by Susan Darling
Prayer For All Churches In The World.
Dear sweet Jesus by the power of your great love and all your merits may you convert all churches around the world. May you cleanse her of all her evil and protect her from false teachings. May she become truly Christ like in all things. A true example of your great love and mercy to all people. May she be so filled with your spirit that she resembles you in everyway and converts people to you. May we all learn to trust you completely. May we offer up our lives for you, in complete loving surrender. Gives us all a spirit of prayer and penance. And may our prayers become so powerful that we can move mountains in your name and cast out devils for your sake. May we make up for our sins by doing great acts of love for you. May you fill the spiritual leaders with humility and a true desire to please you in everything and a great hunger to see souls safely in your heart for evermore. May you raise up many saints so that the world can change and be pleasing to you. May Mary and all the saints in heaven help us bring this about. For your sake and for your great glory may you answer our prayers. Amen
I believe that Christian don't often think just how powerful their prayers can be, so they pray for small things and only for people they know. I believe in praying big because I know God wants to do great things through us.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Early Christian Art - An Evolutionary Tale of Pagan to Roman Styles
The beginning of Christian Art is slated to the end of the second century or the early third century AD. The Early Christian Period, ranging from the year 100 to 500, witnessed spectacular growth in the development & growth of Christianity. During this phase, almost all Christian Artworks were 'Symbolic,' used mostly to educate & instruct the masses. They also served as religious mediums, spreading the words of God. Religion was one of the key forces, influencing most art forms, created after the birth of Christ.
Until the year 200, in Rome, religion was a practice of low class and the strong & mighty did not support it. Therefore, the Early Christian Art was restricted to the decoration of hidden places, like Roman catacombs, where Gods were worshipped secretly. 'Pagan Iconography' and 'Roman Art' style were in a way the foundation of the Early Christian Art, such as the Catacomb Artwork, "The Good Shepherd." These cryptic places were fashioned to respect the memory of the dead. Constantine, the great Roman emperor, however, issued his 'Edict of Milan' in 313 AD for religious tolerance, and declared Christianity as the Roman Empire's state religion. Now, the Christians could fearlessly come out from the hiding, without the risk of being persecuted.
Post 313 AD, in the 4th century AD; Constantine built several huge, well-built churches and shrines. Usually five-aisled basilicas, these buildings had a nave in the center, with an aisle on both the sides, while an apse acquired one end of the structure. Together they formed an elevated platform for bishops and priests to sit on. Basilica buildings, concentrating on a round or polygonal shrine, like "Church of the Nativity" in Bethlehem, "St John Lateran," Rome; "St. Mary Major," Rome; and "Old St. Peter's Basilica," Rome; are some key complexes of this era.
The Early Christian Art employed 'Symbolism,' for example the fish, represented Christ; lamb, Jesus' sacrifice; lambs, Christian sacrifice; cross; Jesus' crucifixion; anchor, hope & steadfastness; garden, paradise; bird, soul; dove, peace & purity; and so on. The art forms practiced were graffiti, paintings, or carvings, using the same artistic media as that of the 'Pagans,' such as frescos, mosaics, sculptures, and manuscript illumination. A carved marble relief, "The Throne of God as a Trinitarian Image," (c. 400 CE) is an ideal example of this 'Early Christian Symbolism.' Later however, the 'Pictorial Symbolism' graduated to the 'Personified' one, such Jonah in the whale's abdomen, Orpheus with animals, and Daniel in the lion's den.
The Christian Art after 313 AD consisted of messages glorifying God, the words of God, the Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles. The art was not so much about 'Realism' or technique, as much it was about the content, conveyed through the mosaics, which embellished the interiors of the early Christian basilicas, like the "Church of St. Maria Maggiore" in Rome. The paintings also carried the messages from liturgical books and other manuscripts, such as Vienna Genesis, Rossano Gospels, & Cotton Genesis. In addition, the art was even advertised with the help of ornate sarcophagi, elaborated with religious symbols, biblical figures, and narratives, such as "Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus" and "Dogmatic Sarcophagus."
As the Early Christian Art transitioned to Romanesque and to the great gothic cathedrals, it subtly departed from 'Naturalism,' getting more sophisticated until the 'Renaissance Period.' During this time, humanity and Christianity came together, bridging the early Christian Gothic sensibilities and the Renaissance, reflecting an interesting perspective about the Early Christians.
Until the year 200, in Rome, religion was a practice of low class and the strong & mighty did not support it. Therefore, the Early Christian Art was restricted to the decoration of hidden places, like Roman catacombs, where Gods were worshipped secretly. 'Pagan Iconography' and 'Roman Art' style were in a way the foundation of the Early Christian Art, such as the Catacomb Artwork, "The Good Shepherd." These cryptic places were fashioned to respect the memory of the dead. Constantine, the great Roman emperor, however, issued his 'Edict of Milan' in 313 AD for religious tolerance, and declared Christianity as the Roman Empire's state religion. Now, the Christians could fearlessly come out from the hiding, without the risk of being persecuted.
