><(((> eMAIL Fellowship Prayer schedule

><(((> For the eMail Fellowship <(((><

<((><

.

.

A SCHEDULE of RETURNS

.

.

It is imperative that we start to train ourselves in CHRIST. This training will help us to abide in HIM+ throughout the day. Our training will bring forth growth, a closeness to CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

.

.

This training is called discipline. NO... we do not "spank" ourselves! It is the discipline of training our bodies, our souls, and our spirits to SUBMIT UNTO THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD. It yields TREMENDOUS spiritual fruit when we do this.

.

.

So, to begin, we will start with a SCHEDULE to help us RETURN TO GOD EVERY 3 HOURS, in an orderly way.

.

.

Now DO NOT PANIC! :) There are many a times I have missed my "return." When I miss a prayer stop or a RETURN unto The LORD, I am regretful and sorry... and I pick up my Self and RETURN UNTO HIM+ ...immediately... forthwith... lickety-split!

.

.

The RETURNS are NOT long. We can all fit them nicely into our work and responsibility schedules. Most of the prayer stops or RETURNS can be done in 5 minutes, through the day. The LENGTH IS NOT IMPORTANT: stopping your day to RETURN to HIM+ IS crucial.

.

Here is what we do at the Order of the GOOD SHEPHERD+ hermitage:

1. Individual Morning Vigil...

We start our day by reading and praying , usually with our cup of morning drink in our hand! We do this individually, quietly, and privately. We start thanking the LORD, lifting up our hearts to HIM+ as soon as our feet touch the floor... sometimes before our head comes off of the pillow.

2. We do morning prayer together...

Morning prayer may be long or short, depending upon our needs. At the very least, we return thanks together and the LORD'S Prayer that HE+ taught HIS+ disciples. Usually we also include a Psalm, a short reading from the Gospel and one from the Epistle. We may sing or recite the Gloria or Doxology. Sometimes we follow the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, but not always.

3. STOP OUR DAY at 9 a.m...

when The LORD was crucified. We thank HIM+. We may read Psalm 51 or do something else to show HIM+ we remember HIS+ great sacrifice for us miserable sinners, that we may enter into Life Eternal. We repent for ignoring HIM+ for so many years and even now, for ignoring HIM+ so many times... turning a deaf ear to HIS+ call to us.

HE+ heard the shofar blow at the time of the Morning Sacrifice in the Temple... knowing full well that HE+ was the Sacrificed LAMB+ of GOD.

4. At noon, we STOP OUR DAY...

and return to The LORD, to thank HIM+ for enduring hanging on the cross for us. AT noontime, the sky was darkened across the earth on the day HE+ was crucified. We repent for our whinining and murmuring and impatience when things do not go our way.We ask HIM+ to help us to endure like HE+, our Example+, endured.

.

.

5. At 3 p.m., we STOP OUR DAY...

and thank HIM+ again, for HE+ said, "It is finished, FATHER. Into Thy hands I commit my spirit." We thank HIM+ for winning the victory... and granting to us that same victory over death, hell, and the grave. We repent that we so easily yield to doubts and fears of this present life, instead of keeping our eyes on the Victory HE+ gained for us. We rejoice in HIS+ victory, our victory which HE+ has laid up for us, ...

and the Truth in the WORD of GOD that tells us so!

.

.

6. We do evening prayer together...

This is usually a sufficient worship time, with Scripture readings, canticles, praises, thanksgivings, repentences, intercessions. We oftentimes follow the Anglican Prayer Book, with some modifications.

.

.

7. Before bed, we do a short compline...

(completion of the day) prayer, with thanksgiving and asking for a safe and healthy keeping through the night, that HE+ may wake us up to HIS+ morning Light.

.

.

This is the Schedule of RETURNS that we will use in the eMail Fellowship. If you cannot do ALL of them, then do one... but do it every day. Read a Psalm if you do not have a prayer book. RETURN thanks to HIM+. RETURN praise to HIM+. RETURN worship to HIM+. RETURN and repent as often as HE+ brings things to mind. This is our goal.

You will find yourself moving through your daily chores faster, easier, with more peace, than ever before... for HE+ blesses this kind of discipline... this kind of sowing to the Spirit. Our purpose is to TRAIN ourselves to continually sow to the Spirit.

.

.

Enter in and let us see what The LORD will do!

.

.

In the name of The FATHER, HIS Holy and

Beloved SON JESUS CHRIST our LORD,

and the Blessed HOLY SPIRIT,

both now and forever. Amen.

.

.

Sister Judith Hannah

+ + +

Our FATHER'S POWER...and GREEN BEANS!

The Application of GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY

Seen through the eyes of a child...

And those detestable GREEN BEANS!

.

.

Recently, I have come across Brethren who were dealing with the issue of GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY. Yes, we all know that HE is sovereign over all the world and its men. But… why don’t we see HIS+ sovereignty being applied now? There certainly is enough evil running rampant on both the high and low levels of every society, every culture.

So… how does the SOVEREIGN, ALL-MIGHTY LORD apply HIS power?

To see how it works, here’s an example:

Dad was sovereign in our home when I was a little girl. I didn’t like green beans, so I wouldn’t eat them. We lived on a farm and grew our own food and green beans were a staple on our supper table. Dad wanted me to eat those green beans, so he would fuss at me… but I still refused to eat them.

Now, Dad was BIG enough to sit on me and STRONG enough to shove those green beans down my throat… but he didn’t do that.

He was ABLE to remove all my other food and ONLY give me green beans to eat… but he didn’t do that, either.

