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Casual Articles - The Church Christ Built (Part One of Two)
Need To Find A Legitimate Online Job? anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:28-29)I admit, It is not easy to find a legitimate work from home job on the internet. It's almost like finding a needle in a haystack. One good thing to know about internet jobs is that 99.8% of them entails some type of online advertising for something or other. This is the most important thing to be aware of. So if you are not interested in that part of it then you are not a good candidate to work online.Through some research I have found that most reliable work from home jobs have an initial start-up fee, although many people believe to the contrary. Most free internet business opportunities involve a lot of work such as mlm (multi-level- marketing). You can always rest assure that if the job is free then you are doing some ones grunt work from the bottom level, of course their not gonna charge you for that. Remember the old saying "you get what you pay for", well I believe this to be very true. You can obtain very valuable information and knowledge from many companies that charge a fee so you must take this into consideration.I am not suggesting that every online business with a start-up fee is totally legitimate, there are a lot of scams out there. The best way to find out a companies legitimacy is to do a simple search with their url in the search engines such as google or yahoo.I have tried several online opportunities from free no cost jobs to large and small start-up fees. I have tried online surveys, affiliate marketing, mlm, I even got sucked into a pyramid scheme not realizing that it was illegal at the tim Such respected historians as Eusebius of Caesarea and Johann August Wilhelm Neander tell us that Christians in the early centuries of the church took the Lord's Supper every Sunday. Fasting Jesus to John the Baptist's disciples: "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." (Matthew 9:15) And Jesus issued instructions on fasting. Don't put on a show when you fast like hypocrites do. Let your fasting be a secret between you and God. He knows, and he will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18) Luke speaks of the Antioch church worshiping the Lord and fasting. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" (Acts 13:2) In the next chapter we read, "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church [in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch] and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord." (Acts 14:23) We find no command in the New Testament to fast. However, in Acts chapters 13 and 14 we discover instances in which the early church did fast. Foot Washing "[Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." (John 13:4-5) "When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. 'You call me "Teacher" and "Lord," and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:12-15) "Washing the feet of the saints" is also one of good deed qualifications Paul lists for widows seeking support from the church. (1 Timothy 5:9-10) Even so, washing feet is nowhere declared a part of the church's worship service. Note: All Scripture References are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise stated. NKJV - New King James Version NRSV - New Revised Standard Version REB - Revised English Bible For the Conclusion of The Church Finding Good Foreclosure List Can Make the Difference Church doctrineEvery year thousands of properties fall into foreclosure. Although this usually means an unfortunate end for one person it can be a gold mine for another. If you find some good foreclosure list you can make a very handsome living. This article will help you wade through the interesting world of foreclosure list and investing.You see companies offering foreclosure seminars on TV all the time these days. Hardly a day goes by when I cannot turn on my television and see advertisements for foreclosure investing seminars that are conveniently coming to my area to teach me how to profit with foreclosure properties. I am sure you know exactly what I am talking about.These seminars are not always bad, if you know how to stay away from all the hype. You must understand that these highly trained professionals will claim to have access to all the best foreclosure list and best methods for finding golden properties. They just might have some good resources available to you. Although, many of their techniques and methods may be viable you still need to do some of your own homework in finding the best foreclosure list. You must also be aware that they are there to sell you into their program.Foreclosure list are easy to find, but they are not all good. The best way to get well educated on foreclosure list is to work with an experienced realtor. You may need to buy a few lunches and spend some diligent time seeking the right realtor to work with, but they are out there. The person who is truly qualified to find a good foreclosure l We run across the word "church" 114 times in the New Testament. So what can we learn from the scriptures about the original church (the church we read about in the New Testament)? Here are the essentials: Jesus established the church. (Matthew 16:13-18) Jesus purchased the church with his own blood. (Acts 20:28) Jesus is the head of the church. (Ephesians 1:22-23) (Ephesians 5:23) Jesus is the foundation of the church. (1 Corinthians 3:11) The church was a part of God's eternal plan before creation. (Ephesians 3:9-10) The purpose of the church was to: "display [God's] wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 3:9-10) The church is not a building but saved people. "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47) The church is not a denomination. (1 Corinthians 1:12-13) The Gospel and teachings of Christ (church doctrine) are not subject to change. (Galatians 1:8-11) (2 John 1:9-11) Scriptural