not [physically] of blood, nor of [physical effort] the will of the flesh, nor of the will [human desires] of man, but of God. And the Word (Jesus Christ) was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of Grace and Truth. John bare witness of Him, and cried, saying, This was He of whom I spake, He (Jesus Christ) that cometh [physically] after me is preferred before me: for He [eternally] was before me. And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; [only] the only begotten Son (Jesus Christ), which is in the bosom of the Father, He (Jesus Christ) hath declared Him.

God's Knowledge

Omniscience

Omni - all, complete; Science - knowledge, wisdom, understanding, design

Verses - 1st Samuel 23:11,12; Job 11:8; Psalms 104:24; John 18:4 19:28; Ephesians 1:8; Colossians 1:9 2:3 3:16; James 1:5

Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.

Colossians 2:2-3 ... to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God [Holy Spirit] and of the Father [God] and of Christ [Jesus Christ - the Son]; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Source: Basic Christian: Theology

God's plan for His creation

God has a plan and as His plan His creation has been manifested into existence, including all of time [past (history), present and future] and within it all the entirety of humanity.

God's complete Omniscience knowledge as it affects mankind is commonly referred to in three parts or three phases.

God's knowledge of His originally intended plan [aka God's necessary knowledge - God's perfect will] i.e. mankind created and originally intended to remain in the Garden of Eden without sin or the knowledge and experience of sin.

God's knowledge of all possible events [aka God's middle knowledge - God's common grace] within the Freewill of His creation, especially regarding the freewill of mankind.

God's knowledge and ability [aka God's reality, ontology - God's special grace] to be brought about throughout the freewill of His creation. God's intended and desired results.

Biblical Examples

God's necessary knowledge - God's perfect will

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven [sky] and the earth.

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us [Father, Son, Holy Spirit] make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

God's middle knowledge - God's common grace

1 Samuel 23:1-5 Then they told [King] David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors. Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah. And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

1 Samuel 23:9-14 And [King] David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod. Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down. Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

Acts 9:10-12 And there was a certain disciple [common Christian] at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Acts 16:9-10 And a vision appeared to [Apostle] Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed [asked] him, saying, Come over into Macedonia [Greece], and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the Gospel unto them.

God's reality, ontology - God's special grace

Revelation 21:1-4 And I saw a New Heaven [sky] and a New Earth: for the First Heaven [sky] and the First Earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

David Anson Brown 08:03, 17 December 2011 (MST)

Salvation

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Psalms 3:8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: Thy blessing is upon Thy people. Selah.

Psalms 24:5 He [disciple] shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psalms 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Psalms 116:13 I will take the Cup of Salvation, and call upon the Name of the LORD.

Isaiah 12:1-6 And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise Thee: though Thou wast angry with me, Thine anger is turned away, and Thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon His Name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His Name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for He hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Romans 13:11-14 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Individual Repentance and Individual Salvation

Traditionally individual salvation follows an individual's repentance

Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

2 Corinthians 4:1-7 Therefore seeing we [Christians] have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the Truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the Glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this [born again] treasure in earthen vessels [our physical body], that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Apostles Era

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Acts 1:1-3 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [including revealing Himself in His resurrection form] Until the day in which He was taken up [Ascension - 40 days after the resurrection of Jesus and ten days before Pentecost], after that He (Jesus) through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom He had chosen: To whom also He shewed Himself alive after [Holy Week] His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them (Apostles) forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God:

Acts 2:40-43 And with many other words did he [Apostle Peter] testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they [common Christians] that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day [Pentecost] there were added unto them [Christian Church] about three thousand souls. And they [common Christians] continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the Apostles.

Romans 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia [1 Corinthians 15:6 - fellow Jews (a husband and wife) who had also witnessed the resurrection of Jesus back in Jerusalem], my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the Apostles, who also were in Christ before me [Apostle Paul].

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that He was seen of Cephas [Apostle Peter], then of the Twelve: After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the Apostles. And last of all He was seen of me [Apostle Paul] also, as of one born out of due time [outside the 40 resurrection days of the Apostolic Era]. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the Household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the [N.T.] Apostles and [O.T.] Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an Holy Temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the [Holy] Spirit.

Apostolic Age

Background

The Apostles Era was initiated during the 40 days that the resurrected Jesus revealed Himself to mankind. In order to be a Biblical Apostle of the Apostolic Era a person would have to have personally witness the bodily Resurrection life of Jesus Christ and then would have gone out and proclaimed to others the "Gospel" the Good News of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Today Christians are "sent out" as an apostle but it is via their Witness of the Holy Spirit and not from a direct bodily encounter with the Resurrected Jesus Christ that the original Apostles had encountered.

One of the more interesting aspects of looking at the lives of the Apostles is just how much each of their individual lives changed and it changed primarily from their outlook from being socially [worldly, societally] aware to becoming Kingdom aware and eternally aware in Jesus Christ.

The change among each individual Apostle seems to have been huge as it encompassed their personalities, individual behavior and individual outlook on life and in fact the very meaning of life itself for each of them. Therefore the majority of the Biblical writings of the Apostles is directed at a certain amount of expected godly behavior modification, in a good way i.e. removing doubt, uncertainty and fear, in the lives of each new Christian convert.

The first Church Council of Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem offered four behavior modification agendas to the new Gentile Christian converts.

The Church Creeds [Jerusalem, Nicene, etc.] are important and relevant to all of Christianity. The Jerusalem Creed [1st Church Council about 49 A.D. in Jerusalem] has 4 Cornerstones. "Acts 1:20-21 [The Jerusalem Creed - 1st Church Council about 49 A.D. in Jerusalem] But that we [Apostles] write unto them [Gentile Christians], (1.) that they abstain from [occult] pollutions of idols, (2.) and from [immorality] fornication, (3.) and from things [cruelty] strangled, (4.) and from [Levitical] blood. **For Moses of old time hath [traditional Jews] in every city them that preach him (Moses), being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day" the fourth one being not to offend traditional Jews. Since one of the Cornerstones of the 1st Church Council is to support Jews and Traditional Judaism it is an original and longstanding tenant that true Christianity acknowledges its debt and emergence from (God ordained) Mosaic Judaism.

But by the time the Christian Church matured into the later Church Councils (i.e. Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.) the majority of the entire Church Council was no longer about individual Christian behavior modification but instead became vested, almost exclusively, in individual Christian though, knowledge and doctrine. This later Christian Pastoral emphasis on individual Christian thought (i.e. think as I do) has continued on until the present modern Church day.

Though now Pastor Rick Warren and many others are dramatically shifting the current Christian Church away from thought, creeds and doctrines and are again shifting the Christian Church back into the realm of behavior modification but disastrously it is not a return to the original behavior modification and godly accountability the Church Apostles sought for each Christian convert it is instead a behavior modification that is directing each individual away from Christianity and back into the abyss of the world specifically the very spiritually dangerous occult and pagan world.

Note: The first generation or two of Church leaders, bishops and writers after the Apostles are known as the "Church Fathers" [i.e. Irenaeus] and apparently if they were actually a disciple of one of the Apostles [i.e. Papias (70-163 A.D.) and Saint Polycarp (69-155 A.D.)] they instead were called an "Apostolic Father."

Source: blog History Study

Church Dispensations

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Ephesians 2:4-7 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened [made alive] us together with [Jesus] Christ, by grace ye are saved; And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages [times - dispensations] to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Church Dispensations

The four Church Dispensations encompassing the time of the 1st and 2nd Comings of Jesus Christ

The Four Dispensations of the times since the 1st Coming of Jesus Christ and up until His 2nd Coming seem to have been mapped out and enacted throughout the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome (Acts chapters 27 and 28).

Summary:

The Apostles Era Dispensation (Acts 27:1-5)

The Common Christian Church Age (Acts 27:6-44)

The Martyred Saints of Revelation and Tribulation (Acts 28:1-15)

The 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom Reign of Jesus Christ on earth (Acts 28:16-31)

The Four Dispensations of Time Periods Illustrated in the Bible's book of Acts

1. The Apostles Era Dispensation

The Apostles Dispensation (Acts 27:1-5): Paul and the other Apostles [eyewitnesses] of Jesus Christ go into the world preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ. "Acts 27:3-5 And [representing the Apostolic Missionary Journey Age] the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave *him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the **winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia." {Note: Luke and the Apostle Paul seem to be recording two primary things. 1. Looking back on all of Paul's Missionary Journeys that Paul felt that they had gone well and that on the whole the Gospel was being well received "him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself" that Paul had made a lot of friends on his Missionary Trips and was refreshed by the fellowship he had with the Gentile Christians. 2. Also noting that "the [spiritual] winds were contrary" seeming to imply that there was a great deal of spiritual (demonic) opposition to the Gospel Message going forward.}

2. The Common Christian Church Age

The Common Christian Church Age (Acts 27:6-44): "Acts 27:6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein." {Note: The ship of the Apostolic Age has ended and the ship of the Common Christian Church Age has launched - carrying the nourishing wheat (Bible) and the four anchors (4 Gospels). The [Christian] ship spends a great deal of time in the port of "Fair Havens" and then departs into adversity to the extent that the storms of life strand and tear the ship apart. Noteworthy, the Church [ship] has the four anchors [4 Gospels] and correctly uses them to stabilize the ship in dangerous waters however also note how the cargo of wheat [Bible] is considered too big of a burden and is cast overboard (Acts 27:38) away from the Church.

3. The Martyred Saints of Revelation and Tribulation

The Martyred Saints of Revelation and Tribulation (Acts 28:1-15): After the Christian Church Age has come to an end the Revelation Tribulation Age begins. {Note: The Saints of Revelation are washed ashore into a strange society and economy where they are refuges; destitute and in peril. Though working hard and trying to get along they are Bitten by the Beast and transported to fellowship with their fellow Martyrs.

4. The 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom Reign of Jesus Christ on earth

The 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom Reign of Jesus Christ on earth (Acts 27:16-31): Having finally arrived in Rome the Throne of the King the Millennial Rein of Jesus Christ is now being depicted. {Note: As a type of a citizen of the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ, Paul is sent not to jail but to his own house to live [for two years]. Once in his Millennial House the Apostle Paul immediately begins to fellowship with the Jews of the Millennial Age.} -- Paul's Journey to Rome and the book of Acts concludes "Acts 28:30-31 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, **Preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

Source: blog History Study

David Anson Brown 09:50, 17 December 2011 (MST)

Holiness Movement

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Isaiah 5:16-17 But the LORD of Hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is Holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. Then shall the lambs feed after their manner ...

Isaiah 47:4 As for our Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts is His name, the Holy One of Israel.

Zechariah 14:20-21 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.

Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Source CommonChristianCommunity.com

Holiness Movement

Resources

Kentucky Mountain Bible College (KMBC) Holiness Summit 2011 - Website

2011-10-12.mp3 - introduction
2011-10-13.mp3
2011-10-30.mp3
2011-10-31HER.mp3
2011-10-31LOR.mp3
2011-10-31PER.mp3
2011-10-31SPE.mp3 - historical background
2011-10-31WIL.mp3
2011-11-01.mp3
2011-11-02SPE.mp3
2011-11-03NEI.mp3
2011-11-08FIS.mp3
2011-11-10SPE.mp3
2011-11-15NEL.mp3
2011-11-17GRF.mp3
2011-11-29PAU.mp3
2011-12-01JEN.mp3
Source: Holiness Legacy - Resources

David Anson Brown 06:15, 16 December 2011 (MST)

Covenant Old

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Old Testament - Old Covenant

Leviticus chapters 1-5 The Laws for the offerings of the Levitical Priesthood

There are multiple parts to the Old Testament Levitical Atonement 'Kaphar' (3722) Covering Sin Offering:

The sacrifice has to have a cost to the sinner, a precious useful animal was to be sacrificed.

The laying on of hands onto the animal's head then the confession and transfer of sins from the sinner to the innocent sacrifice.

The sacrifice dies with your sins, death of the sins.

The blood [life] of the animal is poured out providing a New Life opportunity (for a season, often one year) from the blood of the sacrifice for the sinner.

Types of Offerings

The Burnt Offering Sacrifice: Giving totally to God, the entire sacrifice is consumed in fire and given to God. [Note: humans can and should concentrate themselves to God for a time, a season or even just an event. Where the animal offering was burnt and given to God it is the human service, fellowship that is consecrate to God. - The pagan practice is to burn a human in the fire but if a Christian person died in a fire that would end their consecration not start it and there is no such alter of God that would ever accept a human offering, a human is never ever to enter a physical fire as a sacrifice in Judaism/Christianity. The pagan practice of human sacrifice is strictly forbidden and prohibited in worshiping the true God of Israel.]

The Grain Offering: A sweat smelling (savor) freewill offer given to God. Bread flower covered with oil and sprinkled with Frankincense aroma is burnt in the fire with the smell of baking bread ascending up into heaven. No human induced ingredients are allowed no leaven [sin] and no honey [mans accomplishments] are allowed in the offering.

The Peace (Fellowship) Offering: An animal to be roasted as a celebration meal. The animal had to be without spot [inherited birth defect] or blemish [acquired defect]. The animal was to be roasted the fat [worry] was to be removed and burned separately and given to God the people couldn't eat the fat [worry]. The blood [life] was also to be poured out as at no time could they eat any blood [life of the animal].

Sin Offering for Unintentional Sin (weaknesses): A young bull for the sins of individual people. A mature bull for the sins of a Priest. A [goat] that the leader was to lay hands on it for the sins of the nation.

Trespass Offering for Intentional Sin: A sin offering plus a grain (flour) offering withholding the oil and the Frankincense aroma. -- Having sacrificed to God and their sins now covered for a year the O.T. Saints could then live in the presence of God to commune and interact with God however the O.T. animal sacrifices did not provide the individual direct access to God. The individual people did not live in the perceivable presence of God, did not have direct access to God and did not experience God the way individual N.T. saints often do.

Leviticus chapters 6-10

The offerings to God are to restore man's fellowship with God - The problem of sin [a separator, barrier between us and God] is not on God's side the problem is on our side therefore a sacrifice had to be made to cover the sin (or remove the sin N.T.) and open the way to God - Aaron and his sons are anointed for their ministry - the people view the anointing and consecration of Aaron and his sons - During the first offerings 'strange fire' is offered to God and two of Aaron's sons die in the process.

Strange Fire: 'Leviticus 9:23-10:3 And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces. Leviticus And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire [not from the alter] therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh Me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.'

Leviticus 10:8-9 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine [influences] nor strong drink [delusion], thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations

Acts 5:1-11 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept [the problem was in the deception not in the keeping] back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost [the only acceptable wine (Holy Spirit), influence that we can be under in our approach God], and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power [they didn't have to give it all]? why hast thou conceived this thing [disception] in thine heart? thou hast not lied [Strange Fire] unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much [deception]. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt [Strange Fire] the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the Church, and upon as many as heard these things.

[The water Baptized] Ananias and Sapphira encountered the same judgment that befell [the water baptized] Nadab and Abihu the sons of Aaron so many years before and that could befall any servant of God at any time even today. Both pairs of 'Priests' were children of God and are in heaven today however each of their ministries to God was ended suddenly by their own rash actions. It was two different Priesthoods; Nadab and Abihu were a part of the Levitical/Aaronic Priesthood while Ananias and Sapphira were a part of the Melchizedek/Jesus Priesthood. Two Priesthoods; one pair offering strange physical fire the other pair offering strange spiritual fire both to the same God and all received the same results.

Note: Ananias and Sapphira both died as believing Christians they did not die in unbelief they died offering an unacceptable [strange fire] sacrifice offering to God.

Source: blog Bible Study

David Anson Brown 08:24, 18 December 2011 (MST)

New Covenant

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a New Covenant with the House of Israel, and with the House of Judah:

Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Ephesians 2:11-22 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the Covenants of Promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the Law of Commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one [Holy] Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the Household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles [N.T.] and Prophets [O.T.], Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an Holy Temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the [Holy] Spirit.

New Testament - New Covenant

The Church did not exist during the Old Testament times

In other words, Noah, Abraham, King David, Solomon, and even John the Baptist, although each was in a relationship with God, were not Christians, and for a very good reason, each of these people lived and died prior to the Cross of Jesus. Before the Cross of Jesus the remedy for Sin had not yet occurred and with sin a "Gathering of the Sinless (in Image)" was not available as God's Spirit is not intimately available with Sin.

Once Jesus came into humanity in the Virgin Birth and then died on the cross as full payment for all of the sins of the world then on His "Resurrection Day" the Church age could then begin. The Church could not be gathered prior to the cross and without the resurrection there would not be the Living Leader.

The Church/Christians are Identified as the ones who have Received by faith in Jesus the Spirit of God and by receiving the Spirit of God are now in the Sinless Image of Jesus and God the Father is now also our Father as the Christian is now a Child of God. This event of Jesus giving the Spirit and the individuals each receiving the Spirit of God began on Sunday the very day of the Resurrection of Jesus.

New Testament Teaching

The teaching of the New Testament is that the Laws of God are to be obeyed in our spirit and our soul with our heart, mind, and emotions.

Romans 9:30-33 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion (Zion) a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on Him (Jesus) shall not be ashamed.

Mark 3:4 And He (Jesus) saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill?

Luke 10:25-28 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He (Jesus) said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

The Laws of the New Testament are therefore considered spiritual first and physical second while the laws of the Old Testament are considered physical first and spiritual second. This reversal in law is consistent with the Born Again reversal of human nature. Before the Born Again Spirit of Jesus man did not have the ability to appropriate Spiritual Laws into his being and therefore the Laws were physical in nature directing towards Spiritual standards. Now since the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus for the Born Again Christian with the Spirit (Seed) of God residing within them a Spiritual Christian can understand the Spiritual nature of the Laws of God and is more readily able to live according to the Spiritual implications with the Spiritual intentions of telling the truth - do not lie, love your neighbor - do not hate, live a pure moral lifestyle - do not commit sexual sin.

Matthew 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I (Jesus) say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

James 2:8-13 ye fulfil the royal law (love God, love your neighbor) according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

James 4:11-12 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

1 John 3:4-11 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him (Jesus) is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born (Again from Above) of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born (Again from Above) of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

1 John 3:13-16 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Matthew 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I (Jesus) say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Source: The Pierre Statement on Biblical Doctrines by confessing Christians

David Anson Brown 08:35, 18 December 2011 (MST)

3 Global Judgments

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

The 3 Global Judgments

The 4 Earths

Earth 1.0 Adam and Eve (creation earth)

Earth 2.0 The present earth (since the flood of Noah)

Earth 3.0 The coming Millennial Reign (at the 2nd Coming return of Jesus Christ)

Earth 4.0 The New Heavens (sky) and New Earth (unjudged) - The Eternal State

The 3 Global Judgments

Judgment 1.0 water: flood of Noah

Judgment 2.0 blood: moon, stars, earthquakes

Judgment 3.0 spirit: earth and sky dissolved with fire (2 Peter 3:12-14)

Judgment 4.0 no judgment: eternal earth/state no judgment (Revelation 21:1-4)

Water: Original creation earth 1.0 and Judgment 1.0

Creation 1.0

Genesis 1:1-3 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the *waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so." -- "Genesis 2:6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered [witnessed to] the whole face of the ground.

Genesis 2:10 And a river (witness) went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.

Judgment 1.0

Genesis 7:9-10 There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah. And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.

Earth 2.0 Creation

Blood: Creation of Resurrection (out of the water of Noah's flood) creating earth 2.0

Genesis 8:1 And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a *wind [as a witness to mankind] to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;" -- "Genesis 8:14 And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the [second] earth dried.

Judgments of earth 2.0

Exodus 7:17 Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I [Moses] will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river [Nile], and they shall be turned to blood.

Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;" -- "Revelation 8:8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;

Spirit: Creation of Millennial Reign (restored - modified, shaken) earth 3.0

Revelation 16:18-20 And there were voices [witnesses], and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon [Mystery Babylon - fallen angelic realm] came in remembrance before God, to give unto her [scarlet woman - false church] the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

Millennial Reign earth 3.0

Isaiah 11:4-6 But with righteousness shall He [Messiah, Jesus] judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins [determination]. [for 1,000 years] The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

2 Peter 3:6-7 Whereby the world [earth 1.0] that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now [earth 2.0, and later earth 3.0], by the same word are kept in store [modified into earth 3.0], reserved unto fire [judgment 3.0] against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

2 Peter 3:12-14 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth [earth 4.0], wherein dwelleth [only] righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him [Jesus Christ] in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Revelation 21:1-4 And I saw a New Heaven and a New Earth: for the first heaven and the first earth [all of earth 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0] were [completely] passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice [witness] out of heaven saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former [earth] things are passed away.

Advanced Judgment Accountability

The two generations of advanced judgment accountability

The 1st generation the people of the generation of the 1st coming of Jesus [with the Nation of Israel, the Laws of Moses (O.T.) and the Jerusalem Temple all in operation as a witness]

Matthew 12:38-42 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But He [Jesus] answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas [Jonah]: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in **judgment with this generation [the generation of the 1st coming of Jesus], and shall condemn it: because they [Nineveh] repented at the preaching of Jonas [Jonah]; and, behold [the Christ], a greater than Jonas [Jonah] is here. The queen of the south [Queen Sheba] shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold [the Christ], a greater than Solomon is here.

The 2nd generation the people of the generation of the 2nd coming of Jesus [with the re-established Nation of Israel, the first coming of Jesus (N.T.) and the future Jerusalem Temple all as a witness]

Revelation 13:9-10 If any man have an ear, let him hear. He [of this 2nd generation, the 2nd coming of Jesus] that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the [Tribulation] patience and the [End Time] faith of the saints.