Neither did Daddy send me to my room with no supper at all when I wouldn’t eat the green beans. Dad just told me again and again what he wanted me to do, pointing out the goodness of the beans… and sighed and let me go on eating the rest of my supper.

.

.

Our Heavenly FATHER is like that, is he not?

.

.

HE’S BIG and STRONG, too. HE provides the BREAD+ of Life for all of mankind, but HE doesn’t make any of us eat it.

.

.

And I, if I be lifted up, I will draw all (men) unto ME+.

.

.

Who said this? Is it true?

.

.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
Who WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED,

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:3.4)

Who said this? Is it true also?

.

.

It is our Heavenly FATHER’S WILL and Our SAVIOR’S WILL that all will be saved; the True MANNA+ from Heaven is available to all, no matter how rich or poor, educated or uneducated, sick or well… all are invited to His+ Table. It is HIS+ will that ALL COME.

.

.
In the matter of invitation, ALL have received HIS marvelous, free, loving, and kind invitation to partake of Eternal Life in HIS SON+.


We don’t see that ALL come, though, do we? Neither did The LORD. That is why HE+ sent for those UNinvited ones in the highways and byways to come… to have His+ table full… whosoever would come.

ALL are invited to the Wedding Supper of the LAMB+. If one refuses to don the wedding garment, however, he is tossed out INTO OUTER DARKNESS. Mt. 22:1-14.

Some haven’t come because we the church haven’t gone to invite them in.

Some haven’t come because they don’t want HIM+.

Some haven’t come because they like HIM+ well enough…. but NOT well enough to RULE their own lives.
.

.

It is NOT HIS fault;

HE has done HIS part to invite,

to provide the BREAD+,

and even to supply the wedding garment

to cover our nakedness.

.

.

In spite of HIS Divine Will towards ALL and HIS heart of love towards ALL, not ALL come.

Some have to inspect a field, see about a cow, or marry a wife… Luke 14:16-24

.

.

HE+ doesn’t make us choose HIM+.

Luke 14:26-35.

HE DIDN’T EVEN MAKE HIS OWN ANGELS CHOOSE HIM!

.

.

But, those who DO choose HIM+...

HE elects to keep at the supper table with HIM+!

Those who DO love HIM+ enough to have HIM+ rule over their lives, ...

HE+ elects to save.

Those who ACKNOWLEDGE HIM+ before men...

HE+ elects to acknowledge them before HIS+ FATHER!

.

.

Alas… the opposite is likewise TRUE of the above 3 promises.

The sovereign LORD has foreknowledge; HE knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts… before a word is even on our lips, HE knows it… HE+ knows what is in the heart of man.

Even though Our LORD KNOWS ahead of time what we will say and think, we are still accountable for the usage of our tongues and the lusts of our hearts.

HE is not the author of our evil, even though HE knows in advance what we are going to do. Nor, does HE stop us from doing evil, if we so will.

.

.

The sovereignty issue is really an issue of perception:
How do we see GOD apply His+ great power ?

.

.

However, we ALL will see HIS sovereignty close at hand, hopefully sooner rather than later. When HE comes the SECOND time to govern this world with a rod of iron, HE will disarm ALL the armies, throw out ALL the man-made “---CRACIES”, and establish His Own, Lone, Sovereign THEOCRACY over all the earth. Some will see it as a Great Day of Doom; His+ own will see it as a Day of Great Joy.

And when that happens, there will be food for all and a good life for all who are left.

Even so, after 1,000 years of THEOCRACY, some will rally around the one loosed from the pit and turn against GOD again!

[Rebellion, however, will be short-lived this time, thankfully.]

The sovereign LORD will reign openly and sovereignly forever and ever. And furthermore, HIS+ saints that have made a sacrifice will reign with HIM+ also.

HalleluJah!


Sister Judith Hannah

+ + +

PS… Oh yes, I did learn to love eating those green beans when I found myself away from home as an older teenager… and green beans were the ONLY thing I recognized on my cafeteria tray.

Dad won.

WHY WE WEAR A HEAD COVERING...

Let us look closely at the Word of GOD

to find out why we are wearing the head covering.

The instructions are found in 1 Corinthians 11: 1-16 and are given by The Apostle Paul to the Church gathered in Corinth… a wildly pagan Greek city of commerce, trafficking in everything, including the bodies and the souls of men.

Brazen women… bald-headed, shaven and shorn and uncovered… walked the streets openly, since one of the “temples” of pagan worship to Venus (basically, prostitution) was located in Corinth. To make matters worse, Rome ruled it, so the Roman soldiers were there, adding to the open debauchery.

In the midst of this environment, the Apostle Paul was sent. A church developed. Here is what the Apostle wrote to the young church.
.

.

<(((><

11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
.

.

Yes, the Apostle Paul delivered his instructions to the brothers, not to the sisters. Brothers were always in leadership positions in the Early Church. The brothers received these Apostolic ordinances and instructed the church in these ordinances.
.

.

<(((><

11:3 But I would have you know,
that the head of every man is CHRIST;
and the head of the woman is the man;
and the head of CHRIST is GOD.

.

.

This next verse establishes the Spiritual foundation of Christian order, specifically, the order in the Christian church and home. The “one in charge” of every man is Our LORD JESUS CHRIST. That means that all men must answer to CHRIST our LORD. The governing authority of the woman is the man. And, the governing authority of CHRIST is GOD.

There is nothing complicated about this governing order. The complicated part comes about because our churches and homes are out of order.

