Thursday, October 31, 2013

Good Shepherd Church Seminary; Module 14 Jesus the Man; Baptism Part 1



Yeshu'a Bar-Yosef - Jesus Son of Joseph

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY
MODULE 14

BAPTISM OF JESUS PART 1

Objectives; 
By the end of the modules on Baptism you should;
1. Know what Baptism means
2. Be able to preach about the Baptism of Jesus at the hands of John the Baptist
3. Know there are links between the gospels in the New Testament and the prophecies in the Old Testament
4. Know that God Himself witnessed by speech and sign that Jesus was His
    Son, the Son of God
5. Know who John the Baptist was

CONTENTS;
1. The Gospels
2. The Baptism of Jesus
3. John's Message
4. Why did Jesus, Son of God without sin, choose to be baptised?
5. God spoke from heaven during Jesus' Baptism

1. THE GOSPELS

The Baptism of Jesus is described in the New Testament in the Gospels.
Take up your Bible and read the passages.
Make sure that in your personal prayer time you reflect on the Baptism of Jesus
The Passages of the Baptism are to be found in -
Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 3, verses 1 to 17
Gospel of Mark, Chapter 1, verses 9 to 11
Gospel of Luke, Chapter 3, verses 21 to 38
Gospel of John, Chapter 1, verses 19 to 34.

2. THE BAPTISM OF JESUS;
Jesus came from Galilee to be baptised by John the Baptist. 
All four Gospels mention the event - so it is an accurate event.
However, the four Gospels have some slight differences.
Many believe this authenticates the Gospels, whose writers were confident enough
to witness to the truth of the Life of Jesus as they had personally experienced it.
Our recollections differ somewhat about every occasion; such as at a wedding the
experience of the mother of the bride will be different from a waiter assisting at
the bridal table.
Same event; different personal experience.

In his Gospel Luke affirms that John the Baptist is indeed the cousin of Jesus,
the same cousin who leapt in the womb when He first heard Mary's salutation
and sensed the presence of the Blessed Son within the Womb.
Luke tells us that John was the son of Zechariah.
This meant that Jesus and John were, according to genealogy, second cousins.
Mary and Elizabeth were first cousins, and Zechariah - Elizabeth's husband - was thus Jesus' second cousin's father. 
So; they were related.

Luke pointed out that John went into all the country around the Jordan,  preaching a baptism of repentance for sins.
He linked this ministry of John - who had heard the word of God in the desert - to the 
prophecy made by the Holy Prophet Isaiah.
In the Old Testament, look up the Book of Isaiah. 
If you have difficulty, look at the Contents Page at the front of the Bible, which
will give you the page number of the Book of Isaiah.
Otherwise, you can buy Bible Indexing Tabs and mark all the sections of the Bible so
you can refer to different passages with ease and swiftness.
Bible Indexing Tabs can be bought at Christian bookstores or online.
For a link, see below.

Isaiah prophesied that 
'A voice of one callingin the desert,
Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
And humanity will see God's salvation.'
(Isaiah 40;3 - 5)
He was manifestly speaking of John the Baptist, and must certainly have been
inspired by God with either a vision, words or understanding all that time ago
in order to have so accurately forecast what came to pass.

3. JOHN'S MESSAGE
John's message was completely new in the context of Judaism.
His baptismal ministry was so radical in its implications that he became known as 'the Baptiser' or 'the Baptist'.
In Judaism, the Tvilah - a purification ritual of immersion in water  was probably known to Jesus and John.
Tvilah is required for - among other things - conversion to Judaism.
It differs from Baptism in being repeatable, while baptism is performed only once.

John's message bypassed the temple and the priestly system, teaching that
forgiveness came from confession of sins and immersion in water.
John's message spread like wildfire.
He became so famous that the Jewish Historian Flavius Josephus knew of him.
Josephus wrote that John was a good man who commanded Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another,  and piety towards God. 
Josephus further wrote of the baptism John preached and carried out (Antiquities 18.5.2)

So; John became well known.
And with fame came danger. He was in the public eye, and laid down challenge to
the authorities of the time.
John preached of the coming of the Messiah. And then came the crowning moment
of his dedicated ministry; the Holy of Holies, the Son of God Himself came to Him
to submissively bow His Head and be immersed in the water as He prepared for
His Ministry which would have eternal repercussions and eventually bring down the
whole edifice of the powers of evil.