Testimony, Salvation and Judgment of the cross of Jesus Christ

The Biblical triune (3 in 1) nature *testimony (physical life), *salvation (Spiritual life - eternal life) and *judgment of the cross of Jesus Christ

1st Judgment at physical death (1 Corinthians 4:4-5, 2 Corinthians 5:10)

2nd Judgment and eternal death, 1 Corinthians 5:13, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 20:6,14 Revelation 21:8

The water, blood and Spirit (also represented in breath, wind, fire) that are each freely offered and given from God to all of mankind globally as a life giving (sustaining) witness and also as a witness of sin (and eventually as a judgment against sin), and importantly as a testimony of the once physical presence of Jesus Christ on earth (John 19:30, John 19:34-35) and of His eternal remedy for our own individual eternal Salvation.

John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word [Jesus] was [and is] God {validated by His resurrection (Romans 1:4)}. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him [Jesus]; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him [Jesus] was [an is] life; and the life was [and is] the light of men.

John 3:5-13 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of *water [womb, physical human life] and of the *Spirit [Holy Spirit - born again], he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, **Ye must be born again. The wind [G4151] bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound [G5456] thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master [teacher] of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, ***We (1 John 5:7-9) speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He [Jesus] that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is [G5607] in heaven.

John 19:34-35 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His [Jesus'] side, and forthwith came there out {the global Judgment, global Testimony and global Salvation of} *blood and *water [and *Spirit] {the Spirit departing Jesus in Truth (John 19:30)}. And he (Disciple John) *that saw it bare record [testimony], and his [testimony] record is true: **and he knoweth that he saith true, ***that ye [individuals] might believe [salvation].

1 John 5:7-9 For there are *three (triune) that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear *witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, *the witness [Spirit, water, blood] of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son [Jesus Christ].

Source: blog History Study

David Anson Brown 10:45, 18 December 2011 (MST)

8 Spiritual Realms

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Genesis 2:4 These are the generations [dimensions - realms] of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens ...

The Spiritual Realms

8 Spiritual Realms

The 8 dimensions and the original creation week (Genesis 1:1-2:4) and are categorized as follows:

Length [Day one creation - light separated [Judgment] (length) from darkness]

Height [Day two creation - divided the waters above from the waters below]

Width [Day three creation - dry land and plants]

Time [Day four creation - sun, moon, stars for times and seasons]

Demonic [Nephilim spirits] - demons [Day five creation - fish from the waters below, birds from the waters above]

Angelic - Holy Angels and also Satan with all of his fallen angels [Day six creation - land animals and humans (pre-fall) - humans the highest part of creation created separate and above the animals and equal to the angels but with sin mankind fell from the 6th dimension to the 4th dimension, in fact with the sin of mankind all of creation also fell from its original creation status]

Human Salvation redeemed by the blood, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ [Day seven creation - Rest]

Unrestricted [outside of creation] - The only Unrestricted, Eternal, Wise, 8 Infinite, Almighty God consisting of God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Humans exist in and are limited to the first three physical dimensions (length, height, width) and also the fourth dimension (restriction) of time.

The spiritual realm of demons, angels and in part the coming Antichrist exists in the less restricted 5th and 6th dimensions. In fact the coming Antichrist is going to bring down or "contact" the 5th and 6th dimensions and infuse 4th dimensional human beings with 5th dimensional demons [Nephilim spirits] and 6th dimensional fallen [Satanic] angelic spirit beings consequently orchestrating 5th and 6th dimensional miracles and signs and wonders in order to deceive mankind.

Note: So who is Melchizedek? Melchizedek is the manifestation [into our human realms] of the infinite dimensional (infinite dimensions - no restrictions - unrestricted) God in Person. Melchizedek is God the Holy Spirit in Person. Melchizedek is the Order of the Holy Spirit Priesthood.

Genesis 2:4 These are the generations [dimensions - realms] of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens ...

Source: blog Bible Study

Source: blog History Study

Source: The Pierre Statement on Biblical Doctrines by confessing Christians

David Anson Brown 11:14, 18 December 2011 (MST)

Antichrist

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Actually anyone who denies Jesus is making themself an antichrist

People who deny their own personal sin and need for a personal savior have made themselves their own savior and are their own Christ and have become their own "instead of" (Anti)Christ.

Anti means instead of, the instead of Christ. It is like asking for water and instead getting poison. The poison may look and smell like water but it is not water and will not refresh and sustain life. It will, instead, poison and take life. The antichrist is the same way; he is "instead" of Jesus. Jesus is the real Savior that is why He became a man to save us from our sins. We are already saved completely; we have no further need for another savior. The one we have, Jesus, is sufficient. The coming one is not a savior he is a deceiver, a counterfeit, a phony, a liar and all who follow his poisonous lies will be led into death with him who opposes the real and living God.

1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists (self saviors); whereby we know that it is the last time.

Source: Basic Christian: Theology

Mark of the Beast 666

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Basic Christian: Mark of the Beast 666

Mark of the Beast (666) - See also Antichrist, End Times, & Martyred Saints of Revelation

Charagma (5480) Mark, stamp, symbol, impression, etching, engraving i.e. statue

Eikon(1504) Icon, image, statue, representation, figure, commemoration

Number 666 - Representation of incompleteness, 6 6 6 trinity of incompleteness

Verses - Matthew 24:4-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12; 2 Timothy 3:13; Revelation 13:16 15:2 19:20

First Use: Genesis 4:15 ... And the LORD set a mark upon Cain ...
{This mark from the LORD was for Cain's protection. Satan is out to Counterfeit the actions of God therefore Satan wants to put his evil mark on people, marking people for his destruction.}

It is the plan of God to mark His people with His distinction and in marking them to set them apart, apart form the world and gathered together unto God.

Ezekiel 9:3-6 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon He was, to the threshold of the house. And He called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house (Temple).

Satan is not original in his plans he is simply out to imitate God by seeking the worship that belongs to God and he is attempting to corrupt the true things of God. Therefore Satan has his own version of a mark and his Satanic version is referred to as "The mark of the beast".

Revelation 13:14-18 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred (600) threescore (60) and six (6)666.

Three aspects to the Mark of the Beast

There are at least three aspects to the mark of the Beast as explained in the book of Revelation it is an actual mark or marking and it is also an Image (Icon) a representation of the Antichrist (Satan) himself and it is represented in his personal name of, emptiness, which is referenced by the number 666.

It is important to note that as a Mark and an Icon it is a representation of an actual person and of an actual event (the event of the fake resurrection of the Antichrist), meaning that the person and the event must first come then the Icon follows to commemorate/represent what has already occurred. This means that the mark is not available prior to the Antichrist therefore eliminating any existing objects like, credit cards, social security numbers or computer chips from being the mark of the beast.

The Mark of the Beast is Satan's mark

The event that Satan is commemorating by offering his mark is his own fake, arranged death and resurrection. That's right, Satan in being the Antichrist is attempting to counterfeit and copy what Jesus has already done for real in His Atoning death and His Sanctifying resurrection.

Revelation 13:3-4 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Worship is to acknowledge where our life comes from. Jesus proved His claim to be the source of all life by His Resurrection after His death on the cross. Satan is going to attempt to stage the death of a person and will then possess this dead or near dead person enacting out a counterfeit resurrection. A resurrection that will give Satan a claim that he is a creator of life and this is to be the cause of the worship to Satan and it is Satan's resurrection and his false claim that he is the giver of eternal life that his mark, icon, and name (666) are commemorating and representing. In fact the response from God to the fake resurrection of the antichrist is to send an angel to proclaim that mankind is to Worship God and God only as God is the Creator and sustainer of all life.

Revelation 14:6-11 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach (The Church has been Raptured into heaven therefore an angel is giving the message) unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon (modern Iraq rebuilt) is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication (false religion). And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation (wrath); and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

The Mark of the Beast is a Satanic counterfeit

The mark of the beast is the Satanic counterfeit to the "Born Again" Spirit and condition of the Christian. [Note at this future time the Christian Church will have been Raptured and will be in heaven. This fake mark will only be an option to those who are still left on the earth and have not yet become Martyred Saints.]

Deuteronomy 13:1-5 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and ye shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him. And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death (separation); because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

Just as the Christian Receives the Holy Spirit from God as a seal a mark of belonging to God, in the future Satan will counterfeit the "Born Again" condition of the Christian with his own Satanic version. Remember that the issue here is Eternal Life and who can provide it the God who Created Life or the counterfeit and lies of Satan. Satan's counterfeit mark is the promise to offer eternal life yet Satan is not God and does not have the ability to fulfill his promises and likewise Satan is not God and does not have the Triune nature of God therefore Satan cannot give a holy spirit so continuing his counterfeit Satan seals the initiate with a demonic spirit. It is this sad and permanent spiritual marriage/matting between the human and the demonic spirit [Nirvana] that so alters the human that the human is no longer in the image that God created the human to be in and is now therefore incapable of ever receiving salvation from God. The human with the mark of Satan has forfeited any opportunity to receive Salvation from God.

Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

This demonic infusion (mingling - Nirvana) into the human spirit and soul by the human receiving the mark of the beast is best explained by the Old Testament Prophet Daniel.

Daniel 2:42-45 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the (Satanic) kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron [demons] mixed with miry (bad/unusable) clay [people], they (demons) shall mingle themselves with the seed (soul) of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven {return and} set up a Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other (non-Christian) people, ...

God Bless you,
David Anson Brown

Source Mark of the Beast 666

David Anson Brown 08:39, 19 December 2011 (MST)

Gnostic heresy

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

The Jesus was only human Gnostic heresy refuted

"Any marriage prior to the Cross would mean that Jesus was marring a sinner and really teachings of an earthly marriage of Jesus are yet another false set of teachings that are attempting to do away with the need of mankind for the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross and of His Glorious Resurrection and it is an attempt to deny the special relationship that Jesus has with His Bride - The Church."

Source: Jesus had no Wife

Did Jesus have a wife and child? Of course Not!

The Da Vinci Code Debunked and Defunked - Get Ready To Learn The Facts!

This book is just another garden variety assault on the integrity of the Bible and its old school at that!

It's simply a combination of old paganism and old Gnosticism (secret knowledge), brought to life by a master storyteller. It's all quite amusing, if it's accepted for what it really is: not historical fiction, but pure fiction. And as engaging as the book is, it can't compare to the thrill of discovering the historical truth about the events that have shaped the very foundations of modern civilization.

On the contrary, there are verses that logically indicate that Jesus was not married. In his first letter to the Corinthian church the apostle

Paul wrote: "Don't we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas?" 1 Corinthians 9:5-6. ... Paul is saying that he had the right to be married just like the Lord's brothers and the other apostles. But logically if Jesus were married, why wouldn't Paul cite the Lord's marriage as the ultimate authority for his own right to have a wife? Why didn't he say "Jesus was married, so I have the right to marry"? Such a statement would have much greater weight.