.

. They are culturally and socially oriented instead of focused on CHRIST.

.

.

In other words, our homes and many of the modern churches are fleshly and worldly, doing things the “world’s way.” Their values are entrenched deeper in this world, deeper in this culture, than they are in CHRIST’S ways. Politically and socially correct values are emphasized rather than the Apostle's instructions for the Church.

.
Because of that, another problem exists. We sisters discover we have fathers, husbands, and pastors who simply are not submitted to CHRIST as their governing head. IN THIS CASE, a sister must seek the LORD and wait patiently and quietly before HIM+ to hear His+ leading on this.

.

.

It is hard to be a single sister, working and supporting yourself, and at the same time, trying to find a Christian pastor or Godly couple (as in a prayer group) in order to be under a governing authority. [It is wiser to meet or talk with a couple, rather than 1-to-1 with a brother.]
.

.
It is also hard to be a married sister, submitting to a husband who is not as concerned about Spiritual things as his wife.
.

.
Now…. having said that, we sisters do NOT need to get under a burden nor stress about this issue.

.

.

The LORD knows the opposition facing us. HE+ knows the dysfunctional families, disinterested husbands, and nonchalant pastors.

.

.

It is HARD for some of us to “find” a covering husband, father, pastor, or prayer-meeting couple in order to obey the Apostle’s ordinance here.

.

.

The LORD WILL NOT DESTROY someone who simply cannot find someone appropriately to function as a human “covering.” Again, go slowly and quietly before The LORD in this matter, covering yourself in prayer.
.

.
DO NOT DISPAIR,
BUT RATHER LOOK UNTO CHRIST,
THE AUTHOR
AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH.

.

.

Since HE+ is the author, all authority comes from HIM+. As our Author, HE+ will provide everything needed for whosoever comes under His+ Wing… for the orphan who takes refuge in HIM+, for the single sister, for the widow, and for the married wife whose husband is not Spiritually-minded.

.

.

Our LORD leads the willing soul and protects whosoever comes under His+ Shelter. HE+ will become your over-covering and governing authority until HE+ sees fit to change your circumstances.

.

.

Remember:

HE+ is able…

HE+ doeth all things well….

and, HE+ is in charge.

<(((><

.

.

There is yet another danger that exists which has come up recently. This danger is coming from inside the flock of GOD….

.
.
“Head” does NOT mean “source of life” instead of governing authority in these verses or in ANY verse in the New Testament.
.

.
There is a popular movement afoot in the theological circles that is promoting this teaching. It has NO language support in Hebrew, Latin, Greek, nor English, as I have discovered. This particular teaching is taken from pagan Greek philosophers. The older, standard reference books all state HEAD means “governing authority” or one in charge. Some of the newer ones are putting out that HEAD means “source of life.” This is false.
.

.

The purpose of this false teaching is to nullify the governing order. that will weaken the church... and it does NOT NEED TO BE WEAKENED any further!

.

.

Yes, The LORD is the source of our life… but these verses are NOT ADDRESSING THAT ISSUE; they are addressing the governing order in the Christian home and church.

.

.

Indeed, it is the governing order for men and women everywhere, but only Christians recognize CHRIST as their HEAD; others, alas, will be accountable if they have heard of CHRIST and yet reject HIM+. Likewise, Christian men and women will also be in trouble who reject the governing order in the church and home.
.

.
<(((><.

.

We who are members of the Underground Church in America (regardless of whatever church or denomination we may or may not attend ) seek to follow the Apostle’s ordinances written in the Word.

.

.

It is delivered to us to keep us safe. May The LORD add His+ blessing to us all, as we seek to do His+ Will. His+ will is not mysterious; in many instances, it is plainly written for all to see. Some simply do not want it.

.

.

But thanks be to GOD... there's an Underground... an Underground Church full of unregistered, unorganized members rising up quietly who ARE determined to do His+ will to the best of their knowledge, to the best of their ability... regardless of their affiliation or non-affiliation with an institutional church.

.

.

That is the One, Holy, and Apostolic Church that exists without spots and blemish, that exists without schisms, that follows their CAPTAIN+ withersoever HE+ leads them... even to following the Apostle's ordinances which the mainline denominations have discarded. These include the head covering for sisters and the Christian governing order, for all.

[ to be continued ]

The LONG and SHORT of it... VEILING for CHRISTIAN Sisters

Long Veils ....

Some sisters are simply NOT AFRAID ... they are not afraid of what anyone thinks of them... their head(s) belong to CHRIST. (This is what the good sister at www.freetocover.blogspot.com says.)

They are not afraid to make a statement to this dead and dying world that JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE AND WELL...

...AND READY TO COME BACK!

The exciting thing about wearing a head covering is the opportunities, the doors, it opens for the one wearing it... both literal doors and spiritual doors for witnessing.

And short veils...

My eyes fill with TEARS when I am asked by a stranger, seeing me in a store, to pray for him/her. One young woman came up and poured out her heart to me in the middle of a store... she was desparate to find a church where PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP was available. She was hungry, and she wanted to grow... and couldn't find a place to be mentored.

Why couldn't she find a place? The normal MODERN CHURCH does not promote actual, personal, discipleship. It just does sermons, songs, and activities.

It is impossible to grow deeper in CHRIST JESUS without personal discipleship... and that lady knew it. She was nearly in tears.

What could I say? I simply re-directed her back to JESUS. The church will be accountable for not feeding the hungry, for the lack of discipleship.

We are NOT SAVED to get a good job, a good education, a good career so that we can support the church institutuion.

