Christian Living and Doctrines – Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church Sunday School Department

“Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Earth is full of saccharine as well bitterness for it’s cursed whilst the first man kinds defied God’s command. Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake.”(Genesis 3:17)

Man living on this earth then shall have the will and knowledge to discriminate the harm and hold fast what is good by testing. The significance of it in spiritual life is to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy. There is a true force working against humanity. Satan wants us to be consumed in sin/corruption. “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. Its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7)

“Turn from your evil ways” (2 kings 17:13)

Evil ways have many forms including harming others, racism, selfishness and worshiping pagans (witches). Any evil deed starts with the thought of harming others. People begin desiring what is not theirs and thus strive hard to attain it. This might even include stealing, corruption and murder for the sake of wealth, fame and happiness.

“Blessed is he who considers the poor” (Psalm 41:1)

August 25, 2021/in Christian Living and Doctrines, Sermon /by Hiwot M

Onwards the preaching’s of Lord Jesus Christ and Saint Apostles, the Church, its clergy and faithful aid the needy. As Prophet David said, “Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble,” it is in a good will that we must help them. (Psalm 41:1)

“Listen to my tears” (Psalm 28:2)

August 17, 2021/in Christian Living and Doctrines, Holy Scriptures /by Hiwot M

Temptations, hardships, pain, diseases and disasters sometimes bring about tears. Especially if the person feels abandoned,or that it is a punishment as a result of his sins. Here, a spiritual factor enters into weeping, its reason being that the person feels that grace has departed from him, or that God has begun to deliver him to the hands of his enemies. He is then grieved and weeps.

Tears of Repentance

August 9, 2021/in Christian Living and Doctrines, Holy Scriptures /by Hiwot M

Many weep for different of reasons for our world is filled with evil, harm, tribulations and sufferings. This being the result of our sin, we shall seek repentance. Let us look at the some of the exemplary biblical stories.

Laities Role in Church Liturgy

July 9, 2021/in Christian Living and Doctrines /by Hiwot M

Laities within the public service or ministry “Liturgy” shares Divine election and services from God, a special gift and privilege of membership of Holy Church. Akin to Church Liturgy, is a corporate religious service offered to God by laities, including worship, baptism and communion. Thus, Laities shall understand as a solemn including God and his worshippers, consisting of an exchange of prayers, praise and graces since it is a sacred time rendered in a sacred space.

Glory to God!

May 11, 2021/in Christian Living and Doctrines /by Hiwot M

“O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!

Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!”

“Be angry and sin not” (Ephesians 4:26)

April 8, 2021/in Christian Living and Doctrines /by Hiwot M

Anger in the biblical dictionary is defined as “A violent passion of the mind excited by a real or supposed injury; usually accompanied with a propensity to take vengeance, or to obtain satisfaction from the offending party. This passion however varies in degrees of violence, and in ingenuous minds, may be attended only with a desire to reprove or chide the offender.” (King James Dictionary)

“Blessed are the Merciful” (Matthew 5:7)

March 24, 2021/in Christian Living and Doctrines, Sermon /by Hiwot M

The Sermon on the Mount of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, specifically His Beatitudes evokes about blessing, revealed through the beatitude on as to how to be blessed. “To be blessed” means “being in an enviable state of those who are in God’s heavenly Kingdom.” Focusing on a particular Beatitude which is “Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy,” it is important to understand, we shall be merciful for God shall have mercy on us. (Matthew 5:7)

“Away with you, Satan!” (Matthew 4:10)

March 23, 2021/in Christian Living and Doctrines, Sermon /by Hiwot M

Counterfeit preaching and lies about the existence of evil and the devil as well as his existence in this world confuse people hindering them to reach the truth. However, through learning the words of God, it is probable to understand the truth. One of the best gospel passages for us to learn about the devil, evil and temptation is the reading in Matthew’s Gospel about the Temptation of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (Matthew 4:1-11)