Good Shepherd Church Seminary Module 29/ What is Sin?

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY

MODULE 29

WHAT IS SIN?

Paradise Lost - The Fall

Objectives; By the end of this Module you should;

• Have an understanding of what sin is
• Know the spiritual history of original sin and The Fall
• Know who is the origin of sin in our universe
• Understand the actions GOD has taken to deal with human sin
• Know the role of Jesus Christ in atoning for the sin of humanity
• Have knowledge of Biblical references to sin

Contents;

1. The origin of sin

2. What is sin?

3. Original sin

4. Sin as explained in the Bible

5. Sin explained in the New Testament

6. Consequences of sin

7. Jesus Christ saved us from the consequences of sin

8. What do we need to do in order to be freed from sin?

1. The origin of sin

  The origin of sin in spiritual history stretches back to the dim mists of time, when humanity first evolved on earth.

  God created humanity - man and woman - for abundance. Evolution carried out its creative work, and God breathed the first soul into man; and then into woman. [Genesis 2;7 and 2;22].

  God had placed man into Eden - paradise - where Adam was joined by woman, Eve.

  There was no sin in the beginning of humanity. Indeed, humanity had been created by God and chosen for great destiny as His children.

  However, early humanity turned away from God and chose their own path; with drastic consequences. Sin cost humanity more than they ever expected.

  When sin entered the world of humanity, instead of being raised up to be as God, the floodgate had opened to sickness, aging, death and loss of eternal greatness in Heaven.

  The occurrence where humanity turned away from God and became affected by Original Sin is known as 'The Fall'.

 

2. What is sin?

  Sin is an action that violates God's law; and is a condition in any person that is contrary to God's character.

  Sin can be seen as threefold;

Sin is an act; the violation of obedience to the revealed Will of God.

  Sin is a state; the absence of righteousness.

And Sin is a nature; enmity towards God.

 

  The origin of sin in the universe cannot be linked to God for two reasons;

Because God is Light, He cannot be associated with sin which is the work of darkness [1 John 1;5-7]

  The attitude of God shows that He is not the author of sin.

Proverbs 6;16-19 tells us of the six things the LORD our GOD hates;

haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush to evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

 

  The origin of sin in the universe must be linked with satan [also known as lucifer, or devil].

  The biblical writers confirm that satan led the sinning angels into sin [2 Pet 2;4].

 

  God's reaction to sin was cataclysmic; He banished satan and his followers from Heaven. He further banished our ancestors from paradise.

  Sin caused a grievous breach in relationship between God and ourselves.

  Without Divine intervention, we would have been condemned to live a half life of sorrows without hope; and face an eternity of banishment from Him Who is both our Father and our Glory.

 

3. Original Sin 

  The original sin of humanity includes both guilt and corruption. Such is the cumulative moral effect of the sin of Adam on each of us that we have been marred with the sinful nature from conception.

  Our struggle with the effects of our sinful natures is evident throughout life.

 

  Original sin is a state or condition of humanity at conception - which manifests from birth onwards - that is the source of sinful acts of humanity throughout life.

  The effects of original sin can apparently include effects on human intelligence and memory.

  The human body has been affected for the worse by original sin. Disease, aging and death - apparently previously unknown - now affects all.

 Original sin causes our emotions to lead us to prefer evil [Proverbs 9;17].

 

4. Sin as explained in the Bible

  Paul explains in the Letter to the Romans that sin is any thought, word or action that falls short of God's standard of holiness or perfection [3;23].

  Sin is a domineering power. Furthermore, sin is wickedness personified - so powerful, as to be a slavery; as attested to in Romans 6;6.

  Sin is not only doing what is wrong, but the failure to do what we know to be right.

 

  The Bible has a variety of terms for moral evil which tells us of its nature;

  Crookedness; perverseness; to miss the way [like a traveller off the right track], and to be found wanting when weighted in God's balances.