We ARE SAVED to begin our walk with The LORD... closer and closer every day, closer and closer in every way, forsaking the world's ways and looks and taking Our LORD'S WORDS AT FACE VALUE: HE+ MEANS EVERY WORD HE+ SAYS.

If Our LORD is calling you to a deeper sacrifice, a deeper committment, a deeper discipleship... go there with HIM+.

I can guarantee that you will walk alone, even in the midst of a church... but it will be with HIM+. You will not BE by yourself, however, because you will have joined THE UNDERGROUND CHURCH... in America, and in each and every land.

Sisters, cover your heads. Cover your daughters' heads. Cover your husband and family in prayer. Cover your elders and your church in prayer. Cover your neighborhood in prayer.

You will be amazed at the order, peace, and strength in The LORD that will descend upon you. You will be a light NOT SET under a basket. The LORD Himself+ will draw others to you for mutual strengthening, for witnessing, for fellowship, and then... for ministry.

Walk! Walk! Walk!

+ + +

In the Name of the FATHER, the SON+, and the HOLY SPIRIT,

both now and forever. Amen.

...

(A note for Tracy: thank you for your email.)

SISTERS: Always include your email address if you want a reply. If you don't, I cannot respond to your comments personally. The comments program on the blogspot always has "no reply" as the return address.

Sister Judith Hannah

Train up a child in the way he (she) should go...

...and when she is old, she will not depart the path.

HEAD COVERINGS... the Historical Record

The Veiling or Head-Covering for the Christian Sisters
from the Early Christian writers
.

.

Clement of Alexandria (150-200 AD) was a presbyter in the church of Alexandria, Egypt. The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 2, Fathers of the Second Century, The Instructor, Book 3, Chapter 11, page 566

Going To Church

Woman and man are to go to church decently attired, with natural step, embracing silence, possessing unfeigned love, pure in body, pure in heart, it to pray to God. Let the woman observe this, further. Let her be entirely covered, unless she happen to be at home. For that style of dress is grave, and protects from being gazed at. And she will never fall, who puts before her eyes modesty, and her shawl; nor will she invite another to fall into sin by uncovering her face. For this is the wish of the Word, since it is becoming for her to pray veiled.
+ + +

John Chrysostom ( 345 ?—407 ) lived after the Council of Nicea.

This writing was taken from the Nicene-Post Nicene Fathers, first series, Vol. 12, Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Epistles of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Homily 26, p. 348-349.

Verse 6. “But if a woman is not veiled, let her also be shorn: but if it be a
shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be veiled.”

Thus, in the beginning he simply requires that the head be not bare: but as he proceeds he intimates both the continuance of the rule, saying, “for it is one and the same thing as if she were shaven,” and the keeping of it with all care and diligence.

For he said not merely covered, but “covered over,” meaning that she be carefully wrapped up on every side. And by reducing it to an absurdity, he appeals to their shame, saying by way of severe reprimand, “but if she be not covered, let her also be shorn.” As if he had said, “If thou cast away the covering appointed by the law of God, cast away likewise that appointed by nature.”

Having taken then what was confessedly shameful, and having said, “but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven,” he states in what follows his own conclusion, saying, “let her be covered.”

And he said not, “let her have long hair,” but, “let her be covered,” ordaining both these to be one, and establishing them both ways, from what was customary and from their contraries: in that he both affirms the covering and the hair to be one, and also that she again who is shaven is the same with her whose head is bare. “For it is one and the same thing,” saith he, “as if she were shaven.”

But if any say, “And how is it one, if this woman have the covering of nature, but the other who is shaven have not even this?” we answer, that as far as her will goes, she threw that off likewise by having the head bare. And if it be not bare of tresses, that is nature’s doing, not her own. So that as she who is shaven hath her head bare, so this woman in like manner. For this cause He left it to nature to provide her with a covering, that even of it she might learn this lesson and veil herself.
+ + +

Hippolytus (170-236 AD) was a pupil of Irenaeus and a church leader.
from The Treatise on The Apostolic Tradition of St. Hippolytus of Rome, Bishop and Martyr. , xviii, section 5, p. 29:

Moreover let all the women have their heads veiled with a scarf ( pallion) but not with a veil [ lit. thing, eidos] of linen only, for that is not a covering (kalumma).
+ + +

Constitutions of the Holy Apostles, Vol. 7, Book 8, p. 506, Eludidations, a note from the translator and editor, James Donaldson, DD :

Finally, let me suggest that there are fragments of the Apostle’s instructions everywhere scattered through his Epistles, such as the minute canon concerning the veiling of women in acts of worship, insisting upon it with a length of argument which in one of the Apostolic Fathers would be considered childish. He also insisted that his taxis is from The LORD.

+ + +

HERE, TERTULLIAN DISCUSSES NOT IF A CHRISTIAN WOMAN SHOULD BE VEILED BUT IF THE YOUNGER VIRGIN WOMEN SHOULD BE VEILED ALSO! THAT WAS THE POINT OF CONTENTION IN THE CHURCH DURING HIS TIME.

Tertullian (140-230 AD) was in some position as a leader in the church at Carthage, North Africa.

ANF, Vol. 3, part 3, On Prayer, Chapter 21, p. 1245 [Master Christian Library, Version 8, Ages Software, Ante-Nicene Fathers] …Of Virgins
[Note: p. 687 in the Hendrickson Volume 3, 2nd printing, June 1995]

But that point which is promiscuously observed throughout the churches, whether virgins ought to be veiled or no, must be treated of.