4. WHY DID JESUS, SON OF GOD WITHOUT SIN, CHOOSE TO BE BAPTISED?
Jesus chose to be baptised because He had heard of John's radical call, and
knew that John was the Elijah who had been promised; the voice calling in the
wilderness.
John was witnessing that He Himself was coming.
What better way to announce His impending Ministry than to go the hotbed of
the political and spiritual happenings at the River Jordan, and immerse Himself - literally and figuratively - into the depths of the waters of the Mission awaiting Him.

Jesus must have prayed about this.
It was a decision not to be taken lightly, because by this first radical step, it meant
that Jesus was starting to take a step away from living the letter of the Holy Law
of Mary and Joseph and his ancestors.
New wine must never go into old wineskins; however the new wine is often untried,
prone to spoiling, and nervous.
Jesus would possibly have been somewhat nervous as He began the Ministry.
It is clear He was unsure as to the exact form His Messianic Ministry would take,
as He was baptised and then discerned how to carry out His Mission while spending
quiet time with God in the desert.
It is even possible that Jesus asked God to give Him a sign that this was the time.
Or it is possible that already then Jesus was communicating on a very deep level 
with God, and discussing plans for the salvation of the world and the wresting of 
the control satan had gained over earth from him with Moses and Elijah.

Jesus answered John's query as to why he asked for baptism from Him, when he (John) should be asking baptism from Jesus as Messiah.
Jesus told John, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all
righteousness." (Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 4, verse 15. 
'Righteousness and blessing' in Hebrew is sedeq, and has a wider ranging meaning than in English usage.
'Righteousness' means 'uprightness' in the sense of 'adherence or conformity to
an established norm.'
In biblical usage righteousness is rooted in covenants and relationships.
Righteousness is thus the fulfilment of the terms of a Covenant between God
and humanity or between humans in the full range of human relationships.
'Blessing' means God's favour and protection.

Jesus thus sought to be baptised to show the Father that He was accepting the
terms of the Covenant between God and humanity - the Covenant that evil would
be overcome.
God sealed from the beginning a Covenant with humanity.
In the Old Testament, the Book of Genesis Chapter 2 verse 15, God spoke to
the serpent -the symbol of satan - saying;
"And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers,
he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel."
Jesus well knew that accepting the terms meant war was being declared between
Him and satan, who would eventually be crushed by Him.
But the further terms prophesied that He would be struck in the heel, caused
great suffering by the evil one.

In Genesis God while speaking to satan, was prophetically proclaiming the results
of what satan did in the Garden of Eden.
Satan would strike at the heel of the woman's offspring.
This was in reference to the virgin born Jesus coming from a human bloodline.
The term strike at his heel refers to a setback; a trip up of severe nature.
This was prophecy by God of the death of Jesus. 
The death of Jesus as designed by satan with a view to Jesus' imprisonment post-death in Sheol (abode of the dead) - proved a setback for Jesus but only a 
temporary one.
The plan - unknown to satan - of  God to resurrect Jesus,  proved not only
to be a setback to satan and his plans, but the beginning of the process of
crushing his power completely.
It was the first step towards the eternal eradication of demonic interference in the lives of humanity which will be fully accomplished at the end of the world which 
Jesus prophesied.

It was the declaration of war in the spiritual realms.
Jesus knew that it would be a bitter battle in a previously untried dimension, and
He came to the Baptism to ask for the special favour and protection He would
require from the Father in this new venture.

5. GOD SPOKE FROM HEAVEN DURING JESUS' BAPTISM
The Father blessed Jesus at the moment of His baptism at the hands of John,
by speaking from Heaven. 
He was aware of how His Plan for the Redemption of Humanity from the power
of satan was progressing, and Jesus had fulfilled God's deepest expectations of
His Son.
God said, "You are My Son" - this is a quote from Psalm 2:7.
God then referred to Genesis 22:2 by speaking the words, "Whom I love."
He was possibly alluding to the scene in the Old Testament when he required
Abraham to offer his only son, whom Abraham loved, to Him.

The end of the lesson for Abraham was that he was not required to sacrifice his
son - an action that would horrify any human.
However, through this ancient scene God had set the stage for the Baptism of
Jesus.
God's Words foreshadowed the event when He - as Loving Father - 
would have to endure the unthinkable out of his love for humanity.
God would have to witness the torture and execution of His Innocent 
Son Jesus as sacrifice on the Mount in order to save humanity.
By these words God was foreshadowing the terrible suffering He would Himself
undergo as His Son - God made human - was executed.

