The Aeon of Horus

Ushering in the Age of Aquarius

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves..." II Timothy 3:1-2a

When I initially did the article on Beyonce, Sasha Fierce, and Demon Possession, I didn't quite understand the significance of she and Jay-Z promoting the false god "Horus" nor why they were embodying these entities before the masses.  Yet, God kept leading me to look more into Horus, and specifically, the "Aeon of Horus" predicted by occultist/satanist Aleistar Crowley. 

According to Crowley, an "Aeon of Horus" was soon coming in which mankind would become devoted to self-rights & liberties as we usher in a universal utopia united by a collective consciousness under one rule of law - his Law of Thelema called, "Do what thou wilt",  It is in this way that we would then become gods ourselves.

Of that age, Crowley writes:

"There is no need to develop the ethics of Thelema in detail, for everything springs with absolute logic from the singular principle, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." Or, to put it another way, "There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt." And, "thou hast no right but to do thy will." 

This formula itself springs ineluctably from the conception of the individual outlined in the preceding section. "The word of Sin is Restriction." "It is a lie, this folly against self." The theory is that every man and every woman has each definite attributes whose tendency, considered in due relation to environment, indicate a proper course of action in each case. To pursue this course of action is to do one's true will. "Do that, and no other shall say nay."" Aleister Crowley, Chapter - THE ADVENT OF THE AEON OF HORUS, Confessions

According to Crowley, in this Aeon of Horus there is no such thing as "sin".  Even the very concept of something being sinful is a lie and an obstacle to self-fulfillment.  Instead, each person will be governed by their own self-will and self-interest.  We will allowed to truly be "lovers of our own selves"...and no one else will be able to say anything about it.

Many in the world believe that we are now entering the much awaited Aeon of Horus or what others have called the Age of Aquarius.   It is said to be a time of great spiritual awakening.  A time of visitations from "ascended Masters" who will lead mankind in its evolution into a higher form of self.  You can see this message being pushed in the music and broader entertainment industries, in politics, in education, in religion...in every worldly system.

What is the main obstacle holding back all of mankind from these great advancements and supernatural revelations?  Those who are still 'stuck' believing in that their way to God is the only way, i.e. Christianity. The closer we move to this anticipated age, the more we will see concerted efforts to discredit Jesus Christ in every arena as well as a sharp increase in the disavowing of Christian principles - even by professing believers.  The new agers call this our "awakening" as we transition out of the Age of Pisces into the Age of Aquarius; the Scriptures call it the great apostasy (II Thessalonians 2:3).

In the following video entitled "Aquarius: The Age of Evil", researcher  Keith Thompson delves into this new "age" and how it is taking shape right before our eyes. He discusses in part:

• The History of the Theosophical Society
• The Freemasonry & Theosophy Connection in bringing about the new world order
• Zeitgeist Movement as vehicle for Theosophical Indoctrination
• What or Who is the Illuminati?
• The Goals of the Venus Project
• Lucifer as the admitted Leader ("god") of the Ascended Masters
• Supposed visitations of the Maitreya
• Demystifying Lucis Trust
• World Socialism as the linchpin of success for the new age
• The December 21, 2012 deception

Some might ask, "Why are you posting this type of information?"  Well, because "It is written..."   Jesus instructed us to be wise, sober, and watchful so that we can redeem the times and not be caught unawares, for we are the children of light (I Thessalonians 5:4-6).

In response to our Train Up A Child series, someone recently asked, "What does being a believer or unbeliever in Jesus Christ have to do with the decline of education in America?"  It is precisely because of this type of perspective that this is being posted.  I don't agree with everything stated in the video, and it is not necessary for us to know all of this information.  However, we need to realize (if we do not already) that the whole world lies in wickedness (I John 5:19).

As quoted in the video, the official Freemasonic Scottish Rite magazine wrote in its article God's Plan for America:

"Great God our King has chosen the great American Public Schools to pave the way for the new race, the new religion, and the new civilization that is taking place in America." New Age Magazine

Satan is the god of this world, and nothing is occurring by happenstance (II Corinthians 4:4).  The education they extend to your children, the music they produce, the shows and movies they distribute, the books being written, the news being reported...it is all done with the objective of conforming the mind to this new "age".

We are in the midst of a spiritual war and every move being made in this world is calculated.  Everything boils down to God's will and the unfolding of His master plan for humanity.  There is no neutrality; if something is not  for Christ, then it is against Christ.  If we are ignorant of this fact, then that does not mean that we have been spared; it simply means that we are deceived.

Someone once asked me whether I believe in conspiracies.  I asked, "How can you claim to be a Christian and not believe?"  The Scriptures themselves document Satan's attempt to conspire against the God of Heaven and to ensnare mankind in his evil schemes.  This is not theory, it is biblical truth.

"Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure." Psalms 2:1-5

According to this text, the "kings of the earth" (the world leaders) are collaborating to set themselves in direct opposition to the Lord.  They are meeting together and making specific plans to not only defy God, but to come against His anointed.  What is their goal?  To free themselves from the restraining influence of God's righteousness.  They want to "do what thou wilt" with no interference from, or knowledge of, God.  They know what they are doing and they are doing it purposefully, according to their diabolical schemes.

Regarding the end times specifically, we are told:

"And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast." Revelation 17:12-13

"And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army."  Revelation 19:19

Is this not a conspiracy???  The kings of the earth (again, the world leaders) work together and align themselves with the beast for the express purpose of making war against God and His people.  Do we really believe the Scriptures???

How can we claim to be saved and yet at the same time be ignorant - or worse, ambivalent - to the very nature of the spiritual war being fought around us?  Again, I am not saying that we each need to be researchers in the actions of elite world leaders; but we should at least not be ignorant of our adversary's devices.  Be girded up and prepared for these are the times in which we live.  If this was true in the days of the early church, it is even more so now.

There is a new age coming, but it is not what they think. Just when they believe they have achieved peace, there will be sudden destruction (I Thessalonians 5:3).  May we each be ready, for the time is at hand.  It is going to take more than a "sinner's prayer".  It is going to take lives laid down in sacrificial obedience to the Lord.  Those who do will be God's battle axe as He takes His vengeance on these satanic forces and redeems whosoever will take freely of the water of life (Jeremiah 51:20-24; Revelation 22:17).

"...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Daniel 11:32

FYI - It may just be my computer, but the volume of this video was pretty low to me. However, in listening by headphones, the volume was fine.

Atlanta Teen "Hip Hop" Seminar

The Omega Church & Ministries Center is hosting a Teen Hip Hop Seminar at the Jonesboro High School Media Center and all families are invited.

The seminar is not just for teens, but for anyone who wants to understand - and overcome - the spiritual forces behind one of the most popular music genres of our time. 

Date:  Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Place:   Jonesboro High School, Media Center
Address: 7728 Mt. Zion Boulevard    Jonesboro, GA    30236
Contact Number: 678-632-3013

Directions:
From downtown Atlanta, take Interstate 75 South to Exit #231.  Make a right off of the Interstate.  The school will be two miles down on the left.

