#Repent and be baptized even at this very moment

[wecanbeperfect]

PETER'S TRANCE AND VISION

Acts 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

JEWISH BELIVERS CHALLANGE PETER

Acts 11:9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

THE CROWD'S RESPONSE

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for remissions of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as the many as the Lord our God shall call.

[saras-devotionals]

Quiet Time 9/11

What am I feeling today?

A bit overwhelmed and tired, I just feel that I have a lot on my plate at the moment. Also frustrated at myself, I have feelings for someone in my church and I don’t want to like him. Not because there’s anything wrong with it, but I can get so obsessive and it’s distracting for me and that’s not what I need right now. I don’t want to be thinking about him and caring so much what he thinks of me or whether he likes me back or not so I’m just frustrated with myself.

First Principles: The Art of Moving the Heart

2 Timothy 2:15

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

if you master elementary teachings, you won't be ashamed!

know that it’s possible to handle the Bible (word) incorrectly (false doctrine)

James 3:1

“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

those that teach will be judged more harshly!

Hebrews 5:11 - 6:3

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.”

"taught all over again" - Bible conviction to teach! train yourself self - go on to maturity!

Repentance is the foundation!

2 Timothy 1:13

“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.”

Sound Teaching!

Philippians 3:17

“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”

Follow the example as a model to do what we do

Romans 6:17

“But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.”

form of teaching everyone followed + entrusted!

SOLIDIFY

Ephesians 4:14

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”

UNIFY

John 17:23

“I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

MULTIPLY

Matthew 28:18-20

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””

Habakkuk 2:14

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

Proverbs 20:5

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.”

the heart is deep but it’s also clogged (sin)

Matthew 12:33-37

““Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.””

let people sit in the questions you ask them during studies, give them time to think and observe and come to an answer on their own

Matthew 13:1-9, 13

“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.”

they may hear you but don't understan

you have to be able to break up a calloused heart

the goal of it all is to heal the heart!

Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

↳ am I becoming more like Jesus and less like myself?

Luke 3:7-14

“John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.””

We baptize disciples ONLY!

→ different people have a different process

[ave-immaculata]

Helloo,

What is your advice to give to someone who’s never prayed or repented before but wants to start? I have no clue where to start and am feeling discouraged. I know there’s not a right and wrong to follow but i’d like some advice if you wouldn’t mind.

Thank you so much! Your blog is very inspiring.

Ahh that is so exciting!! Honestly, getting to a point of desiring it is already so wonderful. I wish I had better advice and I'd love for people to chime in. My first ever prayers were really awkward and casual and I think that that's okay! You can tell God that you're not sure what you're doing, but that you want to pray. Ask Him to teach you and ask Him to make your prayers fruitful!

Personally, I also remember finding "vocal" prayers really helpful to supplement more conversational prayers (i.e. prayers that have rote words like the Our Father, the morning offering, etc., not necessarily just prayers spoken out loud)

Using the Psalms as prayers was always really nice (more on this below, some faves are 86, 91 and 116). I didn't grow up around Christians so formulating my own thoughts and words was (and is) challenging. It's okay to experiment with different types of prayer and see what sticks. If it starts to feel burdensome, stop. Thank God for the time you did spend in prayer and keep going about your day. Although it seems counterintuitive, especially for those early in the spiritual life this seems to be the perennial advice of the Saints. You don't need to stack on a big long list of prayers, what counts is that the Holy Spirit prompts you, and you respond to that call even if only with a smile meant for Him.

As far as repentance goes, it sort of depends! If you were baptized as a Catholic and have just been away for a long time, you can make a Sacramental Confession. If not, I'd recommend starting off with some other quick prayer, and asking God for His love for you to be present, and to help you make a good, sincere confession to Him. Take a bit of time just letting Him love you (it might feel awkward, that's okay!), and then, just let out what's burdening you. Even if you forget things or miss something, know that every sin imaginable is just a drop of water against a raging fire of Mercy. If it helps, you can also google an examination of conscience beforehand to help you reflect on what you want to repent of. A favourite Psalm for repentance is 51.

Basically, it's a lot of trial and error, and the way you pray will naturally evolve over time. Ask Him to help you and He will. It's okay to grow discouraged. A good structure to follow is "Thank, Ask, Rely." Thank the Lord for something (getting to work safely, His kindness, the weather, having food for lunch, soft blankets, your guardian angel, etc.), ask Him for what you want/need, and rely on His wisdom and generosity.

Okay, I rambled a lot, but here's like... a sample?? Of something to try, and see if it's sustainable or enjoyable or fruitful:

"My Lord, in your presence I want to prepare my heart for this moment of prayer. Send your Holy Spirit to enlighten me and open my mind and heart to everything you want to tell me today. Thank you Lord, for nourishing me with your word." Read through a Psalm once or twice, and then take a couple of minutes (literally, no longer is necessary) to reflect on what passages stood out to you, confused you, or that you really enjoyed. Maybe ask God a question you have.

Before bed, tell God for something you're grateful for and ask your Guardian Spirit to pray for you throughout the night.

Praying for you, and don't let your discouragement overwhelm you; all of Heaven is rejoicing seeing you try and learn and grow!

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (October 8)

St. Pelagia was head of a dance troupe in Palestinian Antioch. She lived a life of frivolity and prostitution.

One day, while she was still a dancer, Pelagia was passing by a church dressed with her very elegant and provocative clothing.

Bishop Nonnus of Edessa was preaching at that moment.

Even though the parishioners turned their faces away from the sinner, the Bishop noticed her great outer beauty and spiritual greatness.

Later that day, he prayed in his cell for the sinner and learned that as she took care of the adornment of her body to appear beautiful, he and his fellow priests should put more work in adorning their wretched souls.

The following day, Pelagia went to hear St. Nonnos preach. He was talking about the Last Judgement and its consequences.

She was so moved and impressed with the sermon that with tears of repentance in her eyes, she asked the Bishop to baptize her. 

Seeing the sincerity of her wishes and repentance, he agreed.

That same night the devil appeared to Pelagia urging her to return to her former life.

She started praying and signed herself with the Sign of the Cross, after which the devil vanished.

She gave all her wealth and valuables to St. Nonnos so that he could distribute them and give them to aid the poor.

The bishop then ordered their distribution and said:

"Let this be wisely dispersed so that these riches gained by sin may become a wealth of righteousness."

She left Antioch dressed in man’s clothes.

After that, she journeyed to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, where she became a hermitess and lived in a cell disguised as the monk Pelagius.

There she lived in great austerity, performing many penances in an ascetic seclusion, which helped her attain many spiritual gifts.

At her death, she was buried in her cell.

She was known as “the beardless monk” until her sex was discovered when she died. 

Even though a young teenager existed and suffered martyrdom at Antioch back in the fourth century, the story described here is a pious fiction that eventually helped arise more similar stories but under different names.

[childofchrist1983]

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. - Luke 1:76-79 KJV

Elizabeth and Zacharias were old and childless when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and told him that they would have a very special son who would be "Elijah" and prepare the way for the coming Messiah. When Zacharias questioned Gabriel, he became mute, unable to speak until after the birth of his son whom he named "John" as the angel had directed him. Then his mouth was opened and this is a portion of his prayer. Both the angel and Zacharias are testifying that John is preparing the way for Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Our LORD, God, Savior and King!

I wonder if those who were present understood what he was saying. I'm not sure that once John the Baptist appeared preaching a baptism of repentance that people truly understood that he was preparing the way, even though he was pretty clear that while he was not the Messiah, he was preparing the way. We are not Messiahs either, but we are called to prepare the way for minds and hearts to be open to Jesus Christ and His Gospel Truth. It seems that this call to discipleship and the theme of justice are two of the main subjects of importance in the Gospels. How else are people to know of God and His grace-given gift of salvation? Jesus sent out His Apostles and then more disciples to bring the Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven to the people of His time and then, of course, He sends us.

John was called by Jesus a prophet, and more than a prophet, that no man born of woman was greater than John. But Jesus goes on to say that the one who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than John. He is referring to all those who believed in Him and His preaching, repented of their sins and were baptized by Him. He is also referring to us who believe in both John's message of repentance, and also Jesus message of living a life centered on God and His love and justice. God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. And He sends us to prepare the hearts of all those who we know and encounter to come to believe in the Good News of the Gospel and its promise of salvation and eternal life in Heaven. May He give us the graces we need to be good witnesses of God's light and love. We lift our voices in praise to Him for His love, mercy, faithfulness and grace. - For EVERYTHING!

It is vital that we remain rooted in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit and that we live and walk as a beacon of His light and love and share and spread the Gospel Truth daily, so that the lost souls in this world can come to know Him and be saved. The more we focus on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, growing spiritually by building our relationship with Him, leaning on Him and His Holy Word and Spirit, the better off we will be. Thanks to this and our faith in Him, we know that everything will be alright. And we will forever be grateful to Him. As true and born-again Christians, we believe in Him and His Holy Word and we strive daily to walk in His Holy Spirit. We know though our mortal bodies should die, He will raise us up and into new and glorious bodies (The Rapture). We who are truly His and alive at His second coming will never die, and our bodies will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and so shall we ever be with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven forevermore (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is one of many promises given to us by God Himself. Thank God for His strength and guidance when we are faced with sin and temptation. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Through Bible study and prayer, God reveals His wisdom and guides us to see opportunities to grow closer to Him and grow spiritually. He gives us direction to live our lives daily according to His will.

Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven (John 3:5, 14:6), the ONLY way to salvation (Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9) and He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26). Jesus Christ the LORD of lords, KING of kings, the GOD of gods (Deuteronomy 10:17, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16) - He is the Living, Almighty and Everlasting God (Isaiah 9:6, Revelation 1:8, John 3:16, John 3:36, Jeremiah 10:10). There is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5). We MUST humble ourselves before Him, turning our backs on false teachers, false gods and idols and our sinful ways. We MUST repent and turn back to God and recognize who He is and love Him in return for His great love for us. We MUST make God top priority everyday! May we be motivated to spread God's Holy Word and Gospel Truth to all the Earth, knowing that it is the only hope of all those lost in their sins. Let us not hold out a false hope for men to be saved without the Gospel, but instead, strive to do our part to get the Gospel out to a lost and dying world.

Leaning on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit strengthens us and our knowledge and wisdom about God and His Gospel Truth, exposing these imposters. May God help us to seek and lean on Him daily to gain the strength, wisdom and spiritual discernment needed to expose Satan and his imposters who seek to destroy us and God's ultimate Truth. Everyday, we must remember to share Jesus Christ's Gospel Truth with the world and to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and from the eternal damnation of Hell. In all we say and do, may all praise, honor and glory always be given to Him and His Kingdom of Heaven.

With renewed minds, hearts and wills, let us serve Him humbly and faithfully out of pure love and grateful rejoicing. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us. Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful LORD, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[freebiblestudyhub]

What Did Jesus Do at Age 30?

The life of Jesus Christ is one of the most documented and discussed in history, with His birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection forming the foundation of Christianity. However, there remains a period of about 30 years in Jesus’s life where the Gospels are relatively silent. From His infancy through to His early adulthood, there is very little direct information provided about what He did or how He lived. The Scriptures focus primarily on His public ministry, which began around the age of 30. This article seeks to explore the significance of Jesus’s life at the age of 30, examining the few key events, cultural practices, and theological insights that can be drawn from this period of His life.

1. The Mystery of Jesus's Early Life

The Gospels do not offer much information about Jesus's life between His birth and the beginning of His public ministry. After His birth in Bethlehem, the Gospels provide some details about His early childhood, including the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2), the flight to Egypt to escape King Herod’s massacre of infants (Matthew 2:13-15), and His return to Nazareth.

However, the next significant event recorded in the Gospels is the account of Jesus at the age of twelve, when He was found in the temple in Jerusalem discussing the Scriptures with the teachers (Luke 2:41-50). After this episode, there is no direct mention of Jesus’s activities until He begins His public ministry around the age of 30.

This long gap in the Gospels has led to speculation about what Jesus might have been doing during these years. The absence of specific details suggests that His early years were spent in relative obscurity. What is clear from the Gospel narratives is that Jesus grew up in a humble, modest family in Nazareth, where He was known as the son of Joseph and Mary, and that He lived a life of normalcy up until the point of His public calling.