Gnosticism

Gnosticism: The Gnostic NIV Bible Exposed - A look At Gnosticism And The NIV

The Gnostics were a group of individuals who considered themselves as "an elite group that knows it all"

Biblical words Identifying Jesus Christ as God Are Stolen Away (missing) in the NIV

The word Gnostic" comes from the Greek verb "ginosko", which means "to know, or to be taking in knowledge". Or you can derive it from the noun "gnosis", which means "knowledge, or a seeking to know". The Gnostics were a group of individuals who considered themselves as "an elite group that knows it all". Their headquarters was in Alexandria, Egypt, where they had collected an enormous library. ... They claimed to understand God and Salvation perfectly. They believed that they themselves were spirit, while all other people were soul and body. They believed that all matter was evil, and therefore the world produced from evil matter and possessed by evil demons cannot be a creation of a good God. Therefore they were willing for Christ to be the creator as long as it was agreed that He was an inferior god. Therefore they denied the reality and the necessity of the Atonement of Christ, and they claimed that Christ's body was an illusion. They did not believe that Christ really came in the flesh. They rejected the Old Testament and its God Jehovah. -- They were obsessed with a cult of angels, from which they derived the concept of guardian angels. They were obsessed with the concept of man, and of God, and of the world through religious experiences. They allegorized all the teachings of Scripture in order to achieve a strange conformity between Gnosticism and Christianity. The Gnostics worked hard on destroying the Person of Christ as coequal to God, and as having both a human nature and a Divine nature. Therefore we recognize that the Apostles in their letters were warning the churches against the influence of the Gnostics. We read that in 1 John 2:22, from which we can see their struggle against the Gnostics of the 1st century.

Gnosticism, the Soul-Only "Gospel" and the End Times

Gnosticism falsely concludes: There were two separate realms-one spiritual, the other material (physical) - The spiritual realm, created by God [not by Father God but by Satan or some other unknown god that Satan channeled, however more and more often Satan is being taught as the original Father spirit god], was all good; the material realm, created by the demiurge [Father God, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit], all evil - Man needed to be saved, not from Original Sin, but from enslavement to matter (physical body, physical world and from God (Jesus) who created the physical world, though the cults sure do like sex, drugs, alcohol, money etc. so maybe they don't want to be 'saved' from everything physical) [rejecting this (physical) world]-[rejecting the (moral government) law] For this, he {occult initiate} had to learn the mystical arts - Thus Gnosticism became a source for the occult (Satanic) tradition {Gnosticism - The Question: Is Jesus who loves us, gave His life and died for us on the cross God or is Satan who lies to us and kills us God? That is the dilemma of the Gnostic and actually that is also the dilemma for everyone. However even in this upside down world where wrong is right and lies are truth it is still easy to tell that Jesus the God of Love is God!}

In addition, Gnostics engaged in speculative theology, even in the days of the apostles, based upon a higher form of knowledge not available to "ordinary" Christians. This resulted in "speculations respecting angels and spirits" and a false dualism "leading to asceticism on the one hand *[rejecting this world], and to an immoral libertinism on the other hand *[rejecting the law]." Today, we have an eschatological system that purports to know we are living in the last days, not by an appeal to the Bible but by having a special ability to read contemporary signs. ... Certain strange inferences were derived from this bizarre worldview. Gnostic doctrine concluded that Jehovah of the Old Testament was actually Satan, thus, Satan ruled the physical world. The body also belonged to Satan. It was the prison of the soul. "The Gnostic secret is that the spirit is trapped in matter, and to free it, the world must be rejected." Not only asceticism but escapism became a major tenet of the Gnostic gospel. If the physical world is evil, then man must do anything and everything to escape it.

Gnosticism, New Age, and the Da Vinci Code - What do they Have in Common?

Heresies are a lot like the common cold - They keep coming back around, but in a slightly changed form - But the change is just enough so that they sneak by the defense of our immune system and pose a new threat to our spiritual health - Both the New Age movement and the The Da Vinci Code seek spirituality without sacrifice (Jesus), without authority (Jesus), without the cross (Jesus) - A Christianity with no cross is a Christianity with no power and a religion with no power doesn't last very long {The cross is the victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death, and the power of Satan. The proof of the victory of the cross of Jesus is the Resurrection of Jesus. Jesus is Alive! sin is dead and Satan is powerless, over our freewill.}

Heresies are a lot like the common cold. They keep coming back around, but in a slightly changed form. But the change is just enough so that they sneak by the defense of our immune system and pose a new threat to our spiritual health. Neither the New Age movement nor the The Da Vinci Code buys into to ancient Gnosticism lock, stock, and barrel. But they both rely on key Gnostic ideas that have as much appeal now as they did in the second century. For who does not eventually feel the emptiness and ennui of a life without the spiritual dimension, a life devoid of mystery? Our contemporary Western society, like 2nd century Roman society, has lost its soul. We suffer from the desperation that comes from a lack of meaning. -- The New Age has appeal because it restores a sense of mystery. It imitates the syncretism of the Gnostics, blending together exotic ideas from the east with traditions native to the west to produce a hodge-podge that may be incoherent but is nevertheless intriguing. The Da Vinci Code resurrects the claim of a secret tradition that is earlier and more faithful than the New Testament Scriptures. It offers us a way to feel connected to Jesus even while we scorn the leaders and laws of the Church said to be founded by him. -- But the appeal of these currents also constitute their undoing. Both the New Age movement and the The Da Vinci Code seek spirituality without sacrifice, without authority, without the cross. They follow ancient Gnosticism in preserving a veneer of Christianity while emptying it of its heart and soul.. But the fate of Gnosticism ought to serve as a warning here. A Christianity with no cross is a Christianity with no power. And a religion with no power doesn't last very long. The Da Vinci Code may have sold a few million copies in the first years of the third millennium. But here is my guess - in the fourth millennium, it will take an archeologist digging in the arid sands of Egypt to find a copy.

Source: Jesus had no Wife

David Anson Brown 08:16, 19 December 2011 (MST)

End Times

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

The end times are a call to mankind that the end of separation from God is almost over

The call to man is to prepare to meet God, prepare to meet our maker.

End times or last days are signified as the last times that man will be out of the perceived presence of God. End times does not mean the end of the world or the end of time it means the end of man's separation from God. Since the beginning of creation God has been revealing Himself to mankind. Since the fall of mankind God has continued to reveal Himself, but to a separated mankind. When God and mankind are fully reunited, God will continue to reveal Himself to man, although man will no longer be guessing about God since man will be in the perceivable presence of God.

1 John 2:18,28 Little children, it is the last time:.. And now, little children [Christians], abide in Him [Jesus Christ]; that when He shall appear, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

Source: Basic Christian: Theology

David Anson Brown 08:46, 19 December 2011 (MST)

Millennial Reign

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Isaiah 11:1-10 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse [King David's father], and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him [Messiah], the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears: But with Righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod [words] of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked. And Righteousness shall be the girdle [belt] of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins [determination]. The wolf [during the Millennial Reign restoration] also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid [young goat]; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp [snake], and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' [spider] den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My Holy Mountain [government]: for the earth shall be full of the Knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a root [offspring] of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign [guide] of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be Glorious.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the First Resurrection: on such the Second Death [eternal judgment] hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

Church Fathers

The Church Fathers who expected Christ to Return and inaugurate the Millennium of a literal 1000 years included: Justyn Martyr (100-165 AD), Theophilus of Antioch (115-181 AD), Irenaeus (120-202 AD), Hippolytus (c. 236 AD), Tertullian (150-225 AD), Cyprian (200-258 AD), Commodian (200-275 AD), Lactantius (240-320 AD), Methodius (d. 311 AD). They all affirmed their Millenarian views with comments like those of Victorinus of Petau, who died around 304 AD, and wrote: "The true sabbath will be in the seventh millennium of years, when Christ with His elect shall reign." [Victorinus :"On the Creation of the World"]. Lactantius wrote that God's "religion and truth must labor during these six thousand years, while wickedness prevails and bears rule..." whereupon "all wickedness must be abolished from the earth, and righteousness reign for a thousand years; and there must be tranquility and rest from the labors which the world now has long endured." [Lactantius, "The Divine Institutes" 7.14]. Similar statements were made by other early Church Fathers.

Please bear with me for the story continues. These early Church Fathers, generally believed in a literal Millennium of 1000 years in which Christ will reign over the whole earth. Some called this the Millennial Sabbath. From this Biblical concept there developed the idea of what might be called the "Earth's Great Week." This idea was expressed first by a Jewish Christian, Barnabas, in Alexandria, Egypt, around 117 AD. He believed that man would have 6000 years on earth corresponding to 1000 years for each of the 6 Days of Creation. Then the 7th Day corresponded to the Millennial Sabbath of 1000 years with Christ reigning from David's throne. Following this was to be the New Heaven and New Earth and the New Jerusalem. Even though a literal 1000 years for the Millennium of Revelation 20 is a Biblical entity, it was not a Scriptural idea to allocate 1000 years to each Day of Creation. Nevertheless, this plausible basis for mankind's history was adopted by many of the Church Fathers. As a result, they expected the Lord to Return and inaugurate the Millennium sometime in the vicinity of 300-500 AD. This was done, as we noted above, on the basis of the Scriptural genealogy in the LXX and paleo-Hebrew which placed Creation roughly 5700-5500 BC.

In other words, it was generally agreed that the Millennial reign of Christ was a period of a literal 1000 years. In my study of Scripture, I have found in a number of instances that prophetic scriptures were fulfilled to the very day. This is also the approach that the early Fathers took. The problem that arose was the additional idea from Barnabas which suggested an approximate time when this Return would occur. We know that Christ did not return about 300 to 500 AD. But by 395 to 430 we have the time of Augustine. The Church leaders during this period had noted that Christ had not returned and offered an alternative interpretation of the Millennium as a result. The one important event that had occurred around the expected time was the acceptance of Christianity as the state religion of the Roman Empire. As a consequence, the church leaders at the time, like Augustine, concluded that the Millennium was the church age and that the Kingdom of Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven was the Church. The Church of Rome later carried this a little further and claimed the kingdom was exclusively the Roman Catholic church on the basis of Augustine's statements. Thus we have two erroneous doctrines, one from Barnabas, one from Augustine, which have contributed to a mis-understanding of what the Scripture is actually saying.

Source: CONCERNING "ULTIMATE THINGS" by Dennis E. Engleman, Conciliar Press, Ben Lomond, California, 1995

The Second Coming of Jesus

Zechariah 12:10-14 And I will pour upon the [Jews] House of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look [2nd Coming] upon Me [Jesus] whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day [2nd Coming] shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.