Following The Biblical Example of Mary

Dispelling the Myths of the "Other" Mary

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a great example for all believers and God presents her as such in the Scriptures. Yet what is this example? Who was this woman and what can we learn from her?

I understand that this is not a casual read, but it was done as a resource to address questions which have been raised.  Hopefully it will be helpful in others' personal studies.

A God-fearing Servant

After the angel Gabriel informed Mary of God's amazing request for her to bring Jesus into the world, she agreed although she did not fully understand.

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her." Luke 1:38

Mary knew that her calling in life was simply to do the Lord's will.  Even though she was faced with that which seemed impossible, she trusted that, "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37).

When her cousin Elizabeth remarked about how blessed she was, Mary did not magnify herself, but she magnified the Lord (Luke 1:46-55).  Mary understood that all glory was due to Him alone for the favor He had chosen to bestow upon her.

Being a servant of God was more important to Mary than the opinion - and even potential dishonor - of men.  She was not afraid to sacrifice her person and her earthly reputation for the glory of God. Although she appreciated the great blessing God had given for her to bear His Son, she didn't elevate the receiver of the gift, but directed all praise to the Gift-giver.

A Woman in Need of a Savior

While there are doctrines such as the "Immaculate Conception" which claim that Mary was born without a sin nature and was thereby sinless, such beliefs are false.

We know from Scripture that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  The only individual that God tells us was without sin is Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; I Peter 2:22; I John 3:5). 

Mary did not believe that God's request to bear Jesus was due to any special merit or worth on her part.  On the contrary, she recognized herself as "lowly" (Luke 1:48).  This word doesn't mean that she was simply being humble.  It is the word tapeinōsis meaning "spiritual abasement, leading one to perceive and lament his moral littleness and guilt".

One might say, "But wait!  Jesus said that He too was lowly."  Yes, but that is not the same same word.  The word "lowly" in Matthew 11:29 is the word tapeinos which means "not rising far from the ground, lowly in spirit, humble."  The word used for Mary is a derivative of this word, but there is one major difference.  Jesus was "lowly" because He humbled Himself, but it was not because of any association with sin - for He had no sin.  On the other hand, Mary's condition of being "lowly" was directly related to the guilt of sin.

Mary was keenly aware of her human condition in being under sin, and this caused her to praise God for the wonderful things He was performing in her life - in spite of her "lowly" estate.  In doing so, she refers to God as her Savior.

"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." Luke 1:46-47

Jesus is our Savior precisely because He came to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21; I Timothy 1:15).  Mary too was in need of God's forgiveness of, and deliverance from, sin; she needed a Savior.

After giving birth to Jesus, Mary had to undergo a period of purification just like every other Jewish mother (Luke 2:22-24).  Regarding this process, the Scriptures say:

"Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean...And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest." (Leviticus 12:2, 6)

The references to being "unclean" is in the ceremonial sense; the woman needed to be sanctified and purified due to the issue of blood during childbirth.  Mary also was deemed "unclean" in that sense and was in need of this same purification as other women.  Further, we are told that she likewise presented a personal sin offering to the temple at the end of her purification, as also required by the law of Moses (Luke 2:22-24). 

The magnitude of God's request made Mary more mindful of her own "lowly estate" and the spiritual guilt of sin. She would not need to abide by the Mosaic laws of purification and present a personal offering for her own sin if she were not tainted by sin.  Like all humanity, Mary needed a Savior to redeem her, and she praised God for bringing that to pass in her life.

A Submitted Wife to Joseph

Contrary to what some teach, Mary was not set apart as the 'wife of the Holy Spirit' or the 'wife of God'.  Neither was Mary's marriage to Joseph simply in name only just to provide legitimacy for Jesus' birth. Joseph and Mary were already betrothed and planning to marry before the angel Gabriel appeared to them with this great news (Luke 1:26-27, Matthew 1:18-25).

God did not curtail their marriage relationship, and neither did He circumvent the authority He gave Joseph as her husband and her head.  While Joseph lived, God provided direction for the family through him (Matthew 2:13, 2:19, 2:22).

God's word is quite clear that Joseph and Mary had a biblical marriage in every sense of the word.  She was not "ever-virgin".

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 1:18

In discussing the timeline of Jesus' birth, God references a specific point in time when Joseph and Mary "came together".  This term, in relation to marriage, means to have a sexual union.

The timing of their consummation in marriage is important because God is addressing the conception of Jesus Christ.  By stating that Jesus was conceived before Mary & Joseph "came together", God establishes that Joseph could not be Jesus' biological father.  This speaks to fulfillment of the prophecy that Jesus would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14).

"Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS." Matthew 1:24-25

Not only was Jesus conceived before Joseph and Mary "came together", but Jesus was also born before that time.  Mary remained a virgin up until the time when Jesus was born. 

Along with being the mother of Jesus Christ, God's plan for Mary was that she also be a faithful helpmeet chosen specifically for Joseph.  Her unique and special relationship with the Lord did not supplant her responsibilities to Joseph as his wife. God honored the patriarchal authority He had established in their marriage and like every wife, Mary was expected to honor that as well.

A Loving Mother to her Children

The union of Joseph and Mary was fruitful; and according to the Scriptures, God blessed them with children of their own after Jesus was born.

One such text refers to when Jesus returned to his own country to preach.

"And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him." Matthew 13:54-56 (Also Mark:6:3-4)

Jesus' countrymen could not receive His preaching because they considered Him to be just like them. Even some of Jesus' own brothers and sisters could not receive the truth of His words (John 7:3-5).  In confirming that Jesus was one of their own, the people began referring to His immediate family - or as Jesus put it, those of His "own house" (Matthew 13:57).  They confirmed knowing Joseph & Mary, as well as Jesus' four brothers and several sisters who remained among them at that time.

Some say that Jesus leaving Mary in the care of His disciple John at the cross proves that no brothers existed, since this responsibility would have fallen to them.  However, this is a false assumption refuted by the Scriptures.

Jewish custom was for the nearest kinsmen to assume responsibility for the caring of widows (Deuteronomy 25:5; Ruth 3:12-13; Luke 20:28-33; I Timothy 5:3-5).   Even those who deny that Jesus had brothers and sisters acknowledge that Jesus had near kinsmen, for they say that this is the proper context of the word "brethren".

Does Jesus not leaving Mary in the care of these "brethren" prove that they didn't exist? Of course not.  They are referenced throughout the New Testament and some were even present in the upper room at Pentecost (Acts 1:14).  So there was a reason why Jesus chose not to leave Mary with these "brethren", who otherwise should have had this responsibility.

We know that Jesus' "brethren" did not initially believe in Him (John 7:3-5).  We also know that the spiritual family of God was more real in Jesus' eyes than His biological family (Mark 3:33-35).  So in deciding with whom to leave His mother, Jesus chose whom He saw fit from within His family (the family of believers in God). And He did this in spite of the fact that there were near kinsmen who could have done so.

The Scriptures describe Mary as a caring mother whose heart was with her children. Once she was widowed, Scripture cites her as often being in the company of her other children (Matthew 12:46-47; Mark 3:31-32; Luke 8:19-20; John 2:12, Acts 1:12-14).  Her own soul experienced anguish at what Jesus suffered in life (Luke 2:35).