2. Cultural Context: Why Jesus Began His Ministry at Age 30

In the context of Jewish culture, the age of 30 held special significance. While it was not explicitly required by Jewish law, it was common for individuals to begin their public roles, such as teaching or leading, at this age. This was also the age at which a man could be recognized as a rabbi (a teacher of the law) or assume a significant leadership role in the community.

Age of Maturity: According to Jewish tradition, the age of 30 was considered the time of maturity and readiness for public life. This was the age at which a priest would begin his service in the temple (Numbers 4:3), and many Jewish men of Jesus’s time began their careers as teachers or leaders at this age.

The Timing of God’s Plan: From a theological perspective, the beginning of Jesus’s public ministry at age 30 aligns with the divine timing of God’s plan for redemption. While Jesus’s life and ministry were carried out according to the will of God, the timing of His actions had a purpose in terms of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and God's sovereignty over history.

Thus, Jesus’s decision to begin His ministry at 30 reflects both the cultural expectations of the time and the divine purpose for His life.

3. Jesus’s Baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22)

One of the key events at the age of 30 that marks the beginning of Jesus’s public ministry is His baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. While John’s baptism was one of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, Jesus, being sinless, had no need to repent. Yet, He chose to undergo baptism as an act of obedience to God and to publicly identify with humanity in their need for salvation. The event serves as a profound moment in the Gospels for several reasons:

Identification with Sinners: Jesus’s baptism is an act of solidarity with sinful humanity, even though He Himself was without sin. By being baptized, He identified with those He came to save, showing His humility and willingness to step into the human experience.

Inauguration of His Ministry: Jesus’s baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry. It is the moment when He officially steps into His role as the Messiah and begins to fulfill the mission that God had prepared for Him.

Divine Affirmation: As Jesus emerges from the water, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit descends on Him like a dove. A voice from heaven declares, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This public declaration from God the Father affirms Jesus’s identity as the Son of God and serves as a powerful confirmation of His divine mission.

Trinitarian Revelation: The baptism is also significant because it is one of the clearest demonstrations of the Trinity in the Gospels. The Father speaks, the Son is baptized, and the Holy Spirit descends, symbolizing the unity and cooperation of the three persons of the Godhead in the salvation plan.

Thus, the baptism of Jesus marks a pivotal moment at age 30, not only in His ministry but in the revelation of His divine mission and identity.

4. Temptation in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13)

After His baptism, Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, where He fasts for 40 days and is tempted by Satan. The account of Jesus’s temptation is important for several reasons:

Victory Over Temptation: Unlike Adam and Eve, who fell into temptation in the Garden of Eden, Jesus resists all the temptations presented by Satan. His ability to resist temptation demonstrates His sinlessness and His authority over evil. Each of Jesus’s responses to Satan is rooted in Scripture, showing His complete submission to the will of God and His role as the second Adam who succeeds where the first Adam failed.

Preparation for Ministry: The wilderness experience is a period of preparation for Jesus’s public ministry. It is a time of testing and strengthening, where Jesus affirms His commitment to God’s mission and His determination to fulfill the purpose for which He was sent.

Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness echoes the experiences of Israel in the desert, where the nation was tested and tempted but often failed. Jesus’s victory over temptation, in contrast, underscores His role as the fulfillment of Israel’s mission and the true representative of God's people.

The temptation in the wilderness serves as a crucial moment in Jesus’s life, affirming His moral and spiritual qualifications for the mission ahead.

5. The Beginning of Jesus’s Public Ministry

After His baptism and temptation, Jesus begins His public ministry, preaching the message of the Kingdom of God and calling people to repentance. Several significant elements characterize His ministry at this stage:

Preaching the Kingdom of God

The Kingdom is Near: Jesus’s message revolves around the proclamation that the Kingdom of God is at hand. He calls people to repent and believe the good news (Mark 1:15). This message is central to His entire ministry and is the foundation of His teachings.

Invitation to Discipleship: Jesus invites individuals to follow Him and be His disciples. He calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave their fishing nets and follow Him (Matthew 4:18-22). This marks the beginning of a new community of followers who will play a key role in the spread of the gospel.

Healing and Miracles

Signs and Wonders: In the early stages of His ministry, Jesus performs numerous miracles, healing the sick, casting out demons, and performing other signs and wonders. These miracles serve as proof of His divine authority and His compassion for those who suffer. They also confirm that He is the Messiah and that His mission is not merely spiritual but involves the restoration of all things.

Teaching with Authority

Parables and Sermons: Jesus begins teaching the crowds through parables, which are simple yet profound stories that convey deeper spiritual truths. His teachings challenge the religious establishment and call people to a radical new understanding of the law and God's Kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is one of the most well-known collections of Jesus’s teachings, emphasizing love, humility, and righteousness.

Confrontation with Religious Leaders: Jesus’s ministry at age 30 marks the beginning of His confrontations with the religious leaders of the time, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees. These conflicts will escalate throughout His ministry and culminate in His arrest and crucifixion.

6. Conclusion: The Significance of Jesus at Age 30

At the age of 30, Jesus began the most significant phase of His life and mission: His public ministry. The events of this period—His baptism, temptation, and the beginning of His ministry—serve as pivotal moments in the Gospels, revealing both His identity as the Son of God and His role as the Savior of humanity.

While the early years of Jesus’s life remain largely a mystery, the significance of His actions at age 30 cannot be overstated. The time had come for Jesus to step into His destiny as the Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament and bringing the Kingdom of God to earth. His ministry would transform the world and offer hope and salvation to all who believed in Him.

The age of 30 was not just a cultural milestone; it was the moment when Jesus, in obedience to His heavenly Father, began His public mission to redeem the world.

[tj-van-heerden]

Importance of repentance of sin.

For non-Christians who hear the Good News (Gospel) of repentance of sins and turning away from their sins, and receiving forgiveness of their sins by the blood of Jesus, and become Christians, repentance from sins is very important. It is the great moment when you turn to God to be devoted to Him and obey Him wholeheartedly and receive forgiveness of your past sins, and is accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven.

As Christians, we cannot have sin in our lives. We should strive to obey God in everything and do what is well pleasing to Him, according to the Bible, and also according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. But repentance from sin is essential for our salvation.

Repentance is not only for sinners who hear the Good News (Gospel), but also for halfhearted or lukewarm Christians, as seen in Rev 2:4, 5 and Rev 3:16 below. Sin means also falling short of doing our best.

Matt 3:8 [WEB] Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance!

Matt 4:17 [WEB] From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

Matt 7:21 [WEB] Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matt 13:41-43 [WEB] The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 1:15 [WEB] and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”

Mark 6:12 [WEB] They went out and preached that people should repent.

Luke 13:3 [WEB] I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.

Luke 15:10 [WEB] Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting.

Luke 24:46, 47 [WEB] He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 2:38 [WEB] Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 17:30 [WEB] The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent…

Rom 2:5 [WEB] But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God…

1Cor 6:9 [WEB] Or don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Don’t be deceived…

Gal 5:21 [WEB] …that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.

1Tim 1:9, 10 [WEB] as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate…

Heb 6:1 [WEB] Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let’s press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God…

Heb 6:4-6 [WEB] For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and put him to open shame.

Rev 2:4, 5 [WEB] But I have this against you, that you left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent.

Rev 3:3 [WEB] Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If therefore you won’t watch, I will come as a thief, and you won’t know what hour I will come upon you.

Rev 3:16 [WEB] So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth.

Rev 3:19 [WEB] As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.

Rev 22:15 [WEB] Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

[dfroza]

A path of baptism

(inside & out)

by the renewal of the Spirit (within the human spirit) and by the body in earth’s water

first off, we are saved by grace alone through faith in the Son who is the Atonement for our sins (through what we believe in the heart and speak through the body declaring Yeshua, or Jesus, as our Lord and eternal King)

and this is the baptism of the Spirit (and fire) within as inner illumination and rebirth of the heart, becoming our True nature as either a son or a daughter of our heavenly Father

(we welcome the entrance of the Spirit by inviting Him into our own to abide, becoming the Spirit’s Temple)

And so, we’re not saved by being baptized in water even though it is an outward sign and witness of our faith that is still applicable for all who come to “believe…”

Today’s reading of the Scriptures from the New Testament is the 3rd chapter of the book of Matthew:

Around the same time, a man called John began to travel, preach, and ritually wash people through baptism in the wilderness of Judea. John preached a stern but exciting message.

John: Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is near.

John’s proclamation fulfilled a promise made by the ancient prophet Isaiah, who had said, “There will be a voice calling from the desert, saying,

Prepare the road for the Eternal One’s journey;

repair and straighten out every mile of our God’s highway.”

John wore wild clothes made from camel hair with a leather belt around his waist—the clothes of an outcast, a rebel. He ate locusts and wild honey.

People from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and indeed from all around the river Jordan came to John. They confessed their sins, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan.

He told some Pharisees and Sadducees who came for the ritual baptism,

John: You children of serpents! You brood of vipers! Did someone suggest you flee from the wrath that is upon us? If you think that simply hopping in the Jordan will cleanse you, then you are sorely mistaken. Your life must bear the fruits of turning toward righteousness. Nor are you correct if you think that being descended from Abraham is enough to make you holy and right with God. Yes, the children of Abraham are God’s chosen children, but God can adopt as daughters and sons anyone He likes—He can turn these stones into sons if He likes.

Even now there is an ax poised at the root of every tree, and every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and tossed into the fire. I ritually cleanse you through baptism as a mark of turning your life around. But someone is coming after me, someone whose sandals I am not fit to carry, someone who is more powerful than I. He will wash you not in water but in fire and with the Holy Spirit. He carries a winnowing fork in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor; He will gather up the good wheat in His barn, and He will burn the chaff with a fire that cannot be put out.

And then, the One of whom John spoke—the all-powerful Jesus—came to the Jordan from Galilee to be washed by John. At first, John demurred.

John: I need to be cleansed by You. Why do You come to me?

Jesus: It will be right, true, and faithful to God’s chosen path for you to cleanse Me with your hands in the Jordan River.

John agreed, and he ritually cleansed Jesus, dousing Him in the waters of the Jordan. Jesus emerged from His baptism; and at that moment heaven was opened, and Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him, alighting on His very body.

Voice from Heaven: This is My Son, whom I love; this is the Apple of My eye; with Him I am well pleased.

The Book of Matthew, Chapter 3 (The Voice)

A note from The Voice translation:

Sometimes when people see John they are reminded of the last time God’s people had wandered in a wilderness—after the exodus from Egypt. John is all about wilderness. He preaches in the wilderness, and he wears clothes just like the prophet Elijah had worn. They think perhaps John is inaugurating a new exodus. Actually, that is a pretty good way to think of it. The Anointed One, whose way John comes to prepare, will call humanity away from comfort and status; He will call His followers to challenge their assumptions and the things they take for granted.

Today’s paired reading from the First Testament is the 14th and closing chapter of the book of Hosea:

Return, Israel, to the Eternal, your True God.

You’ve stumbled because of your wickedness.

Think about what to say, and come back to the Eternal One.

Say to Him, “Forgive all our sins, and take us back again.

Bring us into Your good grace so we can offer You praise and sacrifice,

the fruit of our lips.

We admit that Assyria can’t save us, nor can riding horses and chariots into battle.

We’ll never again say to idols made with our own hands, ‘You’re our gods!’

We know You’re merciful because You take care of orphans.”

Eternal One: I’ll heal their apostate hearts so they won’t turn away from Me again;

I’ll love them freely because I won’t be angry with them anymore.

I’ll be like dew that waters Israel. She’ll blossom like the lily.

She’ll put down roots like the stable cedars of Lebanon;

She’ll send out shoots until her beauty is like the olive tree

and her fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon.

The people will return from exile and sit in My shade once again;

they’ll flourish like grain; they’ll send out shoots like the vine.

And their fame will be like the wine of Lebanon.

Ephraim, what do I have in common with deaf and blind idols?

I’m the One who responds to your pleas and cares for you.

I’m like a flourishing juniper tree; I provide life year-round.

The wise will understand these things;

the perceptive will know them.

For everything the Eternal One does is right,

and the righteous follow His ways.

But those who turn against Him will stumble along His path.