Jesus would have read the Scriptures, and become aware of what was in
the Mind of God.
He was accepting a unique role with unbelievable suffering.
Jesus - ever pragmatic and prayerful - knew that as human, He would need
God's assistance to carry out the role to completion.
So He came in humility to ask for that very blessing at Baptism.
Possibly He also needed the reassurance of God as His Father.
Jesus was fulfilling a completely new role - intermingling of the Divine Essence
with human bloodline making a Perfect Human Man.
Jesus was to be the blueprint for us all of all that God had created a human
being to be.
The reassurance and love of God for Him must have been a great source of
solace in his times of difficulty, fatigue, and agony of inner self in the 
Garden of Gethsemane.
These loving words showing how He was cherished by His Father must surely have proved the touchstone as he was imprisoned, spat upon and tortured, in the
dungeons prior to his execution.
The Baptism was a pivotal point in Christian History.

God then finished His allusions to His ancient prophecies by speaking the
words, "With You I am well pleased."
This is an allusion to Isaiah 42;1 where we read,
"Here is my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen one, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations."

And, more than that, the affection between Father and Son must surely have
warmed both their Hearts as they prepared to do the unthinkable; begin
the conquering of the massive structure the forces of evil had put in place 
over centuries.

Jesus the Man; Baptism Part 2 will follow this Module



Bible Indexing Tabs;

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

All Souls Day - 2nd November



On 2nd November of each year, it is a good spiritual custom to pray for our departed brothers and sisters.
The custom was established by St Odilo of Cluny, a man of deep prayer. 
Odilo (c 962 - c 1048) was the fifth Benedictine Abbot of Cluny, holding the post for around 54 years.

Odilo established All Souls Day in Cluny and its monasteries, and this custom was soon adopted by the Western Church. 
The Commemoration of All Departed falls on 2nd November - why not pray for deceased family members, colleagues, acquaintances.

There are a number of old Christian customs which have great meaning for All Souls Day; 

- Pray for the souls of all those gone before well known to you, and those unknown to you
- Pray for the repose of the souls of our ancestors on All Souls Day
- Visit the graves of loved ones, ensure they are tidy and well respected, and pray to God for loved ones at the graveside. 
Decorate the graves with flowers and candles. 
Make sure the headstone (it does not have to be expensive) is up. 
If you are in squatter camp or refugee camp areas and need to make a headstone; make a wooden cross and paint the name, date of birth and death and a loving message on a piece of wood or tin, and affix it strongly to the grave if at all possible
- Toll Church Bells to remind the community to pray for our departed brothers and sisters
- Attend Mass and pray for those who have gone before us
- Respect our dead by the way we speak of them, by not causing scandal to come upon their names after their death 
- Pray at solemn Requiem for the Dead for all departed, and for our aborted unborn 
- Remember Holy Odilo of Cluny for the great service he did Christianity to enable us to pray for those gone before 
- Remember all the community members of Cluny and its monasteries whose Powerhouses of Prayer in Christian History led the way for us, the then future generations, to worship God with honour and glory 
- Go to Church on All Souls Day, kneel down after lighting three candles, and pray the following prayers each three times;

The Our Father
Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day
Our daily bread
And forgive us our sins and weaknesses
As we forgive the sins and weaknesses of other.
And save us from the temptation to sin
And deliver us from the power of the evil one.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
The Power and the Glory
Forever and ever, Amen.

The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace
The Lord is with Thee
Blessed art Thou among women
And blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, 
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

The Glory Be
Glory be to the Father,
And to the Son,
And to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning,
Is now, and ever shall be,
World without end, 
Amen.

- Pray the Rosary for all departed, and for grace in our final moments on this earth
- Eschew the wearing of clothing or celebration of articles and customs that celebrate the darker forces 

Odilo of Cluny
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odilo_of_Cluny

Cluny, France 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9GXGzE8ALk

With thanks to Wikipedia and Youtube 

Chalice, Paten, Resources and Altarware - the Quick Guide for the Minister to Purchase Requirements for Church


Following Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour
Good Shepherd priests follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Who was a poor and humble labourer and wandering rabbi.
Wooden standing cups and patens can be found at side stalls and various shops in Africa. Purchasing a wooden standing cup for use as a chalice, and a carved dish for use as a paten, helps those who are struggling for a living in Africa to survive as well as facilitating our priesthood.

When praying the Service of the Breaking of the Bread, remember to pray from time to time for all struggling vendors and salespersons, that God may bless their efforts and ensure they have enough every day to survive.