Acts 1:1-14 The former treatise [Gospel of Luke] have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which He was taken up [ascension], after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom He had chosen: To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His Passion [Holy Week] by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized [not for Salvation but for their Empowerment as a Witness to the world -- the Apostles were already Saved (John 20:22, Luke 24:45) having already recognized the Resurrection of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and for their eternal salvation] with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the Kingdom [Millennial Reign] to Israel? And He [Jesus] said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men [Angels] stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner [back to Mt. Olivet - near Jerusalem] as ye have seen Him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the Mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath Day's journey. And when they [Apostles] were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren [James and Jude].

Note: The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is the return of Jesus to Jerusalem and to the Jews and not to the Christian Church as the Church in its entirety at that moment is in Heaven and is unable to meet Jesus on the earth during His initial 2nd Coming - Jesus doesn't return to the Church instead Jesus returns bringing the Church. The Christian Church follows Jesus (Revelation 19:14) to the earth to participate in the Millennial Reign on the earth.

Revelation 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed Him (Jesus) upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

Eternal Reign

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Revelation 21:1-7 And I saw a new heaven [sky] and a new earth: for the first heaven [sky] and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will [visibly] dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these Words are True and Faithful. And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.

The 3 Thrones of Jesus Christ

The 8th Global Kingdom the [Millennial] Reign of Jesus Christ and the Eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ

The 3 Thrones of Jesus Christ

Current Throne in Heaven [alongside the Father's Throne] (Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22) Eligibility: Relative - *Son of God (Father God) [eternal co-reigning with the Father and the Holy Spirit] Currently Jesus Christ is seated on His own Throne (co-reigning - interceding) at the right hand of His Father's Throne in Heaven.

Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth [not Jesus]? It is [Jesus] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also maketh intercession for us [not condemning Christians].

Future Millennial Kingdom Throne in Jerusalem [restoring the Throne of King David] (Acts 15:16; Revelation 22:16) Eligibility: Relative - *Son of Man (descendant of King David) At a future date for the 1,000 year reign of Jesus Christ on earth Jesus will be seated upon the Throne of King David (Acts 2:29-33).

Acts 15:15-19 And to this [Millennial Reign] agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this [Church Age] I [Messiah] will return, and will build again the Tabernacle [Throne] of [King] David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the [Christian] Gentiles, upon whom My Name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.

Eternal Throne [the Throne of the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit] (Revelation 20:4; Revelation 22:3) the Eternal Throne of the New Heaven (sky) and the New Earth, Eligibility: Jesus as [Eternal God] *Conqueror (John 16:33) Then with the New Heaven (sky) and the New Earth, Jesus as the conqueror of this earth [realm] will sit eternally [continuing to co-reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit on His own Throne upon the New Eternal Earth (Revelation 21:3).

John 16:33 These things I (Jesus) have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I (Jesus) have overcome [conquered] the world.

Source: blog History Study

1611 KJV Bible

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

What is important and unique about the 1611 KJV Bible is that it is a 'TRANSLATION' (not a unique or new work in itself) a reliable Translation from previous Church [Greek and Hebrew] texts coming from previously known, passed along and trusted 'Received' Church-Texts. It is the completion of over 100 years of faithful, dedicated translation work [starting with the 1526 A.D. William Tyndale New Testament - and concluding with the final 1769 A.D. KJV corrections] translated by faithful, dedicated, scholarly, Christian translators. While the modern 'paraphrase' compromised, agenda driven bibles (i.e. NIV, ESV, KNJV) of today all lack the textual accountability, the dedication, faithfulness and scholarly approach of the previously cumulated works of the trustworthy 1611 KJV Bible translation.

Resources

1611 Holy Bible (Pdf)
1611 Holy Bible - Reading Version (Pdf)
1611 Holy Bible (ePub)
1611 Holy Bible (Mobi)
1611 Holy Bible - Reading Edition (ePub)
1611 Holy Bible - Reading Edition (Mobi)

1611 Bible - Audio Dramatized (Mp3s)
1611 Bible - Audio only (Mp3s)

History

Part 1 of 3 - The Story of The King James Bible - Mp4
Part 2 of 3 - The Story of The King James Bible - Mp4
Part 3 of 3 - The Story of The King James Bible - Mp4
Source: -- Scourby.com

Note: the primary reason for King James giving his authority 'Authorizing' an official English language Bible (translation) was that the previous few English Bible versions i.e. The Tyndale New Testament, The Coverdale Bible, The Matthews Bible, The Great Bible, The Geneva Bible, and the Rheims New Testament (greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history) and a few others had 'commentaries' primarily in the form of footnotes. It was the commentaries or footnotes that were generally in contention when people wanted a new Bible version and not the Biblical text itself. The KJV Bible text itself remained 80%-90% of the previous English Bible translations particularly the translating work of William Tyndale. King James agreed to 'Authorize' an English Bible but only on the condition that it would be a translation only and not have any footnotes or commentaries as the previous Bible versions had and having excluded any commentary or 'notes' the English Bible translation of the KJV 1611 Bible was then granted by King James the status as "AV" or "Authorized Version" of the English Bible.

David Anson Brown 05:24, 27 April 2012 (MST)

KJV Support

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

What is important and unique about the 1611 KJV Bible is that it is a 'TRANSLATION' (not a unique or new work in itself) a reliable Translation from previous Church [Greek and Hebrew] texts coming from previously known, passed along and trusted 'Received' Church-Texts. It is the completion of over 100 years of faithful, dedicated translation work [starting with the 1526 A.D. William Tyndale New Testament - and concluding with the final 1769 A.D. KJV corrections] translated by faithful, dedicated, scholarly, Christian translators. While the modern 'paraphrase' compromised, agenda driven bibles (i.e. NIV, ESV, KNJV) of today all lack the textual accountability, the dedication, faithfulness and scholarly approach of the previously cumulated works of the trustworthy 1611 KJV Bible translation.

KJV Explained

Modern Bible Translations Unmasked (PDF) -- Local Download (PDF)
Modern Bible Translations Unmasked (PDF) - different version -- Local Download (PDF)
The King James Bible and Modern Versions (PDF) -- Local Download (PDF)
Our Authorized Bible Vindicated (PDF) by Benjamin G. Wilkinson, PH.D. -- Local Download (PDF)
A Critique of Our Authorized Bible Vindicated (PDF) - A Critique by Alden Thompson

KJV Support Websites

Bible Study Resources and Bible Version Information
A Brief History of the King James Bible
A Handy Reference For King James Bible Believers
The Precious King James Bible
Fables And Facts About The King James Bible
The KJVO Position Defended

KJV Promotion

KJV vs. Modern Translations a Preview
What's The Big Deal About The KJV -- Online - Support - Donate
What's the Big Deal About the KJV: Episode 1 -- Mp4 -- Download
What's the Big Deal About the KJV: Episode 2 -- Mp4 -- Download
Why the King James Only -- Mp4
The KJV - A Million Dollar Question - An Eternal Question -- Mp4

Examples: Altered Bible Verses

The Character of Sinaiticus and Vaticanus Texts
NIV Calls Lucifer, Jesus
Pope Benedict XVI present while a Catholic Deacon Invokes Lucifer during the 2012 Easter Vigil Mass -- Mp3

King James Version (KJV) -- Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

English Standard Version (ESV) -- Revelation 5:10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.

New International Version (NIV) -- Revelation 5:10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.

New King James Version (NKJV) -- Revelation 5:10 And have made us [a] kings[b] and priests to our God; And we [c] shall reign on the earth.

NKJV Footnotes:
a. Revelation 5:10 NU-Text and M-Text read them.
b. Revelation 5:10 NU-Text reads a kingdom.
c. Revelation 5:10 NU-Text and M-Text read they.

King James Version (KJV) -- Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

New International Version (NIV) -- Matthew 8:26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

English Standard Version (ESV) -- Matthew 8:26 And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) -- Matthew 8:26 He said to them, "Why are you afraid? So little trust you have!" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and there was a dead calm.

New Revised Standard (NRSV) -- Matthew 8:26 And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm.

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Source: -- BibleStudyTools.com

The NRSV translation is a project of the National Council of Churches USA -- ncccusa.org

King James Version (KJV) -- Acts 26:14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, ...

New International Version (NIV) -- Acts 26:14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,[a] ...

New King James Version (NKJV) -- Acts 26:14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ...

English Standard Version (ESV) -- Acts 26:14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ...

NIV Footnotes:
a. Acts 26:14 Or Hebrew

King James Version (KJV) -- Zechariah 13:6 And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

English Standard Version (ESV) -- Zechariah 13:6 And if one asks him, 'What are these wounds on your back?'[a] he will say, 'The wounds I received in the house of my friends.'

New International Version (NIV) -- Zechariah 13:6 If someone asks, 'What are these wounds on your body[a]?' they will answer, 'The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.'

New King James Version (NKJV) -- Zechariah 13:6 And one will say to him, 'What are these wounds between your arms?'[a] Then he will answer, 'Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.'

Footnotes:
a. Zechariah 13:6 Or on your chest; Hebrew wounds between your hands
a. Zechariah 13:6 Or wounds between your hands
a. Zechariah 13:6 Or hands
Source: -- BibleGateway.com

Verses Missing from the NIV

1. Matthew 17:21
2. Matthew 18:11
3. Matthew 23:14
4. Mark 7:16
5. Mark 9:44
6. Mark 9:46
7. Mark 11:26
8. Mark 15:28
9. Luke 17:36
10. Luke 23:17
11. John 5:4
12. Acts 8:37
13. Acts 15:34
14. Acts 24:7
15. Acts 28:29
16. Romans 16:24
17. 1 John 5:7
Source: -- BigDealKJV.com

Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest (be baptized). And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

The Four Apostolic Cities

Jerusalem -- First Church Council about 49 A.D. (Acts 15:4)

Antioch -- Received the letter from the from the first Church Council in Jerusalem (Acts 15:23) -- Disciples of Jesus Christ became known as Christians (Acts 11:26) -- Councils (Synods) of Antioch convened between 264 A.D. and 325 A.D.

Ephesus -- A Church of the Apostle Paul (Acts 20:17) -- The First Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D. The Second Council of Ephesus in 449 A.D. The Third Council of Ephesus in 475 A.D. (source: Wiki.com)

Rome -- By tradition a Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul (Acts 9:32, Acts 28:16) -- First Council of Nicaea in Bithynia (present-day Iznik in Turkey) by the Roman Emperor Constantine I in 325 A.D. -- The Council of Rome was a meeting of Christian Church officials and theologians which took place in 382 A.D. under the authority of the bishop of Rome, Damasus I -- Councils of Rome by Popes Gregory II and Gregory III -- The Second Council of Nicaea in 787 A.D. by Pope Adrian I (source: Wiki.com)

Acts 9:32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters [and later Rome - by tradition], he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda [in Israel].

Ancient Occult Schools

Alexandria, Egypt -- (Acts 6:9, Acts 27:6, Acts 28:11) -- The School of Alexandria [where Gnosticism arose as a mixture of ancient Nimrod (Tammuz - Ezekiel 8:14), Egyptian (Magik - Exodus 7:11), Babylonian (Mystery Religion), Persian (Zoroastrianism), Jewish witchcraft (Kabbalah Mysticism), Greek Philosophy and Roman Occultism.]