The Book of Hosea, Chapter 14 (The Voice)

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures for Tuesday, january 9 of 2024 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New) of the Bible along with Today’s Proverbs and Psalms

A post by John Parsons about the significance (and necessity) of spiritual rebirth:

“Do not marvel that I say to you, ‘You must be born again.’” - Yeshua

====

We find ourselves “thrown” into existence, subject to historical forces and pressures over which we have no control, bound to our DNA and biochemistry, hemmed in on all sides, powerless, full of ignorance and dark impulses. Yet the more we try to disentangle ourselves from what cannot be changed, the more enmeshed we become. The natural order of life seems to be that we come forth out of the darkness of birth and return to the darkness of death - a pilgrimage of the unknown.

We need light to conquer our darkness, but we are blind. We cannot forgive ourselves or make ourselves feel loved. We can't find our way. By ourselves we cannot be delivered from fear, anger, or despair. Aristotle’s logic is tragically sound: “All people are mortals; all mortals fear death; therefore all people fear death.” We cannot escape ourselves; we cannot heal ourselves; we cannot save ourselves. Therefore all that hope believes can only be graciously given by God, for we are lost and must be found. We cannot find our way to eternal life: we must be brought home by the Good Shepherd who seeks for us.

We are saved by the miracle of divine intervention in our lives, and that alone truly changes us. This is called “regeneration” or spiritual rebirth. Just as we were powerless when we were physically brought into this world, so we are powerless when we are spiritually brought into the realm of the divine. We cannot change ourselves, that is, by our own strength or resources. Salvation is “of the LORD,” which means it is God’s power and love that sets us free. We become a “new creation” that finds its life in the blessing of the Living God. Before we see this, however, we have to become “sick of our sickness,” tired, exhausted, and utterly conscious of our need for deliverance from ourselves. We can only come to know God as our Savior when we turn to Him as our only hope.

"Unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God." We are blind until God opens our eyes. When Yeshua gave sight to a man born blind, the Pharisees concluded that he could not be a true prophet of God because he healed someone on the Sabbath day (John 9). In response Yeshua said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who 'see' may become blind." When the Pharisees heard this they asked, "Are we blind then?" and Yeshua replied: "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin, but now because you claim that you can see, your guilt remains." Likewise the Apostle Paul was made blind in order to see; he had to lose the blindness of his seeing in order to behold the truth of God's kingdom (Acts 9). As long as Paul thought he could see he remained blind, but as soon as he realized he was blind, he began to be able to see...

The difference between believers and unbelievers does not turn on the problem of sin and the condition of spiritual death - for both are in the same helpless state before God - but rather with the different responses they have toward "the light," that is, the revelation of God manifest in Yeshua. Those who love evil hate the light and turn away from its disclosure, whereas those who "do truth" love the light so that their deeds are revealed as God's power at work within their hearts (John 3:19-21; Eph. 5:13). There is an "exclusive disjunction" in the realm of the spirit: either you will love what is evil and hate the light, or you will love the light and hate what is evil. As Yeshua said: "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other" (Matt. 6:24).

Followers of Yeshua are told to “walk as children of light” / ὡς τέκνα φωτὸς περιπατεῖτε (Eph. 5:8). The children of light are called to be “am kadosh” - a holy people - separate from the evil engendered by the fallen world and its forces, just as the very first creative expression of God was the separation of light from darkness (Gen. 1:3-4). The children of light "hate evil and love the good," and conversely, the children of darkness "hate the good and love evil" (Psalm 34:21, Prov. 8:13, Amos 5:15, John 3:20-21). Regarding the heavenly Zion to come, it is written: “nothing ritually unclean will ever enter into it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or practices falsehood (lit. “makes a lie”), but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life” (Rev. 21:27).

This is the question of the gospel, after all: Are you willing to believe in the light of God's love, or not? What is your destiny? Yeshua is the light of the world, and those who follow him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12). So, do you have “ohr ha-chayim” (אוֹר הַחַיִּים), "the light of Life," shining within your heart? The light beckons: "wake up, open your eyes, and believe" the good news: darkness and despair will not prevail; your mourning will find comfort, your grief its solace. Your heart's deepest longing shines brightly, even now, if you will but believe... Now may you find courage and remember what is written: "The LORD is my light and my salvation (i.e., my Yeshua); whom shall I fear? The LORD is the refuge of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Amen.

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

========

Psalm 27:1 reading:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/psalm27-1-jjp.mp3

Hebrew page:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/psalm27-1-lesson.pdf

1.8.24 • Facebook

from yesterday’s email by Israel 365:

A Universal Message from a Singular Event

Rabbi Polonsky’s interpretation offers a profound understanding of the Exodus story. It transcends its immediate Jewish context, presenting it as a momentous event in the spiritual journey of all humankind. The revelation in Egypt was a necessary prelude to the revelation at Sinai, setting the stage for the Israelites’ mission as a light unto the nations.

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

January 9, 2024

The Scars of Sin

“But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.” (Judges 16:21)

The sad end of mighty Samson, who once had been so greatly energized and utilized by the Lord, is also an allegory and a grave warning to every Christian. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14-15).

Satan knows our individual weaknesses and tempts us accordingly. Many Christians have fallen into sin through some Delilah, but probably many more have fallen into sin through pride, or covetousness, or compromise, or apathy.

First, sin blinds. We are commanded to grow in Christ, adding to our initial faith the attributes of virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). Otherwise, “he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:9).

Then, sin binds. It may not be with chains, as with Samson, but unconfessed sin quickly enslaves its practitioners. “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage” (2 Peter 2:19).

Finally, sin grinds. Instead of the promised freedom from restraint, a sinful life soon becomes a “grind,” tedious and tasteless, like “the dog turned to his own vomit again” (2 Peter 2:22).

Samson did return to God again before his death, but he was still blind, and bound, and grinding. God forgives, but the effects of sin are not easily removed. How much better it would be never to yield to the temptation at all. HMM

A set of articles by the ICR from the January/February 2024 issue of Acts & Facts

the fossil record at Fossil Butte in Wyoming

[bookoformon]

Helaman, Chapter 3, Part 3. "The Narrow Gulf."

Things start to look up, but it's artificial- the government is not minding the pet store and the animals are about to revolt again, they always do because we don't really ever do anything about them.

The Republican Party, for example, a wart on the end of the penis of humanity has been troubling this planet with its religious claptrap for decades and decades and now everyone hates them.

But on an official level, no one is prosecuting them for their many treasons, illegal gaffes, the plentiful disasters they have caused and are causing at this very moment in public and in private.

In the next section of Helaman, "The Dream of Light" we learn how dangerous it is to dream big and prophesy even bigger while creeps and fuckups like the Republicans are allowed to plot and plan against the Church:

18 The forty and sixth year of the reign of the judges ended;

19 And it came to pass that there was still great contention in the land, yea, even in the forty and seventh year, and also in the forty and eighth year.

20 Nevertheless Helaman did fill the judgment-seat with justice and equity; yea, he did observe to keep the statutes, and the judgments, and the commandments of God; and he did do that which was right in the sight of God continually; and he did walk after the ways of his father, insomuch that he did prosper in the land.

21 And it came to pass that he had two sons. He gave unto the eldest the name of Nephi, "the prophet" and unto the youngest, the name of Lehi "the jawbone" [= the Voice of Mashiach]. And they began to grow up unto the Lord.

22 And it came to pass that the wars and contentions began to cease, in a small degree, among the people of the Nephites, in the latter end of the forty and eighth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

23 And it came to pass in the forty and ninth year of the reign of the judges, there was continual peace established in the land, all save it were the asecret combinations which Gadianton the robber had established in the more settled parts of the land, which at that time were not known unto those who were at the head of government; therefore they were not destroyed out of the land.

24 And it came to pass that in this same year there was exceedingly great prosperity in the church, insomuch that there were thousands who did join themselves unto the church and were baptized unto repentance.

25 And so great was the prosperity of the church, and so many the blessings which were poured out upon the people, that even the high priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure.

26 And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did prosper unto the baptizing and uniting to the church of God, many souls, yea, even tens of thousands.

27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.

28 Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.

29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—

30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out.

31 And in this year there was continual rejoicing in the land of Zarahemla, and in all the regions round about, even in all the land which was possessed by the Nephites.

We have seen this before. A good man like President Obama will pass through the White House, there will be sweeping change, a few brilliant decisions, and things will quiet down. Then a big fat fuck like Donald Trump will take his place and things will go to do shit again.

How is this possible? The signs where there. They were unborn in the government because the people of America are corrupt. They are rotten to the core.

We trifle over issues that do not fulfill the will of God like the relief of poverty, housing, social equality, friendly relationships with our neighbors and the global effort to end climate change, over population and sprawl, then mewl like kittens about Jesus. This is not proper, and it terrifies everyone, how 50% of America is capable of signing the Name of the Son of God to infernal works of the devil.

In this section of Helaman, the opposite is recommended:

Year Forty Six is "The horror of the wolf." "Great Contention continues in Year Forty Seven but Forty Eight and Forty Nine show a turnround due to a shift in the population:

47: The Number is 3613, גו‎‎א‎ג‎, goug, "a nation, baked."

48: The Number is 2802, ב‎חאֶפֶסב, in khafesev, "submission to the counsel of the leadership."

49: The Number is 2862, בחו‎ב‎, "in debt." "spiritual turning away from unrighteousness."

Thus the gate of heaven becomes open to all. But v. 23 says a government that does not destroy its thieves and drive them out of the land puts all of this at risk. And ours just loves to protect its thieves and then it likes to wait and see.

Instead, there should be repentance as in v. 24, which has a Number of 134-3-7, אג‎דגז‎‎ "I will add an egg and fish" = the Passover Seder, meaning the violence and corruption have to stop their proprietors arrested and put to death. After this, God says the priorities, the Seder, or order of society's affairs will be easy to discern, and the departure from the sorrows of the past can begin.

[lesfeldickbiblestudy]

What is the meaning of baptism? [convertplayer id="ngg1sM2IM" width="700" height="525"] Matthew 3:3 "For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias (see it's also in Isaiah. I took you back to Malachi but Isaiah also speaks of John the Baptist) saying, `The voice of one crying in the wilderness, `Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" You know all about John, so now I would like for you to come quickly down to verse 6: Matthew 3:6 "And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins." Think for a moment. Can you think of any other subject in Christianity that will cause more controversy, more anger, more disruption of fellowship and more everything else that you can think of, than baptism? Oh, I've experienced it over and over. I see people who seemingly have real sweet fellowship until all of a sudden they realize they didn't agree on baptism and then, oops, there goes their friendship. Now there's something wrong when something can cause such division amongst believers. And I guess I'd have to say it's because we have so many different views of this baptism. Some feel that it's mandatory for salvation. Some, that it has nothing to do with salvation. Some in sprinkling, some in immersion. So you have all of these conflicting ideas, and I think it's a pity. Now we are going to see what the Scripture says. But here, John no doubt about it, maintains that if these Jews of Israel are going to show saving faith in the fact that their King and Kingdom is here, then they would have to show it with the baptism of repentance. And that is why it is always called the "Baptism of Repentance." The two could not be separated. These Jews were repenting then of their failure of the system of law, and everything else. They were now preparing their hearts and minds for the King and His Kingdom. I have a question for you. Why baptism? That throws a curve at almost everyone. Now remember that we are dealing with the Jew, and if you go back to the Old Testament economy, in order for the priest to be prepared for service the first thing they had to do was wash, wash, and wash some more. They had lots of practice at washing. Throughout the whole system of the Law of Moses there was that constant washing to show to the very mind of Israel that sin was a filthy thing. This is what we are dealing with here. Sin! That is why leprosy is used as a picture of sin. Now most of us don't know how horrible a man with leprosy can look, especially in the final stages. It is beyond comprehension. And that's what sin does. Naaman, the Syrian General, had leprosy and the servant just begged him to go to the prophet of Israel and be healed. So he ends up with Elisha, and the old prophet doesn't even come but rather sends his own servant out, and tells this big Syrian General to do what? Go dip in the Jordan River seven times. Well he finally did, and what happened? He was healed of his leprosy. Now the water didn't do it. God did it because Naaman, as reluctant as he was, was still exercising faith. But that dipping in the Jordan River indicated a cleansing. In the same way, the priesthood with their wash, wash, wash, were merely emphasizing their need for a spiritual cleansing. The water in no way could do that. Remember, we looked at Scripture a couple of lessons back where Israel was told that every Jew was to be a priest of God. What little rite had to happen before they would be ready for a priesthood? They had to be washed. And they experienced that symbolic washing with their baptism. Now that is all you can put on it. Nothing more! I guess one of the biggest questions has been, "Why was Jesus baptized? He didn't have any sin to repent of." But again, He came to be a prophet, priest, and King, and in order to fulfill all of the requirements of the priesthood again, symbolically what did He have to experience? The washing. So as He went down into that baptism i