.

.

Tertullian, Chapter 22 (excerpts) pp. 1246-1249 (MCL, Version 8) [Hendrickson,p. 687-688] Answer To The Foregoing Arguments

... is applicable too to a “virgin.” In fact, all the other passages are in consonance herewith.


But, withal, the declaration is plain: “Every woman,” saith he, “praying and prophesying with head uncovered, dishonoreth her own head.” What is “every woman,” but woman of every age, of every rank, of every condition? By saying “every” he excepts nought of womanhood, just as he excepts nought of manhood either from not being covered; for just so he says, “Every man.” As, then, in the masculine sex, under the name of “man” even the “youth” is forbidden to be veiled; so, too, in the feminine, under the name of “woman,” even the “virgin” is bidden to be veiled.


For indeed it is “on account of the angels” that he saith women must be veiled, because on account of “the daughters of men” angels revolted from God. Who then, would contend that “women” alone — that is, such as were already wedded and had lost their virginity — were the objects of angelic concupiscence, unless “virgins” are incapable of excelling in beauty and finding lovers? Nay, let us see whether it were not virgins alone whom they lusted after; since Scriptures saith “the daughters of men;” inasmuch as it might have named “wives of men,” or “females,” indifferently. (etc.)…

Again, while he says that “nature herself,” which has assigned hair as a tegument and ornament to women, “teaches that veiling is the duty of females,” has not the same tegument and the same honor of the head been assigned also to virgins? ...

.

.

This custom, in short, even Israel observes; but if Israel did not observe it, our Law, amplified and supplemented, would vindicate the addition for itself; let it be excused for imposing the veil on virgins also.

Under our dispensation, let that age which is ignorant of its sex retain the privilege of simplicity. For both Eve and Adam, when it befell them to be “wise,” forthwith veiled what they had learnt to know. At all events, with regard to those in whom girlhood has changed (into maturity), their age ought to remember its duties as to nature, so also, to discipline; for they are being transferred to the rank of “women” both in their persons and in their functions. (etc.)…

Be veiled, virgin, if virgin you are; for you ought to blush. If you are a virgin, shrink from (the gaze of) many eyes. Let no one wonder at your face; let no one perceive your falsehood. You do well in falsely assuming the married character, if you veil your head; nay, you do not seem to assume it falsely, for you are wedded to Christ: to Him you have surrendered your body; act as becomes your Husband’s discipline. If He bids the brides of others to be veiled, His own, of course, much more.

+ + +
Tertullian
ANF,Vol. 4, Book 2,On the Veiling of Virgins CHAPTER 9
Veiling Consistent With The Other Rules Of Discipline Observed By Virgins And Women In General

Let is now see whether, as we have shown the arguments drawn from nature and the matter itself to be applicable to the virgin as well (as to other females), so likewise the precepts of ecclesiastical discipline concerning women have an eye to the virgin.

It is not permitted to a woman to speak in the church; but neither (is it permitted her) to teach, nor to baptize, nor to offer, nor to claim to herself a lot in any manly function, not to say (in any) sacerdotal office.

Let us inquire whether any of these be lawful to a virgin. If it is not lawful to a virgin, but she is subjected on the selfsame terms (as the woman), and the necessity for humility is assigned her together with the woman, whence will this one thing be lawful to her which is not lawful to any and every female?

+ + +



Augustine ( 354 – 430 AD )
NPNF, Series 1, Vol. 1, The Letters of Augustin, 4th Division, p. 1183

LETTER 245
TO POSSIDIUS, MY MOST BELOVED LORD AND VENERABLE BROTHER AND PARTNER IN THE SACERDOTAL OFFICE, AND TO THE BRETHREN WHO ARE WITH HIM, AUGUSTIN AND THE BRETHREN WHO ARE WITH HIM SEND GREETING IN THE LORD.

…in regard to the matters on which you have consulted me. Let me say, however, in regard to ornaments of gold and costly dress, that I would not have you come to a precipitate decision in the way of forbidding their use, except in the case of those who, neither being married nor intending to marry, are bound to consider only how they may please God.

But those who belong to the world have also to consider how they may in these things please their wives if they be husbands, their husbands if they be wives; with this limitation, that it is not becoming even in married women to uncover their hair, since the apostle commands women to keep their heads covered.

[Curious how Augustine affirms the keeping of the Apostle Paul’s words about the head-covering, yet not his instructions (1 Tim. 2:9) regarding adornment, n’est-ce pas?]
+ + +


A Not-so-Early Familiar Voice from 500 years (or so) Ago

Although not one of the best authorities one could choose, John Calvin did keep some of the Apostles’ ordinances, especially involving church government and the order(ing) of women. This is from his Commentary on 1 Corinthians, Vol 1, Chapter 11: 1-16, Section 6:

“Should anyone now object, that her hair is enough, as being a natural covering, Paul said it is not, for it is such a covering as requires another thing to be made use of for covering it.” John Calvin clearly understood this instruction of the Apostle Paul that sisters should be covered or veiled and that it was required in the New Covenant.
+ + +

THE HEAD-COVERING, part 1

or...
Veiling
for
Christian
Sisters
I Corinthians 11 Verses 1-16

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is time for this topic to be addressed. Although we started out as Christian sisters who met the LORD in every topsy-turvey way one could imagine... we soon found out that we didn't stay that way!

There is order in the church... Scriptural order that must be followed. It is not optional.

Although no-one will hold a gun to your head if you refuse the head-covering, one thing is sure to happen: the continued refusal of the veiling will accomplish a few things in your life that you DON'T want to happen, if you are a serious Christian.