Post 313 AD, in the 4th century AD; Constantine built several huge, well-built churches and shrines. Usually five-aisled basilicas, these buildings had a nave in the center, with an aisle on both the sides, while an apse acquired one end of the structure. Together they formed an elevated platform for bishops and priests to sit on. Basilica buildings, concentrating on a round or polygonal shrine, like "Church of the Nativity" in Bethlehem, "St John Lateran," Rome; "St. Mary Major," Rome; and "Old St. Peter's Basilica," Rome; are some key complexes of this era.
The Early Christian Art employed 'Symbolism,' for example the fish, represented Christ; lamb, Jesus' sacrifice; lambs, Christian sacrifice; cross; Jesus' crucifixion; anchor, hope & steadfastness; garden, paradise; bird, soul; dove, peace & purity; and so on. The art forms practiced were graffiti, paintings, or carvings, using the same artistic media as that of the 'Pagans,' such as frescos, mosaics, sculptures, and manuscript illumination. A carved marble relief, "The Throne of God as a Trinitarian Image," (c. 400 CE) is an ideal example of this 'Early Christian Symbolism.' Later however, the 'Pictorial Symbolism' graduated to the 'Personified' one, such Jonah in the whale's abdomen, Orpheus with animals, and Daniel in the lion's den.
The Christian Art after 313 AD consisted of messages glorifying God, the words of God, the Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles. The art was not so much about 'Realism' or technique, as much it was about the content, conveyed through the mosaics, which embellished the interiors of the early Christian basilicas, like the "Church of St. Maria Maggiore" in Rome. The paintings also carried the messages from liturgical books and other manuscripts, such as Vienna Genesis, Rossano Gospels, & Cotton Genesis. In addition, the art was even advertised with the help of ornate sarcophagi, elaborated with religious symbols, biblical figures, and narratives, such as "Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus" and "Dogmatic Sarcophagus."
As the Early Christian Art transitioned to Romanesque and to the great gothic cathedrals, it subtly departed from 'Naturalism,' getting more sophisticated until the 'Renaissance Period.' During this time, humanity and Christianity came together, bridging the early Christian Gothic sensibilities and the Renaissance, reflecting an interesting perspective about the Early Christians.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Repentance By Ron Boatwright
Many people believe repentance is when you feel sorrow, guilt, or shame for sin; but this is not repentance. The Bible says, "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death" (2 Corinthians 7:10). If one is only sorry he got caught, then this will not lead to repentance. Godly sorrow helps bring on repentance. Repentance is not sorrow for sin, but one cannot repent without being sorry he has sinned. "Let the wicked forsake his way…let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him…for He will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:7). In repentance, one must first understand he has sinned, feel sorrow for the sin, and then stop and turn away from that sin.
"Truly, the times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30). All people are commanded to repent. It is not possible for anyone, except our Lord, to live a sin-free life, but this is no excuse for our sinning. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves; and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8). We also read in 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." It is God’s goodness that should lead us to repentance. "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing the goodness of God leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4).
Paul says, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!" (Romans 6:1-2). To show our repentance we are to "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance" (Matthew 3:8). Why should we repent of sins? "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:3). Spiritual death is separation from God in eternity. Jesus says, "I tell you no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). Unless one repents he cannot go to Heaven, but will eternally suffer the torments of Hell. We must give up our sin and "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body" (Romans 6:12).
If one is an alien sinner then he must, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). But if one is a child of God who has sinned then he must, "Repent of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you" (Acts 8:22). We must repent before we ask God to forgive us. Our repentance also includes our confessing our sins. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sin shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).
Repentance is a change of heart, which results in a change of actions for the better. Without repentance we cannot receive forgiveness and be saved. Where we spend eternity, in Heaven or Hell, is determined by our repentance. All of Heaven is anxious for us to repent. Jesus says, "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10).
"Truly, the times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30). All people are commanded to repent. It is not possible for anyone, except our Lord, to live a sin-free life, but this is no excuse for our sinning. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves; and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8). We also read in 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." It is God’s goodness that should lead us to repentance. "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing the goodness of God leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4).
Paul says, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!" (Romans 6:1-2). To show our repentance we are to "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance" (Matthew 3:8). Why should we repent of sins? "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:3). Spiritual death is separation from God in eternity. Jesus says, "I tell you no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). Unless one repents he cannot go to Heaven, but will eternally suffer the torments of Hell. We must give up our sin and "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body" (Romans 6:12).
If one is an alien sinner then he must, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). But if one is a child of God who has sinned then he must, "Repent of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you" (Acts 8:22). We must repent before we ask God to forgive us. Our repentance also includes our confessing our sins. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sin shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).
Repentance is a change of heart, which results in a change of actions for the better. Without repentance we cannot receive forgiveness and be saved. Where we spend eternity, in Heaven or Hell, is determined by our repentance. All of Heaven is anxious for us to repent. Jesus says, "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10).
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