n the Jordan, he symbolically fulfilled the washing of the priesthood, and at the same time He identifies Himself with His Covenant people the Nation of Israel. Do you see how everything just fits so beautifully together? There is a reason for it, but we have to understand it. [convertplayer id="qahYitjEc" width="700" height="525"] I Corinthians 12:12,13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." Now, does the Holy Spirit baptize with water? No! So, this is not talking about water baptism, yet nearly every Christian group will not accept a person for membership without water baptism. Do you really believe that every member in your congregation is a born again child of God? Of course not! We are all members of congregations where there are unbelievers who have been baptized under whatever form of baptism their particular group uses. There are still people coming into every group who are totally unsaved; they're baptized and they are members there, but they are not members of the Body of Christ. There will be no unbelievers in the Body of Christ because that's the work of the Holy Spirit - to immediately place or baptize them into the Body of Christ. The reason Paul uses this analogy of the human body is that some believers' roles are no more that that of a little pinkie finger. Some may even have the role of a little toe, which most people never see. Others may be in more visible roles, but every one of us, regardless of where God has placed us in the Body, has a function in that Body, be it small or great. We'll get back to Romans 8 in moment, but here in I Corinthians 12, it shows very clearly what God expects of His children. Here, Paul mentions the gifts that really amount to something; the very gifts Christ uses, by an act of the Holy Spirit, to search the heart. The Holy Spirit will never place an unbeliever into the Body of Christ. None of us can examine someone else close enough to screen him from the membership in our local church. We can't do it, and we're not supposed to. That's why Jesus gave the illustration during His earthly ministry of the "tares and the wheat." Years ago, when I was teaching in that concept of the tares and the wheat, an agronomist at the college brought in some tares and wheat. You couldn't tell the difference, but one would never give a grain and the other would. It's the same way in the church. We can't judge and say, "That church member is not a child of God." That's not our job. But, we have to be aware that in the Body of Christ there are no false professors - only the genuine believer is in the Body of Christ, and that's the only Christ there is. So that's the membership you'd better be sure of. Don't worry about whether you are member of the biggest church in town or the smallest; just be sure you are a member of the Body of Christ, and remember the qualification: It's for all! "For by one spirit we were baptized into one body!" [convertplayer id="qgMibeo6I" width="700" height="525"] Romans 6:4 "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: (many people will disagree, but I'm convinced this is not a water baptism. Water baptism cannot do what Paul is talking about here.) that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." No baptism can give new life. Only the power of God can do that. So I am convinced, maybe contrary to the way I was taught in my earlier years, that this is Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks of this in I Corinthians Chapter 12. I hadn't intended to do this but I feel the Spirit is leading this way for a reason, so let's look at this verse. In Chapter 12 is what I consider the only valid baptism for us in this Age of Grace. And it's a baptism that human hands cannot touch; it's a ba

ptism that a lost person can have no part in. In water baptism, we can never be sure of a person's salvation. I was brought up in a congregation where candidates for baptism were examined very thoroughly, yet I've come to the conclusion in my later years that there is no way a group of men, or pastors, can truly determine a person's salvation. We can hear their testimony and come to some human conclusions, but we can never look on the heart. That is something that only God Himself can do. I've told my class that I don't think it will actually happen this way, but if it were, and we get to glory, we are suddenly going to realize that a lot of people are there we didn't think would be. And there are going to be a lot of people not there that we thought should be. We probably won't have that kind of knowledge, but just hypothetically if that were the case, we would be surprised and disappointed. But we can't look on the heart, only the outward veneer to reach a conclusion. But that's not the heart. This is where the Scripture says also "Judge not!" Consequently this is the baptism that Paul refers to here in verse 12: I Corinthians 12:12,13 "For as the body (that is this human body. In other words from head to toe, we are controlled by one central nervous system, one mind, one brain) is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body (ten fingers and toes if we are normal): so also is Christ." And here Paul is referring to the Body of Christ. Now, verse 13, and this may shock some people, but again I'm not changing or twisting the wording, we are going to leave it exactly where it sits. I Corinthians 12:13 "For by one Spirit (notice that Spirit is capitalized, so it is in reference to the Holy Spirit.) are we (and remember Paul always writes to believers. What's the next word?) all (not just a favorite few, or a special elite, but how many? All But of course that's according to God's determination of who is a believer, whether weak or strong, spiritual or carnal) baptized into one body," So reading the verse again:"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." Let me qualify the Body of Christ, which of course came on the scene in the New Testament, I think after Pentecost. Some people disagree with me, and that's fine. But you search the Scriptures until you are sure you can prove me wrong. But I'm convinced that the Body of Christ didn't necessarily begin at Pentecost, because Pentecost was strictly a Jewish holiday, with a Jewish message. When the Gospel of Grace begins to go out to both Jew and Gentile, especially at the church in Antioch, in Acts Chapter 11, where it says that the believers at Antioch were the first to be called Christians; this was about 10 years after Pentecost. That's where they were first called Christians. Not the Jewish believers in Jerusalem in those previous years. But when Gentiles started coming in by faith in the Gospel of the grace of God, they were now called Christians as the Scriptures says, so that's where I feel the Body of Christ began when Paul begins to preach this message of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. And by faith and faith alone without the Law. And as men and women began to believe that, then the Holy Spirit baptized, or placed them, into the Body of Christ, the Church. Now, I asked my class the other night, as I have over the years, as I don't care what denomination you are a part of it doesn't make any difference, the question is still valid: is every member on your church roll a genuine born again Christian? No. Remember we are not to judge, but we know for a fact that they are not all true believers. What about the unbeliever? Are they members of the Body of Christ? No, they can't be. They are unsaved. Only the saved go into the Body of Christ. So this is where I get the premise, that the only baptism that really co

unts for eternity is this one. The one that places the true believer into the Body of Christ. Let's also look quickly at Ephesians 4. Again, Paul writing to believers says: Ephesians 4:4,5 "There is one body, (The Body of Christ) and one Spirit, (The Holy Spirit) even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism," How many? ONE. Do you see that? So you can have your name on as many church rolls as you wish. But unless you are in the Body of Christ you are doomed. The Scripture makes it so plain. But if you are a child of God, you are in the Body of Christ by virtue of the placing it there by the Holy Spirit, as Paul makes it so plain. And then as members of the Body of Christ, we all maintain our individuality, we all have unique place in that Body, and yet we are all what? ONE. That's also why, when you walk into a room full of fellow believers, are you a stranger very long? No. I've experienced it and I know you have. I've had people from far off states come into my class, and on the way out they will say, "The minute I stepped into this room I felt at home" And that is as it should be, because when you are with fellow believers there is that oneness that any other group can never experience. [convertplayer id="q1yRBPeQo" width="700" height="394"] THE TRUE INTENT OF THE LAW IS CONDEMNATION GALATIANS 3:15-29 Now this lesson will finish book 33, and I find that unreal. That means we've come to Tulsa 99 times to do these tapings of "Through The Bible." Before we begin, let's review where we ended our last lesson. Paul is writing to Gentile believers for the most part and says: Galatians 3:26 "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." And as I mentioned in the last lesson when Paul speaks of faith in Christ he's speaking of that whole finished work of redemption, which is faith in His death, His shed blood, His burial, and His resurrection. Paul stresses constantly the power of His resurrection. Galatians 3:27 "For as many of you as have been baptized into (your denomination?) Christ have put on Christ." Well that's the way most people read it, isn't it? Sure. You ask the average individual, how did you become a member of your Church? Well I was baptized into it! But you see that's not what the Scriptures says. Here it says, "that you have been baptized into Christ." Now there's not a drop of water in this verse. It's as dry as a bone, and to follow up with another verse come back to Romans chapter 6, and you have the same thing. I'll never forget the first time I heard a guest preacher in one of our previous churches where we were members, and this preacher preached from Romans 6 and when he said there wasn't a drop of water in this third verse we thought he was way out in left field. And at that time I was probably one of the strongest, but oh I can see now that he was 100 % right because there is no water in Romans chapter 6. Here it's basically the same thing as what Paul is saying in Galatians chapter 3. Romans 6:3 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into (not into a denomination or church, but rather into) Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" If you've been placed in Christ then before you can get there you had to be identified with His death. And how have I always put it? When Christ died, God saw every one of us on the Cross in the Person of Christ, because He died in our place, and this is what God saw. He saw you and I crucified and that's what He means in Galatians 2 when Paul says - Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me;..." Now just as surely as God saw us on the Cross in the person of Christ, He also saw us in the tomb. So here we are in the tomb, we're buried with Him. Not by water but by virtue of God determining that now since He's paid the sin debt for all that believe, and appropriate it then yes God said, "You're dead, you're crucified, I saw you in Christ, I saw you bur

ied with Him in his death, in His tomb, and so also we've been resurrected with Him to a new life. We are totally different people as a result of this power of His resurrection, and so it's a God thing. God in His Omnipotence, in His power, in His Omniscience, in His ability to work in the area of the invisible, He has placed us in all of these places. In the area of the invisible He has seen everyone of us crucified with Christ. In the area of the invisible He saw everyone of us in the tomb with Christ, and in the area of the invisible He has resurrected everyone of us to a new life. How often haven't I made this illustration? If you were to go down to the morgue and accompany a pathologist in a autopsy, would you ever see the soul of a person? Would you ever see their spirit? Of course not, it's invisible. Does that mean that it's not for real? You better believe it's for real or you wouldn't be here. But the soul and spirit are invisible, and that's where God works, in the area of the invisible. He works in the area of our soul and spirit, and human hands can't touch that. You can baptize this old body a hundred times and it's not going to change the soul and spirit. Remember this is only an outer tabernacle, but only God can work in the area of the soul and spirit. I wish people could understand that. Looking at the verse again. Romans 6:3 "Know ye not, that so many of us is were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized (or identified) into his death?" And then to verse 8: Romans 6:8 "Now if we be dead with Christ, (in other words if we've been crucified with Him, if we've been buried with Him then) we believe that we shall also live with him:" How are we going to live with Him? By His resurrection power. Do you see that? We've been raised in resurrection power. We're a new person, we're a whole new being, and now we are placed into Christ. How? Now on your way back to Galatians stop at I Corinthians chapter 12. These are verses that we use over and over because they are so foundational and so simplistic. You don't have to have a seminary degree to understand some of these verses. They're so simple but most people don't understand them. Also keep in mind that Paul tells us in Ephesians now in this age of Grace that there is only one baptismand then I Corinthians tells us what baptism that is. Ephesians 4:4-5 "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5. One Lord, one faith, one baptism," I Corinthians 12:13 "For by one Spirit (the Holy Spirit, it's capitalized) are we all (believers of Paul's Gospel for salvation) baptized into one body, (the Body of Christ. Now here's another verse that is as dry as a bone. There is not a drop of water in this verse. It's the work of the Holy Spirit working in the area of the invisible placing you and I now in that new resurrected personage into that relationship with Christ.) whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and we have been all made to drink into one Spirit." There is no color line in the Body of Christ, we believers are all baptized into that Body of Christ, and we are all one in Christ. We just came back from a cruise on the Mediterranean, and we had 62 of us from various parts of the country. But you know what? In just a matter of 24 hours we had all come together as though we had known each other all our lives. Why? We were all believers. We were all members of the Body of Christ, and you're not strangers long when you're believers, and it's so beautiful. Now next week we'll be going back to Israel, and we'll have a different group and I know the same thing is going to happen again. That whole group of people is going to come together and by the time we come back it's going to be as close knit as family. It just shows the fact that when you become members of the Body of Christ there is that unity that nothing can take apart. Now this is what comes alone from the writings of the apostle Paul. This isn't taught

in the Four Gospels, this isn't taught in the Old Testament, but Paul is constantly at it. That when we have faith in the Gospel then we become a member of the Body of Christ. Now back to Galatians chapter 3. Now verse 27 is too good a verse to just casually go over, I'm going to spend some time in it. So if you have been baptized by that Holy Spirit's work into the Body of Christ, then something else has happened. What? You have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27 "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." [convertplayer id="pU1C4shR6" width="700" height="525"] Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." He didn't say, "To everyone who repents and is baptized" or "to everyone who does according to man's traditions," but he said "to everyone that believeth"! He stated very plainly that if we believe this Gospel with all our hearts - that Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead - then that Gospel becomes the very power of God Himself. The very power that created the universe is released on us, to us and in us so that we, by that power of God, become children of God. It is beyond human understanding, so we must take it by faith. The Bible says that is what the Gospel is, and when we believe it, God counts it as righteousness for us. But it is imperative that we be very careful what we believe!  