  The sinner misses the mark - like an arrow misses the mark, the sinner cannot achieve wholeness and holiness; which is the true aim of morally sound existence.

  Evil conveys the thought of violence; the sinner is one who 'breaks' or does violence to God's Law.

 

5. Sin explained in the New Testament

  Sin is seen as a debt [Matthew 6;12]. Humanity owes to God the keeping of His commandments; every sin is considered as the contracting of a debt.

  Humanity is unable to pay the debt; the only hope is for a pardon, or remission of the debt.

  Hence the requirement of Jesus Christ that we forgive others their debt to us, as we receive forgiveness of our debt from God Himself.

 

  Sin is also understood as lawlessness. Sin is the transgression of the law [1 John 3;4].

  The sinner is a rebel who deliberately breaks a commandment in choosing his or her own will rather than that of God.

  Sin is disobedience [Romans 5;19]. Sin is ungodliness and wickedness, without worship or reverence [Romans 1;18].

  Sin can be committed through thoughtlessness or ignorance.

 

6. Consequences of sin

  Sin is an action that violates God's law; a condition in any person that is contrary to God's character.

  One may commit a sinful activity as a group; however, the suffering of the consequences will be experienced individually.

  The consequences of sin include guilt; social punishment; the destruction of others' lives through our sinful actions; disease; death.

  Our conscience is our judge; we need to listen to our inner voice as to what is right.

  However, we need an informed conscience - a conscience that has been well trained in moral values, in what is right, and in the Biblical values.

  It is a biblical truth that the wages of sin are death [separation from God].

  It is also biblically true that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.

 

7. Jesus Christ saved us from the consequences of sin

  Jesus Christ - through His Suffering and Death - atoned for our universal sin as humanity. He has paid our sin-price.

  Jesus released us from the slavery of sin by giving us Sacraments.

Baptism gives the divine gift of grace to all who seek it.

  Confirmation gives the divine gift of the Holy Spirit to each seeker of the sacrament.

  Eucharist allows us to partake in the divine life of Jesus Christ in a mysterious and inclusive way.

 

8.  What do we need to do in order to be freed from sin?

  We need to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour.

We should seek Baptism, become devout worshippers at a Church of integrity and holiness.

  We need to learn about the faith handed down to us through the Holy Bible.

  We need to pray; reflect; and allow God to work in our souls.

We need to seek the Will of God in our lives.

  We need to avoid sin. We need to train ourselves with [prudent] prayer and fasting. [Fasting can mean taking less food; it can also mean fasting from a particular sin we might have.

  We can fast from unkind words; cruel actions; harsh looks; or placing others in Coventry. Fasting thus can be of the spirit as well as of the body].

  Above all, let us trust in the LORD our GOD. The work which He has begun in us will not be left untended.

  Let us become who we were meant to be; other Christs.

Look at the gospels; Jesus did not kill. He did not swear. He did not harm the weak and vulnerable. He went about doing good. He prayed. He followed the Commandments.

  Let us follow His example; and we cannot go wrong.

 

Rev Catherine

 

Good Shepherd Church Module 28/ The Plan of God

Genesis 3;15; 'I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
He will crush your head, and you will strike His Heel.'

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY

MODULE 28

THE PLAN OF GOD
 

Objectives; By the end of this Module you should;

• Know about the Plan of God
• Be able to discuss how Jesus came to bring salvation to all
• Know about lucifer, also known as devil or satan

Contents;
1. The Plan of God
2. The Tree of Death becomes the Tree of Life
3. Death and Resurrection
4. Satan and earth

1. The Plan of God
  Lucifer knows of humanity's glorious destiny; and, as God's enemy, he [also known as satan] is determined to prevent humanity from achieving eternal life in Heaven.
  The Plan of God was put in place to make it possible for everyone who has ever lived to have the opportunity to achieve greatness in  eternal destiny.