Yet, there were times when she did not understand God's will for Jesus and had to ponder many things about God's calling for Him in her heart (Luke 2:19-51).  There were even times when she and his brethren wondered whether Jesus had lost His senses (Mark 3:21-35).  Through these experiences, Mary had to learn that it was not her place to guide Jesus' ministry (John 2:3-4). This is why we see less recorded about Mary in the Gospels as Jesus comes into maturity.

Mary's role was to carry Jesus to term, give birth to Him, nurture and raise Him, and love Him throughout; but she had no authority in His ministry work.  It was not her place to question or even to provide suggestions in that regard, but merely to trust the Father to guide Jesus in doing the Father's business.    

It should also be mentioned that nowhere in Scripture is Mary called the "Mother of God". The title Theotokos (from which "Mother of God" is translated) was attributed to Mary in 431 A.D. to attest that Jesus is God. I too agree, of course, that Jesus is God.  However, not only is this title a misnomer, implying some sort of divinity to Mary, it also perverts the very nature of God.   

God is the Creator of all; self-existent and eternal.  Jesus, as God, has existed from the beginning as the Word of God prior to being made incarnate (John 1:1-2).  Although Mary certainly imparted to Jesus His humanity (making Him the Son of David), Mary cannot be the "mother" of that which existed before her creation.  Further, while Mary is the mother of Jesus, she is not the mother of the Holy Spirit - who is God - nor of the Father - who is also God.  One can debate ad nauseum over the legitimacy of man-made titles such as this.  However, it is enough to know that God never deemed to call her such.

Mary was not a perfect mother, but she neither did she have to be. She was a woman devoted to her children; who sacrificed for them, and was there for them throughout her life.  As do all believers, she had to learn that Jesus didn't need her direction in doing His Father's will.

Mary was not exalted by Jesus above all others.

Another common misconception about Mary is that Jesus exalted her above all others and therefore, so should we.  However, such is not held up by the Scriptures.

One of the illustrations which refute this is in Mark Chapter 3.  Jesus was in a house teaching, and His mother & siblings stood outside asking to see Him.  They believed that Jesus might have gone out of His mind and they had come to take Him away with them (Mark 3:21).

When made aware that they stood outside of the house asking for Him, Jesus said the following:

"And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother." Mark 3:33-35 (Also Matthew 12:48-50 and Luke 8:19-21)

Jesus did not exalt Mary as His mother, nor defer to her in all matters, nor grant her a special role in His ministry.  Rather, He continuously reminded her - and His followers - that our spiritual heritage in the Body of Christ takes precedence over our earthly heritage (Luke 14:26). This didn't apply to everyone but Mary; rather Jesus makes it clear that even His own mother was no exception to this truth. 

In spite of Jesus' teachings, various Marian doctrines have been created to set Mary apart from other believers.  One such doctrine is that of the "Assumption" where it is taught that Mary ascended bodily into Heaven at the end of her life and was crowned by Jesus as the "Queen of Heaven" to be enthroned with Him.  However, like many Marian dogmas, there is no support for this in Scripture.  It is also worth noting that the title "Queen of Heaven" is used in Scripture to reference only the worship of idols (Jeremiah 7:18; 44:17-25).  How disparaging it is to use a title reserved for idols as a reference to the mother of Jesus Christ!

In Jesus' own words, the honor which is due to Mary for bringing Him into the world is no greater than the honor which is due to any believer who does the will of the Father.  Everyone who obeys God is "the same" as Jesus' mother.  Mary is the equivalent of every other obedient child of God...in Jesus' own eyes.

Mary was blessed because of obedience, and we can be too!

The Scriptures tell us several attributes about Mary, but none of them are exclusive to her alone. The same qualities applied to Mary are likewise applied to other believers.

Mary is called "highly favoured" (Luke 1:28).  However, the same word is applied to all believers in Ephesians 1:6 which states that we are "accepted [highly favoured] in the beloved."

Mary is said to be "blessed above women" (Luke 1:28, 42). Yet, Jael was also called "blessed above women" for taking vengeance on Sisera (Judges 5:24).  It is also said that Mary would be called "blessed" by all generations (Luke 1:48), however that same word is used in James 5:11a for those enduring in the faith: "Behold, we count them happy [blessed] which endure."  

They key to Mary receiving the blessings and favor of God was her obedience to Him.  According to Jesus, this was not something for which she is to be exalted, but it is a pattern of faith that we should desire to emulate. 

"And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." Luke 11:27-28

While Jesus agrees that Mary is blessed, He qualifies the woman's statement saying "rather" are those who obey God blessed.  Once again, Jesus corrects those who try to place a focus on Mary or exalt her for being His mother.  Once again, Jesus places Mary's blessedness on the same level as every believer who keeps God's words.

In the same manner in which Mary was blessed, we also will be blessed when we obey Him. Mary was obedient to God's word and this resulted in His Son being physically formed within her.  Likewise, when we are obedient to God, Jesus will be spiritually formed within us (Galatians 4:19). 

Yet, we must consider why Jesus felt it necessary to correct the woman's statement at all.  Mary certainly is blessed for the favor God has shown her, so why not just agree and leave it at that?  Because Jesus knew that man is prone to idolatry.

This woman was looking in the face of God and hearing Him speak; yet, her inclination was to start singing Mary's praises.  Standing in the presence of the Creator, man's unconverted heart will always drift into worship of that which was created (Romans 1:18-25).  This is why Jesus preached consistently against exalting any person other than God, including His own mother.

The truth about Mary's significance as Jesus' mother is that she is an example of faith in and obedience to the Lord.  This is an example that Jesus continuously emphasized to His followers, even while rebuking attempts by many to exalt her. We too - like Mary - can receive the blessings and favor of God when we keep His words.  To perceive Mary's obedience as something divinely different than any other believers' obedience is idolatry.

So who is this "other" Mary?

If Mary is not the sinless, ever-virgin, simultaneous wife and mother of God who reigns as the Queen of Heaven, then who is this "other" Mary?

According to religious historical accounts, she is Semiramis, the Queen of Babylon.

As the legend goes, Semiramis was the wife of Nimrod, who is recounted in Scripture as a "mighty hunter" and the great-grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:8-9).  Nimrod (whose name means "Rebel") raised a great idolatrous empire based in Babylon which sought to construct the Tower of Babel.

The Tower of Babel was a zigurrat; a temple built on raised platforms.  It served two purposes: One, to directly challenge God by extending it beyond the reach of His judgment should He send another flood; and Two, it was to be high enough to worship what the Scriptures call the "the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven" (Deuteronomy 4:19, 17:3; Also II Kings 23:5, Acts 7:42), this host representing Satan's army of fallen angels.

Regarding Semiramis, the accounts of her identity vary.  However, it is said that she was the owner of a brothel before meeting Nimrod and that her image was reinvented for the people to make her a more suitable bride for him by presenting her as a virgin born from the sea (The "other" Mary is also given the title of Stella Maris meaning 'Our Lady, Star of the Sea').