names of the church: the body of Christ (Colossians 1:24) (Ephesians 1:22-23) church of the living God (1 Timothy 3:15) church of God (Acts 20:28) (1 Corinthians 1:2) (1 Corinthians 10:32) (1 Corinthians 11:22) (1 Corinthians 15:9) (2 Corinthians 1:1) (Galatians 1:13) (1 Timothy 3:5) churches of God (1 Corinthians 11:16) (1 Thessalonians 2:14) (2 Thessalonians 1:4) churches of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33) church of the first-born (Hebrews 12:23) churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) Scriptural names for members of the church: Members of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15) Disciples (Acts 6:1,7) (Acts 11:26) Believers (2 Corinthians 6:15) Saints (Acts 9:13) (Romans 1:7) (Philippians 1:1) Priests (Revelation 1:6) Children of God (Galatians 3:26-27) (1 John 3:1-2) Christians (Acts 11:26) (Acts 26:28) (1 Peter 4:16) How to become a member of the original church: Hear the Gospel, "for faith comes by hearing the word of God." (Romans 10:17 NKJV) Believe in Jesus Christ, "for without faith it is impossible to please God." (Hebrews 11:6); Also see: (Acts 16:31) (Romans 1:15-17) (1 John 5:1-6) Repent of your sins, "for [God] commands all people everywhere to repent." (Acts 17:30); Also see: (Luke: 15:10) (2 Peter 3:9) Confess Jesus as Lord, for he said, "Whoever confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32 NKJV) Also see: (Romans 10:9) Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, for Peter said: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." (Acts 2:38) Also see: (Mark 16:16) (Romans 6:3-4) Church organization: Elders Elders (also called presbyters, bishops, overseers, pastors, or shepherds, without distinction of office or rank) were men (always men) chosen from the members to oversee and set an example for the congregation. Also they are to encourage the congregation with sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (1 Peter 5:1-4) (1 Titus 1:9) For the requirements for this position see: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Deacons Deacons were men chosen to serve the congregation (overlook the daily distribution of food or wait on tables.) (Acts 6:1-7) For requirements for both the deacon and his wife, see: 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Paul also mentions deacons in his address to the church at Philippi. (Philippians 1:1) At least two men, Stephen and Philip, chosen as deacons in the Jerusalem church also preached or evangelized. Evangelists Evangelists (preachers, ministers) are preachers of the Gospel. (Ephesians 4:11) (1 Timothy 4:13-16) (2 Timothy 4:1-5) Those three positions were the only ones created for Christ's church. Notice that no singular person was placed in charge of any congregation. And there was no higher organization than the local congregation. Synods, Councils, Conventions, Popes, Ecclesiastical Legislative Bodies, Associations or Conferences with delegates from different congregations are nowhere to be found in the Bible. They didn't exist in the church you read about in the New Testament. Church worship: Over the past two thousand years, Christians have worshipped God in various ceremonies and rituals including: baptism, the Lord's Supper, fasting, foot washing, prayers, reading scriptures, reciting creeds, singing, miraculous powers, prophecies, healings, and speaking in tongues. You may wonder what lies behind these traditions. Are they merely customs of the church? Or is there something more to it? Let's start with a definition of church. Our English word "church" is based on the Greek word "ekklesia" which means an assembly. Sometimes "church" refers to a local congregation; at other times the word is used in a universal sense including all believers in Christ. Christ is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11), and head of the church. (Ephesians 1:22-23) (Ephesians 5:23) But Jesus himself had very little to say about the church. In Mark, Luke and John, Jesus never utters the word "church." Matthew, and Matthew alone, gives us our only two quotes. In one passage, Jesus says the church should resolve disputes between its members. (Matthew 18:15-17) In the other reference, Jesus says: "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) Outside of Revelation, these are the only two instances where Jesus directly refers to his church. Even so, he did introduce the two sacraments of the church -- baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism We have mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. The resurrected Jesus ordered his apostles to make disciples in every nation "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) Jesus says baptism is essential for salvation. (Mark 16:16) And Peter says it is required for the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38) The book of Acts records much of what we know about the history of the early church. Here we find a series of sermons, teachings, and baptisms. Who was baptized? Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:13), the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:38), Saul, who was later called Paul (Acts 9:18), Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth (Acts 16:14-15), the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:33), Crispus, the synagogue ruler (Acts 18:8) (1 Corinthians 1:14), twelve disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-5), and men and women at city in Samaria. (Acts 8:5-12) What did all of these people have in common? They were all believing adults. Were children also baptized? Some claim there were, and they cite these passages to support their position. Acts 16:15 states that "[Lydia] and members of her household were baptized." Acts 16:33 reads: "[The jailer] and all of his family were baptized." And Acts 18:8 says that Crispus and "his entire household" were baptized. The question is: Does "members of her household," "all of his family," and "his entire