  Our ancestors - symbolized by the names Adam and Eve - chose to divert from their path to their destiny. This they did by following the promptings of lucifer [satan].
  The use of the name 'adam' in the Hebrew language is ׳āḏām - meaning 'human'.
  'Eve' in Hebrew is Ḥawwāh - meaning 'living one' or 'source of life'.

  The diversion from the original Plan of God proved catastrophic for the human race. Sin, sickness and death entered our experience, as the breach in our relationship with God widened.
  Humanity had chosen to steer our own destiny; with disastrous consequence.
  Satan harried humanity; and evil walked in our world.
Eventually God sent His Own Son, Jesus Christ, to change the course of events.

2. The Tree of Death becomes the Tree of Life
  The Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ was planned to overcome the weakness of humanity.
  The flaw within us - called sinful nature - can only be overcome by Divine Intervention. And this intervention is brought about by Jesus Christ.
  The tree upon which He was crucified signified, in human terms; Jesus' death.
  However, the battered wood proved much more; it became testimony to the Risen Life of Jesus Christ.
  Satan's plot to execute Jesus and frustrate God's Plan of salvation for humanity was foiled.

3. Death and Resurrection
It was not until Jesus Christ died and was resurrected that God's Plan became completely manifest to the world.
  The work of satan is a work of deception and is an attempt to make humanity ignorant of firstly, our true destiny; and secondly, of God's Plan to assist us to achieve that destiny.
  God mapped out millennia for the unfolding and completion of His Plan.
  Christ is the Creator God made manifest in human form. Christ brought to earth the truth about the Father God and God's children.

4. Satan and earth
Satan is currently attempting to be god and ruler of earth. Satan is a spirit conspirator manipulating the world by deception, and by fostering the spirit of disobedience.
  The Book of Revelation identifies satan as the great deceiver of the entire world; who will be overcome at the end.
  Revelation 12;9; 'And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceives the whole world; he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.'

  Paul preached to the Ephesians that humanity's true battle is against satan and his demons.
  Ephesians 6:11-13; 'Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
  Wherefore take unto yourselves the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.'

  Paul stated that a Christian's enemy is the devil [satan or lucifer].
1 Peter 5:8-9; 'Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you known that the family of believers throughout the world are undergoing the same king of sufferings.'

Rev Catherine

 
 

Good Shepherd Church Module 27/ Community; Working in Harmony

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY

MODULE 27

COMMUNITY; WORKING IN HARMONY
 

Objectives; By the end of this Module you should;

• Know that Christians form a community of believers
• Understand that Christian communities should be caring, and the reason why

Contents;
1. Community; Working in Harmony
2. The Mission of God
3. Relationship with Jesus Christ


1. Community; Working in Harmony
  Following Jesus Christ brings the challenge to work with others. We form a community of believers. As priests and believers we need to work in harmony together in order to fulfil God's purpose.
 
  Christian history shows there have been some differences in opinion as to how to live the Christian life effectively.
  The Good Shepherd priest embraces all believers; we follow the One Christ, therefore we form the One Flock.
  Likewise, within our communities we will have many of different cultures, temperaments, and personal challenges and difficulties.
  Our parishes embrace all in need. No one is to be excluded, or unaccepted.
  Name calling and looking down upon another is not the godly way.
  There is one Table of the Lord for Eucharist; and all, without exception, are welcome.
  For the Table does not belong to us; it belongs to the LORD.

2. The Mission of God
  The mission of God is worldwide, diverse in membership. The purpose for every Christian is that the world may receive the joyous message of the Good News.
  The way to Heaven has been opened, the breach between God and humanity has been  healed, and the archenemy of God - lucifer - is being brought to heel and will be exiled for eternity once earth's history is done.

3. Relationship with Jesus Christ
  Christians form communities marked by belief, worship and service of the Son of God.
  Communities should be caring of one another, and of all we meet.
This is done in order to fulfil Jesus' directive to us;
  'By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another', [John 13;35].