Semiramis was said to be instrumental in defining Babylon's religious system, which involved an occult mixture of astrology/zodiac worship, magic, and sexual rituals.  In order to retain her control over the people after Nimrod's death, Semiramis announced that Nimrod had ascended into Heaven and became one with the sun, making him the Sun-god.  She also claimed to have become miraculously pregnant by Nimrod when - as the Sun-god - he sent a beam of sunlight to create a reincarnation of himself within her in the form of his son, Tammuz (Ezekiel 8:14-16).  It is then that she began to be worshiped as not only the wife of God, but also the Mother of God.

As the people in the Babylonian empire dispersed after God had destroyed the Tower and confused their language, each resulting culture took with it the remnants of this perverse religious system including their own version of worship for the 'madonna and child'.  Whether the name used is Semiramis, Isis, Ishtar, Diana, Venus, Athena, Minerva, Cybele, Juno, Rhea, Gaia, Devaki, 'Mary' or any name, all roads lead back to Babylon and reflect the nature of what Scriptures call the "Whore of Babylon" (Revelation 17:1-5).

While the specifics of the legend of Nimrod and Semiramis may be debated, certain things stand sure:

• We know that Babylon is referred to in Scripture as the "Mother" of all harlots and abominations in the earth.  All religious perversions have roots back to this city/culture.
• Images of this 'other' Mary often show her with a halo, which was a symbol used in pre-Christian pagan/profane art to honor the Sun-god.
• Images of this "other" Mary often depicts her with the stars, the moon, and the sun (as in the picture above) consistent with the Babylonian religion's worship of the "host of Heaven".
• As is found in all idols of 'madonna child' worship, when this "other" Mary is shown with her 'Jesus', He is depicted as an infant; which is very peculiar being that Jesus grew fully into a man. Yet, Jesus is shown as frail, helpless, dependent on Mary and submitted to her authority.  Such depictions are all about elevating Mary as goddess and have absolutely nothing to do with the actual Son of God.
• The attributes & titles applied to this "other" Mary including being ever-virgin, sinless, the Wife of God, the Mother of God, Our Lady of the Sea, and the Queen of Heaven are all unscriptural and do not reflect the actual identity of the mother of Jesus Christ.  These descriptors have no relationship with the biblical Mary, however they do closely align with the legends of Semiramis.

Regardless of where this "other" Mary originated, we can know from Scripture that she is a false presentation of the true Godly woman who gave birth to our Redeemer.  Although Satan always tries to counterfeit the things of God, we must be sure to know how to distinguish the difference between the two.


Obey Jesus

In looking at Mary, Scripture does not present a woman insulated from the stain of sin, kept in a virginal state, and ascended as the Queen of Heaven.  Rather, we see a lowly handmaiden who obeyed and trusted God.  Jesus constantly reminds us that what we should see in Mary is not a picture of divine exaltation, but of one who obeyed God...just as we can and should.

In closing, I thought it would be good to let Mary speak for herself.

During the wedding in Cana, after Mary had brought the issue of the lack of wine to Jesus' attention, she gives an important directive: 

"His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." John 2:5

Do you want to be a servant of God?  If so, the standard is simple.  According to the Scriptures, according to Jesus, and according to Mary herself, the key to serving God is to obey His Words.

Should we look to man?  Should we look to traditions, thoughts, or opinions of men...no matter how revered?  Should we look to our own understanding or what we feel is right?  Should we look to "divine revelations" that are at odds with God's words?  Should we look even to Mary?  Did Mary ever represent herself as an intermediary for others to reach Jesus?  Did Jesus ever present her to others in such a role?  Do we need to think up other things to do beyond what He says in order to give Him honor?  The answer to each of these questions is, "No".

The best way to honor the sacrifice and memory of the mother of Jesus is to consider the very words she gave: Whatsoever HE saith, do IT.

We would do well to heed her instructions.

Do You STILL Believe?

A timely reflection below from Minister David Wilkerson.

He has shared just a little recently about what he and his family are going through in an article called "A Message to Overwhelmed Believers", but the words below are important for us all - regardless of the trial.

No matter your situation, I pray that you (and I too) can always answer wholeheartedly, "Yes, Lord!  I still believe."

Do You Still Believe?

Recently I had an unusual experience while in meditation with the Lord. His still small voice asked of me, “Do you still believe?”

“Do you believe I still love you unconditionally—that you are right now being led by the Holy Spirit—that every tear you shed I bottle—that you are right now in this place, in this very hour, in the perfect will of God?

“Do you believe all things still work together for good to them that love me—that I hear your prayers, even when you have no audible words to express them, when all seems dark and you are overwhelmed—when fear lays hold on your mind and soul—when it seems I have shut the heavens to you?

“David, do you still believe I feed all living things: the fish of the sea, the cattle, the fowls, all creeping things? Do you still believe I count every hair on your head—that I take note of every fallen bird on the face of the earth? Do you truly believe that?

“Do you still believe—when death comes to your loved ones? Do you still believe what you have testified, that I give comfort and strength to face even the grave?

“Do you still believe I love you—I forgive you all your past sins, your present sins—and I will forgive all future sins if you rest and trust me? Do you believe I understand when Satan sends his messengers against you to implant lies, doubts, blasphemies, fears, despair?

“Do you still believe you are in the palm of my hand—that you are more precious than gold to your Savior—that eternal life is your future—that there is no power that can pluck you out of my hand—that I still am touched by every infirmity and affliction you endure? Do you still believe these things are true?”

My answer is emphatically YES! Yes, Lord, I still believe it all and more—much more!

Read all of Psalm 103 and ask yourself, “Do I still believe it? All of it?”

Psalm 103

A Psalm of David.

1. BLESS (AFFECTIONATELY, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!

2. Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--

3. Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,

4. Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;

5. Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!

6. The Lord executes righteousness and justice [not for me only, but] for all who are oppressed.

7. He made known His ways [of righteousness and justice] to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.

8. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness.

9. He will not always chide or be contending, neither will He keep His anger forever or hold a grudge.

10. He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him.

12. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13. As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].

14. For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust.

15. As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

16. For the wind passes over it and it is gone, and its place shall know it no more.

17. But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children's children--

18. To such as keep His covenant [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it] and to those who [earnestly] remember His commandments to do them [imprinting them on their hearts].

19. The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.

20. Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word.

21. Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, all you His hosts, you His ministers who do His pleasure.

22. Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion; bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul!

Walking in the Power of God

Consider the Source

"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." Romans 11:29

The following is a message from Pastor Zac Poonen on the power of the Spirit, prophecy, and prayer.

• Some denominations don't talk about the power of the Holy Spirit at all.
• Where there is not much spiritual life, there is not much spiritual death.
• EVERYTHING in the New Testament is for us! The fullness of the Holy Spirit is real. The gifts of the Spirit are real. But they can also be counterfeited by Satan.
• Even the devil has supernatural powers which were given to him before he fell. The gifts of God are without repentance.
• The gift itself is not the sign of God's continued anointing, but one's continued fellowship with God. Gifts can deceive, but we know them by their fruit.
• The fruits of the Spirit insulate the gifts of the Spirit.
• Under the anointing of God, both sons and daughters of God will prophecy. Women are not to be an elder or teacher of men, but they can prophesy.
• To prophecy is "speaking unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." (I Corinthians 14:3)
• When you are in touch with God, the secrets of people's hearts are made manifest.
• We need spiritual eyes to see where God is today in terms of fellowship.