1) It will weaken your prayers.

2) It will allow more struggles to come your way, more wrestling with the flesh, and more struggles with applying Truth and discipline to your own life.

3) It will cloud your discernment and greatly decrease your ability to know HIS+ will for your life.

4) Your witness will be greatly impaired; your Light for CHRIST will be under a bushel, as it were.

5) Not to mention: dishonoring your head ( the husband or father... whoever heads your home) AND CHRIST JESUS... because HE+ gave those words to The Apostle Paul as part of the GOD-breathed Scriptures for us to follow.
+ + +

For some, the passage is not clear in 1 Corinthians 11.

Here is why:

The key is how one reads his writings.

To get to the core, the kernel, of his basic instructions to the primitive churches, it is often necessary to set aside for a moment his sometimes elaborate reasonings and explanations. THEN, ONE CAN SEE THE CORE OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS.

The Apostle Paul was a very learned man. Throughout his letters to the primitive churches, the Apostle draws examples and parallels from the Old Covenant and Jewish history.

This is how he teaches. He also draws from the example of natural things, things in nature, which he assumes everyone would know.

Let us momentarily set aside those illustrations, allusions, and examples from the Old Covenant and from nature which the Apostle uses in 1 Cor. 11. Then, we can clearly see his basic instructions to the primitive church.

After we comprehend clearly the import of his directives, we will add the illustrations, etc., back into the reading to understand his reasoning behind his instructions.

+ + +

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered or veiled dishonoreth his head.

+ + +

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered or unveiled dishonoreth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

For if the woman be not covered or veiled, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered (veiled).

Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

+ + +

The remaining the verses in this passage (from 1 to 16), including his examples and reasonings for this instruction, draw from the Old Covenant references and from nature.

Before adding his explanations back into his words, however, let us take a look at what is the gist of his instructions in this adapted reading.

We see here that he is re-establishing both his authority and his reason for writing this epistle to the primitive church.

The Apostle Paul then clearly and plainly states the way it is: If the brothers cover or veil their heads while praying or prophesying, it shows they are dishonoring the authority line which the Apostle just stated as fact.

If the sisters have their heads UNcovered or UNveiled during praying or prophesying, it also dishonors the authority line.

The Apostle goes on to give his directive to the sisters who will not cover or veil their heads: shave the hair off and go bald.

This is rather humorous!

If a sister refused to cover or veil her head and would rather show her head in the assembly, The Apostle says, in essence, “Well then, let her show her bald head instead and see if she is still proud.” Likely, any sister would hasten to cover her head appropriately, due to the shame of being bald-headed! That measure would have dealt effectively with any spirits of worldliness and pride lurking in the assembly.

[Now, this is not as improbable as it may sound. The Apostle had to deal with proud spirits amongst the various factions in that very church, the letter reveals, chapter 4. It is within reason to think that the sisters had been subjected to spirits of pride, also. ]

The Apostle Paul appeals to their sound judgment of propriety when praying to the Living GOD, the Maker of the Heavens and the earth: is it right that a woman pray to GOD uncovered (unveiled)?

Well, he answered this question earlier by teaching them that it WASN’T right to dishonor the authority line, so he assumes they know the correct answer: NO.

The Apostle addresses the issue of disagreement or contention with this set of instructions. His last remarks were in a question form: Is it right that a woman pray unto GOD uncovered ? He plainly says NONE of the primitive churches have such a custom… and that settles the discussion.

The confusion amongst modern readers is that the words: "such a custom" refers to Christian sisters praying uncovered or unveiled. The Apostle said neither we nor any other of GOD’S churches had a custom of sisters praying unveiled.

This is the reasonable understanding of verse 16; otherwise, it makes the Apostle Paul contradict himself from what he stated as facts and directives in the immediate preceding verses! We know that the Apostle Paul was NOT confused, but rather, the western church’s perspective might be in want.

+ + +
(To be continued)

GIFTS... VS... DISCIPLESHIP

Gifts... vs... Discipleship

We LIKE GIFTS!

The gifts from GOD are "... without repentance," according to the letter to Romans, 11:29. It says: For the gifts and calling of GOD are without repentance. His+ gifts are blessings for us, helping us through the struggles of life.

His+ GIFTS are freely given, freely dispensed as HE+ sees fit, being the Captain of the Battleground. HE+ equips various ones of us for The Battle... some in one way, some in another... according to what is needed to get the job done His+ way.

Some take the GIFTS as a sign that they are really special, kind of above the rest. I think the GIFTS are given to those who are least, to those who really are humble enough to receive them and humble enough to listen to His+ directives on how to use them. GIFTS are certainly no virtue on our part... but rather on His+ ! That HE+ would entrust us with His+ anointed GIFTS is amazing, in and of itself.

GIFTS come in many ways and for many purposes. I have a special one that helps me; it is what I call the gift of the conviction of sin. (Most wouldn't think of this as a "gift" from GOD, but I do.) No-one can even ENTER the Race without a conviction of sin upon the heart, which should lead to repentance and conversion and salvation. Likewise, no-one can STAY with HIM+ without the correction that this wonderful conviction brings. Woe to that man who turns a deaf ear to the conviction of sin sent upon him... whether he is regenerated or not!

I thank The LORD for giving this gift of His+ grace, called the conviction of sin. Where would we be if we didn't receive His+ conviction when we go astray in our heart? How blessed we are as a people, whom The LORD monitors closely enough to bring such conviction! How blessed, how holy, are those who listen closely enough to Their LORD to receive that conviction!