  Through prayer, Christians deepen relationship with Jesus.
As our prayer lives develop and we grow in relationship with Christ, the following occur;

• we worship God
• we serve God
• we love God
• we spend time with the Word [reading, reflecting and praying through the Bible]
• we spend time in prayer in honest communication with Jesus about our lives
• we pursue Jesus' priorities of worship, evangelism, fellowship, discipleship and service
• we constantly experience the Presence of Jesus

All that we do must be for God's Glory and for His plans. Thus we help to bring more people to the knowledge of God's Kingdom.

Rev Catherine
 
 

Good Shepherd Church Module 26/ Our Final Destination

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY

MODULE 26

OUR FINAL DESTINATION
 

Objectives; By the end of this Module you should;

• Know there is a judgement by God and each one after life is completed; in order to decide whether the person is ready to 'walk into the light' or needs more time to prepare
• Know where Heaven is, and Who the Ruler of Heaven is
• Know about the place of Exile, hell; and who the leader of Exile is
• Know how to help people to direct their life choices in order to gain Heaven once earthly life is completed

Contents;
1. Heaven and Exile
2. Home of Many Mansions
3. How do we as priest, help people to get to Heaven?
4. As priest, how do we deal with sin?
5. The decision to be Christian
6. Mission as Good Shepherd priest
7. Your testimonial

1. Heaven and Exile
  The most important decision we make in this life is to choose where we'll spend our eternal life.
  After death, we are born into eternal life, and the choices we make on earth help decide where we wish to spend our eternity.
  The choice is between two states; Heaven, the place of happiness where God is Lord and Master; or Exile, a place of broken relationship far from God, in the company of satan and his fallen angels. This Exile is known as hell.
  Jesus Christ gave His Life for us so we could gain entrance into Heaven as fully reconciled children of God.

  God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world, not to condemn the world, but that we might all be saved [John 3;17].
  Jesus came to save us from the consequences of our living apart from God, which would have entailed living for eternity in Exile.

2. Home of Many Mansions
  Jesus gave us an understanding of Heaven as a place of many abodes, where He would prepare a place for us [John 14;2].
  The Son of God has gone before us to Heaven, where He has promised to prepare a personal home for each one of us.
  Heaven is thus our destined home. Heaven is heaven simply because Jesus, our most dearly Beloved, is there.

3. How do we as priest, help people to get to heaven?
  The way to Heaven is not a direction, it is a Person.
We know the way when we know Jesus. Jesus Himself told us,
"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14;6].

  Who helps us as priest to choose the right words and actions for each person to whom we minister?
  Jesus left us the Spirit of God at work in our world. God's Spirit is named the Comforter, and our hearts are comforted by God.
  God's Spirit stands beside us and helps us during difficult times. The Holy Spirit is there to strengthen us, encourage, and to help us.
  God's Spirit will help us by inspiring us when we need to choose words and actions in our ministry.
  God is directly at work in our world to bring about the good of humanity, and the eventual triumph of good over evil.

4. As priest, how do we deal with sin?
  Sin is wrongdoing; sin is made of thoughts, words and actions which lead to harm or bad for others; and, at times, ourselves.
  God rejects sin, He loves righteousness - that which is right
The Good Shepherd priest chooses that which is right, meaning that no action will be done to harm or hurt another human being; or ourselves.

  God's Spirit alerts me to sin in my life, and helps me to heal from sin. As priest, we help others who have been alerted to sin or wrong in their life, to take steps to heal themselves of it.

  The Ten Commandments make it clear what causes sin; killing, breaking loving relationships, dishonouring close kin, telling lies that destroy others' lives and reputations, stealing.