A Wooden Chalice and Paten set can be purchased online from Dove Christian Supply.
The hand-crafted myrtlewood Chalice is 6 inches high, and the paten is 7 inches in diameter. 
Due to the variation of the woods, you may expect slight variations of colour. 

Altarware from Dove Christian Supply
Altarware can also be purchased at Dove Christian Supply, such as;
Advent Banners
Advent Wreaths
Altar Crosses and Sets
Baptismal Bowls and Shells
Bible Stands
Candelabra
Candlelighters
Candlesticks
Clergy Crosses
Communion Accessories
Communion Linens
Communion Ware
Crosses - Wall
Desk Accessories
Floor Model Crosses
Offering Plates and Bags
Plant Stands
Portable Communion Sets 
Processional Crosses and Candlesticks
Pulpit Water Sets
Vases
Wedding Items

Seminary Products from Universal Life Church
Seminary Products for Ministers can be purchased from Universal Life Church Store, such as;
Marriage Certificates with Large Gold Seals
New Testament Pocket Bibles
Christian Minister Badge with Cross
Christian Clergy Badge
Clergy Cross Badge
Travel Bible
Seminary Sermons DVD
Seminary Press Pass
Minister's Handbook
Hanging Parking Placard
Funeral Ceremonies by Download
Weddings, Funerals and Rites by Download
Wallet ID Card
Minister T-Shirt
The Ultimate Wedding and Ceremony Workbook
Baptismal Certificates
Commitment Ceremony Certificates
Baby Naming Certificates
Handfasting Certificates
House Blessing Certificates
Marriage Certificates
Renewal of Vows Certificates
Minister Basic Pack
Wedding Basic Pack
Stoles
Master of Mystical Christianity
Master of Religion 
Master of Chaplaincy Studies
Master of the Life of St Paul
Doctor of Biblical Egyptology
Doctor of Christian Ethics
Master of Christian History
Master of the Historical Jesus
Master of Spiritual Leadership
Doctor of Spiritual Development
Doctor of Spirituality - Miracle of Prayer
Doctor of Christian Studies - The Four Gospels Course
Seminary Credential Package
Wedding Officiant Training Package
Instant Ministry Package
Wedding Workbooks by the Case
10 Commandment/ 23rd Psalm Card
ULC Note Paper
Blank Gold Seals
Embossed Gold Seal
One Faith Stone
There are more items to browse through

Church-Supplies.com
Church-Supplies.com has a Customer Service Center
Christmas Resources
Candlelight Service Set
Communion Cups - Box of 1000
Clergy Wear
Tither Offering Envelopes
Candle - Advent Pillar Set
Seasonal and Special Occasion Bulletins
Churchware
Lecterns
Altars
Offering Plates
Chapel Line Altar Cross
Communion Tray Base
Welcome; Shield Badges - Usher
Anointing Oil - Frankincense and Myrrh
Sanctuary Chairs
Outdoor Sure Sign Grip Letters - Black
Shadow Cross
Small Group and Bible Studies
Baptismal Robes
Towel - Pastor
Adult Baptismal Gown
Baptismal Napkins
Cassocks
Chancel Furniture
Certificates
Children's Resources
Leadership Resources
Classroom Resources
Youth Resources
Worship Resources
Sanctuary Resources
Church Equipment
Worship Bulletins
Christmas Resources
and much more

Divinity Church and Clergy Attire
See link below

Echurch Depot Clergy Attire and Ministry Items
See link below 

Building your Priesthood Ministry
Building your priesthood ministry means presenting a competent, professional appearance. Building your church/ chaplaincy/ ministry requires products such as Chalice and Paten Set, appropriate ministerial clothing, items for your church/ portable communion/ chaplaincy ministry.
As Good Shepherd priests, we practise the St Paul Model of Ministry - 
- working for our keep
- being deeply aware of the financial, moral, familial and social challenges facing our        parishioners
- paying for the Church's needs with a non-profit agenda. 
We are called by Christ to minister, not to get rich.

Blessings on your ministry!

Link for Dove Christian Supply - Chalice and Paten set - ministry items
http://dovechristiansupply.us/product/361322/Wooden_Chalice_and_Paten_Set/category/41

Link for Universal Life Church and Seminary Products for Ministers
http://store.ulcseminary.org/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1817

Link for Clergy Wear
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2013/06/good-shepherd-church-seminary-clergy.html

Link for Divinity Church and Clergy Attire 
https://www.facebook.com/DivinityClothing

Link for echurch depot Clergy Attire and Ministry Items
http://www.echurchdepot.com/index.php/clergy-apparel.html