[amicidomenicani]

Question I’m 36 years-old and, ever since I was a young boy, I’ve been attracted to men, especially older men (maybe because I was missing a father figure… I don’t know why). Oftentimes, people associate homosexuality with being effeminate or behaving like in the film “La Cage aux Folles”. This is incorrect because a great number of people are homosexual and you would never suspect it and they can be priests, doctors, etc… Like many of you, readers of this site, I’m baptized and therefore belong to the Body of Christ and the Church as a community. I’m quoting this excerpt from one of your answers because I thought it was interesting and contained many truths. “In truthfulness, we should also say that, just as someone who is born with a physical disability has the same dignity as anybody else, in the same way, someone who is born predisposed to homosexuality has the same dignity of every other human person. His defect is an evil, a disorder, but it’s not a sin. For this reason, discriminating against gay people because of their tendency is unjust, and it is also unjust to condemn them. Especially if we consider that, generally speaking, gay people suffer because of their pathology. They are the first to admit that their condition is abnormal, that there is no real family with children in their future, and that, because of their tendency, they will always be the object of some joke that wounds them. 6. Morally speaking, the homosexual act is condemned because it goes against nature. The individual, however, is not condemned, especially if their conduct is beyond reproach — even if he were to commit a sin he’s not condemned, especially if he repents. In short: only God can judge somebody’s subjective responsibility. Gay culture is only tied to sex lived as lust, like a fleeting pleasure that only lasts a moment and leaves one with nothing. The gay community demands civil unions but, frankly, there are very few people in this scene who actually desire that or who want to adopt a child to raise. Everything revolves around sex used like a drug. Oftentimes, it is a very lonely life, punctuated by quick fleeting encounters to satisfy a sexual need. Relationships between men don’t usually last and, in almost every case, they are unfaithful from the very beginning. There is then the fear around sexually transmitted diseases, which isn’t a small matter. Even the Catechism of the Catholic Church talks about this topic in a very objective, non-discriminatory and respectful manner: “2357 Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered." They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved. 2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition. 2359 Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.”

When it comes to me, it is experience which led me to write about my disillusionment with that scene. I try to live my situation like a cross to bear and not something to get rid of. Everybody has their cross to bear during this life. Some evangelical sects profess that you can be liberated overnight by reading one of their booklets. I also believe that chastity for a gay person should be lived in the same way of a heterosexual person who decides not to marry. Everything should be borne as a trial and, if one falls, he should at least be remorseful and reconcile with God. I don’t think the Church hates gay people, but rather She hates the sin that is committed. Priest’s answer Dearest, 1. I thank you for your testimony. It is honest, especially in speaking of the Church — Which makes a distinction between the person and the sin. You were also very honest in recognizing that, especially between homosexual males, there is little faithfulness and everything is reduced to the experience of lust. 2. Others, even some of our visitors, claim to find communion and spiritual enrichment even in homosexual relations. I answered their claim by saying that communion and spiritual enrichment are not tied to being homosexual and that communion and spiritual enrichment can be lived well without genital homosexual involvement, which is always a perversion and a profanation of God’s design for human love and sexuality.  3. We should also note that not all gay people are the same. To some, their situation causes suffering, they try to behave in a blameless and dignified manner. From my pastoral experience, I even know of married people who identify as homosexual and have never had homosexual experiences. 4. On the other hand, others, like those who are involved in what you call the “gay scene” are tied, as you wrote, “to sex lived as lust, like a fleeting pleasure that only lasts a moment and leaves one with nothing” and you add “everything revolves around sex used like a drug”. You also admit that “it is a very lonely life, punctuated by quick fleeting encounters to satisfy a sexual need”. 5. Now, when it comes to you: you say you try to live your situation like a cross to bear, rather than something to get rid of. One could say you are maybe too resigned to your condition. But you certainly know yourself better than I do. Maybe you have come to the conclusion that in your case it’s an ingrained inclination, impossible to root-out. Therefore, you say you are determined to suffer this inclination like a cross. I think you intend to live it in “chastity” which, as you rightly state, “should be lived in the same way of a heterosexual person who decides not to marry”. If there are any lapses "at least be remorseful and reconcile with God.” I thank you for your heartfelt testimony. I assure you of my prayer and bless you. Father Angelo 05 February 2016 | A Priest Answers - Moral Theology - Sexual and Matrimonial Morality

[dailychapel]

Lord, Holy One, have mercy on us. We confess our sins to you. We have fallen short of your glory and without your mercy and grace, we would be dust. We repent now. Lord, as we enter into this Lenten season, be near to us. Help us, by your Holy Spirit, to feel right conviction and repentance for our sin. Help us, by your Spirit, to have the strength to overcome the enemy.

Thank you, Lord, that Easter is coming! Death has no sting, no victory, because of Jesus! Glory and honor and praise to His name! Thank you for rescuing us. Help us keep both the weight and the joy of this season in our hearts and we move through the next several weeks. Help us bear the good fruit of your Spirit.

Acts 22:1–30 NLT - 1 "Brothers and esteemed fathers," Paul said, "listen to me as I offer my defense." 2 When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater. 3 Then Paul said, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. 4 And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. 5 The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished. 6 "As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 8 "'Who are you, lord?' I asked. "And the voice replied, 'I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.' 9 The people with me saw the light but didn't understand the voice speaking to me. 10 "I asked, 'What should I do, Lord?' "And the Lord told me, 'Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.' 11 "I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions. 12 A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. 13 He came and stood beside me and said, 'Brother Saul, regain your sight.' And that very moment I could see him! 14 "Then he told me, 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. 15 For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. 16 What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.' 17 "After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18 I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, 'Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won't accept your testimony about me.' 19 "'But Lord,' I argued, 'they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.' 21 "But the Lord said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!'" 22 The crowd listened until Paul said that word. Then they all began to shout, "Away with such a fellow! He isn't fit to live!" 23 They yelled, threw off their coats, and tossed handfuls of dust into the air. 24 The commander brought Paul inside and ordered him lashed with whips to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd had become so furious. 25 When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to the officer standing there, "Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn't even been tried?" 26 When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and asked, "What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!" 27 So the commander went over and asked Paul, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" "Yes, I certainly am," Paul replied. 28 "I am, too," the commander muttered, "and it cost me plenty!" Paul answered, "But I am a citizen by birth!" 29 The soldiers who were about to interrogate Paul quickly withdrew when they heard he was a Roman citizen, and the commander was frightened because he had ordered him bound and whipped. 30 The next day the commander ordered the leading priests into session with the Jewish high council. He wanted to find out what the trouble was all about, so he released Paul to have him stand before them.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (October 8)

St. Pelagia was head of a dance troupe in Palestinian Antioch. She lived a life of frivolity and prostitution.

One day, while she was still a dancer, Pelagia was passing by a church dressed with her very elegant and provocative clothing.

Bishop Nonnus of Edessa was preaching at that moment. Even though the parishioners turned their faces away from the sinner, the Bishop noticed her great outer beauty and spiritual greatness.

Later that day, he prayed in his cell for the sinner and learned that as she took care of the adornment of her body to appear beautiful, he and his fellow priests should put more work in adorning their wretched souls.

The following day, Pelagia went to hear St. Nonnos preach. He was talking about the Last Judgement and its consequences.

She was so moved and impressed with the sermon that with tears of repentance in her eyes, she asked the Bishop to baptize her.

Seeing the sincerity of her wishes and repentance, he agreed.

That same night, the devil appeared to Pelagia urging her to return to her former life.

She started praying and signed herself with the Sign of the Cross, after which the devil vanished.

She gave all her wealth and valuables to St. Nonnos so that he could distribute them and give them to aid the poor.

The bishop then ordered their distribution and said:

"Let this be wisely dispersed, so that these riches gained by sin may become a wealth of righteousness."

She left Antioch dressed in man’s clothes.

After that, she journeyed to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, where she became a hermitess and lived in a cell disguised as the monk Pelagius.

There, she lived in great austerity, performing many penances in an ascetic seclusion, which helped her attain many spiritual gifts.

Bishop Nonnus did not forget Pelagia. More than three years after her departure, he sent James the Deacon to Jerusalem to visit his friend “Brother Pelagius.” 

James found her cell and she came to the door.  He conveyed the Bishop’s best wishes to the woman he thought was a monk.

She did not reveal her true identity, but simply thanked him politely and asked him to revisit her soon.

Returning to the cell a few days later, however, James found that the “monk” had expired. 

It was only while they were anointing “his” body that they discovered that “Brother Pelagius” had actually been a female.

She was known as “the beardless monk” until her sex was discovered when she died.

At her death, she was buried in her cell.

Pelagia died around 284, according to Church historians. Her tomb on the Mount of Olives has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.

St. Pelagia’s life serves as a remarkable testimony to God’s willingness to forgive all sinners, no matter how deep or long-lasting their transgressions.

Her story shows us God’s love and acceptance of all people, regardless of what their lives might have been like prior to their conversion. 

God’s forgiveness is not reserved for a few but freely offered to all.

[childofchrist1983]

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. - Luke 12:4-7 KJV

This Bible passage from The Gospel Book of St. Luke reminds me of the passage from Paul that lets us know that because we are baptized into Christ's death, spiritually reborn through God's grace, we will rise with Him (Romans 6:1-10). Luke's message must have been a comfort to those who were undergoing persecution. They knew that some of their friends and possibly family members had been persecuted or killed because they wouldn't worship the emperor as a god. Luke is telling them that no matter what happens to them, God is with them and ready to welcome them into the Kingdom of Heaven.

We have been given both the same promise and the same warning. We have a choice how we live: We can choose to repent and believe, following and remaining faithful to Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ and join Him in Heaven, or continue rejecting Him and His Truth and relishing in our sin as we go after the things and pleasures that this dark and sin-filled world tempts us with, with damnation and an eternity in Hell as a result. Ask anyone who works in ministry how difficult it is to instruct the youth in the Gospel and how we must live for God and not ourselves. Anyone who is trying to live a moral life, or is trying to raise their children to live a moral life is facing an enormous challenge. God is just in His judgement towards sin and wickedness and it grieves Him to see His creation be so far away from Him. He blessed us with the breath of life and He can take it away. It's up to us to humble ourselves and seek Him for forgiveness and salvation while we still can. It is vital to remain close to God and put Him first everyday, witnessing and spreading the Gospel Truth and and praying for our youth and everyone else in this world, reminding them that this life and the things of this world are all temporary and eternal life in Heaven and eternal death in Hell is just that - Eternal. May Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ keep reminding us of the need to remain faithful to Him during every moment of our lives, so that we may spend eternity with Him in His Kingdom and presence. May we all remain faithful to Him and to this duty and purpose He has called us to, no matter what. Seek and put your faith and trust in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ and let Him do the rest. May He humble our hearts and help us focus on following and serving Him daily and helping others with joy and happiness. We lift our voices in praise to Him for His love, mercy, peace, faithfulness and grace. - For EVERYTHING!

It is vital that we remain rooted in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit and that we live and walk as a beacon of His light and love and share and spread the Gospel Truth daily, so that the lost souls in this world can come to know Him and be saved. The more we focus on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, growing spiritually by building our relationship with Him, leaning on Him and His Holy Word and Spirit, the better off we will be. Thanks to this and our faith in Him, we know that everything will be alright. And we will forever be grateful to Him. As true and born-again Christians, we believe in Him and His Holy Word and we strive daily to walk in His Holy Spirit. We know though our mortal bodies should die, He will raise us up and into new and glorious bodies (The Rapture). We who are truly His and alive at His second coming will never die, and our bodies will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and so shall we ever be with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven forevermore (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is one of many promises given to us by God Himself. Thank God for His strength and guidance when we are faced with sin and temptation. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Through Bible study and prayer, God reveals His wisdom and guides us to see opportunities to grow closer to Him and grow spiritually. He gives us direction to live our lives daily according to His will.

Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven (John 3:5, 14:6), the ONLY way to salvation (Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9) and He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26). Jesus Christ the LORD of lords, KING of kings, the GOD of gods (Deuteronomy 10:17, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16) - He is the Living, Almighty and Everlasting God (Isaiah 9:6, Revelation 1:8, John 3:16, John 3:36, Jeremiah 10:10). There is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5). We MUST humble ourselves before Him, turning our backs on false teachers, false gods and idols and our sinful ways. We MUST repent and turn back to God and recognize who He is and love Him in return for His great love for us. We MUST make God top priority everyday! May we be motivated to spread God's Holy Word and Gospel Truth to all the Earth, knowing that it is the only hope of all those lost in their sins. Let us not hold out a false hope for men to be saved without the Gospel, but instead, strive to do our part to get the Gospel out to a lost and dying world.

Leaning on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit strengthens us and our knowledge and wisdom about God and His Gospel Truth, exposing these imposters. May God help us to seek and lean on Him daily to gain the strength, wisdom and spiritual discernment needed to expose Satan and his imposters who seek to destroy us and God's ultimate Truth. Everyday, we must remember to share Jesus Christ's Gospel Truth with the world and to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and from the eternal damnation of Hell. In all we say and do, may all praise, honor and glory always be given to Him and His Kingdom of Heaven.

With renewed minds, hearts and wills, let us serve Him humbly and faithfully out of pure love and grateful rejoicing. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us. Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful LORD, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[freebiblestudyhub]

How Did Longinus Die?

Longinus is a name that has intrigued both historians and theologians for centuries. He is best known as the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus Christ with a spear during the crucifixion, an event that is described in the Gospel of John. Over time, the figure of Longinus has evolved in Christian tradition, and various accounts of his life and death have emerged. While much of the information about him comes from later Christian writings and legend rather than from the Bible itself, his story has been a significant part of Christian lore. In this article, we will explore how Longinus is believed to have died, as well as the historical and theological context of his death.

The Biblical Account of Longinus

Before delving into the details of Longinus’ death, it is important to first understand who he was and his role in the crucifixion of Jesus. The name “Longinus” is not mentioned in the Bible, but he is traditionally identified as the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side with a spear while He was hanging on the cross. This event is recorded in the Gospel of John:

“But one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.” (John 19:34-35, NIV)

This act of piercing Jesus’ side is significant because it fulfilled a prophecy found in Zechariah 12:10:

“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.” (Zechariah 12:10, NIV)

Though Longinus is not named in the Gospel of John, Christian tradition holds that he was the soldier who performed this act. In many Christian depictions, Longinus is shown as a Roman centurion, and his act of piercing Jesus is seen as an important moment in the Passion narrative.

The Role of Longinus in Christian Tradition

Over time, Longinus became a significant figure in Christian tradition. He is often portrayed as a symbol of conversion and redemption, as it is believed that his encounter with the crucified Christ led to his spiritual transformation. According to some accounts, after piercing Jesus’ side, Longinus was struck with a deep sense of remorse and awe. He is said to have recognized Jesus as the Son of God and, as a result, repented for his role in the crucifixion.

In the apocryphal “Acts of Longinus” and other early Christian writings, Longinus is said to have been baptized and later became a follower of Christ. His conversion story is seen as an example of how even those involved in the crucifixion can be redeemed through faith in Jesus.

Longinus’ story is also tied to the theme of mercy and forgiveness. The fact that a Roman soldier, one of the very people who were involved in the brutal execution of Jesus, could be forgiven and saved by Christ is a powerful message in Christian theology.

How Did Longinus Die?

While the Bible provides little information about the fate of Longinus after the crucifixion, later Christian tradition offers several theories and legends about his death. These accounts vary depending on the source, but they all emphasize his transformation from a hardened Roman soldier to a devout Christian martyr.

The Legend of Longinus’ Martyrdom

According to various Christian traditions, Longinus eventually became a Christian martyr. The most popular legend suggests that after his conversion, Longinus went on to preach the Gospel in the region of Cappadocia, in modern-day Turkey. It is believed that he boldly proclaimed his faith and spoke of the miraculous events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus.

As with many early Christian martyrs, Longinus’ faith eventually brought him into conflict with the Roman authorities. In some accounts, Longinus was arrested for preaching Christianity and brought before the local governor. The governor, angered by his defiance, ordered that Longinus be executed.

The manner of Longinus’ death is subject to various interpretations. Some traditions claim that Longinus was beheaded for his refusal to recant his Christian faith. This form of execution was common for Christian martyrs during the early centuries of the Church, especially for those who were considered a threat to Roman authority.

Other accounts suggest that Longinus was crucified, mirroring the fate of Jesus. In this version of the story, Longinus’ death on the cross serves as a final act of solidarity with Christ, who had been crucified years earlier. This connection between Longinus and Jesus highlights the theme of redemption and the deep faith that Longinus exhibited in his final moments.

The Relics of Longinus

As with many saints and martyrs, relics associated with Longinus became important to the early Christian community. One of the most famous relics is the “Holy Lance” or “Spear of Destiny,” which is said to be the very spear that Longinus used to pierce Jesus’ side. Over the centuries, this relic has been venerated and associated with various miraculous events.

In some traditions, Longinus’ relics were said to have been preserved, and many stories grew up around these artifacts. The spear itself became a symbol of the Christian faith, representing both the passion of Christ and the salvation that Longinus found through his encounter with Jesus.

Theories of Longinus’ Final Days

Though there is no definitive historical evidence regarding Longinus’ death, several theories abound. Some scholars suggest that Longinus may have lived a quiet life after his conversion, retreating from public life to live as a hermit or ascetic. This idea is based on the tradition that many early Christians chose to live in solitude after experiencing persecution.

Another theory is that Longinus, as a soldier, may have been sent on military campaigns after his conversion. His death could have occurred during one of these campaigns, and in this case, his martyrdom would have been a result of his refusal to participate in pagan rituals or worship Roman gods.

The Theological Significance of Longinus’ Death

Longinus’ death, whether it was through martyrdom or in some other way, carries profound theological significance. His transformation from a soldier involved in the crucifixion of Jesus to a faithful Christian is a powerful reminder of God’s grace and mercy. It demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love, even those who have directly participated in the suffering of Christ.

In Christian theology, Longinus’ encounter with Jesus is a symbol of the possibility of repentance and redemption. His act of piercing the side of Jesus is seen as a moment of tragic violence, but it is also an opportunity for transformation. Longinus’ conversion story suggests that even the most sinful acts can be redeemed through faith and repentance.

Furthermore, Longinus’ death, as a martyr, serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship. His willingness to face persecution and death for the sake of his faith mirrors the sacrifice that all Christians are called to make. Longinus’ example encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of suffering.

Conclusion

The story of Longinus, though not fully detailed in the Bible, has had a lasting impact on Christian tradition. From his role in the crucifixion of Jesus to his conversion and eventual martyrdom, Longinus’ life and death are a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace. His journey from sinner to saint serves as an example for all Christians, reminding them that redemption is possible, no matter the sins of the past.

The exact details of Longinus’ death are shrouded in mystery, with various legends and traditions offering different accounts. Whether he died as a martyr for his faith or in some other manner, his legacy endures as a symbol of faith, repentance, and the power of God’s mercy. Through the story of Longinus, Christians are reminded of the importance of living a life of faith, no matter the trials they may face.

[ppersonna]

repentance - knj | m

now, let's imprint my name on that trophy and come back home - come back home, BTS

↳ summary- your boyfriend, Kim Namjoon, doesn’t like it when you flirt with other guys

↳ rating- explicit / 18+

↳ word count- 6k

↳ pairing- namjoon x reader

↳ genre- smut, this is all smut, there is nothing but smut here, there is no god in this chili’s tonight. this actively takes us further from the light.

↳ warnings- very hard BDSM, name calling, degradation, humiliation, spitting, caning/spanking, collaring, bondage, squirting, overstimulation, impreg kink lmfao, face fucking,  Namjoon is a v sadistic dom but he is still sane, after care is important,

↳ a/n- well folks.  here it is.  The fic that pushed me past my comfort zone lmfafskadf.  i am 100% grateful to @sombreboy​ for assisting me with this and being silly as fuck in the google doc.  i could not have done it without his guidance lmfaooo.  this was requested by anon and i hope i did it justice and i rly appreciate getting sent things that make me write things i normally wouldn’t!  thank you for believing in me lmfao.  pls feel free to interact with me however u want bc i love you all.  Thanks for reading! namjoon if ur reading this pls forgive me

“I hope you had your fun, doll,“ Namjoon whispers harshly in your ear as you walk with him away from the dance studio.  You’re covered in sweat, hot, and still you’re shaking like a leaf at the tone of your boyfriend’s voice.

So maybe you broke the rules.  Maybe you danced with Jimin at practice a little too intensely, a little too provocatively.  Maybe you grinded up against the blonde harder than you should, making the dancer sport a tent in his pants.

And maybe you did it in front of your boyfriend, that man who loved and dominated you.

Is it too late to say oops?

Namjoon is silent on the drive home.  His face is expressionless, but his eyes give it away.  He looks a touch angry, a touch excited, but he mostly radiates possession.  If there’s something that Namjoon hates, it’s sharing you.  

Your playful flirting with Jimin had been just that—playful.  Jimin was your dance partner going on 10 years now, ranging from ballroom to jazz and tap, to contemporary and international.  Jimin was always your go-to guy, best friend, and occasional fuck buddy.  Namjoon knew this, knew the history between you two, but still allowed you your freedom in dancing and competing with the blonde.  Sometimes it was just so easy to fall back on old habits, when you’d grind on Jimin so hard that he’d rip your shorts down and take you against the hardwood floor of the studio.

Even though you were quite happy in your relationship with Namjoon, it was hard to re-route the synapses that led elsewhere when you were dancing.  

But you loved Namjoon, and you had for a long time.  It was something you were working on, the flirting and the carelessness.  Namjoon was supportive, loving, and a natural caretaker.

He was also a sadistic Dominant.  

Where Namjoon was sensitive, sweet, communicative and giving in the streets, he was disgusting and filthy and downright heinous in the sheets.

And you loved every single aspect of it.  There was nothing that thrilled you more than the control he wielded on you, the power in his gaze and in his hand, and the possession he took of you.

It was the reason none of your relationships worked out before him.  Sure, there had been pleasant guys and excellent fucks like Jimin.  But Namjoon was the entire package, plus some.  You trusted him with your entire life, your whole being.  He grew up alongside you, and you knew the man would rather injure himself than ever cause you harm.

It’s what made the punishments, the pain, even more delicious.  He took you to your breaking point, sometimes even further, because he knew you could take it.  And you trusted, loved and adored him for it.  

But that didn’t mean it was easy.  

No, while the punishments and pain were fun in the long run, they still sent a thrill of fear down your spine.  

It’s been awhile since you got your boyfriend this worked up.  Things had been pretty smooth sailing for the last few months.  Sure, he was still a maniac in bed, but it was the scripted and practiced scenes you both knew by heart.  Schoolgirl, nurse, secretary.  

But this was real.  Tangibly real.  You could feel the tension rolling off his toned body, the heat of it ensnaring you, tying you up tight.

You want to apologize, open your mouth and begin the litany of sorry’s and I didn’t mean to’s, but your throat felt dry.  You knew it was useless to try now, and the act might make him more upset.  

The punishment he would inflict upon you would absolve you, baptize you of your sins.  He’d sacrifice your flesh to be remade.

The car pulls into the garage of your shared home.  Namjoon parks, closes the heavy door behind the car, then sits in the car staring straight ahead.  

He’s silent for a moment.  It puts your nerves on edge and he knows this, knows you hate the silence more than anything else.

“You are going to get naked.  Right now.” He orders, still not facing you.  He focuses his eyes on the wall of your garage.  “You will leave your dirty clothes outside where they belong.  And you will crawl from the car into the house.”

You nibble at your lip, waiting for more instructions.  He turns and levels a look at you, and your body lights with fire.  

“I want you to retrieve your collar and the handcuffs and bring them to me in the bedroom. You will get in position for me.”

He looks at you once more, seeking your eyes for any sign of fear, anything to tell him he’s going too far.

While your heart races, you nod and swallow tightly. You’re scared but not enough to stop him. You have a safe word for a reason but you haven’t needed to use it yet and you trust Namjoon more than you trust yourself.

He takes stock of your agreement and exits the car, leaving you alone as he trudged up the stairs leading to the house.