  God's Spirit shares with us that there is a judgement, that sin will not go without consequences.
  Sin can cause guilt and emotional problems in the life of the person who has deep sin.
  Sin entered Heaven when lucifer and his fallen angels deviated from the paths of righteousness.
  Judgement followed when battle raged in Heaven, and lucifer was exiled.
  Each human has a judgement - in the sense of a weighing up of his or her past life - after earthly life is over.
  Only those who feel ready to 'walk into the light' - who are whole in spirit and soul - will make the final walk into Heaven.
  Some who pass away are not yet fully at peace about some area of his or her life.
  They are given time to remedy what lies between them and readiness for the peace of Heaven.
  It is our work as priest to help God with His Task of healing broken hearts and minds; to heal rifts of sin and help with the rebuilding of relationships with God which have been broken by sin, and the effects of sin.  
 
5. The decision to be Christian
  When you accept Jesus Christ into your life, you become a Christian.
  You change your direction and your new leader for life is Christ.
You give Christ the keys to your life-house.
 
Lucifer - or satan - comes to destroy your relationship and eternal future with God.
  But the fallen angel cannot destroy your relationship with Jesus once you have given the sovereignty of your life over to the Son of God.

6. Mission as Good Shepherd priest
As God sent Jesus out into the world, Jesus now sends us out into the world to minister in His Name.
  "As You sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world" [John 17;18].

  How does a priest share the Word with others?
We share when we see someone needs to hear about Jesus.
  We need to be depend on God's Holy Spirit for guidance in this matter.

  As priest, there are different ways of sharing Jesus with our world;
  We talk to loved one, family members, colleagues, aquaintances. We talk about familiar interests, but gradually move to Jesus' message.
  This can happen in one setting. It can occur over a couple of weeks. Or it can take much longer. The aim is to draw them to the message.
  The question that makes them think about Jesus as the message is this; Would you like to have a personal relationship with God?

7. Your testimonial
  Your testimonial is your story about how God has worked in your life.
  When someone asks about God or religion, or spiritual matters, you can just simply ask if you can share something special that happened to you.
  You can describe how you came to know Jesus, or how Jesus has worked in your life.
  If your face is happy and shines with the love of God, this is the greatest testimony of all.

8. Celebration of the sacraments
  Celebration of the holy Sacraments of God for the benefit of others is the hallmark of the priest of God.
  The Sacraments include Baptism, Assistance with Reconciliation with God, Confirmation, Eucharist, Marriage, Ordination, Anointing of the Sick.
Rev Catherine
 

 

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY: SEVEN STEPS TO KNOWING GOD

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY:

SEVEN STEPS TO KNOWING GOD

Step One
Recognize God Loves you
'For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.' [John 3;16]
'As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; continue in my love.'  [John 15;9]

Step Two
Admit you need help
'Jesus said to them; 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.' [Mark 2:17]

Step Three
Believe that Jesus is the Saviour
'Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world.' [John 1;29]
'Jesus answered, 'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' [John 14;6]

Step Four
Receive Jesus as your own Saviour
'But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.' [John 1;12]
'I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.' [John 10;28]

Step Five
Acknowledge that Jesus is now your Lord and Friend
'You are my friends, if you do what I command.' [John 15;14]
'Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.' [John 16;24]

Step Six
Recognize you now belong to God's Family, the Church
'All the believers were united in heart and in mind.'  [Acts 4.32]

Step Seven
Commit yourself to serve the Lord; Pray, Read the Bible and Witness
'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' [Acts 1;8]
'Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with  you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' [John 20;21]

Baptism
  If you have decided to be a Christian, a good pastor or priest and a strong worshipping Church with integrity are of great assistance.
  The first step on the road of Christianity is baptism. Speak to a pastor or priest about your wish to become part of a worshipping Church.
 
