Sermon – Page 6 – Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church Sunday School Department

The House of Mercy

In Jerusalem where the Lord was born, near the temple, there was a baptism sacred place for all the aliments to be cured known as in Hebrew “Bethsaida” to mean the “The House of Mercy.” This holy place had five porticoes and steps for the aliment to enter the pool and be baptized. On the first Sabbath Day, the Angel of God came down from the heavens and stirred up the water, and the first to enter was cured. Many were healed witnessing this miracle of God and work of salvation in faith and hope of His mercy.

At one of the porticoes in Bethsaida, there was an impotent man, embedded for 38 years. On that era, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ visited that house of mercy and saw the impotent man lying in bed. He knew he was paralytic for many years but still asked saying, “Will you be made whole?” The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another step down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath.” (John 5:7-9)

The Impotent Man

There was once an impotent man during the apostasy age, embedded for 38 years at Bethsaida pool, in Jerusalem nearby the temple. His luck was so unfortunate that disabled him to enter the pool for cure whilst the Angel of God stirred it up once a while. (John 5:4)

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ saw the impotent lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Lord Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Immediately the man was made well, took up his bed and walked… (John 5:6-9)

Synagogue

“I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath. Now when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue.” (Matthew 12:7-9)

The Attributes of God

Dear Children of God! how are you? How have you been during this season of fasting? We hope you are holding strong and well, diligently fasting throughout this Great Fast also known as “The Great Lent” that our Lord and Savor Jesus Christ fasted for forty days. Children, you shall know as well, all above the age of seven must fast the seven chronological fasts which we have thought you previously.

Children! it is also necessary to go to Church and attend the Divine Liturgy with your parents on Sabbath (the last two days of the week which are locally known as “Kedamea and Ehud”) and take part of The Eucharist/Holy Communion/ (eat the Holy Flesh and Holy Blood of the Holy Son: Lord and Savior Jesus Christ). Good!

Dear Children of God! you remember our last lesson on “The Existence of God” right? Good! Now, we will see its consequent (following) lesson about “The Attributes/Characters/of God, so be with us!

“What comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28)

Beloveds, the sons and daughters of God, Saint Mary’s families, praise to God for His kindness to teach us His Holy words. Amen!

“What comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:28) This is the message of the great Apostle Saint Paul.

Holy: The Second Week of The Great Lent

The Divine Attributes of God are all holy and thus He told us, His creatures, “Be holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) This is His Own Divine Wealth but not given to Him by any. Holy Scriptures have become witness for this. As He is holy in His attribute, He is praised like, “Holy Holy Holy.” (Joshua 6:1, 3, 40:25, Revelation 15:4, 1 Samuel 2:2-3).

The Consequences of “What if”!

Many are harmed by the concept of “What if” and doing something that is forbidden and condemned by God. For instance, some say “what if I do not fast,” defying the order of fasting and refuse to abstain from food and beverages consumption. There are others as well who decline to be blessed by the Holy Cross saying “what if I do not kiss the Cross.” The numbers of people who do not attend Church saying “what if I do no go to Church” are not few. Those miss out all of the prayers, praising, sanctification, and attendance of Divine Liturgy in Partaking the Eucharist (eating the Holy Flesh and drinking of The Holy Son) for soul salvation and eternal life.

The Great Lent

The fast that Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fasted is known to be “The Great Lent.” The salvation done for all human beings is through His marvelous wisdom. The Lord’s Covenant vowed for His First Mankind and his heir has been made through The Holy Son becoming man and wearing flesh of humans.

The Existence of God

Dear Children of God, how are you? How is life at home and your education at school? Are you doing well in your education and helping your parents by obeying and faithfully living by the Law of God? Good! Hope you have become good and obedient.

Children, the main reason we teach you about religion and the commandments of God, is for you to live through the rule and spiritual life to inherit God’s Kingdom. For this reason, we advise you to learn in church and also our lessons to know the word of God which are guide to our spiritual life. If you remember, we have presented it to you about our Holy Orthodox Incantation (Tewahedo) Religion consequently for the last two weeks. Our current lesson is also about the part of religion, which is “The Existence of God.”

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord” (Proverb 21:31)

Men have encountered battle from the age of Torah. Israelis began war onwards the reign of Prophet Moses by the order of God. (Numbers 21, 31, 32) Battle amongst ancient people have not only ensued amongst Israelis and their enemies which we find in scripted in the Holy Bible, but also between the nations of world countries. On all the battle filed though, the triumph is God’s for He becomes the power of righteous. (1 Samuel 4:2, 18:17, 19:8, 25:28, 2 Samuel 3:1, 3:6)