Lord, You're Beautiful!

O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. Psalms 31:23-24

May we be strengthened in Him today!

Working OUT What God is Working IN

The KEY to Eternal Security

The following article by Pastor Zac Poonen provides an overview on the topic of eternal security including how a believer can know that they are secure and what the Scriptures have to say about the conditions surrounding this security.

ETERNAL SECURITY – FOR ALL WHO FOLLOW JESUS

Jesus said, “Man shall live by EVERY (single) word that proceeds from the mouth of God” – and not just by any one word of God (Matt.4:4). So, if we take just one verse of Scripture without comparing it with other verses in Scripture, we can arrive at wrong conclusions and end up believing what is false. Many preachers have deceived people by giving them false hopes through quoting just one verse of Scripture, ignoring other verses.

Many a wrong understanding of Biblical doctrines arises from not comparing Scripture with Scripture. When Satan quoted a Scripture to Jesus saying, “It is written”, Jesus balanced it by saying, “It is ALSO written” (Matt.4:6,7). God created birds with two wings, so that they could fly straight. Biblical truth is also balanced in the same way.

When considering the doctrine of eternal security, we must find a balance between the two great truths of the sovereignty of God and the free will of man.

God has given man a free will and never forces anyone to choose Him. But He knows from all eternity who will choose Him and who will not. So His election of some people as His children is based on His foreknowledge (as made clear in 1 Pet.1:1,2) – and not on arbitrary choice.

God created the planets without freedom of choice. And so, even though they have obeyed God’s laws implicitly for thousands of years, they cannot be either holy or sinful or God’s children. God created the animals however, with a free will. But they have no conscience. And so they too cannot be holy or sinful or God’s children.

But when God created man, He gave him both a free will and a conscience. Therefore, man can be either holy or sinful – and can choose to become a child of God.

If God were to take away our conscience, we would become like the animals - incapable of moral choice and therefore incapable of being holy or sinful.

If God were to take away our free will, we would become like robots – and again we would be incapable of being holy or sinful. So God never takes away our free will – even after we become believers.

We must recognize this truth if we are to understand the doctrine of eternal security aright. The teaching that it is impossible for believers to fall away from God, reduces believers to robots, who have no freedom of choice.

“God loves cheerful givers” – in all matters, including obedience (2 Cor.9:7). He does not desire an obedience that is forced. That is why He never takes away our freedom of choice. We can choose to follow Christ – and later choose to forsake Him, if we so wish.

Forgiveness of sins is a wonderful, free gift of God. But a person has to choose it, in order to receive it. God never forces it on anyone. If God had thrust forgiveness on people, then everyone in the world would have been forgiven and saved. It is the same with being filled with the Holy Spirit. God does not force believers to be filled with His Spirit. They must choose to ask for it (John 7:37-39).

God’s promises are never fulfilled automatically. The promises of God are all Yes in Christ. But we must add our Amen to them by our free will, if we are to receive and experience them (See 2 Cor.1:20).

Here is an example that proves this. God promised the elders of Israel in Egypt two things:

(1) that He would bring them out of Egypt; and
(2) that He would bring them into Canaan (Exod.3:17).

But only the first of those two promises was fulfilled in the lives of those elders, because they believed only the first and did not believe the second (Num.14:22,23).

The promises of God will not be automatically fulfilled in our lives. We must believe them, if we are to receive them. As James says, we “must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. Such a man will receive nothing from the Lord” (James 1:6,7).

Philippians 2: 12,13 commands us: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God Who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

Here we see that it is God Who first works in us by giving us the desire and the ability to do His will. That is one part of the truth. But then WE have to WORK OUT that salvation, if we are to experience it. That is the other half of the truth. Some Christians emphasise ONE WING of this truth while others emphasise THE OTHER WING. To have the whole truth, we need both wings. If we accept only one wing, we will keep going round in circles!!

We can experience the salvation spoken of in the above verses, only if we work out what God works in.

One proof of this can be seen in the very next verse, where we are told to “do ALL things without grumbling and complaining” (Phil. 2:14). How many believers can testify that they have been saved from ALL grumbling and complaining? Can you testify to that yourself? If you cannot, that is NOT because God is not working in you to save you from those sins. It is because you have not cooperated with His Spirit in working OUT your salvation from those sins. The next verse tells us that it is only when we are saved from all grumbling and complaining that we “prove to an evil world that we are the children of God” (Phil.2:15). By that standard, are you proving to the world around you, that you are a child of God?

Consider another area: It is God Who grants people the ability to repent (Acts 11:18). But He wants everyone to repent (2 Pet.3:9). So He is obviously willing to grant repentance to everyone. But most people (even believers) do not respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to repent. They do not work out what God is working in.

Consider yet another area: It is God alone Who can save anyone. But He wants everyone to be saved (1 Tim.2:4). So if people are not saved, it is because they do not respond to what God is trying to work in their lives. They resist the grace of God. They do not work out what God is seeking to work in.

A lot of the wrong understanding of eternal security comes from imagining that “eternal life”. means living forever. But “eternal life” does not refer to a life that never ends, because people who go to hell also live forever – and they certainly don’t have eternal life. Jesus defined “eternal life” as "knowing God and Jesus Christ” (John 17:3). Eternal life is a life that first of all, had no beginning and then has no end. That can refer only to the life of God Himself. This is the divine nature that we can now partake of, in Christ (2 Pet.1:4).

This eternal life is indeed the free gift of God (Rom.6:23). But the previous verse (Rom.6:22) tells us that God gives this eternal life only to those who want to be “freed from sin” and to become “bondslaves of God”. So even though eternal life is a free gift, there are conditions for receiving it.

In relation to the subject of eternal security, consider the following seven passages of Scripture. [It is essential, when looking at these verses, that we give up our pre-conceived ideas of WHAT WE THINK THESE VERSES SHOULD BE SAYING. Read them with a totally open mind – for this is the Word of God – and then you will know the truth]:

1. John 10:27-29: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."
   
   When considering the promise in these verses, we must remember that there are some conditions mentioned here for the promise to be fulfilled. Most Christians do not look at the conditions! Thus they believe a false teaching. The promise of eternal security is given here ONLY to those who follow Jesus until the end. You cannot encash a cheque if it is not in your name; and you cannot claim a promise if you do not fulfil the conditions. If you are following Jesus, you certainly have eternal security. But if you are not following Him, then you are deceiving yourself if you believe that you are eternally secure. No-one can pluck you from Jesus' hand if you follow Him. But you can choose to jump out of His hand yourself at any time – because God will never take away your free will.
   
   
2. Matthew 24:11-13: "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved."
   
   Jesus Himself says here that to be saved, one must endure until the end. We must take these words of Jesus exactly as He spoke them, if we are to know the truth.
   