household" imply that children and infants were also baptized? Probably not. Notice that the jailer "and his whole family" had come to believe in God. (Acts 16:34) Similarly, Crispus "and his entire household believed in the Lord." (Acts 18:8) In both instances, all believed, and all were baptized. Clearly we are not speaking of infants or very small children in this context. Those who were baptized were mature enough to believe in Christ. How were these believing "adults" baptized? Romans 6:3-4 speaks of baptism as a symbolic burial with Christ. And in Acts 8:38 Philip took the Ethiopian eunuch "down into the water" to baptize him. Baptism was and is emersion. Throughout the first century baptism and emersion were synonymous. Lord's Supper; The Eucharist; The Holy Communion In Matthew we read: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' "Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:26-28) In the Gospel according to John, the significance of this act becomes clear. Jesus: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51) He repeated and emphasized his words: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:53-54) Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, explained where this custom originated. He says: "The tradition which I handed on to you came from the Lord himself: that on the night of his arrest the Lord Jesus took bread and after giving thanks to God broke it and said: 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in memory of me.' In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said: 'This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in memory of me.' For every time you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes.'" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26 REB) Paul informs us that the early church carried on this tradition and tells us when they did it. "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight." (Acts 20:7) The apostle again speaks of the Lord's Supper when he warned the Corinthians: "A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) Such respected historians as Eusebius of Caesarea and Johann August Wilhelm Neander tell us that Christians in the early centuries of the church took the Lord's Supper every Sunday. Fasting Jesus to John the Baptist's disciples: "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." (Matthew 9:15) And Jesus issued instructions on fasting. Don't put on a show when you fast like hypocrites do. Let your fasting be a secret between you and God. He knows, and he will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18) Luke speaks of the Antioch church worshiping the Lord and fasting. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" (Acts 13:2) In the next chapter we read, "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church [in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch] and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord." (Acts 14:23) We find no command in the New Testament to fast. However, in Acts chapters 13 and 14 we discover instances in which the early church did fast. Foot Washing "[Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." (John 13:4-5) "When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. 'You call me "Teacher" and "Lord," and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:12-15) "Washing the feet of the saints" is also one of good deed qualifications Paul lists for widows seeking support from the church. (1 Timothy 5:9-10) Even so, washing feet is nowhere declared a part of the church's worship service. Note: All Scripture References are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise stated. NKJV - New King James Version NRSV - New Revised Standard Version REB - Revised English Bible For the Conclusion of The Church Retail Fasteners him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32 NKJV) Also see: (Romans 10:9)Retail fasteners are available at any hardware store in the market and on the Internet. There are myriad varieties of fasteners ranging from tiny washers to huge bolts and nuts that are used in industries. Fasteners can be made from plastic and steel and the use that they are put through dictate the type of raw material used for manufacturing them.Other types of fasteners (according to their functions) include anchors, bits, bolts, nuts, panel fasteners, and pipe plugs. Fasteners are usually very cheap but it is advisable to buy good quality fasteners as the structures made from these literally hinge on these fasteners. There have been many inventions and innovations in this industry and more and more inventions are being made as new building structures are erected.The price of a fastener depends upon the type and make of the same. A titanium fastener is costlier compared to a stainless steel one and industrial fasteners are more expensive and heavy compared to fasteners used in residential buildings. The price of a fastener also depends upon the company that manufactures them. An international company that is reputed sells quality fasteners at higher rates compared to a domestic one.Fasteners that are used in airplanes cannot be found in retail shops but have to be custom made in order to withstand the extreme weather conditions and low pressures at high altitudes. Fasteners that are used in fighter planes undergo microscopic scrutiny because the life of the pilot and the aircraft depend on the fasteners used in the Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, for Peter said: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." (Acts 2:38) Also see: (Mark 16:16) (Romans 6:3-4) Church organization: Elders Elders (also called presbyters, bishops, overseers, pastors, or shepherds, without distinction of office or rank) were men (always men) chosen from the members to oversee and set an example for the congregation. Also they are to encourage the congregation with sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (1 Peter 5:1-4) (1 Titus 1:9) For the