Church Father Origen (185 A.D. - 254 A.D.) -- "Origen, Unorthodox Church Father" Origen was an early church Father and apologist for Christianity. He was heavily influenced by Platonic and Gnostic thought. As a consequence his defense of the faith tended to sacrifice important teachings. He denied the historicity of critical sections of Scripture; he taught the preexistence of the soul and universalism (the belief that all will eventually be saved) and denied that Jesus was raised from the dead in a physical body. These positions were condemned as heretical by later church councils.

Origen was an early second-century Christian writer from Alexandria, Egypt. He studied eleven years with neoplatonist, Ammonius Saccas where he was a classmate of Plotinus (205-270). Origen headed up a catechetical ["religious instruction given to a person for Christian baptism or confirmation"] school in Alexandria (211-232) and later (about 230 A.D.) founded a school in Caesarea.

His many works include the Hexapla, a six-column comparison of various Greek and Hebrew renditions of the Old Testament. Unfortunately no copies of this great work survive. He also wrote Contra Celsus, an apologetic work answering the philosopher Celsus, and De Principiis, a major theological treatise. ... However, Origen's negatives seem to far outweigh the positives. (source: www.ovrlnd.com/Universalism/Origen.html)

Origen was largely responsible for the collection of usage information regarding the texts which became the New Testament. Origen may have been using the same twenty-seven books as in the Catholic New Testament canon, though there were still disputes over the canonicity of the Letter to the Hebrews, James, II Peter, II and III John, and Revelation, known as the Antilegomena (i.e. disputed writings). (source: Wiki.com)

Church father Eusebius of Caesarea (263 A.D. - 339 A.D.) -- also called Eusebius Pamphili, was a Roman historian, exegete and Christian polemicist. He became the Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine about the year 314. Together with Pamphilus, he was a scholar of the Biblical canon. He wrote Demonstrations of the Gospel, Preparations for the Gospel, and On Discrepancies between the Gospels, studies of the Biblical text. As "Father of Church History" he produced the Ecclesiastical History, On the Life of Pamphilus, the Chronicle and On the Martyrs. ... Little is known about the life of Eusebius. His successor at the see of Caesarea, Acacius, wrote a Life of Eusebius, but this work has been lost. Eusebius' own surviving works probably only represent a small portion of his total output. Since he was on the losing side of the long 4th-century contest between the allies and enemies of Arianism (Eusebius was an early and vocal supporter of *Arius), posterity did not have much respect for Eusebius' person and was neglectful in the preservation of his writings.

Through the activities of the theologian Origen (185-254) and the school of his follower Pamphilus (birth unknown - died 309 A.D.), Caesarea became a center of Christian learning. Origen was largely responsible for the collection of usage information regarding the texts which became the New Testament. The information used to create the late-fourth-century Easter Letter, which declared accepted Christian writings, was probably based on the Ecclesiastical History [HE] of Eusebius of Caesarea, wherein he uses the information passed on to him by Origen to create both his list at HE 3:25 and Origen's list at HE 6:25. Eusebius got his information about what texts were accepted by the third-century churches throughout the known world, a great deal of which Origen knew of firsthand from his extensive travels, from the library and writings of Origen. In fact, Origen would have possibly included in his list of "inspired writings" other texts which were kept out by the likes of Eusebius, including the Epistle of Barnabas, Shepherd of Hermas, and 1 Clement. On his deathbed, Origen had made a bequest of his private library to the Christian community in the city. Together with the books of his patron Ambrosius, Origen's library including the original manuscripts of his works) formed the core of the collection that Pamphilus established. Pamphilus also managed a school that was similar to (or perhaps a re-establishment of) that of Origen. Pamphilus was compared to Demetrius of Phalerum and Pisistratus, for he had gathered Bibles "from all parts of the world". Like his model Origen, Pamphilus maintained close contact with his students. Eusebius, in his history of the persecutions, alludes to the fact that many of the Caesarean martyrs lived together, presumably under Pamphilus.

Soon after Pamphilus settled in Caesarea (ca. 280s), he began teaching Eusebius, who was then somewhere between twenty and twenty-five. Because of his close relationship with his schoolmaster, Eusebius was sometimes called Eusebius Pamphili: "Eusebius, son of Pamphilus". The name may also indicate that Eusebius was made Pamphilus' heir. Pamphilus gave Eusebius a strong admiration for the thought of Origen. Neither Pamphilus nor Eusebius knew Origen personally; Pamphilus probably picked up Origenist ideas during his studies under Pierius (nicknamed "Origen Junior") in Alexandria. In Caesarea, Origenist thought was continued in the generation after his death by Theotecnus, bishop of the city for much of the late 3rd century and an alumnus of Origen's school. (Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusebius_of_Caesarea)

Church Father Athanasius (about 296 A.D. - 2 May 373 A.D.) -- Athanasius of Alexandria is remembered for his role in the conflict with Arius and Arianism. In 325 A.D., at the age of 27, Athanasius had a leading role against the Arians [heresy] in the First Council of Nicaea. At the time, he was a deacon and personal secretary of the 19th Bishop of Alexandria, Alexander [Egypt]. ... He continued to lead the conflict against the Arians for the rest of his life and was engaged in theological and political struggles against the Emperors Constantine the Great and Constantius II and powerful and influential Arian churchmen, led by Eusebius of Nicomedia and others. He was known as "Athanasius Contra Mundum (Athanasius against the world)". (source: wiki.com)

Ephesus -- (Acts 19:19, Acts 18:24) -- The leader of the opposition against the Apostle John in Ephesus was a man named Cerinthus, he was a leader of an early Gnostic group [originally from Alexandria Egypt] (source: www.dougwils.com) -- The Evangelist Apollos also made the common journey from Alexandria to Ephesus and probably also to Rome.

Acts 19:19-20 Many of them also which used curious [occult] arts brought their books together [at Ephesus], and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed.

Acts 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

Tarsus -- (Acts 21:39) the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia -- Schools of Tarsus: Tarsus grew into a cultural and intellectual center - Stoic philosophers like Athenodorus, Zeno, Antipater, and Nestor lived in the city in the first century AD. (source: www.bibleplaces.com)

Acts 21:39 But Paul [the Apostle] said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean (deficient) city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

Carthage -- Church Father Tertullian (155 A.D. - 222 A.D.) -- when a lax spirit of conformity to the world had seized the churches he (Tertullian) maintained the "vigor evangelicus" not merely against the Gnostics but against opportunists and a worldly-wise clergy -- Among all the fathers of the first three centuries Tertullian has given the most powerful expression to the terrible earnestness of the Gospel. (source: www.nndb.com)

Tertullian quoted the often disputed verse 1 John 5:7 in about 200 A.D. in his Apology, Against Praxeas
-- Source: 1 John 5:7 belongs in the King James Bible Chick.com

Note: Origen possessing the O.T. texts and through an extended global search (most successfully in Galatia) collected the known existing N.T. texts of his day possibly "the same twenty-seven books as in the Catholic New Testament canon" - With the O.T. texts already in Alexandria and the completed available collection of N.T. texts Origen was able to complete his library of Biblical O.T. and N.T. texts - The same library (or a copy) accompanied Origen to Caesarea, Israel (Palestine) where [about 230 A.D.] he founded his second Christian Academy. With his new Academy the complete [as known today] N.T now existed in two places, two exact copies of each other both provided by Origen's library. -- The problem is that even though two identical libraries existed [Alexandria and Caesarea] the N.T. texts that remained in Alexandria and later in Sinai were excessively tampered with in failed attempts to bring the texts into line with the more heretical views of the Alexandria philosophies, edits that have caused the current confusion among the two differing biblical text varieties of today. -- The second library of Origen in Palestine along with the previously existing N.T. texts scattered throughout the regions of Galatia, Greece, and Rome became the [less edited] documents of the Textus Receptus. It appears that both versions of Origen's library have been tampered with. The Alexandria library has been extensively altered and tampered while the Antiocheian library has only been minutely changed, mostly in the form of Aramaic being substituted where originally Hebrew words and phrases existed. Therefore today we have the Two Manuscript families Alexandria and Antioch/Caesarea originally the same documents in each family but with the Alexandria texts heavily manipulated the Antiocheian "Textus Receptus" texts being today the only reliable Biblical texts.

Note: An early form of N.T. era sexual Gnosticism claimed that Jesus was spirit only and therefore any human physical immorality (i.e. sexual) sin [i.e. 'do what though wilt' - Aleister Crowley] was allowable according to the heresy of Gnosticism. -- That earlier form of Gnosticism later morphed into a later Gnostic heresy claiming that actually Jesus did have a physical body [and wasn't crucified because through deceit it was Judas who was crucified in his place, so the Gnostic Jesus lived a regular human (non-resurrection) life] and also had a physical wife to go with his physical body and therefore if it was ok for Jesus to use deceit and exually ['do what though wilt'] then it was acceptable for Gnostics to sin, of course Gnosticism in both forms completely misrepresents the person of Jesus Christ.

Notes: As the influence of the school [of Alexandria] was extended over the whole Graeco-Roman world, scholars began to concentrate at Rome rather than at Alexandria. In Alexandria, however, there were new forces in operation which. produced a second great outburst of intellectual life. The new movement, which was influenced by Judaism and Christianity, resulted in the speculative philosophy of the Neoplatonists and the religious philosophy of the Gnostics and early church fathers.

There appear, therefore, to be two Alexandrian schools distinct from each other. The one is the Alexandrian school of poetry and science, the other the Alexandrian school of philosophy. The term "school," however, does not mean that there was company of people united by common principles or by having the same theory of things. In literature their activities were highly varied; they have only in common a certain spirit or form. There was no definite system of philosophy. Even in the later schools of philosophy there is a community of tendency rather than of fixed principles. (source: Wiki.com)

The Two Bible Versions

Antioch Manuscripts

Textus Receptus ("received text") Bible Manuscripts from Antioch, Galatia (the region later became known as Byzantium, Eastern Rome)

The Byzantine text-type (also called Majority Text, Traditional Text, Ecclesiastical Text, Constantinopolitan Text, Antiocheian Text, or Syrian Text) is one of several text-types used in textual criticism to describe the textual character of Greek New Testament manuscripts. It is the form found in the largest number of surviving manuscripts, though [it is disputed as to the manuscript family fragments that are actually the oldest] not in the oldest. (source: Wiki.com)

Bibles:

1611 KJV (AV) - English translation from several Bible sources but guided from the "Textus Receptus"

Luther Bible - Martin Luther's translation from the "Textus Receptus"

Alexandria Manuscripts

Alexandria Manuscript or Codex Alexandrinus are bible Manuscripts that have been edited at the Gnostic School of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt

The Alexandrian text-type (also called Neutral or Egyptian), associated with Alexandria, is one of several text-types used in New Testament textual criticism to describe and group the textual character of biblical manuscripts. (source: wiki.com)

Codex Alexandrinus is the basis for Jerome's Latin Vulgate (the Roman Catholic) translation of 405 A.D.