   
3. Matthew 6:14,15: “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.”
   
   Jesus was very accurate with His words. The fact that He used “heavenly Father” here, indicates that He was talking to God’s children and not to unbelievers. In fact, the whole sermon on the mount (of which these verses are a part) was meant for God’s children.
   
   Here Jesus tells God’s children that they will not be forgiven if they do not forgive others. What will happen to this “saved” person, if he dies in that state – unforgiven by God, because he did not forgive others. Can he enter into God’s presence with unforgiven sin? Can he receive forgiveness of sins after he has died?? There is NO forgiveness of sins beyond the grave. So he will be eternally lost. Even though He was once “saved”, he lost his salvation.
   
   Jesus made this crystal clear in the parable in Matthew 18:23-35. There we see that the entire debt that the king forgave his slave was placed back on the slave’s head and he was also put in prison – just because he did not forgive his fellow-slave. Jesus concluded the parable saying, “My heavenly Father will do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart" (v.35). This teaches clearly that ALL the sins that our heavenly Father once forgave us will be placed back upon us, if we do not forgive even one person. And if we die in that state, we will be unforgiven and therefore, eternally lost.
   
   
4. Romans 8:12,13: "Brethren......if you are living according to the flesh, you WILL die.".
   
   This warning is for “brethren” – believers. The Holy Spirit tells believers here (in no uncertain terms) that they will CERTAINLY die spiritually, if they live according to the flesh – even if they were once “made alive”. Yet many preachers tell believers that they will NEVER die spiritually.
   
   God warned Adam in Genesis 2:17, that if he disobeyed God, he would “surely die" (just as it is written in Romans 8:13). But Satan said, "You surely will not die" (Gen.3:4) – just like many preachers are telling believers today.
   
   Who was right in Eden – God or Satan? 
   Who do you think is right today – God or these false teachers?
   
   
5. Hebrews 3:12-14: "Take care, brethren (these are ‘holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling whose High Priest is Jesus’ – as we see in verse1), that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God………. For we have become partakers of Christ, IF we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end."
   
   Here we read that “holy brethren” (believers) can end up having an evil, unbelieving heart that makes them fall away from the living God. We are also told that we become partakers of Christ ONLY if we hold fast our faith UNTIL THE END. These words are crystal clear, to all whose minds are unprejudiced by preconceived ideas.
   
   
6. Hebrews 6:4-6: "In the case of those who have been enlightened and have tasted the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify the Son of God”.
   
   These verses clearly refer to believers who were once made “partakers of the Holy Spirit”. We are told here that such believers CAN fall away. We are also told that it is impossible for them to return to repentance AS LONG AS (the meaning of “since”) they live in their sin and thus re-crucify the Son of God. Everyone who takes sin lightly is thereby despising the crucifixion of Christ and in a sense crucifying Christ afresh. As long as a person has that attitude to sin, he cannot be brought to repentance. If he remains in that state, he will be lost eternally. But there is hope for him if he decides to take sin seriously and thus stops re-crucifying Christ.
   
   
7. Rev.3:5. "He who overcomes will be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life"
   
   These are the words that Jesus spoke to an elder (messenger) of a church and to all the believers in that church. Jesus never makes any empty threats. Read this warning of Christ’s, with an open mind and ask yourself, “Can a person’s name be erased from the book of life? Does the Lord always speak the truth?”
   
   Jesus knows more about the book of life than any of us do. We are not to use logic here, but simply accept the words of Jesus as they are. It is true that God knows the end from the beginning and so He knows who will overcome and who will not. But He is speaking to us in human terms here, so that we can beware of this danger of our names bring erased from the book of life. It is written about the final judgment: “If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev.20:15). God hides these truths from clever, intelligent people who use their logic and reveals them to “babes” – those who accept His Word, exactly as it is written, with a childlike heart (Matt.11:25).

Many claim to believe that the Bible is God’s infallible word. But they choose what they want to believe in it and reject what they don’t want to. They depend on what their fallible minds tell them, and not on what God’s Word teaches clearly. Thereby they show their arrogance and their pride.

These are matters of extreme importance, because they affect our eternal destiny. So we cannot afford to blindly believe what men teach us and thus be deceived. We must believe the word of God, which is the only light we have in this dark world. Whatever interpretation you may put on any other verse in the New Testament, it cannot cancel out the truths stated clearly in the above verses.

One of the last promises in the epistles is that the Lord “is ABLE to keep us from falling” (Jude 24). This is true - the Lord is certainly able to keep us from falling. But if we do not yield ourselves completely to Him, He will not be able to keep us from falling - for He never forces His will on anyone.

As believers, our relationship with Christ is compared to that of a betrothed virgin, awaiting her wedding (2 Cor.11:2; Rev.19:7). In the next verse (2 Cor.11:3), Paul says that he fears that Satan will deceive us and draw us away from simple devotion to Christ, even as Satan deceived Eve. Eve was in paradise and was deceived by Satan – and was driven out of paradise by God. Today, we who are “engaged” to Christ are headed for paradise. But if we allow Satan to deceive us, we will never enter paradise.

If the bride plays the harlot with the world and with sin, her Bridegroom will refuse to marry her. This is the harlot church referred to as Babylon (in Revelation 17), that is finally rejected by the Lord.

If you love the Lord, you will keep yourself pure for Him, even when you find other believers around you playing the harlot with the world and with sin. Jesus warned us that in the last days, "most people's love will grow cold. (This sentence obviously refers to believers for they are the only ones who love the Lord). But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Matt.24:11-13).

Satan seeks to deceive all of us. But the Bible warns us that God also will allow us to be deceived, “so that we believe what is false” – IF we “do not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved” (2 Thess.2:10,11).

If we accept the truth that is written in God’s Word, and if we face up to the truth about the sins in our own life that the Holy Spirit shows us, and if we are eager to be saved from ALL those sins, then we will never be deceived.

But if we do not accept what is clearly written in God’s Word, or if we do not desire to be saved from sin, then God will allow us to be deceived and to believe what is false – not only in this matter of “eternal security” but in other areas as well.

Here then is the conclusion of this whole matter:

We love the Lord, because He first loved us and because He forgave us all our sins. Therefore, by His grace, we will keep our conscience clear at all times and we will love Him and follow Him until the very end – and so we are eternally secure.

Every disciple of Jesus who is following Him is eternally secure.

But let him who thinks he is standing take heed, lest he fall (1 Cor.10:12).

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

There Are Two Paths

One of Life and One of Death

By the 2nd century (the year 200 A.D.), there was a short instruction manual for converts being used in the early Church entitled "The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles".  Also referred to as the Didache (which is a Greek word related to doctrine), it claims to represent a summary of the Apostles teachings.  Its author is unknown.

While not included in the canon of Scripture for most (although some like the Ethiopian Orthodox do include it), it is interesting to consider as a teaching resource of the early church.  You can see many parallels to the Scriptures in this writing. 

