To Be A Christian Q&A 25-35 and 227-235

Collect for Advent 2

Blessed Lord, who caused the Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, grant that we might so hear, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that through patience and the comfort of you holy Word, we may embrace and forever hold fast the joyful hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen

c o n c e r n i n g

h o l y scripture

25. What is Holy Scripture?

Holy Scripture is “God’s Word written” (Articles of Religion, 20), given by the Holy Spirit through prophets and apostles as the reve la tion of God and his acts in human history, and is therefore the Church’s final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

(Psalm 19:7–11; Jeremiah 36:1–8; 2 Timothy 3:14–17; Revelation 1:1–11)

26. What books are contained in Holy Scripture?

The thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and the twentyseven books of the New Testament together form the whole of Holy Scripture.

(Articles of Religion, 6)

27. What is in the Old Testament?

The Old Testament proclaims God’s creation of all things; mankind’s original disobedience; God’s calling of Israel to be his people; his Law, wisdom, and saving deeds; and the teaching of his prophets. The Old Testament bears witness to Christ, revealing God’s intention to redeem and reconcile the world through Christ.

(Luke 24:44; 1 Corinthians 10:1–4; Hebrews 11)

28. What is in the New Testament?

The New Testament proclaims Jesus Christ’s birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension; the Church’s early ministry; the teaching of the apostles; the reve la tion of Christ’s eternal kingdom; and the promise of his return.

(Luke 24:45–49; Acts 1:1–11; Philippians 2:5–11)

29. How are the Old and New Testaments related to each other?

The Old Testament is to be read in the light of Christ, and the New Testament is to be read in light of God’s revelation to Israel. Thus the two form one Holy Scripture, which reveals the Person of Jesus Christ and his mighty works. As Saint Augustine says, “The New is in the Old concealed, the Old is in the New revealed.”

(Augustine of Hippo, Questions in the Heptateuch 2.73; see also Matthew 5:17–18; Luke 24:25–27)

30. What does it mean that Holy Scripture is inspired?

Holy Scripture is “God-breathed,” for the biblical authors wrote under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit to record God’s Word.

(Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:19–21)

31. What does it mean that Holy Scripture is the Word of God?

The Old and New Testaments are inspired by the Holy Spirit and are therefore the Word of God written. God is revealed in his mighty works and in the incarnation of our Lord, which are made known through the inspired writings of the biblical authors. God “has spoken through the prophets” (Nicene Creed) and continues to speak through Scripture today.

(Psalm 33:4–9; Jeremiah 1:9; Ezekiel 2:1–3:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 3:15–16; Hebrews 1:1–2)

32. Why is Jesus Christ called the Word of God?

The fullness of God’s revelation is found in Jesus Christ, who not only fulfills the Scriptures, but is himself God’s Word, the living expression of God’s mind. The Scriptures testify about him, “In the beginning was the Word,” and “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” ( John 1:1, 14). Therefore, “ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.”

(Jerome, Commentary on Isaiah, prologue; see also Genesis 1:26–27; Psalm 33:1–12; Colossians 1:15–19)

33. How should Holy Scripture be understood?

Because Holy Scripture was given by God to the Church, it should always be understood in ways that are faithful to its own plain meaning, to its entire teaching, and to the Church’s historic interpretation. It should be translated, read, taught, and obeyed accordingly.

(Nehemiah 8:1–8; Psalm 94:8–15; Acts 8:26–35; 18:24–28; Jerusalem Declaration, Article 2; Articles of Religion, 20)

34. How does the Holy Spirit use Holy Scripture in your life?

Through Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit will teach, rebuke, correct, and train me in the righteousness that God desires. The prayerful study of Scripture forms me for life in Christ and the service of God and my neighbor.

(Psalm 119:105; John 14:26; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 4:12–13; see questions 227–32)

35. What are the Apocrypha?

The fourteen books of the Apocrypha, historically acknowledged by this church, are pre-Christian Jewish writings that provide background for the New Testament and are included in many editions of the Bible. They may be read as examples of faithful living but “not to establish any doctrine.”

(Articles of Religion, 6)

227. How should the Holy Scriptures shape your daily life?

I should “hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” that by the sustaining power of God’s Word, I may grow in grace and hold fast to the hope given to me in Jesus Christ.

(Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent, Book of Common Prayer 2019; see also Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Psalm 119:1–48; Luke 2:39–52; James 1:18–27; 2 Peter 3:18)

228. How should you “hear” the Bible?

I should hear the Bible through regular participation in the Church’s worship, in which I join in reciting Scripture, hear it read and prayed, and listen to its truth proclaimed.

(Nehemiah 8:1–8, 18; Psalm 81; Luke 4:16–30; 1 Timothy 4:6–16; Revelation 1:1–3)

229. How should you “read” the Bible?

I should read the Bible daily, following the Church’s set readings (lectionaries) or following a pattern of my own choosing.

(Deuteronomy 17:18–20; Psalm 119:97–112; Acts 8:26–40)

230. How should you “mark” passages of Scripture?

I should study the Bible attentively, noting key verses and themes, as well as connections between passages in the Old and New Testaments. I should study on my own and with other Christians, a rule of prayer using trustworthy commentaries and other resources to grasp the full meaning of God’s Word.

(Psalm 119:129–44; Luke 24:44–49; Acts 17:1–15)

231. How should you “learn” the Bible?

I should seek to know the whole sweep of Scripture and to memorize key passages for my own spiritual growth and for sharing with others.

(Psalm 119:9–16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:10–17)

232. How should you “inwardly digest” Scripture?

I should meditate on Scripture and let it shape my thoughts and prayers. As I absorb Scripture, it deepens my knowledge of God, becomes the lens through which I understand my life and the world around me, and guides my attitudes and actions.

(Joshua 1:1–9; Psalms 1:2; 119:1–8, 113–28; John 15:1–11; Colossians 3:16–17)

A Rite for Admission of Catechumens

a rite for admission of catechumens

This form is to be used for adults, or older children who are able to answer for themselves, at the beginning of a course of instruction in the teachings of the Church. It is to be used in preparation for Holy Baptism or, if those seeking admission were baptized as infants, for Confirmation.

greeting

On the day appointed, the persons to be received as Catechumens are brought by their sponsors to the church and remain by the principal door until the Gospel has been proclaimed. The Minister greets them at the door.

What is your hope?

New life in Christ.

What do you desire of God and of this congregation?

That I may grow in faith, hope, and love.

If you hope to enter into eternal life, you must, by his grace, follow in our Lord’s steps, for he said: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

examination

Will you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior?

I will, with God’s help.

As none can do this without God’s grace, found in Word and Sacrament, will you join with us in our common life of worship, teaching, service, and fellowship?

I will.

enrollment and exorcism

The Catechumens kneel, and the Minister prays over them, saying,

Let us pray. O Lord God of hosts, before the terrors of whose presence the armies of Hell are put to flight: Deliver these your servants from the powers of the world, the flesh, and the Devil; cast out from them every evil and unclean spirit that lurks in the heart, and any spirit of error or wickedness; and make them ready to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Celebrant then makes the sign of the Cross upon the forehead of each one (and may use the Oil of Catechumens to do so), saying to each,

Almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness and evil and lead you into the light and obedience of the kingdom of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

the blessing

Almighty God, who in his love for you has called you to the knowledge of his grace, grant you an entrance into his kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Sponsors accompany Catechumens to seats among the people. The service continues with the Sermon and Nicene Creed

freedom from the love of money

OK - so remember that we have quite a lot of resources looking at the question of our relationship with money on the MIE website. Check under ‘Resources’ and then ‘Previous Bible Studies and Articles’. Then scroll down till you get to ‘Money Possessions and Eternity’.

In the meantime, here are a couple of short videos to whet your appetite:

some practical considerations on fasting

There isn’t really anything here that is ‘rocket science’, but it might help to get you thinking about the practical side of fasting.

Like many things, it is best to start small and work up.  If you have never fasted before, start by simply fasting for one day until 6.00 pm (many of the Biblical fasts are for 24 hours, so e.g. Jdgs 20:26, They fasted that day until evening…).  Once you have experienced this and are beginning to know what to expect, you might feel it is appropriate to fast for longer periods.