Rev Catherine
 

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY MODULE 25 / THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY

MODULE 25

THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

Objectives;
1. By the end of this Module, you should;
1. Know who Melchizedek is
2. Have knowledge of the link between the King of Salem,     Melchizedek, and Jesus Christ
3. Have reflective knowledge on the importance of the priesthood according to the Order of Melchizedek for the priest of today

Contents;
1. The Order of Melchizedek
2. Melchizedek in the Old Testament
3. Jesus as High Priest according to the Order of Melchizedek
4. Who was Melchizedek?
5. What does Melchizedek mean to the priest of today?
6. Melchizedek and Jesus
 
1. The Order of Melchizedek
  Humanity does not confer the true identity of priesthood on a priest; this is done only by God.
  The King of Salem, Melchizedek,  had been blessed by the Almighty as priest of God Most High [Genesis 14;18].
  Melchizedek knew the power and symbol of the bread and wine which were to eventually blossom in their fullness as the Eucharist - the Body and Blood - of Jesus Christ in the Service of Communion.
  The great priest Melchezedek brought out bread and wine, and then blessed Abram, with the great prayer;
  'Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
    Creator of Heaven and earth.
  And praise be to God Most High,
    Who delivered your enemies into your hand.' [Genesis 14;18-20]

The priesthood of the great King is spoken of as 'the Priesthood according to the Order of Melchizedek' and is not conferred by any earthly authority.
  The rite of ordination is a recognition and outward confirmation of the inner ordination by the Spirit of God.

  Certain people have been called to this priesthood by God and are, by nature, priests 'according to the Order of Melchizedek'.
  This ordination confers certain duties upon the priest; the main one being that once the priest is ordained, the ordination is for ever.
  The priest takes on the responsibility to witness to God in all circumstances and at all times.
  Psalm 110;4 written under the inspiration of Almighty God, states;
 'The LORD had sworn
  And will not change His Mind;
 "You are a priest forever,
  According to the order of Melchizedek" '.

2. Melchizedek in the Old Testament
  The meaning of the name 'Melchizedek' is 'King of Righteousness'. In the Genesis narrative, Melchizedek is honoured by Abram, both as King of Salem and a priest of God Most High.
  Abram [Abraham] recognized Melchizedek's priestly status and tithed to him.
  When Abram entered the land of Canaan around 2000 BC, the city of Jerusalem was called Salem [Genesis 14].
  Melchizedek's city was called Salem - also called Shalem - which is also the name of GOD whose worship was centered in the city.
  The full Name of GOD was 'GOD Most High, Creator of Heaven and Earth', since He was the God of Creation.
  Abram recognized GOD in verse 22 of Genesis Chapter 14, when he said to the King of Sodom;
  'I solemnly swear to the LORD, GOD Most High, Creator of Heaven and Earth.'
  Abram called Him LORD, which is the word YHWH, the name of the Covenant GOD of Israel.
 
  Melchizedek represents a superior order of the priesthood which reached its fulfilment in Jesus Christ.
  The giving of bread and wine as a sacrament to Abram later became the hallmark of the Christ and a symbol of the outpouring of Christ's Life into the world.
  In presenting the bread and wine to Abraham so long ago, Melchizedek infused Abraham with the Christ principle, prophesying forward to things at that time yet to come.

3. Jesus as High Priest according to the Order of Melchizedek
  The author of the Letter to the Hebrews uses the figure of Melchizedek in his theological reflection on the significance of Jesus' death.
  Jesus' life, death and resurrection were the great catalyst in the history of salvation which GOD the LORD brought about.
  Hebrews 4;14-16 speaks of Jesus as the Great High Priest;
'Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin.
Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.'

4. Who was Melchizedek?
It has been said that Melchizedek was Noah's son Shem, who, according to biblical records, was still alive at the time of the Genesis report.
  The name of Melchizedek's city was originally 'Yerushalem'.
'Shalem' comes from the name of GOD worshipped in the city by Melchizedek.
  The word 'yeru' means 'foundation stone' or 'cornerstone'. The name Jerusalem thus means 'the foundation stone of Shalem' and refers to the original cornerstone laid by the Creator of the Universe when He built the earth.

  Melchizedek - as previously discussed - was the king of this city, which was located on the southern part of the Eastern Hill between the Kidron Valley and the Central Valley.
  Abraham met Melchizedek in the Valley of Shaveh, that is the King's Valley [Genesis 14;17].
  This would be at the south end ridge of the city, where the Kidron and Hinnom valleys meet.

