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Lent Day 33: Cyril of Jerusalem: Catechetical Lectures: Lecture XXII

Day Thirty-three: St. Cyril of Jerusalem: Catechetical Lectures: Lecture XXII Who: Bishop of Jerusalem and Doctor of the Church, born about 315; died probably 18 March, 386. Little is known of his life, except from his younger contemporaries, Epiphanius, Jerome, and Rufinus, as well as from the fifth-century historians, Socrates, Sozomen and Theodoret. What: Each of the lectures deal with a different topic to teach converts the mysteries of the Church, particularly: rites of the renunciation of Satan and his works, of anointing with oil, of baptism, of anointing with the holy chrism, and of partaking of the body and blood of Christ. Why: Cyril delivered to ne...

Lent Day 39: Leo the Great: Sermon XLIX (On Lent XI)

...g tied to baptism, repentance and almsgiving, and also quotes Sirach 3:30 as Scripture to back up his point. Regardless of that, it is right to focus on helping the poor and destitute during our times of fasting, which is the true fast which the Lord wants from us, as he said through the prophet Isaiah: Isaiah 58:6-7 Is not this the fast that I choose:    to loose the bonds of injustice,    to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free,    and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,    and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them,    and not to hide y...

Creedal Christians: The Nicene Creed

...ledge one baptism Eph 4:5; Gal 3:27; 1 Cor 12:13   for the forgiveness of sins, Acts 2:38; 22:16; Col 2: 12-13; 1 Peter 3:21   we look for the resurrection of the dead John 11:25; Luke 20:36; John 5:28-29; Rom 6:4-5; 1 Thess. 4:16   And the life of the world to come. Amen. 2 Peter 3:13; Rev 21:1 And whosoever shall say that there was a time when the Son of God was not (ἤν ποτε ὅτε οὐκ ἦν), or that before he was begotten he was not, or that he was made of things that were not, or that he is of a different substance or essence [from the Father] or that he is a creature, or subject to...

Spiritual Disciplines of the Early Church: Ancient Practices for the 21st Century

...e, and in baptism ritual turning East was a sign of turning away from the devil towards Christ (Jews similarly prayed facing Jerusalem). This is also why many old church buildings are cross-shaped and have the alter end pointing Eastward. For it is required that you pray toward the east, as knowing that which is written: ‘Give ye glory to God, who rideth upon the heaven of heavens toward the east’ (Ps 67.34 LXX [Ps. 68:33 – 34]). Didascalia, Ch. XII (c.250) The various spiritual benefits to fasting are marked throughout the Church Fathers' works on the subject, but I find this quote from Augustine sums it up succinctly: “Fasting cleanses the so...

Lent Day 38: Leo the Great: Sermon XXI (On the Nativity Feast I)

...Day Thirty-eight: St. Leo the Great: Sermon XXI (On the Nativity Feast I) Who: Leo the Great, also known as Pope St. Leo I (the Great), was Pope from 440-61 AD. Place and date of birth unknown; died 10 November, 461. Leo's pontificate, next to that of St. Gregory I, is the most significant and important in Christian antiquity, as he tried to  combat the heresies which seriously threatened church unity even in the West, such as Pelagianism. What: A sermon on the Nativity at Christmas time, about the incarnation of the Word of God. Why: To explain the incarnation and preach the Good News of our Lord and Saviour becoming man for our sake so that we may be sav...

Slavery in the Bible – Does God Condone Slavery?

...again by baptism, repeating a prayer, good works or by any other means than by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. You must surrender your soul to Him and place all of your trust in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Have you placed your trust in Jesus Christ? If not, you can today. You can right now, just as you are! He saves sinners. If you’re a broken sinner, come to Him and receive the free gift of salvation. Matthew 11:28-30“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy...