Free Books
Commandments of Jesus, Early Christian Writings & more...
The Commandments Of Jesus
Michael Ray Garvin
How do we know if we are truly following Jesus? 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 1 John 2:3-5 KJV. How do we abide in His love and have joy? 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:9-11 KJV. This handbook lists the commands of our Lord Jesus. We should obey the commands of Jesus because we want to, not just because we have to. If we love the Lord God with ALL of our heart, soul, and mind, we will have a desire to want to obey everything He commands (Matthew 28:20). It is about our heart motive towards the Lord. #CommandsofJesus
Shepherd of Hermas
April 17, 2023
The Shepherd of Hermas is a document attributed to Hermas, a Roman freedperson, who flourished during the first half of the 2nd century CE. Hermas as author as well as authorship by one or more writers have been topics of debate. The Muratorian Canon (44) states the Shepherd was written when Hermas’s brother, Pius (traditionally dated c. 140—c. 154 CE), was the bishop of Rome. The writing identifies a Clement who has the responsibility of sending writings on behalf of a Roman church to believers in other cities (Vis. 2.4.3), a reference many regard as a direct allusion to the author of the 1st-century letter, 1 Clement. From the writing we learn that Hermas is the former slave of his master, Rhoda (Vis. 1.1.1), and that he has suffered some setbacks in his business ventures due in part to the sins of his family (Vis. 1.3.1–2; 2.3.1–2). The shepherd of the title refers to an angelic figure, “the angel of repentance,” who appears part way through the work to reveal divine teachings. The 15th-century Codex Athous presents it in three parts: five “visions,” twelve “commandments,” and ten “parables.” These are not strict demarcations, however: the fifth vision is an introduction to the commandments that follow and several of the parables are expansions of the content of the visions. The writing centers largely on ethical teachings and instruction concerning communal values. These focus on the need of Roman Christ followers to renew and increase their commitment to religious ideals, especially to an ecclesial identity that will distinguish it from the society around it. Hermas learns from his heavenly messengers that because believers have sinned following their baptism God is offering them an opportunity before a coming judgment for a “second repentance.” In some parts of the early church the Shepherd was treated as canonical: the Greek Codex Sinaiticus (4th century) and the Greek-Latin Codex Claromantanus (6th century) include it as part of the New Testament; Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria quote it as Scripture. The Shepherdwas one of the most widely read writings in the early church; numerous authors (for example, Tertullian, Origen, Augustine, Jerome, Athanasius, to name only a few) cited it even if they did not regard it as canonical. Its popularity is also attested by numerous depictions of scenes in Christian iconography.
Second Book of Hermas
March 21, 2023
*The audio book start at 53:03 minutes, seconds. The Shepherd of Hermas is a document attributed to Hermas, a Roman freedperson, who flourished during the first half of the 2nd century CE. Hermas as author as well as authorship by one or more writers have been topics of debate. The Muratorian Canon (44) states the Shepherd was written when Hermas’s brother, Pius (traditionally dated c. 140—c. 154 CE), was the bishop of Rome. The writing identifies a Clement who has the responsibility of sending writings on behalf of a Roman church to believers in other cities (Vis. 2.4.3), a reference many regard as a direct allusion to the author of the 1st-century letter, 1 Clement. From the writing we learn that Hermas is the former slave of his master, Rhoda (Vis. 1.1.1), and that he has suffered some setbacks in his business ventures due in part to the sins of his family (Vis. 1.3.1–2; 2.3.1–2). The shepherd of the title refers to an angelic figure, “the angel of repentance,” who appears part way through the work to reveal divine teachings. The 15th-century Codex Athous presents it in three parts: five “visions,” twelve “commandments,” and ten “parables.” These are not strict demarcations, however: the fifth vision is an introduction to the commandments that follow and several of the parables are expansions of the content of the visions. The writing centers largely on ethical teachings and instruction concerning communal values. These focus on the need of Roman Christ followers to renew and increase their commitment to religious ideals, especially to an ecclesial identity that will distinguish it from the society around it. Hermas learns from his heavenly messengers that because believers have sinned following their baptism God is offering them an opportunity before a coming judgment for a “second repentance.” In some parts of the early church the Shepherd was treated as canonical: the Greek Codex Sinaiticus (4th century) and the Greek-Latin Codex Claromantanus (6th century) include it as part of the New Testament; Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria quote it as Scripture. The Shepherdwas one of the most widely read writings in the early church; numerous authors (for example, Tertullian, Origen, Augustine, Jerome, Athanasius, to name only a few) cited it even if they did not regard it as canonical. Its popularity is also attested by numerous depictions of scenes in Christian iconography.