5. What does Melchizedek mean to the priest of today?
  Melchizedek is known as king, prophet, and priest.
The priest today is - as Melchizedek ministered in Shalem - also 'Priest of God Most High.'  The priest must thus live in a way that honors the God of all; and be faithful to the priestly ministry.
  We have been called to the ministry in order that we may spread the Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven; not to sit idle while those in need hunger and thirst for the Word of God.

  Blessings in patriarchal times were not to be given lightly; they were tangible, and once given - could not be taken back.
  The last person to receive a blessing from Noah was his oldest son; Shem. Shem [Melchizedek] - King of Salem - passed the blessing on to his descendent Abraham, the one chosen by God to be father of many nations.

  As priests we are called upon to impart the blessing of God to those most in need. A blessing is not to be given only to those who would deserve it. That would exclude most - if not all.
  We - due to the effects of the Fall that rendered our bond with the Almighty God fractured - are all sinners in nature.
  No; blessings are to be given to those in need; as priests, GOD the LORD will direct us throughout our ministry where to impart His healing blessing.
  The great blessing and the Peace of Almighty GOD is always given at the benediction at the end of the Eucharist.
  The blessing is not ours as priest; nor does the blessing belong to us.
  The blessing belongs to GOD; as His ministers we spread His Word and act as conduit for GOD's blessing to those in need.

  Melchizedek was priest who offered sacrifice of bread and wine.
Thus Melchizedek prophesied the great Sacrament of Eucharist which came about in the fullness of time.
 Jesus Christ, the great High Priest, offered the sacrifice of His Precious Divinity through the bread and wine.
  Priests offer bread and wine in sacrament in obedience to Jesus' directive [Matthew 26;26-29].
 This sacrifice - stemming from early times and offered by Melchizedek - was fulfilled by Jesus Christ to be His very Body and Blood, in manner divinely mysterious.

6. Melchizedek and Jesus
  God's Divine Plan is clearly seen through Salvation History. That Jesus the Messiah came when He did was not some random occurrence; but had been planned out from before by our Loving Father.
  God wants to give us the tools to return to His Presence in Heaven. He chose priests according to the Order of Melchizedek to facilitate this great plan.

  Let us be worthy.

 
 
 




 

BREAKING NEWS; ABORTIONIST CAUGHT SAYING IT WOULD BE A 'GREAT IDEA' TO BURN ABORTED BABIES FOR ENERGY, ALLEGED NEWS

BREAKING NEWS; RECENT VIDEOS CONTAIN FOOTAGE FILMED AT A CONFERENCE OF THE NATIONAL ABORTION FEDERATION, A TRADE GROUP OF ABORTION CLINIC OWNERS AND ABORTIONISTS, ALLEGED NEWS.
  Renee Chelian, who owns the Northland Family Planning chain of abortion clinics - which do about 25 percent of the abortions in Michigan - talked about the problems she had disposing the bodies of aborted babies after the medical recycling company Stericycle stopped providing service to her abortion facilities, Alleged News.

Five months worth of aborted babies in freezers
  Chelian spoke about how she had five months worth of aborted babies in freezers at her abortion clinics, and had no idea what to do with them, Alleged News.

Ready to have a bonfire
  'I was so consumed with fetal tissue that I was ready to drive to upper Michigan to have a bonfire. 
  And it was just trying to figure out, you know, how I wouldn't get stopped or how far into the woods would I have to go to have this fire that nobody would see me,' she is caught telling the audience of a NAF workshop; Alleged News.

Great idea to burn aborted babies' remains
  Later in the workshop, Chelian said she thought it would be a 'great idea' to burn the remains of aborted babies for energy; and admitted that doing so would created a 'PR nightmare', Alleged News.