That goes hand in hand with The GIFT of the HOLY SPIRIT, as in Acts 2:38.

And yet, as splendid as the Gift of the HOLY SPIRIT is... it does NOT take the place of our own discipleship. The Baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT, the Anointing of His+ HOLY SPIRIT, does NOT do the walking in discipleship for us. It can pull us along, to some extent, if we are willing to walk in His+ ways. It can reveal to us what we NEED TO DO in order to walk with HIM+. It can "nudge" us along when we're dragging our feet. And, it can comfort us when we are hurt and sad, encouraging our hearts.

BUT... the HOLY SPIRIT CANNOT AND WILL NOT do "our" part in walking with The LORD. We must simply embrace the cross, embrace discipleship, in order to stay WITH The LORD once we are saved.

Discipleship is how we grow. It changes us from gangling youth into mature Christians.

Discipleship is what we do to return unto HIM+. It is how we pick up our cross and die daily to ourselves. Personal discipleship trains us how to die to ourselves and live unto CHRIST.

Our actual labor is not church attendance, as important as that may be. It is not participating in activities, as wholesome or as demanding as they may be. It is not even using the GIFTS HE+ gives us, as exciting as they are to see in operaton.

Discipleship is our gift to

HIM+.

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

Questions and Answers...

Question: How do we practice dying daily, putting our flesh upon the Cross?

+ + +

Answer: By exercising daily discipline. Like a serious athlete in training for a competion THAT HE IS DETERMINED TO WIN, we discipline our spirits as well as our bodies.

+ + +

Question: How do we discipline our SPIRIT ?

+ + +

Answer: We correct our spirit by the use of spiritual means. Thus, we use the Word of GOD to correct our wayward hearts. First, we must NOURISH our spirit. This nourishment is even MORE IMPORTANT than our daily food for our bodies. We eat 3 times a day and munch even more. Let us therefore DETERMINE to TAKE THE TIME and figure out a way to nourish our spiritual man.

+ + +

Some read the Psalms, 3 per hour, at the top of the hour. Some read 20 Psalms a day. Some read them outloud or learn to memorize them or sing them. Exercises like that bring one's heart into worship and praise. It nourishes the spirit. It cleans the air of the workplace, office, garden, home, or vehicle.

+ + +

Some cannot or do not read. So... they purchase Scripture tapes and listen to them as they work.

Whatever it takes, we need to find a way to NOURISH OUR SPIRIT deeply... daily.

+ + +

Secondly, we correct our spirit by repenting WHEN WE CROSS THE WORD OF GOD... when we do not do what it says. If The LORD says, "Take no thought for the morrow," then HE+ meant exactly that! We repent each and every time we find ourselves taking those anxious thoughts for tomorrow upon ourselves.

+ + +

Thirdly, we replace those thoughts ---EACH AND EVERY TIME--- with Scripture. That is the way we resist the devil... and he will flee from us.

+ + +

Let us pray:

LORD JESUS CHRIST, our Savior, help us with our weakness and lack of diligence in following THEE+. Help us to learn to sow to the Spirit daily, looking less to our temporal activities and more to the things which will remain. Grant us this discipline, Gracious LORD, Who+ knoweth our frame and our concerns. We praise THEE+ for Thy+ constant help for us in needs both great and small. We bless THEE+ and thank THEE+ for showing us the Way out of our darkness ... and into Thy+ marvelous light. In Thy+ Holy Name we pray.

+ + +

Sister Judith Hannah

+ + +

From the letter of the Apostle Paul to the Christians at Ephesus

....... be strong in the Lord+ and in the Power of His+ might.

Put on the whole armor of GOD, so that you may be able to stand against the tricks of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,(kosmokrators) powers (archons), against the rulers of the darkness of this world system, against spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places.

Because of this, take to yourself the entire armor of GOD, that you may be able oppose and resist the evil that comes against us.

Because of this STAND, girding your waist with TRUTH+, putting on the breastplate of righteousness;

wearing as shoes the Gospel of Peace;

Above all, taking up the shield of Faith, with which you are able to extinguish all the fiery arrows of the wicked ones.

And put on the helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD of GOD.

Always praying in the SPIRIT and persevering in watching and supplication for all Christians, all saints.

Br. Brendon Patrick; writing today for Sr.Judith.

Peace to you, and Love with Faith, from GOD the FATHER and the Lord JESUS CHRIST.

In the Name of the FATHER, and the SON+ and the HOLY SPIRIT+ + +

THE SECOND DEATH, part 2

The Second Death, part 2

He that hath an ear,
let him hear
what the Spirit saith unto the churches;
He that overcometh
shall not be hurt of the second death.

Words of Our LORD JESUS CHRIST, recorded in Revelation 2:11

+ + +

A second death is certain because Our LORD spoke of it, as recorded by the Apostle John in the Book of Revelation.

What else did Our LORD say about this second death?
What is recorded in Scriptures about it ?

+ + +

The Questions…

What is going to be the situation upon earth
when the second death occurs?

When is the second death coming?

What exactly IS the second death ?

Where will it be located?

Who partakes of the second death… and for how long?


The Answers…

Looking first into Revelation 20, we read [with some help from the Greek text]:

VERSE 1

And I saw an angel come down from heaven,
having the key of the bottomless pit [abyss]
and a great chain in [on] his hand.