• Chapters 1 & 2 teach about the "two paths" by which we can live.  One which leads to death and the other which leads to life.
• Chapter 3 deals with the importance of abstaining from carnal lusts.
• Chapter 4 is an exhortation to things which are Godly.
• Chapters 5 & 6 address more details about the way of death.
• Chapter 7 talks about baptism.  Chapter 8, fasting and prayer. Chapters 9, 10, and 14 the Lord's Supper.
• Chapters 11 & 12 identifies how to distinguish between true and false prophets.
• Chapter 13 admonishes on the importance of supporting true prophets.
• Chapter 15 is the criteria for church leadership.
• Chapter 16 is how to be ready for Christ's return.

CHAPTER 1

1:1 There are two paths, one of life and one of death, and the difference is great between the two paths.

1:2 Now the path of life is this -- first, thou shalt love the God who made thee, thy neighbour as thyself, and all things that thou wouldest not should be done unto thee, do not thou unto another.

1:3 And the doctrine of these maxims is as follows. Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies. Fast on behalf of those that persecute you; for what thank is there if ye love them that love you? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? But do ye love them that hate you, and ye will not have an enemy.

1:4 Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If any one give thee a blow on thy right cheek, turn unto him the other also, and thou shalt be perfect; if any one compel thee to go a mile, go with him two; if a man take away thy cloak, give him thy coat also; if a man take from thee what is thine, ask not for it again, for neither art thou able to do so.

1:5 Give to every one that asketh of thee, and ask not again; for the Father wishes that from his own gifts there should be given to all. Blessed is he who giveth according to the commandment, for he is free from guilt; but woe unto him that receiveth. For if a man receive being in need, he shall be free from guilt; but he who receiveth when not in need, shall pay a penalty as to why he received and for what purpose; and when he is in tribulation he shall be examined concerning the things that he has done, and shall not depart thence until he has paid the last farthing.

1:6 For of a truth it has been said on these matters, let thy almsgiving abide in thy hands until thou knowest to whom thou hast given.

CHAPTER 2

2:1 But the second commandment of the teaching is this.

2:2 Thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not commit adultery; thou shalt not corrupt youth; thou shalt not commit fornication; thou shalt not steal; thou shalt not use soothsaying; thou shalt not practise sorcery; thou shalt not kill a child by abortion, neither shalt thou slay it when born; thou shalt not covet the goods of thy neighbour;

2:3 thou shalt not commit perjury; thou shalt not bear false witness; thou shalt not speak evil; thou shalt not bear malice;

2:4 thou shalt not be double-minded or double-tongued, for to be double tongued is the snare of death.

2:5 Thy speech shall not be false or empty, but concerned with action.

2:6 Thou shalt not be covetous, or rapacious, or hypocritical, or malicious, or proud; thou shalt not take up an evil design against thy neighbour;

2:7 thou shalt not hate any man, but some thou shalt confute, concerning some thou shalt pray, and some thou shalt love beyond thine own soul.

CHAPTER 3

3:1 My child, fly from everything that is evil, and from everything that is like to it.

3:2 Be not wrathful, for wrath leadeth unto slaughter; be not jealous, or contentious, or quarrelsome, for from all these things slaughter ensues.

3:3 My child, be not lustful, for lust leadeth unto fornication; be not a filthy talker; be not a lifter up of the eye, for from all these things come adulteries.

3:4 My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leadeth to idolatry, nor a user of spells, nor an astrologer, nor a travelling purifier, nor wish to see these things, for from all these things idolatry ariseth.

3:5 My child, be not a liar, for lying leadeth unto theft; be not covetous or conceited, for from all these things thefts arise.

3:6 My child, be not a murmurer, since it leadeth unto blasphemy; be not self-willed or evil-minded, for from all these things blasphemies are produced;

3:7 but be thou meek, for the meek shall inherit the earth;

3:8 be thou longsuffering, and compassionate, and harmless, and peaceable, and good, and fearing alway the words that thou hast heard.

3:9 Thou shalt not exalt thyself, neither shalt thou put boldness into thy soul. Thy soul shall not be joined unto the lofty, but thou shalt walk with the just and humble.

3:10 Accept the things that happen to thee as good, knowing that without God nothing happens.

CHAPTER 4

4:1 My child, thou shalt remember both night and day him that speaketh unto thee the Word of God; thou shalt honour him as thou dost the Lord, for where the teaching of the Lord is given, there is the Lord;

4:2 thou shalt seek out day by day the favour of the saints, that thou mayest rest in their words;

4:3 thou shalt not desire schism, but shalt set at peace them that contend; thou shalt judge righteously; thou shalt not accept the person of any one to convict him of transgression;

4:4 thou shalt not doubt whether a thing shall be or not.

4:5 Be not a stretcher out of thy hand to receive, and a drawer of it back in giving.

4:6 If thou hast, give by means of thy hands a redemption for thy sins.

4:7 Thou shalt not doubt to give, neither shalt thou murmur when giving; for thou shouldest know who is the fair recompenser of the reward.

4:8 Thou shalt not turn away from him that is in need, but shalt share with thy brother in all things, and shalt not say that things are thine own; for if ye are partners in what is immortal, how much more in what is mortal?

4:9 Thou shalt not remove thine heart from thy son or from thy daughter, but from their youth shalt teach them the fear of God.

4:10 Thou shalt not command with bitterness thy servant or thy handmaid, who hope in the same God as thyself, lest they fear not in consequence the God who is over both; for he cometh not to call with respect of persons, but those whom the Spirit hath prepared.

4:11 And do ye servants submit yourselves to your masters with reverence and fear, as being the type of God.

4:12 Thou shalt hate all hypocrisy and everything that is not pleasing to God;

4:13 thou shalt not abandon the commandments of the Lord, but shalt guard that which thou hast received, neither adding thereto nor taking therefrom;

4:14 thou shalt confess thy transgressions in the Church, and shalt not come unto prayer with an evil conscience. This is the path of life.

CHAPTER 5

5:1 But the path of death is this. First of all, it is evil, and full of cursing; there are found murders, adulteries, lusts, fornication, thefts, idolatries, soothsaying, sorceries, robberies, false witnessings, hypocrisies, double-mindedness, craft, pride, malice, self-will, covetousness, filthy talking, jealousy, audacity, pride, arrogance;

5:2 there are they who persecute the good -- lovers of a lie, not knowing the reward of righteousness, not cleaving to the good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for the good but for the bad, from whom meekness and patience are afar off, loving things that are vain, following after recompense, having no compassion on the needy, nor labouring for him that is in trouble, not knowing him that made them, murderers of children, corrupters of the image of God, who turn away from him that is in need, who oppress him that is in trouble, unjust judges of the poor, erring in all things. From all these, children, may ye be delivered.

CHAPTER 6

6:1 See that no one make thee to err from this path of doctrine, since he who doeth so teacheth thee apart from God.

6:2 If thou art able to bear the whole yoke of the Lord, thou wilt be perfect; but if thou art not able, what thou art able, that do.

6:3 But concerning meat, bear that which thou art able to do. But keep with care from things sacrificed to idols, for it is the worship of the infernal deities.