Abortionist caught saying it would be a 'great idea' to burn aborted babies for energy, Alleged News
http://www.lifenews.com/2015/10/26/abortionist-caught-saying-it-would-be-a-great-idea-to-burn-aborted-babies-for-energy/ 

With thanks to lifenews.com

BREAKING NEWS; HOUSE DE-FUNDS PLANNED PARENTHOOD ABORTION BUSINESS CAUGHT SELLING ABORTED BABY PARTS, ALLEGED NEWS

THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAVE APPROVED A BILL THAT WILL USE THE RECONCILIATION PROCESS TO APPROVE LEGISLATION TO DE-FUND THE PLANNED PARENTHOOD BUSINESS,  WHICH HAS BEEN CAUGHT SELLING ABORTED BABIES AND THEIR BODY PARTS; ALLEGED NEWS.
  The House passed the Planned Parenthood de-funding bill on a 240-189 vote margin, Alleged News.

Investigation of Planned Parenthood
  Representative Randy Hultgren of Illinois applauded the bill for prohibiting all federal mandatory funding for one year to abortion providers while the House continues its investigation into Planned Parenthood's activities, Alleged News.
  There will reportedly be redirection of  $235 million in federal funds to community health centers for the next two years; Alleged News. [1]

[1] House De-Funds Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz Caught Selling Aborted Baby Parts, Alleged News
http://www.lifenews.com/2015/10/23/house-de-funds-planned-parenthood-abortion-biz-caught-selling-aborted-baby-parts/

With thanks to lifenews.com

CANDLE LIT; LUMIERE CHARITY READERS REMEMBERED IN SAN NICOLA BASILICA, BARI ITALY

Candles lit at the Basilica

CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT IN SAN NICOLA
BASILICA, BARI ITALY

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
LUMIERE CHARITY READERS.

MAY BLESSINGS AND STRENGTH BE YOURS

TOGETHER WE CAN ALL

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

REPORT FINDS NEW YORK'S FEMALE PRISONERS SHACKLED DURING LABOR, ALLEGED NEWS

REPORT FINDS NEW YORK'S FEMALE PRISONERS ILLEGALLY SHACKLED DURING LABOR, ALLEGED NEWS.
  New York state prison authorities have continued the practice of shackling pregnant inmates during labor, fail to provide most female prisoners with enough feminine hygiene requirements; Alleged News. [1]
  These are among the findings of a report released by a non-profit group that monitors prison condition, Alleged News. [1]
Reproductive Health Care for women in state prisons is reportedly 'substandard' according to the Correctional Association of New York report, Alleged News. [1]

  "We looked at reproductive health because it's one lens that you can really see the specific experience of women in prison - - not just the dehumanization that defines life in prison in general, but the specific dehumanization that women go through," said Tamar Kraft-Stolar, author of the report and director of the Women in Prison Project at the Correctional Association. Alleged News. [1]

Report; Reproductive Injustice
Excerpt reads;
"Highlights of our key findings in "Reproductive Injustice" about reproductive health care in the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) are:

1) Women are routinely shackled during pregnancy and some still experience the horror of being shackled during childbirth, even though this practice was outlawed in NY in 2009.

2) Pregnant women face poor conditions of confinement, including insufficient food and damaging childbirth experiences.

3) Many women receive substandard reproductive health care and face serious delays in accessing GYN services.

4) Women are routinely denied basic reproductive health items, including contraception and sufficient sanitary supplies

5) Women in solitary confinement face egregarious conditions, and pregnant women can be, and are, placed in solitary, a dangerous setting for them and their babies"; Alleged News. [2]

[1] Disturbing Report Finds New York's Female Prisoners Illegally Shackled During Labor, Alleged News
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/12/shackling-new-york_n_6665600.html

[2] Reproductive Injustice; Correctional Association of New York, Alleged News
http://www.correctionalassociation.org/resource/reproductive-injustice

With thanks to huffingtonpost.com, correctionalassociation.org