Plan your diary carefully.  Bear in mind that if you are fasting for more than 24 hours, the first 2 or 3 days can be pretty tough, before your body begins to adjust.  You may need to rest more than usual (try to avoid intensive exercise, e.g. gym or sport), you may wear more clothes, and you may find it more difficult than usual to focus and concentrate over the first few days (even on prayer, and reading the Bible).  It’s not uncommon to feel a bit dizzy at times too…  

If you drink coffee, or take other stimulants, it is often best to wean yourself off them prior to beginning a fast – especially if that fast is going to be longer than 24 hours.   If you drink a lot of coffee, you might have to keep going with that over a 24 hr. fast.  

Begin to eat less progressively over a couple of days prior to beginning a longer fast.  A fast of 24 hours or less will require relatively little preparation of this kind, but it’s worth preparing properly if you are intending to fast for longer.  Likewise, don’t break a long fast suddenly.  Come out of a longer fast over a period of a couple of days, starting with small portions of gentler foods and soups.  

Don’t be legalistic, and please don’t feel pressured into doing more than you are comfortable with.  If you don’t fast, that’s fine.  If you meant to fast, but didn’t, that’s fine.   You might forget, and eat something out of habit.  OK.  Don’t beat yourself up – just carry on with your planned fast.   

If you are clearly ill or not coping, or if you feel there is good reason why you shouldn’t fast – if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding, or are on medication, or have health concerns, or a complicated history with food that you don’t want to revisit – don’t feel under any obligation.  If you have specific concerns, perhaps discuss it with your Doctor and follow their advice, or the advice of official support organisations (e.g. diabetes.org.uk has a number of articles addressing the question of fasting).

Think through ahead of time how you will negotiate situations that may arise: Are there times at work when it might be best to simply be out of the office?  How are you to going to respond if someone suggests meeting over lunch?  Or going out for a beer in the evening (it’s best not to drink alcohol if you are fasting!)?  So much of life revolves around food and drink, and you will need to plan carefully how you are going to avoid it for the duration of your fast.

Don’t publicize it.  You don’t even need to make an issue of it within the life of the Church - although like prayer, fasting can be a corporate discipline as well as a personal one.  Some of fast reguarly during MIE’s days of prayer and fasting.  Some don’t - again there is no pressure to go beyond what you feel is appropriate or helpful in your discipleship.   But if you do decide to fast, I wouldn’t write a blog about your experience, or draw undue attention to your fasting.  Jesus teaches us that we will face the temptation to turn this into an advertisement for my own self-righteousness (Matt.6:16-18).  Best to avoid that if possible.

Whether you decide to fast during this term of DTP or not, I hope you will gradually weave this exciting discipline into your Christian discipleship, and that through it you will find yourself growing in Christ.  

fasting is associated with...

·      the love of the Lord is better than life, and spiritual nourishment is more important than physical (Ps.63:3-5);

·      we do not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt.4:4);

·      hunger for God and His righteousness (Matt.5:6; Is.58);

·      humbling ourselves before the Lord (Ps.35:13; I Kings 21:27-29);

·      the means through which the Lord exposes what lies in our hearts, and through which He can discipline us so that we may learn to trust His providence (Deut.8:1-5);

·      practised with intercession / supplication / petition (Ezra 8:21-23; Neh.1:4; Dan.9:3);

·      averting disaster / seek help from the Lord (II Chron.20:3);

·      response to suffering brought about by the Lord in discipline or times of spiritual crisis (Joel 2; Acts 9:9; II Cor. 11:27) [should be the Church’s standard response to any crisis or concern]

·      seeking wisdom and discernment from the Lord (Jdgs 20:26; Acts 13:2-3);

·      linked to spiritual power and effectiveness in ministry (Mk.9:29 see NIV footnote);

·      it underpins times of worship and is the context in which the Church receives guidance for ministry (Acts 13:1-3; 14:23);

·      mourning (Neh.1:4; Ps.42:3) and repentance (I Sam.7:5-6; Jonah 3:5);

·      anticipation of the coming age (Lk.5:33-39). 

intensify the effectiveness of prayer and response to God, if done with integrity and in the context of wider life of righteousness (Is.58; Zech. 7:3-14 – note that when the prophets attack fasting, it is not the practise itself, but the hypocrisy they harangue; see also Matt.6:16f; Col.2:16-23).