requirements for this position see: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Deacons Deacons were men chosen to serve the congregation (overlook the daily distribution of food or wait on tables.) (Acts 6:1-7) For requirements for both the deacon and his wife, see: 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Paul also mentions deacons in his address to the church at Philippi. (Philippians 1:1) At least two men, Stephen and Philip, chosen as deacons in the Jerusalem church also preached or evangelized. Evangelists Evangelists (preachers, ministers) are preachers of the Gospel. (Ephesians 4:11) (1 Timothy 4:13-16) (2 Timothy 4:1-5) Those three positions were the only ones created for Christ's church. Notice that no singular person was placed in charge of any congregation. And there was no higher organization than the local congregation. Synods, Councils, Conventions, Popes, Ecclesiastical Legislative Bodies, Associations or Conferences with delegates from different congregations are nowhere to be found in the Bible. They didn't exist in the church you read about in the New Testament. Church worship: Over the past two thousand years, Christians have worshipped God in various ceremonies and rituals including: baptism, the Lord's Supper, fasting, foot washing, prayers, reading scriptures, reciting creeds, singing, miraculous powers, prophecies, healings, and speaking in tongues. You may wonder what lies behind these traditions. Are they merely customs of the church? Or is there something more to it? Let's start with a definition of church. Our English word "church" is based on the Greek word "ekklesia" which means an assembly. Sometimes "church" refers to a local congregation; at other times the word is used in a universal sense including all believers in Christ. Christ is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11), and head of the church. (Ephesians 1:22-23) (Ephesians 5:23) But Jesus himself had very little to say about the church. In Mark, Luke and John, Jesus never utters the word "church." Matthew, and Matthew alone, gives us our only two quotes. In one passage, Jesus says the church should resolve disputes between its members. (Matthew 18:15-17) In the other reference, Jesus says: "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) Outside of Revelation, these are the only two instances where Jesus directly refers to his church. Even so, he did introduce the two sacraments of the church -- baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism We have mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. The resurrected Jesus ordered his apostles to make disciples in every nation "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) Jesus says baptism is essential for salvation. (Mark 16:16) And Peter says it is required for the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38) The book of Acts records much of what we know about the history of the early church. Here we find a series of sermons, teachings, and baptisms. Who was baptized? Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:13), the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:38), Saul, who was later called Paul (Acts 9:18), Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth (Acts 16:14-15), the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:33), Crispus, the synagogue ruler (Acts 18:8) (1 Corinthians 1:14), twelve disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-5), and men and women at city in Samaria. (Acts 8:5-12) What did all of these people have in common? They were all believing adults. Were children also baptized? Some claim there were, and they cite these passages to support their position. Acts 16:15 states that "[Lydia] and members of her household were baptized." Acts 16:33 reads: "[The jailer] and all of his family were baptized." And Acts 18:8 says that Crispus and "his entire household" were baptized. The question is: Does "members of her household," "all of his family," and "his entire household" imply that children and infants were also baptized? Probably not. Notice that the jailer "and his whole family" had come to believe in God. (Acts 16:34) Similarly, Crispus "and his entire household believed in the Lord." (Acts 18:8) In both instances, all believed, and all were baptized. Clearly we are not speaking of infants or very small children in this context. Those who were baptized were mature enough to believe in Christ. How were these believing "adults" baptized? Romans 6:3-4 speaks of baptism as a symbolic burial with Christ. And in Acts 8:38 Philip took the Ethiopian eunuch "down into the water" to baptize him. Baptism was and is emersion. Throughout the first century baptism and emersion were synonymous. Lord's Supper; The Eucharist; The Holy Communion In Matthew we read: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' "Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:26-28) In the Gospel according to John, the significance of this act becomes clear. Jesus: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51) He repeated and emphasized his words: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:53-54) Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, explained where this custom originated. He says: "The tradition which I handed on to you came from the Lord himself: that on the night of his arrest the Lord Jesus took bread and after giving thanks to God broke it and said: 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in memory of me.' In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said: 'This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in memory of me.' For every time you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes.'" