Letter of the Apostles

Friday, March 09, 2012

Letter of the Apostles

Dear Friends,

Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers. This is the letter delivered by them: “The apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings. Since we have heard that some of our number (who went out) without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind, we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth: ‘It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.'” And so they were sent on their journey. Upon their arrival in Antioch they called the assembly together and delivered the letter. When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation. Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted and strengthened the brothers with many words. After they had spent some time there, they were sent off with greetings of peace from the brothers to those who had commissioned them. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming with many others the word of the Lord.

Yesterday we had the warmest day yet. It was 10 degrees Celsius and about half of the snow is gone. There was water everywhere with the melting snow. Spring will soon be here.

(Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words.)

“I bless you, My brother Melvin, and all My brothers and sisters living in every country of the world. It is wonderful to receive a letter from the heads of the Church announcing a special decision in the name of the Church. The people of Antioch and others were very pleased to receive the letter from the Apostles and the Presbyters concerning the decision taken with the question of circumcision. It was decided that the non-Jews do not need to be circumcised and to follow the rules of the Mosaic law. They only had to follow what I had told them. It should be the same for you too. When the Church decides a point of dispute such as the liturgy and a letter is written to let everyone know the changes, all should accept it in faith and know that is what I want. It is the same when it comes to the question of abortion. The Church has spoken in My name and all are to follow the true way. Remember, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. I bless you all and I want you to open your hearts to Me.”

Father Melvin