CHAPTER 7

7:1 But concerning baptism, thus baptize ye: having first recited all these precepts, baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in running water;

7:2 but if thou hast not running water, baptize in some other water, and if thou canst not baptize in cold, in warm water;

7:3 but if thou hast neither, pour water three times on the head, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

7:4 But before the baptism, let him who baptizeth and him who is baptized fast previously, and any others who may be able. And thou shalt command him who is baptized to fast one or two days before.

CHAPTER 8

8:1 But as for your fasts, let them not be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth days of the week, but do ye fast on the fourth and sixth days.

8:2 Neither pray ye as the hypocrites, but as the Lord hath commanded in his gospel so pray ye: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done as in heaven so on earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debt, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil: for thine is the power, and the glory, for ever.

8:3 Thrice a day pray ye in this fashion.

CHAPTER 9

9:1 But concerning the Eucharist, after this fashion give ye thanks.

9:2 First, concerning the cup. We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine, David thy Son, which thou hast made known unto us through Jesus Christ thy Son; to thee be the glory for ever.

9:3 And concerning the broken bread. We thank thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which thou hast made known unto us through Jesus thy Son; to thee be the glory for ever.

9:4 As this broken bread was once scattered on the mountains, and after it had been brought together became one, so may thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth unto thy kingdom; for thine is the glory, and the power, through Jesus Christ, for ever.

9:5 And let none eat or drink of your Eucharist but such as have been baptized into the name of the Lord, for of a truth the Lord hath said concerning this, Give not that which is holy unto dogs.

CHAPTER 10

10:1 But after it has been completed, so pray ye.

10:2 We thank thee, holy Father, for thy holy name, which thou hast caused to dwell in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality which thou hast made known unto us through Jesus thy Son; to thee be the glory for ever.

10:3 Thou, Almighty Master, didst create all things for the sake of thy name, and hast given both meat and drink, for men to enjoy, that we might give thanks unto thee, but to us thou hast given spiritual meat and drink, and life everlasting, through thy Son.

10:4 Above all, we thank thee that thou art able to save; to thee be the glory for ever.

10:5 Remember, Lord, thy Church, to redeem it from every evil, and to perfect it in thy love, and gather it together from the four winds, even that which has been sanctified for thy kingdom which thou hast prepared for it; for thine is the kingdom and the glory for ever.

10:6 Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the Son of David. If any one is holy let him come (to the Eucharist); if any one is not, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.

10:7 But charge the prophets to give thanks, so far as they are willing to do so.

CHAPTER 11

11:1 Whosoever, therefore, shall come and teach you all these things aforesaid, him do ye receive;

11:2 but if the teacher himself turn and teach another doctrine with a view to subvert you, hearken not to him; but if he come to add to your righteousness, and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord.

11:3 But concerning the apostles and prophets, thus do ye according to the doctrine of the Gospel.

11:4 Let every apostle who cometh unto you be received as the Lord.

11:5 He will remain one day, and if it be necessary, a second; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet.

11:6 And let the apostle when departing take nothing but bread until he arrive at his resting-place; but if he ask for money, he is a false prophet.

11:7 And ye shall not tempt or dispute with any prophet who speaketh in the spirit; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven.

11:8 But not every one who speaketh in the spirit is a prophet, but he is so who hath the disposition of the Lord; by their dispositions they therefore shall be known, the false prophet and the prophet.

11:9 And every prophet who ordereth in the spirit that a table shall be laid, shall not eat of it himself, but if he do otherwise, he is a false prophet;

11:10 and every prophet who teacheth the truth, if he do not what he teacheth is a false prophet;

11:11 and every prophet who is approved and true, and ministering in the visible mystery of the Church, but who teacheth not others to do the things that he doth himself, shall not be judged of you, for with God lieth his judgment, for in this manner also did the ancient prophets.

11:12 But whoever shall say in the spirit, Give me money, or things of that kind, listen not to him; but if he tell you concerning others that are in need that ye should give unto them, let no one judge him.

CHAPTER 12

12:1 Let every one that cometh in the name of the Lord be received, but afterwards ye shall examine him and know his character, for ye have knowledge both of good and evil.

12:2 If the person who cometh be a wayfarer, assist him so far as ye are able; but he will not remain with you more than two or three days, unless there be a necessity.

12:3 But if he wish to settle with you, being a craftsman, let him work, and so eat;

12:4 but if he know not any craft, provide ye according to you own discretion, that a Christian may not live idle among you;

12:5 but if he be not willing to do so, he is a trafficker in Christ. From such keep aloof.

CHAPTER 13

13:1 But every true prophet who is willing to dwell among you is worthy of his meat,

13:2 likewise a true teacher is himself worthy of his meat, even as is a labourer.

13:3 Thou shalt, therefore, take the firstfruits of every produce of the wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and sheep, and shalt give it to the prophets, for they are your chief priests;

13:4 but if ye have not a prophet, give it unto the poor.

13:5 If thou makest a feast, take and give the firstfruits according to the commandment;

13:6 in like manner when thou openest a jar of wine or of oil, take the firstfruits and give it to the prophets;

13:7 take also the firstfruits of money, of clothes, and of every possession, as it shall seem good unto thee, and give it according to the commandment.


CHAPTER 14

14:1 But on the Lord's day, after that ye have assembled together, break bread and give thanks, having in addition confessed your sins, that your sacrifice may be pure.

14:2 But let not any one who hath a quarrel with his companion join with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be polluted,

14:3 for it is that which is spoken of by the Lord. In every place and time offer unto me a pure sacrifice, for I am a great King, saith the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the Gentiles.


CHAPTER 15

15:1 Elect, therefore, for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men who are meek and not covetous, and true and approved, for they perform for you the service of prophets and teachers.

15:2 Do not, therefore, despise them, for they are those who are honoured among you, together with the prophets and teachers.

15:3 Rebuke one another, not in wrath but peaceably, as ye have commandment in the Gospel; and, but let no one speak to any one who walketh disorderly with regard to his neighbour, neither let him be heard by you until he repent.

15:4 But your prayers and your almsgivings and all your deeds so do, as ye have commandment in the Gospel of our Lord.

CHAPTER 16

16:1 Watch concerning your life; let not your lamps be quenched or your loins be loosed, but be ye ready, for ye know not the hour at which our Lord cometh.

16:2 But be ye gathered together frequently, seeking what is suitable for your souls; for the whole time of your faith shall profit you not, unless ye be found perfect in the last time.

16:3 For in the last days false prophets and seducers shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate;

16:4 and because iniquity aboundeth they shall hate each other, and persecute each other, and deliver each other up; and then shall the Deceiver of the world appear as the Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands; and he shall do unlawful things, such as have never happened since the beginning of the world.

16:5 Then shall the creation of man come to the fiery trial of proof, and many shall be offended and shall perish; but they who remain in their faith shall be saved by the rock of offence itself.

16:6 And then shall appear the signs of the truth; first the sign of the appearance in heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet, and thirdly the resurrection of the dead

16:7 -- not of all, but as it has been said, The Lord shall come and all his saints with him;

16:8 then shall the world behold the Lord coming on the clouds of heaven.