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26 REB) Paul informs us that the early church carried on this tradition and tells us when they did it. "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight." (Acts 20:7) The apostle again speaks of the Lord's Supper when he warned the Corinthians: "A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) Such respected historians as Eusebius of Caesarea and Johann August Wilhelm Neander tell us that Christians in the early centuries of the church took the Lord's Supper every Sunday. Fasting Jesus to John the Baptist's disciples: "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." (Matthew 9:15) And Jesus issued instructions on fasting. Don't put on a show when you fast like hypocrites do. Let your fasting be a secret between you and God. He knows, and he will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18) Luke speaks of the Antioch church worshiping the Lord and fasting. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" (Acts 13:2) In the next chapter we read, "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church [in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch] and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord." (Acts 14:23) We find no command in the New Testament to fast. However, in Acts chapters 13 and 14 we discover instances in which the early church did fast. Foot Washing "[Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." (John 13:4-5) "When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. 'You call me "Teacher" and "Lord," and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:12-15) "Washing the feet of the saints" is also one of good deed qualifications Paul lists for widows seeking support from the church. (1 Timothy 5:9-10) Even so, washing feet is nowhere declared a part of the church's worship service. Note: All Scripture References are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise stated. NKJV - New King James Version NRSV - New Revised Standard Version REB - Revised English Bible For the Conclusion of The Church MCSE Certification all believers in Christ. Christ is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11), and head of the church. (Ephesians 1:22-23) (Ephesians 5:23)To get a Microsoft certification is no easy task. It requires systematic study, completion of coursework and an examination. Candidates need to face multi-level testing of their design implementation and administration skills in Microsoft Windows platforms to provide business solutions. MCSE classes, boot camps, online study guides and practice exams can help them go a long way in getting certified.So, what do you need to get the certification? MCSE certification requires lot of hard work and focused studying. To help MCSE aspirants pass the certification exam with decent grades, there are boot camps that comprise of intense classes stretching over two to three weeks. These are different from traditional MCSE classes that are held weekly and help students prepare for the exams.MCSE certification involves seven levels of testing, with intense course modules in operating systems, design and other electives on implementation. The exams are broken into four exams in operating systems, design and two others chosen by the candidate. The first five exams are called core exams, and the remaining are elective exams. Though the students get a choice even in their core exams, they have to pass one exam from each set of operating systems exams namely client operating systems and networking systems. This effectively means they have to pass one out of two operating systems exams and one of three networking systems exams. And they need to pass only one out of six design exams set by the Microsoft and two out of more than a dozen electives But Jesus himself had very little to say about the church. In Mark, Luke and John, Jesus never utters the word "church." Matthew, and Matthew alone, gives us our only two quotes. In one passage, Jesus says the church should resolve disputes between its members. (Matthew 18:15-17) In the other reference, Jesus says: "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) Outside of Revelation, these are the only two instances where Jesus directly refers to his church. Even so, he did introduce the two sacraments of the church -- baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism We have mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. The resurrected Jesus ordered his apostles to make disciples in every nation "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) Jesus says baptism is essential for salvation. (Mark 16:16) And Peter says it is required for the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38) The book of Acts records much of what we know about the history of the early church. Here we find a series of sermons, teachings, and baptisms. Who was baptized? Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:13), the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:38), Saul, who was later called Paul (Acts 9:18), Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth (Acts 16:14-15), the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:33), Crispus, the synagogue ruler (Acts 18:8) (1 Corinthians 1:14), twelve disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-5), and men and women at city in Samaria. (Acts 8:5-12) What did all of these people have in common? They were all believing adults. Were children also baptized? Some claim there were, and they cite these passages to support their position. Acts 16:15 states that "[Lydia] and members of her household were baptized." Acts 16:33 reads: "[The jailer] and all of his family were baptized." And Acts 18:8 says that Crispus and "his entire household" were baptized. The question is: Does "members of her household," "all of his family," and "his entire household" imply that children and infants were also baptized? Probably not. Notice that the jailer "and his whole family" had come to believe in God. (Acts 16:34) Similarly, Crispus "and his entire household believed in the Lord." (Acts 18:8) In both instances, all believed, and all were baptized. Clearly we are not speaking of infants or very small children in this context. Those who were baptized