An Evening Prayer

O God, our sovereign and our shepherd,
comfort us with your protecting presence
and your angels of goodness and love,
that we also may come home
and dwell with him in your house for ever.

Abide with us, Lord, for it is evening,
and day is drawing to a close.
Abide with us and with your Saints,
in the evening of the day,
in the evening of life,
in the evening of the world;
abide with us and with all your faithful ones, O Lord,
in time and in eternity. Amen.

Details: Written by: David

Prayer for Worth

Please help me with these feelings of worthlessness. Open my eyes to see me as You see me. Remind me that I am precious in your sight and that You are refining me into something amazing to advance your kingdom. Let me know that You are with me in every trial and that I am not as helpless and worthless as I may feel right now. Help me to see Your plan and purpose in this season. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Details: Written by: David

The Importance of Christian Schooling Above Public Schooling for Christian Children and Youth

A question came to my mind a few years ago, so I finally allocated time to write a blog entry about it. The question was, "Is it time for Christians to pull their children out of secular government schools?" This can be a hot topic of whether or not Christians should be involved with government (public) schools. Even though it is a hot topic for some, I think it is an important question to consider and to discuss. Merely pushing it under a rug and hoping it goes away is not the best response. This article includes a bit of my thoughts on the question from a particular viewpoint.

Details: Written by: David

Thoughts on Why Young Christians Leave Church

Various polls have been conducted to determine the reasons why people leave the Church. A recent Pew Research poll was conducted of why young people leave the Church. Many of the reasons given could have been answered with additional reading and studying. The cause of young people being unaware of answers to challenges of their faith could be, as some believe, due to a lack of Apologetical teaching in the Church environment. The avatars of secularism, as is there job, will attack religion, yet if the Church is not providing apologetical teaching and instruction, then when those of faith, who have limited knowledge and understanding when dealing with secularism, may walk away with secular reasonings that are answerable. Part of the failure to teach apologetics is that teachers and leaders in the church have not risen to the need of task at hand. If the church wants to keep their young people, then the intellectual challenges must be answered.

Details: Written by: David

Thoughts on God's Existence

Many disbelieve in God for a variety of reasons. The French existentialist Jean-Paul Sarte and Albert Camus were at the forefront of modern atheism and some suggest more atheist than the new atheists. These two, and others, strongly disbelieved and argued against God. They were, some claim, more serious at their craft than the modern new atheism. They were not merely playing with atheism but rather sought to the bottom of it.

Details: Written by: David

God
Atheism

Facebook Alternatives

Not a week goes by without a report of censorship with popular social media Companies such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and others. With Facebook and other Social Media outlets censoring the content of its users, many are searching for a Facebook alternative.

I have been looking around for Facebook alternatives for a several months now. I have also been watching where other YouTube content creators are going as well as watching trends for alternatives. Here are two alternatives for Facebook that many Facebookers and YouTubers are increasingly embracing and that I often see as suggested alternatives in Social Media comments.

Details: Written by: David

Social Media

A Journey to Discover the Early Christian Church, Part I

The Importance of Early Church History

[You can download this article as an eBook to read on your computer or reading device at your leisure.]

Beginning of the Church

The Church is a physical entity and has a definite beginning. The Church was founded upon Christ Jesus, “and on this rock I will build My church, (Matt. 16:18).” The start of the church began at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and empowered them,

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance, (Acts 2:1-4).”

From the beginning of Christ's church it had three important characteristics:

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

A Journey to Discover the Early Christian Church, Part II

This is Part II of a series of articles. Part I can be read here.

You can download this article as an eBook to read on your computer or reading device at your leisure.

Holy Tradition

The Four Attributes of Holy Tradition

Holy Tradition can be defined by stating that the historical New Testament Church has always believed in a tradition that includes the following four attributes:

Apostolic teaching, that which Jesus Christ delivered to His apostles: “according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my [Paul’s] trust, (1 Timothy 1:11).”
The Church, which Jesus established (Matthew 16:18) in the first century at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)--the Church being the keeper of apostolic teaching (1 Timothy 3:15).
Church Fathers, who are the successors of the apostles (2 Timothy 2:2), authors and interpreters of oral and written teachings, holders of councils (and providers of the creeds), and canon of Scripture canonization.
Scripture (the Bible), which emerged from the life of the early Church and was completed late in the fourth century.

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

A Journey to Discover the Early Christian Church, Part III

This is Part III of a series of articles. Part II can be read here. You can download this article as an eBook to read on your computer or reading device at your leisure.

Holy Scripture

The Canon of Scripture

The New Testament scriptures exist as the first century writings by the apostles, by Jude, and by Luke that describe and record what Jesus taught and instructed them and what they faithfully delivered to the early Church’s converts. These writings function to preserve some of the written apostolic teachings, which early Church Fathers were able to interpret based upon what they had also been taught by Jesus’ disciples through oral traditions. This was the method used by the early Church Fathers: the Church Fathers instructed the faithful through the use of oral and written apostolic teachings.

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

A Journey to Discover the Early Christian Church, Part IV

This is Part IV of a series of articles. Part III can be read here. You can download this article as an eBook to read on your computer or reading device at your leisure.

Afterwords

The previous three Sessions contain the bulk and the core aspects of my discovery of the Early Church. Indeed this is a short writing regarding the early history of the Church. Yet from this point forward it is a lot easier in determining which Christian tradition is closest to the tradition of the Apostles and of the early church fathers: any tradition that lacks or denies these apects of the early church is removed from the prospective list and considered a schism.

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

Hate Speech vs. Conviction

It seems in today's world that to have conviction may cause someone to be labeled as a hateful person. Yet merely because someone has a conviction on an issue, does not indicate such a person is hateful.

Details: Written by: David

Reinvigorate Old Churches

I saw a video online of a guy, known as the Bald Explorer, in England. In the video, and others of his that I watched thereafter, he visited several old and mostly rural churches that appear to be falling into disrepair and nearly abandoned. He contemplated what could be done in order to help reinvigorate such churches.

Details: Written by: David

Cardinals, Bishops Sign Appeal Against Coronavirus Restrictions

Cardinals, Bishops Sign Appeal Against Coronavirus Restrictions. The signatories are said to include prelates, physicians, lawyers, journalists and academics.

Here below is the full text of the appeal and the initial full list of signatories. Anyone sympathetic to the appeal is invited to sign it:

APPEAL

FOR THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD

to Catholics and all people of good will

Veritas liberabit vos.

Jn 8:32

In this time of great crisis, we Pastors of the Catholic Church, by virtue of our mandate, consider it our sacred duty to make an Appeal to our Brothers in the Episcopate, to the Clergy, to Religious, to the holy People of God and to all men and women of good will. This Appeal has also been undersigned by intellectuals, doctors, lawyers, journalists and professionals who agree with its content, and may be undersigned by those who wish to make it their own.

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

Prayer for during times of loneliness

Details: Written by: David

Prayer of Asking for the Indwelling of the Spirit within

"O heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who art in all places and fillest all things; Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in me and cleanse me from every stain, and save my soul, O gracious Lord."

Details: Written by: David

Prayers

Prayer before reading a Sacred Text

Illumine our hearts, O Master Who lovest mankind, with the pure light of Thy divine knowledge. Open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of Thy gospel teachings. Implant also in us the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing unto Thee. For Thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Details: Written by: David

Prayers

Prayer for guidance in righteous ways

Almighty God, our Help and Refuge, Fountain of wisdom and Tower of strength, who knowest that I can do nothing without thy guidance and help; assist me, I pray thee, and direct me to divine wisdom and power, that I may accomplish this task, and whatever I may undertake to do, faithfully and diligently, according to thy will, so that it may be profitable to others and myself, and to the glory of thy Holy Name. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Details: Written by: David

Prayers

Progressive Christianity is Contrary to Scripture

Lighthouse holding steadfast against waves Many Christians believe that Christianity should be progressive and willing to change with the times. This idea, however, is contrary to Scripture. The passages below seem to be very clear: hold fast to the teachings that were taught to you. To hold fast means not changing.

Listen to the audio version of this article: .

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

Are Globalization and Multiculturalism the new forms of Imperialism and Colonialism?

I think it would be fair to say that the Globalist agenda, which includes multiculturalism, is a new form of Imperialism and Colonialism. Many Globalist Companies promote the Imperialist multiculturalism for their own financial benefit in other markets. Not only do Globalist Companies promote it, but they often demand those in the other Countries or markets accept their multicultural ideas. Such multiculturalists accuse European countries of forcing the Western culture upon the natives of the colonial territories, yet all the while they are being hypocrites by doing the same in trying to force their multiculturalism on other cultures and places.

Audio version:

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

Atheism

The Importance of Buying From Like-Minded Companies

As Christians, it is important for us to do business with Companies that can best support our Christian values. Just as you wouldn't give your money to a drunkard to continue the drunkard habit, so you shouldn't give money to a Company that does not support Christian values. And especially one should avoid business with a Company whose actions are against or contrary to traditional Christian values and those of the Christian Faith.

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

Christianity

Sharing in the Sufferings of the Teacher

ST. PAUL'S SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY 2:1-10

Timothy, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

Strife and Warmongering: Shutting Out the Noise of the World

As I listen, watch, and read about the events going on in the world today, such as the war between Russia and the Ukraine, it can be hard to decipher what is really going on.

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

The Early Church Fathers on Educating Children in Relation to Public Schools and Private Tutoring

The education of Church children is often, at least in the United States, deferred to government run Public Schools. Christian parents frequently send their children into the arms of gnostic, pagan, and anti-Christian public schools in hope that their children will "be a witness" to pagan school administrators and teachers who are well educated and able to "correct the religious superstitions" that their Christian students believe.

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

St. Augustine's Educational Odyssey: Nurturing Faith and Intellect in Children

St. Augustine's life story is a captivating narrative that resonates across centuries, demonstrating the profound influence of education on an individual's intellectual and spiritual journey. His transformation from intellectual exploration to a deep and abiding spiritual awakening serves as an enduring testament to the power of a well-guided education firmly rooted in faith.

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

St. John Chrysostom's Timeless Wisdom: Nurturing Faith and Virtue in Children's Education

St. John Chrysostom, the revered preacher and theologian of the early Christian Church, provides invaluable insights into the education of children and the profound role of Christian principles in their upbringing. His teachings, found within various works, shed light on the responsibilities of parents and educators in shaping young minds and nurturing faith alongside intellectual growth.

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

St. Basil the Great: Nurturing Faith and Knowledge in Education

St Basil the Great St. Basil the Great, a revered early Christian theologian and monastic leader, left a profound legacy that extends to the realm of education, offering timeless wisdom for Christian parents seeking to nurture their children's intellectual and spiritual growth.

Details: Written by: Thomas Cloycesen

The Western Rite in the Antiochian Orthodox Church: History and Overview

The Western Rite within the Antiochian Orthodox Church is a remarkable testament to the diversity and adaptability of Orthodox Christianity. While the majority of Orthodox Christians worldwide follow the Eastern Rite, the Western Rite represents a unique expression of Orthodoxy rooted in Western Christian traditions.

Details: Written by: David