Sinai Manuscript or Codex Sinaiticus are bible Manuscripts that have been edited first at the Gnostic School of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt and then edited again at the Monastery of Mt. Sinai, Egypt

Codex Sinaiticus is the basis for the 1881 Wescott and Hort manuscript -- i.e. all modern bibles

bibles:

Revised Version (RV) -- (1881 N.T., 1885 O.T.) committee members were Brooke Foss Westcott and Fenton John Anthony Hort; their fiercest critic of that period was John William Burgon who in 1876 had become the Dean of Chichester Cathedral [aka the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity located in Chichester, in Sussex, England - founded in 1075 A.D.]

American Standard Version (ASV) -- by Thomas Nelson & Sons 1901 - In 1928, the International Council of Religious Education (the body that later merged with the Federal Council of Churches to form the National Council of Churches) acquired the copyright from Nelson and renewed it the following year - The copyright was a reaction to tampering with the text of the Revised Version (RV) by some U.S. publishers

Revised Standard Version (RSV) -- 1952 copyright the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA

NASB -- The Lockman Foundation (1963-1971, 1995 as the NASU)

NIV -- Zondervan Publishing 1972 - Copyright 1973

NKJV -- Thomas Nelson Inc. 1979

NRSV -- National Council of the Churches of Christ 1989

ESV -- Crossway Publishing Ministry 2001

KJV Resources

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Resources

Bibles

1611 Holy Bible (Pdf)
1611 Holy Bible - Reading Version (Pdf)
1611 Holy Bible (ePub)
1611 Holy Bible (Mobi)
1611 Holy Bible - Reading Edition (ePub)
1611 Holy Bible - Reading Edition (Mobi)

1611 Bible - Audio Dramatized (Mp3s)
1611 Bible - Audio only (Mp3s)

KJV words : Updated words (NKJV)

affrighted : alarmed
an hungered : hungry
aught : something
begat : begot
besought : begged
bewrayeth : betrays
charger : platter
divers : various
dureth : endures
garner : barn
halt : lame
husbandmen : vinedressers
lighting : alighting
mote : speck
noised : heard
platter : dish
privily : secretly
scrip : bag
straitly : sternly
thoroughly : thoroughly
tore : convulsed
twain : two
was wont : accustomed
winefat : wine vat
wist not : did not know
without : outside
wroth : angry
verily : assuredly

Source: Modern Bible Translations Unmasked (PDF) -- Local Download (PDF)

Strong's Concordance

KJV Bible with Strong's Concordance Numbers (PDF) This is the King James Version Bible (Pure Cambridge Edition 1769) with the corresponding Strong's Concordance Numbers

Strong's Concordance (PDF) Resources (O.T.) HEBREW concordance and (N.T) GREEK concordance

Material

Free KJV Sermon Outlines -- Website

Various PDF Resources
Strong's Complete Concordance (PDF) -- English Concordance only, no Hebrew, no Greek -- KJVconcordancedownload.pdf
Easton's Bible Dictionary (PDF)
Nave's Topical Bible Concordance (PDF)
R. A. Torrey's New Topical Textbook (PDF)
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (PDF)
How to Study the Bible with Greatest Profit, 1896 by R. A. Torrey (PDF)

Church Challenge 2012

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Biblical Significance

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Coming This Fall - Church Challenge 2012

Find out what your Church really teaches, where all the money goes, what your pastors actually believe and what the leaders intend for you Spiritually at your Church fellowship

What is the Church Challenge 2012?

It will be a short question and answer document regarding the three areas of -- Church Governing Practices: i.e. tithing, financial accountability, personal accountability, nepotism policies, leadership qualifications, ministry openness, etc. -- Church Fellowship Practices: i.e. are there Apostles in the fellowship today?, are there Prophets in the fellowship today?, does the pastor or leadership think that they are a Jesus figure or a Moses figure presiding over the Church fellowship? is the Church leadership considered extra anointed?, what Gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be exercised publically?, does the Church fellowship provide for hospital visits?, What resources are freely available?, etc. -- Biblical Church Doctrines: i.e. what is the Church?, when did the Church start?, how does the Church end?, where is the real Mt. Sinai?, is Mormonism Christian?, what is the best and most accurate Bible translation?, etc.

By sampling the practices and beliefs of your Church pastors, staff and leadership to understand their managerial intentions and Biblical knowledge of Christianity, it is intended that the average Church attendee can have a clearer and more concise picture as to if that particular fellowship is really in line with their own personal desire to practice their faith while growing and maturing as a Christian.

Much of the information for the coming 2012 Church Challenge can be found in the current document "Wiki - Basic Christian" MS Word, PDF

As Christians we have the awesome privilege to participate (Philippians 2:12) in our own salvation (maturity) process and likewise we also have the equally awesome responsibility to oversee that the temporal, corporate assembly [Church fellowship] portion of our Spiritual sanctification process is done Biblically, sufficiently and correctly.

Use the time between now and this Fall to download the Wiki - Basic Christian material, study it and get a small group from your Church fellowship together to get acquainted with the material, especially include anyone who is a large financial donor to the Church. Also use the time to try to determine the financial stability of the Church fellowship i.e. what assets and land does it own, how many years of financial reserves does the fellowship maintain and what loans and legal financial obligations does it have if any. Begin to present the material along with your input or the group's input to the Church pastors, leaders and staff. This will give Church attendees a good initial indication of just what the fellowship consist of and where it needs to improve, if anywhere. It will also go a long way in assisting to prepare the Church fellowship for any personal changes or pastoral changes that could occur within the fellowship so that if any changes do occur the fellowship body can be more readily prepared for change in a positive direction and not as susceptible to the current emergent types of changes that are taking advantage of uniformed fellowships and are deliberately changing and hindering the character, content and commitment of the true Christian Church.

God bless everyone, David Anson Brown

Church Challenge 2016

From Common Christian Faith: Wiki

Church Challenge Doctrines 2016

Christianity consists of categories to be entered into and not so much rules to be followed - i.e. living, dead, saved, unsaved, family, non-family, priest, prophet, king, evangelist, pastor, servant, worker, etc.

1. The Apostolic Age began and ended with the actual original Disciples of Jesus Christ - the current Church Age is the Common Christian Church Era where all Christians are equal in status

2. Jesus is the Christian High Priest after the eternal Order of Melchizedek

3. Mt. Sinai is located outside of Egypt

4. The Final Judgment is Spiritual not physical

5. John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament Prophets and died before the beginning of the Christian Church era

6. The current and ongoing Christian Church era began on the day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

7. Sin unto eternal death is singular and is unbelief

8. The plural sins are a missing of the mark and are not sins unto eternal death

9. The Spiritual realm and our physical realm are currently divided and temporarily separated i.e. there is absolutely no legitimate communion between the living and the departed souls of humans

10. The legitimate communication and interaction or discernment for humans into the Spiritual Realm is strictly via the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost Person in KJV) - any concept of the spiritual realm or i.e. departed souls would be from the agency of the Holy Spirit or it would not be legitimate

11. The Four Primary Church Leadership Errors

The rebellious false leadership Error of Korah, the greedy Error of Balaam, the sexually immoral stumbling blocks Error of Balak and the user-oppressive leadership Error of the Nicolaitanes.

But these [false teachers] speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. ~ Jude 1:10-11

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; ~ 2 Peter 2:15

But I have a few things against you [Christians], because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. ~ Revelation 2:14

So have you [Church] also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. ~ Revelation 2:15

Conclusion:

Let us not therefore judge [excessively supervise] one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. ~ Romans 14:13

12. The Four Primary Church Member (layperson) Errors

The self-disenfranchised Way of Cain, failure to make personal requests directly to God in Heaven, lack of Spiritual discernment (Signs of the Times), lack of a personal relationship with Jesus.

But unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why are you angry? and why is your countenance fallen? If you do well, shall you not be accepted? and if you do not well, sin lies at the door. And unto you shall be his desire, and you shall rule over him. ~ Genesis 4:5-7

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and all of you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If all of you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask Him? Therefore all things whatsoever all of you would that men should do to you, do all of you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. ~ Matthew 7:7-12

He [Jesus] answered and said unto them, When it is evening, all of you say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O all of you hypocrites, all of you can discern the face of the sky; but can all of you not discern the Signs of the Times? ~ Mattew 16:2-3

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. ~ Hebrews 11:4-6

Conclusion:

Behold, I [Jesus] stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. ~ Revelation 3:20

13. Satan is a disobedient fallen Angel whose rebellion against God includes actively seeking the downfall of all mankind

14. The original New Testament Bible scrolls were written in Greek miniscule (all small letters aka minuscule) text on leather scrolls [currently the traditional modern KJV texts] - the papyrus manuscripts are later editions while the even later modern Greek uncial (all capital letters) texts are modern day forgeries - the four forged uncial codices: Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, Alexandrinus and Ephraemi [currently the non-traditional modern NIV, ESV, ect.] - Greek uncial text was primarily used for government purposes usually on public monuments that still exist today while Greek miniscule text was used primarily for private correspondence - the Greek NT scripture documents that Jerome used in his Latin translation [the Vulgate translated 390-405 AD] were of the Greek miniscule text - "In the second edition (1519 [AD]) Erasmus also used Minuscule 3 (entire NT except Revelation; 12th century [Latin Vulgate]) [and a later revision was made with Minuscule 1]." source: wikipedia.com - Sinaiticus (discovered in the Mt. Sinai Monastery in 1859 by Dr. Constantin Von Tischendorf), Vaticanus (Vatican catalog of 1475), Alexandrinus (England 1627), Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus (Paris, National Library of France - The manuscript was bound in 1602)

Note: possibly what happened in regarding the bigger picture of the four Greek uncial codices is that the four documents a variation of one document were known forgeries at the time and Constantin von Tischendorf [a Protestant] was simply used as an agent to locate, examine or discover the previously deposited documents. All of Tischendorf's financing and activities i.e. examining Vatican documents and having an audience with the Pope, going to Saint Catherine's Monastery, "deciphering" Codex Ephraemi, working under the patronage of Czar Alexander II of Russia and publishing his findings that were instantaneously accepted, accredited and heralded as a new scholastic standard were all events that Constantin von Tischendorf was directed into by others.