were mature enough to believe in Christ. How were these believing "adults" baptized? Romans 6:3-4 speaks of baptism as a symbolic burial with Christ. And in Acts 8:38 Philip took the Ethiopian eunuch "down into the water" to baptize him. Baptism was and is emersion. Throughout the first century baptism and emersion were synonymous. Lord's Supper; The Eucharist; The Holy Communion In Matthew we read: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' "Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:26-28) In the Gospel according to John, the significance of this act becomes clear. Jesus: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51) He repeated and emphasized his words: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:53-54) Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, explained where this custom originated. He says: "The tradition which I handed on to you came from the Lord himself: that on the night of his arrest the Lord Jesus took bread and after giving thanks to God broke it and said: 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in memory of me.' In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said: 'This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in memory of me.' For every time you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes.'" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26 REB) Paul informs us that the early church carried on this tradition and tells us when they did it. "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight." (Acts 20:7) The apostle again speaks of the Lord's Supper when he warned the Corinthians: "A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) Such respected historians as Eusebius of Caesarea and Johann August Wilhelm Neander tell us that Christians in the early centuries of the church took the Lord's Supper every Sunday. Fasting Jesus to John the Baptist's disciples: "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." (Matthew 9:15) And Jesus issued instructions on fasting. Don't put on a show when you fast like hypocrites do. Let your fasting be a secret between you and God. He knows, and he will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18) Luke speaks of the Antioch church worshiping the Lord and fasting. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" (Acts 13:2) In the next chapter we read, "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church [in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch] and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord." (Acts 14:23) We find no command in the New Testament to fast. However, in Acts chapters 13 and 14 we discover instances in which the early church did fast. Foot Washing "[Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." (John 13:4-5) "When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. 'You call me "Teacher" and "Lord," and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:12-15) "Washing the feet of the saints" is also one of good deed qualifications Paul lists for widows seeking support from the church. (1 Timothy 5:9-10) Even so, washing feet is nowhere declared a part of the church's worship service. Note: All Scripture References are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise stated. NKJV - New King James Version NRSV - New Revised Standard Version REB - Revised English Bible For the Conclusion of The Church Jumping Into Online Marketing – Walking on Water or Over Your Head? ized. Clearly we are not speaking of infants or very small children in this context. Those who were baptized were mature enough to believe in Christ.The Internet can be an absolute carnival for the novice marketer. There are dazzling attractive “money makers” programs anywhere you click that claim you can reap overnight success and amass grand fortunes with almost no work. All the pretty, flashy hype used to sell these programs does convince many they can walk on water almost overnight by joining up. While the guy on top IS enjoying quite some success from mass joiners, many beginners in marketing online soon find that they are in way over their heads, losing their money, wasting their time and energy, and eventually giving up completely. By following just a simple costless strategy when starting your marketing adventure you can avoid becoming a victim and learn to build a steady career on the Internet.A large majority of beginners who succumb to “join fever” wind up broke before they ever get a chance to even learn what real marketing online is all about. Resist the temptation to just start joining programs. Becoming part of the “herd mentality” and joining just because of a hyped sales page is the quickest route to failure. The best place to start is in Internet marketing is to learn about marketing. You can do this free of charge by joining marketing and advertising forums. In the forums you will find much useful information about doing business online and you can also make online friends which may prove to be beneficial allies in the future. Networking is just as important to building a business online as it is offline.You will want to join a few programs just How were these believing "adults" baptized? Romans 6:3-4 speaks of baptism as a symbolic burial with Christ. And in Acts 8:38 Philip took the Ethiopian eunuch "down into the water" to baptize him. Baptism was and is emersion. Throughout the first century baptism and emersion were synonymous. Lord's Supper; The Eucharist; The Holy Communion In Matthew we read: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' "Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:26-28) In the Gospel according to John, the significance of this act becomes clear. Jesus: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51) He repeated and emphasized his words: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:53-54) Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, explained where this custom originated. He says: "The tradition which I handed on to you came from the Lord himself: that on the night of his arrest the Lord Jesus took bread and after giving thanks to God broke it and said: 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in memory of me.' In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said: 'This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in memory of me.' For every time you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes.'" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26 REB) Paul informs us that the early church carried on this tradition and tells us when they did it. "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight." (Acts 20:7) The apostle again speaks of the Lord's Supper when he warned the Corinthians: "A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) Such respected historians as Eusebius of Caesarea and Johann August Wilhelm Neander tell us that Christians in the early centuries of the church took the Lord's Supper every Sunday. Fasting Jesus to John the Baptist's disciples: "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." (Matthew 9:15) And Jesus issued instructions on fasting. Don't put on a show when you fast like hypocrites do. Let your fasting be a secret between you and God. He knows, and he will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18) Luke speaks of the Antioch church worshiping the Lord and fasting. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" (Acts 13:2) In the next chapter we read, "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church [in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch] and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord." (Acts 14:23) We find no command in the New Testament to fast. However, in Acts chapters 13 and 14 we discover instances in which the early church did fast. Foot Washing "[Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." (John 13:4-5) "When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. 'You call me "Teacher" and "Lord," and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:12-15) "Washing the feet of the saints" is also one of good deed qualifications Paul lists for widows seeking support from the church. (1 Timothy 5:9-10) Even so, washing feet is nowhere declared a part of the church's worship service. Note: All Scripture References are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise stated. NKJV - New King James Version NRSV - New Revised Standard Version REB - Revised English Bible For the Conclusion of The Church Creativity & Entrepreneurship: The Secret to Discovering Your Purpose in Life!(c) anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:28-29)Hello Creative Entrepreneurs!In the second course on Creativity & Entrepreneurship we begin with a guided meditation that I created entitled: Dream Keeper-Gift Giver©. You ask: what in the world does this mean? Well, it’s a very profound secret I discovered about myself fifteen years ago. After doing a lot of self-discovery and embarking on a long vision quest to heal the hurts of my childhood and past, in search of my true self; my authentic self and to try to figure out what my purpose on this earth was.I was also seeking my own understanding of God, our creator. You may call him (or her) a Higher Being, a Higher Power or Creative Intelligence. In this search, that still unfolds every day, I discovered many, many things.But what I bring to this course is one of the unique things I learned about myself and my own spirit and the limitless depths of my creativity and personal power. I learned that the child within was alive and well. And so is yours.Remember when you were a kid and had so many dreams? You were going to be a dancer, a policeman, an astronaut, a doctor, a scientist, a teacher, an actor, an artist. Remember you were going to conquer the world? Remember how fearless you were? How fearless we all were? Remember when you were a young entrepreneur? Be it President and CEO of your own lemonade stand, or a door-to-door salesman selling Girl Scout cookies or Christmas candy for your school.Yes, those were entrepreneurial endeavors. You had, or created a product. You created a store-front or went do Such respected historians as Eusebius of Caesarea and Johann August Wilhelm Neander tell us that Christians in the early centuries of the church took the Lord's Supper every Sunday. Fasting Jesus to John the Baptist's disciples: "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." (Matthew 9:15) And Jesus issued instructions on fasting. Don't put on a show when you fast like hypocrites do. Let your fasting be a secret between you and God. He knows, and he will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18) Luke speaks of the Antioch church worshiping the Lord and fasting. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" (Acts 13:2) In the next chapter we read, "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church [in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch] and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord." (Acts 14:23) We find no command in the New Testament to fast. However, in Acts chapters 13 and 14 we discover instances in which the early church did fast. Foot Washing "[Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." (John 13:4-5) "When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. 'You call me "Teacher" and "Lord," and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:12-15) "Washing the feet of the saints" is also one of good deed qualifications Paul lists for widows seeking support from the church. (1 Timothy 5:9-10) Even so, washing feet is nowhere declared a part of the church's worship service. Note: All Scripture References are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise stated. NKJV - New King James Version NRSV - New Revised Standard Version REB - Revised English Bible For the Conclusion of The Church Christ Built see Part Two of Two.
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