It takes one shuddering breath before you step out of the car, peel your sweaty workout clothes off, and slide down to your knees. There're cameras in the garage for security, and you know he’s watching them to ensure you’re listening to his orders.  

The floor of the garage is dirty.  You take one movement forward and look at your hands to find they’re already covered in black soot from the dirt and oils of the car tires driving in and out.  You make a face but quickly pull out of it. This is your punishment.

You crawl up the steps and gingerly open the door, then make your way to your linen closet where your collar and handcuff remain when you’re not at home.

Namjoon gifted you with a home collar and a public collar. The public collar is a beautiful diamond circle pendant that hits right at the hollow of your throat.

The home collar, however, is made out of a study leather material, embedded with gorgeous diamonds.  It’s heavy against your throat when you wear it.  It’s a constant reminder of your subservient relationship to your Dom, your boyfriend.

The handcuffs hang from their specified hook.  Black leather with chains connecting the cuffs.  They’re strong, incredibly so, and the thought of being locked up makes your core tighten in excitement and fear.

With the items secure in your grasp, you return to your kneeling position and continue crawling towards the bedroom where your boyfriend awaits. Something inside you bubbles fiercely—what does he have planned for you?  It’s been awhile since you’ve been quite literally at his mercy.

Namjoon is standing in front of the bed, arms crossed over his chest as you enter the room. You keep your eyes down, not making contact until he instructs for you to do so. You can feel the power and heat oozing off him, surrounding him like a cloud of authority. You approach and sit in front of him, knees spread wide and sat back on your heels.  Your hands offer up the collar and the cuffs, palms up, as you avert his gaze.

“Look at you,” he tuts. “Filthy...”  He removes the collar and cuffs off your hands and gazes at the black soot remaining from the dirty garage floor,

“But it suits you perfectly, doesn’t it?”, his voice was almost mocking you, ‘’A dirty slut.’’

Quite literally.

Namjoon sets aside your collar on the edge of the bed before crouching in front of you, a lopsided grin curling on his lips as he grabs your wrists as to inspect them,

‘’Even your pretty little hands are soiled, angel.’’ he tsked in disapproval, the mere sound of it making you feel smaller, eyes still fixed on the floor. After all, he hadn’t told you to look at him as of yet.

You don’t know why you thought he would ask you to wash your hands, but you quickly threw aside your anticipations  as it catches you off guard with what he does next.

‘’Palms up, angel. Show me your hands.’’

A confused second passed, but you obliged nonetheless, raising both of your hands, palms up to him as if you were begging for something.

The mere sight was absolutely gorgeous to Namjoon.

Without a word, Namjoon collects enough saliva in his mouth, grabbing your wrists to pull your hands closer, letting his spit drip from his tongue down to pool in your hands. Your eyes widen as they stare at the floor, arms twitching instinctively at the foreign sensation.

His grasp around your wrists tightens, ‘’Stay still… Be a good girl, yeah?’’

You nod, relaxing your arms. However the muscles in them feel tired from holding them out for him like this. He knows, he can tell, but says nothing about it. He loves to watch you struggle, adamant to please him.

Besides, you deserve it, don’t you?

Once more, Namjoon spits in your hands. This time, it has a degrading intention; a harsh spitting sound as it lands in your hand. He stands up again, the angle even more delicious from above as he watches you obediently hold his pooled saliva like it was the most precious gift from him.

‘’Go on...  Clean up.’’

You bite your lip as the slick saliva spreads in your hands.  Your body thrums with humiliation and desire, mixing to make your legs quiver where they kneel before him.  You clasp your hands together and rub your boyfriends spit in your hands, attempting to remove as much of the dirt as possible with what he’s given you. It’s messy—the spit is black from the soot.  His eyes take you in, the image of you cleansing yourself with him, accepting his spit like the dirty whore you are, that he loves. It makes his cock throb in his jeans. Nothing gets him off quicker than putting you in your place, seeing you accept his degradation with pink cheeks and frightened eyes.

He pulls his shirt off his body and throws it to you carelessly.

“Use it to dry your hands,” he orders.  

You comply, wiping the last off you with his shirt.

“Let me see.”  You hold your hands up for him to inspect and he smirks, ‘’Good little slut.’’

His hands open the collar wide and you jerk slightly as you feel the pressure of it on your neck.  Namjoon pulls it tight around you for a moment, cutting off your air supply, before he releases and secures the collar to sit high on your throat.  The ‘O’ ring sits at the center proudly, a place he often uses to leash and drag you around like his pretty, perfect pet.

He moves away from you and towards the armoire at the side of your bedroom.  Your heart gallops wildly. The armoire is full of his toys, punishment and reward alike.  The unknowing of what he’s getting out to use on you has your cunt dripping with desire and fright.

There’s silence as he gathers his tools, then returns and places them on the nightstand.

“Look at me.” His voice is firm, unwavering.  

You let your eyes flick up to his and your breath catches.  He looks incredible.  Shirtless, tight pants straining with the bulge of his cock, power exuding from his very pores.   Your eyes dance on his chest for just a moment, soaking in the refined lines, then settle at his eyes.  They’re darkened with lust, with intention.  He looks at you like you are his next, and final, meal.

“I want you to bend over the bed. You will spread your legs and push out your pretty little ass.  I’m going to cane you for what you’ve done today.”

Your eyes widen, and he relishes in the fright lingering. He hasn’t used the cane on you in a long time.  It’s the most intense tools of impact you own—the one you’re most frightened of.

“You know your safe word, don’t you?” He asks.

You nod.

He tsks. “I asked you a question. Don’t make me open up that mouth for you. You won’t like what I’ll do.”

A shiver runs through you as you weakly open your mouth. “Yes, sir. My safe word is orange.”

He nods. “Good girl. Let’s hope we won’t need it and you’ll take what you are given, hm?” Another nod from you. “Now, do as you’re told.”

You hop up quickly, knees painfully red and sore now, and move towards the bed. You arch down, sticking your ass out towards your boyfriend and spreading your legs shoulder-length apart.  He can see all of you, slick folds weeping with desire and anticipation, legs shaking in fear and arousal.

It’s intoxicating to Namjoon, the way you behave and listen. He loves the fright inside you, the way it soaks your cunt for him.  He knows the cane is on the verge of being too much, he knows you’ll be weeping both from eyes and pussy at the end of it.

The wood is heavy in his hands.  The cane is only a bit longer than a paddle, but it packs an even more intense blow.  

“Tell me what you did today. Why do you deserve my cane?” He asks, allowing the cane to tap at your cheeks lightly.  It makes you jerk and clutch at the blankets below you.

“I—I was dancing with Jimin, sir,” you murmur, voice tight with anxiety.

“Ah ah, you weren’t just dancing,” he corrects. “Don’t pretend to be innocent.  You know what you did.”

As you open your mouth to speak, he brings the cane down at the tops of your thighs.   It cracks heavily on the skin and makes your knees give out. The sting is like white, hot fire on your thighs. It burns, and makes your cunt clench around nothing.  Tears spring at your eyes as you try to answer him.

“I was grinding on him!” you cry as your legs return to standing to accept the next blow.

“You were being a little. fucking. slut.” he intones, then punctuates his words with another whip of the cane—right at the center of your ass. The sound of it hitting your flesh echoes in the bedroom you share, and it makes you cry out in pain.  Your knuckles were white from the grasp of the blankets—tears flooding you and spilling onto the duvet. “Say it!” He orders.

You whimper through your words. “I was being a slut, sir!”

‘’That’s right, you were being a filthy, horny cockslut.’’ He snarls, another whip echoing in the room as it falls harshly on your skin, ‘’Horny for Jimin’s cock with the way you were grinding on him, by the looks of it, isn’t that right?’’

He laughs mockingly, landing another whip on the same spot he previously caned, it would definitely bruise. But you didn’t care. And neither did he, he fucking loves your cries.

‘’Tell me, who’s cock are you really a whore for?!’’

He holds the cane high, anticipating your answer.

‘’Y-yours, daddy-- p-please!’’ You cry out, clawing at the sheets, legs quivering.

‘’That’s right, but apparently, you didn’t remember that today, angel.’’ He says with an awfully calm voice, cane still held high.

He ends his caning with one final blow, and it makes your vision black out with the intensity.  You’re sobbing now, weeping into the blankets as your legs shake.  

It’s the most intense pain you’ve ever felt, ever been dealt from your loving boyfriend.  It forces you to understand just how upset you made him, just how angry watching you attempt to seduce another man makes him.

“You’re my little cumslut, you hear that? Mine!”

His hands smooth over your reddened ass, harsh burgundy lines marking where he punished you thoroughly.  It makes you whimper through your cries, his warm hands simultaneously soothing and agitating the marks.

He only remains for a moment, ensuring the flare of pain is soothed.  As sadistic as he is, he remains sane enough to ensure your safety.   Your whimpers have slowed slightly, and he takes it as his opportunity to move on.

He reaches for the handcuffs and takes advantage of your prone position, bent over the bed.  He works them around your wrists, tightening them just enough to leave you helpless.  He pulls you up and presses his back against you, face at your ear.

“You took your first punishment well,” he encourages as he licks a stripe on your throat, right above the collar that symbolizes you as his.  “But I’m not finished with you,” he sighs. “Little cock whores like you are never satisfied with just one little punishment, aren’t you?”

You sniffle and nod. “No sir, I n-need more.”

He chuckles—it’s dark and ominous.

“Dirty fucking slut.”

He turns you to face him and he kisses you roughly, no sign of the sweet and sensitive boyfriend. It’s the Jekyll to his Hyde; the sadistic Dom now kissing you cares only of getting off and making you take it.  

His mouth is fiery—teeth biting at your lips and growling when he slips his tongue in your mouth.

“Gonna make you remember who the fuck you belong to, baby girl,” he warns as he pulls away.  He urges you down to your knees and you’re easily complying.

His hands are at his jeans, unbuttoning and unzipping and making your mouth salivate in anticipation.

He steps out of his jeans, and you’re rewarded with his thick cock springing free from the confines of his jeans. You should have expected your boyfriend to go without boxers, but it’s a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

“Look at you,” he notes. “So desperate for my cock.”  He grips it and teases it in front of you. You want to lean forward, capture it in your lips but you refrain and wait for the order.

“You think you deserve this? You think I should let you suck my dick after that little show you put on today?” He gives his length a stroke and it makes you nearly whine with need. “Little fucking bitch wants any cock she can get, why should I let you have mine?”

Your eyes shine with tears, still lingering from your caning and refreshing now with wet, hot desire for him.

“Beg.” He orders, holding his dick in front of your face tauntingly.

“P-please, daddy. Let me suck your cock,” you blubber. “Let me show you that you’re the only cock I need.”

He hums and strokes himself. Watching you nearly weep with want and beg to suck him off has his head reeling. The power rushes through his veins like a drug.

“I think you can do better than that,” he sighs. “Why shouldn’t I just jerk myself off and cum on that pretty face of yours?”

Tears freely spill down your face now. “I want you to use me, I want to let you fuck my throat raw, please, sir!” You sound completely gone and Namjoon feels his impossibly hard cock flex at your needy tone. “Please fuck my throat like the cock whore I am!”

“That’s fucking right,” he grunts. “Open that fucking mouth for me.”  Your mouth opens and he’s leaning down to spit harshly at your waiting tongue. It makes you jerk, but you reserve yourself and accept it. “Filthy little bitch.”

He moves forward and sets his cock on your tongue and almost groans at the feel of your hot mouth, swirling with his spit now.

“Make me cum with your mouth, you don’t get to use those hands today.”

He wastes no time on shoving his length into you and down your throat. He gives a few precursory thrusts and sighs as he feels your throat gagging around him and hears your desperate, wet sounds. Tears flow freely—your mascara is smearing down your face as you look up at him, mouth stuffed full.  It’s the prettiest sight he thinks he’s ever seen. You’re desperate, absolutely fucked out for him. Saliva dribbles down your mouth and he fucking loves it when you become a mess on his cock.

“Pathetic.’’ He murmurs. But truly, he thinks it was beautiful—the way you desperately take his cock down your throat, the needy look in your teary eyes and the muffled whines vibrating in your throat at his fake disapproval. It makes you work harder, eager to make him feel good.

You bob your head, keeping your eyes locked on Namjoon—he loves it when you’re giving him your undivided attention.  It’s sloppy, and you’re loud. Namjoon fucking lives for when all your inhibitions are gone and you’re wanton and horny like a porn star desperate for work.

