INTERNATIONAL COMMUNION OF THE CHARISMATIC EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN EUROPE

Lesson from the Bishop’s Sunday Mass Homily on 01 September 2024

Scriptural Texts:
OT: Deuteronomy 4:1-9
NT: James 1:13-18
Gospel: Mark 7: 14-23

This lesson explores the universal struggle between good and evil, which is addressed differently by various religions. It emphasizes that the church serves as the voice of God, calling humanity to redemption, particularly in a world tainted by evil. Religious traditions such as Gnosticism, Judaism, and Christianity each offer their explanations of evil.

Gnosticism views evil as part of the physical world and offers secret knowledge as salvation.

Judaism sees evil as the result of departing from God’s commandments.

Christianity teaches that the problem of evil is solved through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

A central theme in both Judaism and Christianity is the concept of holiness and the question of how sinners, corrupted by evil, can come into contact with a holy God. In Judaism, uncleanness represents corruption, while in Christianity, Jesus teaches that the root of all evil lies within the heart. Both traditions emphasize the heart as the moral and spiritual center, capable of producing good or evil depending on its state.

The Gospel teaches that the true defilement comes from the inner corruption of the heart, not external factors. The solution to evil, according to Christian belief, is the transformation of the heart through God’s grace. When the heart is cleansed and renewed, individuals can enter into communion with a holy God. This transformation leads to godly living and fellowship with God, providing a path from sin to salvation.

By recognizing the root of evil within the heart and seeking divine transformation, humanity can be restored to holiness and connection with God.

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Review Questions:

1. What role does the church play in addressing evil in the world?
2. How does Gnosticism explain the origin of evil?
3. According to Judaism, what is the source of evil?
4. How does Christianity propose the problem of evil is solved?
5. What is the key issue regarding holiness in both Judaism and Christianity?
6. How did Jesus describe the root of all evil?
7. What metaphor did Jesus use to explain the nature of good and evil?
8. How is the heart depicted in both Christianity and Judaism?
9. What is necessary for a person to communicate with a holy God, according to
   the article?
10. What is the ultimate goal of the journey from sin to salvation in Christian
    belief?