The Occult Practitioners Dr. Wescott and F. A. Hort

The progenitor of the Society for Psychical Research and the Fabian Society was the Cambridge University Ghost Society, founded in 1851. In 1853, two years after founding said Ghost Society, F.J.A. Hort and B. F. Westcott agreed, upon the suggestion of publisher Daniel Macmillan, to take part in "an interesting and comprehensive 'New Testament Scheme,'"that is, to undertake a joint revision of the Greek New Testament. The project was withheld from public knowledge during the twenty years required by Westcott and Hort to complete the New Greek Text and during the subsequent ten years during which an English Revision Committee revised the 1611 Authorized Version. However, during this period of nearly thirty years, Drs. Westcott and Hort maintained their involvement in the Spiritualist pursuits of their various secret societies and political cabals: the Hermes Club, Ghost Society, Company of Apostles, and Eranus. The following entry appears in April, 1853 in The Life and Letters of Fenton John Anthony Hort:

"One result of our talk I may as well tell you. He (Westcott) and I are going to edit a Greek text of the New Testament some two or three years hence, if possible. Lachmann and Tischendorf will supply [occult] rich materials, but not nearly enough; and we hope to do a good deal with Oriental versions. Our object is to supply clergymen generally, schools, etc., with a portable Greek text which shall not be disfigured with Byzantine [KJV 1611] [traditional Christianity] corruptions." Source: bibleready.org/Westcott_and_Hort.html

Codex Sinaiticus

Discovered in the Mt. Sinai Monastery in 1859 by Dr. Constantin Von Tischendorf

German Biblical scholar Constantin von Tischendorf wrote about his visit to the monastery in Reise in den Orient in 1846 (translated as Travels in the East in 1847), without mentioning the manuscript [Sinaiticus]. Later, in 1860, in his writings about the Sinaiticus discovery, Tischendorf wrote a narrative about the monastery and the manuscript that spanned from 1844 to 1859. He wrote that in 1844, during his first visit to the Saint Catherine's Monastery, he saw some leaves of parchment in a waste-basket. They were "rubbish which was to be destroyed by burning it in the ovens of the monastery", although this is firmly denied by the Monastery. After examination he realized that they were part of the [Old Testament] Septuagint, written in an early Greek uncial script. He retrieved from the basket 129 leaves in Greek which he identified as coming from a manuscript of the Septuagint. He asked if he might keep them, but at this point the attitude of the monks changed. They realized how valuable these old leaves were, and Tischendorf was permitted to take only one-third of the whole, i.e. 43 leaves. These leaves contained portions of 1 Chronicles, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, and Esther. After his return they were deposited in the Leipzig University Library, where they still remain. In 1846 Tischendorf published their contents, naming them the 'Codex Friderico-Augustanus' (in honor of Frederick Augustus and keeping secret the source of the leaves). Other portions of the same codex remained in the monastery, containing all of Isaiah and 1 and 4 Maccabees.

In 1853, Tischendorf revisited the Saint Catherine's Monastery to get the remaining 86 folios, but without success. Returning in 1859, this time under the patronage of Tsar Alexander II of Russia, he was shown the Codex Sinaiticus. He would later claim to have found it discarded in a rubbish bin. (This story may have been a fabrication, or the manuscripts in question may have been unrelated to Codex Sinaiticus: Rev. J. Silvester Davies in 1863 quoted "a monk of Sinai who... stated that according to the librarian of the monastery the whole of Codex Sinaiticus had been in the library for many years and was marked in the ancient catalogues... Is it likely... that a manuscript known in the library catalogue would have been jettisoned in the rubbish basket."

Indeed, it has been noted that the leaves were in "suspiciously good condition" for something found in the trash.[n 6]) Tischendorf had been sent to search for manuscripts by Russia's Tsar Alexander II, who was convinced there were still manuscripts to be found at the Sinai monastery. The text of this part of the codex [Sinaiticus] was published by Tischendorf in 1862: - Source: Wikipedia.com

Codex Vaticanus

The manuscript is believed to have been housed in Caesarea in the 6th century, together with the Codex Sinaiticus, as they have the same unique divisions of chapters in the [Book of] Acts. It came to Italy - probably from Constantinople - after the Council of Florence (1438-1445).

The manuscript has been housed in the Vatican Library (founded by Pope Nicholas V in 1448) for as long as it has been known, appearing in the library's earliest catalog of 1475 (with shelf number 1209), and in the 1481 catalog. In a catalog from 1481 it was described as a "Biblia in tribus columnis ex memb" (three-column vellum Bible). ...

Before the 19th century, no scholar was allowed to study or edit the Codex Vaticanus, and scholars did not ascribe any value to it; in fact it was suspected to have been interpolated by the Latin textual tradition. John Mill wrote in his Prolegomena (1707): "in Occidentalium gratiam a Latino scriba exaratum" (written by a Latin scribe for the western world). He did not believe there was value to having a collation for the manuscript. Wettstein would have liked to know the readings of the codex, but not because he thought that they could have been of any help to him for difficult textual decisions. According to him, this codex had no authority whatsoever (sed ut vel hoc constaret, Codicem nullus esse auctoris). ...

Griesbach produced a list of nine manuscripts which were to be assigned to the Alexandrian text: C, L, K, 1, 13, 33, 69, 106, and 118. Codex Vaticanus was not in this list. In the second (1796) edition of his Greek NT, Griesbach added Codex Vaticanus as a witness to the Alexandrian text in Mark, Luke, and John. He still believed the first half of Matthew represented the Western text-type. ...

According to Tischendorf the [Vaticanus] manuscript was written by three scribes (A, B, C), two of whom appear to have written the Old Testament and one the entire New Testament. Tischendorf's view was accepted by Frederic G. Kenyon, but contested by T. C. Skeat, who examined the codex more thoroughly. Skeat and other paleographers contested Tischendorf's theory of a third (C) scribe, instead asserting that two scribes worked on the Old Testament (A and B) and one of them (B) wrote the New Testament. ...In 1843 Tischendorf was permitted to make a facsimile of a few verses,[n 4] in 1844 Eduard de Muralt saw it, and in 1845 S. P. Tregelles was allowed to observe several points which Muralt had overlooked. He [Tischendorf] often saw the Codex [Vaticanus], but "it was under such restrictions that it was impossible to do more than examine particular readings."

It was used by Westcott and Hort in their edition, The New Testament in the Original Greek (1881), and it was the basis for their text. All critical editions of the New Testament published after Westcott and Hort were closer in the Gospels to the Codex Vaticanus text than to the Sinaiticus, with only the exception of Hermann von Soden's editions which are closer to Sinaiticus. All editions of Nestle-Aland remain close in textual character to the text of Westcott-Hort, which means Vaticanus was the basis for the translation. - Source: Wikipedia.com

Codex Alexandrinus

How did the Codex Alexandrinus come to the British Library?

This manuscript is named after the capital of Greek Egypt, Alexandria. ...

The first we know of the Codex Alexandrinus was when it formed part of the patriarchal library at the beginning of the 14th century, although its whereabouts before that are unknown. Since then it has a tradition of regal ownership: in 1627 Cyril Lucar, Patriarch of Constantinople and a former Patriarch of Alexandria, presented it to King Charles I of England. As part of the Royal Library it made its way into the British Museum, and then the British Library. It had a narrow escape in 1731 when Ashburnam House caught fire: it survived, thanks to the quick thinking of Dr Bentley of the Cotton Library, who took it to safety. Source: bl.uk/onlinegallery/sacredtexts/codexalex.html

Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus

The manuscript is called Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus because (a) it is a codex, i.e., a handmade book; (b) its parchment has been recycled; originally inscribed with Scriptural texts, the pages were washed (removing most of the ink) and reused for another text {a common practice in currency forgery}, and © the text that was written on the recycled pages, in the 12th century, consisted of Greek translations of 38 treatises composed by Ephrem the Syrian, a prominent bishop of the mid-4th century. Manuscripts of this sort, consisting of recycled pages, are known as palimpsests. The later (or, "upper") text was written in the 12th century.

The lower text of the palimpsest was deciphered by biblical scholar and palaeographer [Constantin Von] Tischendorf in 1840-1843, and was edited by him in 1843-1845. Currently it is housed in the Bibliothèque nationale de France (Grec 9) in Paris. - Source: Wikipedia.com

15. Mount Zion near Jerusalem is the location of the cross, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ it is where Christians go to meet God as opposed to the now spiritually empty Mount Sinai where the Laws of Moses were given and the Mount of Olives where Jesus will return in the future to the Jews

16. Jesus Christ as a Jewish person His 1,000 Millennial Kingdom reign on earth will be centered in Jerusalem, Israel having restored the ancient throne of the Jewish King David

17. The term "Expiate" is Biblically more correct and accurate than the currently used term of "Propitiation"

Expiate (make obsolete) is to put an end to another's dilemma i.e "to extinguish the guilt incurred" by another or "to make amends" on behalf of another. - Source: Merriam-Webster.com

"Propitiation is the act of appeasing or making well-disposed a deity, thus incurring divine favor or avoiding divine retribution." - Source: Wikipedia.com

[Sinners] Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God has set forth to be a (Expiate) propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His Righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time His Righteousness: that He might be Just [i.e. not guilty], and the Justifier [i.e. the One to Expiate] of him (Sinner) which believes in Jesus. ~ Romans 3:24-26

18. The original crucifixion of Jesus Christ actually took place on a Thursday

But we [Disciples] trusted that it had been He [Jesus Christ] which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, (Sunday) today [Greek lit. after three completed days - i.e. Thursday, Friday and Saturday] is the third day since these things [betrayal/judgment/crucifixion] were done. ~ Luke 24:21

19. Abigail is an Old Testament type and foreshadowing of the New Testament Christian Church

And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the donkey, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let your handmaid, I pray you, speak in your audience, and hear the words of your handmaid. ... I pray you, forgive the trespass of your handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fights the battles of the LORD, and evil has not been found in you all your days. Yet a man has risen to pursue you, and to seek your soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD your God; and the souls of your enemies, them shall He sling out, as out of the middle of a sling. And it shall come to pass, when the LORD shall have done to my lord according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you, and shall have appointed you ruler over Israel; ~ 1 Samuel 25:23-30

And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept his servant from evil: for the LORD has returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife. ~ 1 Samuel 25:39

20. Esther is an Old Testament type and foreshadowing of the New Testament Christian Saint

All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. ~ Esther 4:11-12

Now it came to pass on the Third Day [Resurrection Day], that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, opposite to the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, opposite to the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Then said the king unto her, What will you, Queen Esther? ... ~ Esther 5:1-3

But unto the Son (Jesus Christ) He (Father God) says, Your Throne, O God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Your Kingdom. ~ Hebrews 1:8

Note: the sceptre that Jesus Christ is holding and making available to all humanity is His cross.

Additional Resources: The Pierre Statement on Biblical Doctrines by Confessing Christians

God bless everyone,
David Anson Brown

Last modified on April 24, 2017

God Bless you,
David Anson Brown

Credits

Basic Christian: Wiki

© Copyright 2012-2018 by David Anson Brown, all rights reserved

davidansonbrown@hotmail.com

Electronically Published in the United States of America

ISBN - Pending

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: Pending

Basic Christian Series:
Basic Christian: Theology
Basic Christian: blog Bible Study
Basic Christian: blog History Study

BasicChristian.org

3C-Christianity.com - The-Jesus-Realm.com

David Anson Brown
davidansonbrown.com