“Fuck, such a good throat,” he drags a finger up it as he forces his cock to the back of your mouth. He can feel the ridge of his cock through your neck and he nearly cums from that alone.  “Taking it so fucking good.”  He grips your head and desperately fucks into your mouth.  You squeeze your eyes shut and will your gag reflex away, let him use you as he sees fit. You egg him in with licks of your tongue as he thrusts in and out, and by the filthy noises you make with each press.

Saliva is dropping out of your lips, and his it covers his cock. Namjoon feels his balls tighten impossibly and knows he’s close.

“Does my cockslut want daddy’s cum? You want me to coat that little throat with it?” He keeps his pace and you nod through your tears.  He grunts his approval and picks up the pace, only to explode through his orgasm soon after. His cock pulses as he emptied himself into your mouth and throat, and you suck harder as if thirsty for it.

He pulls it out a moment later with a sated sigh. “My little cum dump,” he smirks as he runs a finger over your lips.  “Swallow it all.”  You nod and visibly swallow his load, then hold your tongue out to prove it.

“Shit—so good. You’re such a whore you could drink my cum all day, couldn’t you?”

“Yes, daddy,” you whisper. Your throat is rough and sore from his thrusts but you can’t find it in you to care, not even a little bit.

You remain on your knees and he puts a finger under your chin and lifts it higher. “Doing so good, angel. Making me proud.”

It makes your heart nearly implode.  Namjoon is sadistic and thrills in your anguish, but loves you all the same.  He knows you’re not just able to take it, but you’re desperate to take it. You trust him to never hurt you in a way you couldn’t handle.

“Still have more for you, little one. I don’t think you quite understand who this body belongs to.”

Your eyes shine with excitement and Namjoon can’t help but to smile at it. He uncuffs you and you look perplexed. He never lets you out early.

“Up on the bed, on your back,” he states as he ignores your questioning look. You know better than to deny his order, so you rub at your wrists as you move towards the bed.  Your knees are still throbbing from the pressure and you heave a pleased sigh as you melt into the mattress.

“I wouldn’t feel too comfortable,” he chuckles. “It won’t last long.”  

In Namjoon’s hands is red shibari rope. It makes your stomach flip. It’s been so long since he’s trussed you up and it thrills you to see the familiar smooth bindings.

“Thighs to your chest,” he orders. “Spread them wide, show me this needy little cunt.”  

You do as he says, pulling your thighs up to meet your chest and spreading them open. He stares at your core, it’s dripping now. It drips down you and stains the comforter.  Namjoon tuts. If you’re this wet already, he knows he will need to change the sheets after he’s done with you.

“Look at you,” he intones. “A dumb little slut, open and ready for any cock she can get.”  He drags a finger up and down your thigh.

Namjoon gets to work. He loves the way he loses himself in the art of tying you up. He loves watching your chest rise and fall and the little squeaks that come out of your mouth as he knots you up.  He loops the rope around the left thigh, then draws in your left calf to tie it in.  You’ll be spread open, unable to stretch your legs out until he gives you permission.  

He glances up at you every so often as he continues, checking to make sure he’s not cutting off any vital circulation. As cruel as he is, he doesn’t intend to actually maim you.  You never show a sign of pain, just the glazed look you hold as your body gives in to your subservient intuition.  It makes Joon smile and his heart clench in his chest.  He really fucking loves you.

You’re soon tied up completely from the waist down, both legs tied together and spread open with pussy on display. Your hands are free and just as you’re about to relish in it, Namjoon is looping more rope to tie each wrist to a bedpost. He grins as you gasp. You’re completely tied up and at his will, and you’re embarrassed at how open you are in front of him, how dripping wet you get from being tied up and useless.

Namjoon is moving around and you suddenly hear a vibration and it gets closer as he approaches you.

“Gonna make you cum for me, babygirl...  Gonna play with you until you fucking squirt everywhere.”

Your legs clench together as you notice he is holding a Hitachi wand in his hand.  You know the power it wields.  It brings you to your finish nearly instantaneously.  Which means Namjoon has decided your next punishment will be denying you any orgasm and continually bringing you to the edge… or making you cum so much your cunt hurts.   You don’t know which is worse.

He notices the look on your face and grins.  “Yeah, you know what this is, don’t you?”

Namjoon places the bulbous head of the wand on your cunt and you cry out instantly.  He drags it up and down your drenched slit and you’re already feeling so close to the edge.

“You better fucking scream, don’t hold back,” he orders. “Remind this whole fucking neighborhood who gets you off. Make sure Park fucking Jimin hears it.”

He stops rubbing it up and down and lets it sit right on your clit and watches your face contort as your tied legs struggle against the wrappings.  It’s too much, it feels like you’ve been lit up.  Namjoon gloats in your struggle.   He sees your cunt dripping with increasing fervor, can tell you’re squeezing those walls around nothing.  He can’t wait to bury himself inside you once and for all and coat your walls with his cum.

“You know you better fucking ask permission to cum,” he reminds you.  “You better not cum unless I tell you.”

Your tear-streaked face is twisted in pleasure, in pain.  You feel yourself unwinding, increasing towards your finish like a bullet.  

“D-Daddy! Please! I need to cum! Please!” You’re begging harder than you’ve begged in your life, you’re certain.  It feels like the string inside you will snap any second now and you’re holding off the orgasm as hard as you can.  Without the use of your legs, you find yourself unable to slow the inevitable.

“No,” he states firmly.  “Fucking take it. You can keep going.”  He growls his words and watches as your cunt is helpless.  “Little whores like you can fucking take it.”

It’s useless, you’re falling apart at the seams.  You’re pleading with him to let you cum, legs now completely convulsing in their restraints.  It snaps, the coil inside bursts and you’re careening towards the end.  You whine and cry helplessly as your pussy pulsates around nothing and oozes out your arousal.  Your face burns in shame as you come down-—you know exactly what you’ve done wrong.

“S-sorry! I’m so sorry, Daddy!” Tears fall harder and you’re gasping for his forgiveness, for his mercy.  “I’m so sorry!”

‘‘Tsk, tsk.’’ Namjoon tuts.  “My little slut couldn’t even follow her one and only instruction.’’  He removes the wand for just a moment.  “You better fucking listen this time.”

Your body feels overstimulated.  The pleasure is bordering on painful and you yelp as Namjoon places it back on your overworked clit.  

“You can make up for it if you squirt for me,”  he grits.  “Maybe I’ll stick my fingers in this tight cunt.  Always so desperate for Daddy’s help, aren’t you?”

You whine at the thought of him filling you, but it’s overtaken by the feeling of the wand back on you.  It’s painful, but it feels so good.  Your body is held back by one single tripwire, ready to snap at any moment.  Namjoon knew that restraining your arms and legs left you completely helpless to slow your own orgasms.  He wanted you to fail, wanted to punish you for cumming when he knew damn well you wouldn’t last a fucking second under the wand’s vibrations.

“P--please!” your whines are breathy.  You feel as if you’ve just run a marathon and you’re desperate for air.  Your entire body is singing with rapture, with pain.  You feel a deep desperation to feel him inside you.  “I need you! Need your fingers!”

Namjoon groans at the sound of your whines.  It’s his favorite, when you’ve finally snapped past a breaking point and he pushes you beyond.  The way you’re desperate, begging and crying for him is pathetic. He fucking loves it.

“Fuck, listen to yourself,” he comments.  His cock is raging again, hard and ready to bury itself inside you.  But he waits.  He’s nothing but patient for you.  “You sound like a little fucking whore.  Are you Jimin’s whore?”

You blubber a cry and shake your head, feeling the oncoming orgasm approaching again.  It feels even more intense.  

“No! I’m yours! O-only yours, Daddy!”  The simple crying is turning into sobs and you both can tell you’re nearly on the edge.

“That’s fucking right,” he snarls.  “This pussy belongs to me.  Not fucking Jimin. Not even you. I own you.” His words run cold through your body, it feels as if your veins have iced over.  You’re absolutely under his spell and control, and you’ve never loved anyone more.

“Cum for me, filthy slut.  Let me see you get Daddy nice and messy.”  He shoves two fingers inside you, and curls them to reach the spot that has you reeling. He knows he’s made it when you’re arching on the bed and screaming through your sobs.  

“G-gonna cum, oh god--” you’re gasping for air, greedy for it.  “There, f-fuck!”

The orgasm that hits you is stronger than any before.  It feels like your cunt turns into a vice and you’re squeezing around his fingers so hard it makes Namjoon hiss.  Your body spasmed and trembled as you came, and finally Namjoon is rewarded when your cunt gushes all over his fingers, dripping down his hand.

“Holy shit,” he gapes as you finally return to earth from your skyhigh completion.  “Dirty fucking slut.  You did so good.”

Namjoon’s cock is pulsating.  He’s sure if he doesn’t get inside you, now, he’ll shatter.

“Nasty whore is going to get one more.  You’re gonna cum on Daddy’s cock, aren’t you?”  

You’re nodding weakly.  You’re far gone, mind so dizzyingly high and body exhausted.  “P-please, need you.”

He takes no care to line himself up or take time.  He’s pressing against your hole in one moment and is buried to the hilt the next.  You’re so wet it feels like he’s drowning and he throws his head back in bliss.  Even after two explosive orgasms you’re tight around him, molding around each ridge of his cock.

“Oh, god--” he groans.  “Sweetest pussy I’ve ever been in.” The praise doesn’t last long, so you soak it in while it lasts, ‘’Gonna pump you full of my cum, angel-- f-fuck..’’  You’re crying and whining as he pumps into you.  It feels so good.

‘’Gonna have you nice and swollen with my child, so everybody knows just who the fuck this little whore belongs to.’’  His thrusts are so powerful that it’s almost as if he’s trying to fuse with you, he’s no longer holding back any reservations.  His hips bump against you as he stuffs you full, chasing his end.  He drops a hand to your clit, knowing it’s battered from the wand but can’t find it in him to care anyway.  He wants you to orgasm again, and he’s going to get it. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?  To be so plump and pregnant that everyone will know what a depraved, little bitch in heat you are for me.”

Impossibly, you feel your belly tighten and tug and you’re edging closer and closer to yet another orgasm that Namjoon will wrench out of you. You’re crying out, only able to whine and sob his name.  He’s fucked the ability to talk right out of you, and you can only think about Namjoon and his fat cock drilling into you and filling you up as if his life depended on it.  

Namjoon loves it when you’re fucked out completely. He can tell he’s close, and nearing closer as he watches your sobbing face, smeared with mascara, cry and gasp for his cum.  He could cum from watching you beg alone, and now as he pounds into your juicy cunt he’s surrounded in pleasure.

“I’m going to cum--fuck. Gonna fucking fill you,” he hisses as he thrusts so hard it’s nearly bruising.  His grip on your hips tighten, blunt nails digging into your skin as he lets out a loud and guttural moan as his cock desperately throbs inside of you.  He keeps his power, but the pace dies down with each thrust.  He fucks his cum deep inside you, and rubs at your clit punishingly.  His warm seed jammed inside you snaps everything and you’re crying pathetically as you reach your high, walls contracting and milking him.  Your vision is black and you only hear the rush of your blood in your ears.

It takes a few stuttering breaths to finally come to, and your vision returns to normal.  Namjoon remains buried inside you and he’s panting just as hard as you.  You’re both dripping in sweat and covered in your combined juices.  He cups a hand on the side of your face and smiles at you as you both attempt to return to normal.

“That was good, wasn’t it?” He asks with a chuckle.  He slowly pulls out of you and you’re wincing at the loss.  You’re sure you won’t be able to walk, let alone even stand.

You nod gingerly. “Really fucking good.” you whisper. Everything is sore, and it’s a feeling you can’t compare to anything.  It’s a burning ache that reminds you of Namjoon, of your love, of the trust you willingly hand over to him and the bliss he gives in return.  

“Let’s run a bath,” he states as he leans down to kiss you, pressing his lips on yours in a sweet kiss.  The Namjoon you love is back, the sweet and compassionate lover who cares about every single aspect of you.

“I would love that,” you sigh.  “But, could we maybe untie my legs before I lose any more circulation?”

The both of you erupt into laughter as his hands work over the intricate knots.  He winks.

“Needy little whore.”

© ppersonna - 2020 - do not repost on any site, or translate without express permission from author.