VERSE 2

And he laid hold on the dragon,

that old [archaion,= primeval, early in time, or ancient]

serpent, [the ophin, = a sly, cunning, sharp-eyed one]

which is [esti = the singular “is”]

the Devil, and Satan, [ Punctuation in Scripture texts has been added by man and is arbitrary; the comma would not be added in modern writing. The devil and satan are not two beings but one, which is why “is” is used.]

and bound him a thousand years,

VERSE 3

And cast [threw] him into the bottomless pit [abyss],

and shut [locked] him up,

and set a seal upon him, [and sealed over him]

that he should deceive [lead astray]
the nations no more, [not any longer]

till the thousand years
should be fulfilled [should be concluded, completed]:

and after that he must be loosed a little season.
+ + +

These three verses describe the spiritual climate or situation pertaining to the earth before the Judgment of the Martyrs of The LORD JESUS CHRIST. In this wondrous and long-awaited judgment, the martyrs are awarded the judgment… i.e., judgment is proclaimed in their favor. Here is what they are awarded , verse 4:

These martyrs sat upon the Thrones and they lived and reigned with CHRIST one thousand years!

Who are these Christian Martyrs?

As an aside, these martyrs are the ones who:
· had been beheaded due to the witness of JESUS and because of the Word of GOD,
· had not worshipped the beast
· had not worshipped his image
· had not received the mark of them [the beast and his image] on their forehead
· had not received their mark on their hand

Other Christians Who Reign with The LORD…

Revelation also speaks of OTHER GROUPS of CHRISTIANS who reign with Our LORD during this first resurrection. Let us look at this familiar passage in Rev. 3:20, 21:

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:
if any man hear My+ Voice, and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with him,
and he with ME+.

To him that overcometh will I grant

to sit with ME+ in My+ throne,
even as I also overcame,
and am set down with My+ FATHER in His throne.

ALL OVERCOMING CHRISTIANS will be included. They all will sit down with Our LORD, in His+ throne ! Chapter 11, verses 17 and 18, also describe this same event.

Saying, We give THEE thanks,
O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY,
Which art, and wast, and art to come;
because THOU hast taken to THEE Thy
great power, and hast reigned.

And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come,
and the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
and that THOU SHOULDEST GIVE REWARD
UNTO THY SERVANTS THE PROPHETS,
AND TO THE SAINTS,
AND THEM THAT FEAR THY NAME,
SMALL AND GREAT;
and shouldest destroy them
which destroy the earth.

Thus we see that ALL saints, small and great, are rewarded. One of the rewards is that all saints will be sitting upon thrones, with CHRIST.

The Location of the Thrones…

Where are these Thrones that the martyrs sat upon, living and reigning? Scriptures tell us plainly, in Revelation chapter 5, verses 9 through 12:

And they [the four living creatures and 24 Elders] sung a new song, saying, THOU+ art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for THOU+ wast slain, and hast redeemed us to GOD+ by Thy+ Blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our GOD kings and priests:
AND WE SHALL REIGN ON THE EARTH.

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Saying with a loud voice,

Worthy is the LAMB+ that was slain
to receive power, and riches,
and wisdom, and strength,
and honor, and glory, and blessing.
Revelation 5:9-12

Amen and Amen!

+ + +

Now, to continue on with the Second Death…

But the rest of the dead lived not again
until the thousand years were finished.
This is the first resurrection.


Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:
ON SUCH THE SECOND DEATH HATH NO POWER,
but they shall be priests of GOD and of CHRIST,
and shall reign with HIM+ a thousand years.

And when the thousand years are expired,
satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four
quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to
battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

And they went up ON THE BREADTH OF THE EARTH, AND COMPASSED THE CAMP OF THE SAINTS ABOUT, AND THE BELOVED CITY: and fire came down from GOD out of heaven, and devoured them [burned them down].
Revelation 20: 6-9
+ + +

Once again, we see the Thrones of the Martyrs seem to be established here on earth, in a location near or in the Beloved City.

We see the martyrs are resurrected FIRST or during the first Resurrection… which tells us there will be at least another resurrection coming!

We see that all the other folks who are dead are not resurrected yet. [This will be a resurrection for judgment and eternal damnation, as we shall see later in Revelation.] Indeed, they will not be resurrected until after a 1,000 years.

We see that those who are counted worthy to participate in the first resurrection do not experience the second death.

+ + +

It has no power nor authority whatsoever over these Reigning Saints. These are the ones who shall reign WITH CHRIST as priests and kings. They shall reign for 1,000 years on the earth, long before the rest of the dead are resurrected to face their Judgment Day.

Hear the Words of Our LORD, recorded in John 5:26-29:

For as the FATHER hath life in Himself;
so hath HE given to the SON
to have life in Himself + ;

And hath given HIM+ authority
to execute judgment also,
because HE+ is the Son of Man.

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming,
in the which all that are in the graves
shall hear His+ voice,

And shall come forth;
THEY THAT HAVE DONE GOOD,
UNTO THE RESURRECTION OF LIFE;

AND THEY THAT HAVE DONE EVIL,
UNTO THE RESURRECTION OF DAMNATION.


A Fitting Departure, at Last…

And the devil that deceived them [leading them astray] was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever [unto the Ages of the Ages].

Revelation 20:10


+ + +

Worthy is the LAMB+ !
Worthy is the LAMB+ that was slain
To receive Glory, Honor, and Power !

Amen and HalleluJah !

[ The Second Death, to be continued]

In the name of The FATHER, The SON, and The HOLY SPIRIT, unto the Ages of the Ages. Amen

Sister Judith Hannah
+ + +