Third Book of Hermas
March 29, 2023
*Audio Book Start at 1:52:14 hours, minutes,seconds for the 3rd book. The Shepherd of Hermas is a document attributed to Hermas, a Roman freedperson, who flourished during the first half of the 2nd century CE. Hermas as author as well as authorship by one or more writers have been topics of debate. The Muratorian Canon (44) states the Shepherd was written when Hermas’s brother, Pius (traditionally dated c. 140—c. 154 CE), was the bishop of Rome. The writing identifies a Clement who has the responsibility of sending writings on behalf of a Roman church to believers in other cities (Vis. 2.4.3), a reference many regard as a direct allusion to the author of the 1st-century letter, 1 Clement. From the writing we learn that Hermas is the former slave of his master, Rhoda (Vis. 1.1.1), and that he has suffered some setbacks in his business ventures due in part to the sins of his family (Vis. 1.3.1–2; 2.3.1–2). The shepherd of the title refers to an angelic figure, “the angel of repentance,” who appears part way through the work to reveal divine teachings. The 15th-century Codex Athous presents it in three parts: five “visions,” twelve “commandments,” and ten “parables.” These are not strict demarcations, however: the fifth vision is an introduction to the commandments that follow and several of the parables are expansions of the content of the visions. The writing centers largely on ethical teachings and instruction concerning communal values. These focus on the need of Roman Christ followers to renew and increase their commitment to religious ideals, especially to an ecclesial identity that will distinguish it from the society around it. Hermas learns from his heavenly messengers that because believers have sinned following their baptism God is offering them an opportunity before a coming judgment for a “second repentance.” In some parts of the early church the Shepherd was treated as canonical: the Greek Codex Sinaiticus (4th century) and the Greek-Latin Codex Claromantanus (6th century) include it as part of the New Testament; Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria quote it as Scripture. The Shepherdwas one of the most widely read writings in the early church; numerous authors (for example, Tertullian, Origen, Augustine, Jerome, Athanasius, to name only a few) cited it even if they did not regard it as canonical. Its popularity is also attested by numerous depictions of scenes in Christian iconography.
The Didache
The Didache (did-a-key), Διδαχή, or The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is an early Christian text that most scholars date to the first or early second century. The Didache was highly regarded by many early Christian authors and theologians. Athanasius of Alexandria (†373) recommended it to converts, and it had a great influence on the Apostolic Constitu- tions (375). Before the New Testament canon was formally settled in 692, a number of Biblical canons included the Didache; John of Damascus (†749) was also a noted supporter. The text disappeared and was lost for centuries, until it was rediscovered in 1873 by Philotheos Bry- ennios, Metropolitan of Nicomedia. Today it is usually included among the second-generation Christian writings known as the Apostolic Fathers.
The Epistle of Barnabas
August 19, 2023
***This is NOT the Gospel of Barnabas! [Barnabas was a companion and fellow-preacher with Paul. This Epistle lays a greater claim to canonical authority than most others. It has been cited by Clemens Alexandrinus, Origen, Eusebius, and Jerome, and many ancient Fathers. Cotelerius affirms that Origen and Jerome esteemed it genuine and canonical; but Cotelerius himself did not believe it to be either one or the other; on the contrary, he supposes it was written for the benefit of the Ebionites (the christianized Jews,) who were tenacious of rites and ceremonies. Bishop Fell feared to own expressly what he seemed to be persuaded of, that it ought to be treated with the same respect as several of the books of the present canon. Dr. Bernard, Savilian professor at Oxford, not only believed it to be genuine, but that it was read throughout, in the churches at Alexandria, as the canonical scriptures were. Dodwell supposed it to have been published before the Epistle of Jude, and the writings of both the Johns. Vossius, Dupuis, Dr. Cane, Dr. Mill, Dr. S. Clark, Whiston, and Archbishop Wake also esteemed it genuine: Menardus, Archbishop Laud, Spanheim, and others, deemed it apocryphal.]
Playmakers In The Faith
Michael Ray Garvin
This handbook will help believers in Jesus become true followers of Jesus. Many Christians get discouraged with reading the Bible because they have no idea where to start. This handbook will give believers the basic fundamentals in the faith to help them grow. In football, we call our leaders “Coach” (instructor, teacher). We obey what they say because they are instructing us to play better. In the faith, we call Jesus Lord (ruler, master, owner). Shouldn’t we obey what Jesus says since we call Him Lord? (Luke 6:46). "19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:19-20 KJV. Jesus commanded His 11 disciples to teach ALL Nations to obey everything He commanded them. In the Body of Christ, we should be teaching exactly what Jesus said to teach. Teach believers to obey ALL of the commands that He gave the disciples. This handbook lists the commands of our Lord Jesus. We should obey the commands of Jesus because we want to, not because we have to. If we love the Lord God with ALL of our heart, soul, and mind, we will have a desire to want to obey everything He commands. It is about our heart motive towards the Lord. In order to make plays in the faith we must know how our Owner (God) runs the team. We need to always get the play calls from The Head Coach (Jesus) before we run any plays. When we are on the field, we have our Helper (Holy Spirit) to help us make plays. Read, Study, Meditate, & Practice the Playbook (Word of God) Everyday!
Playmakers In The Faith
Michael Ray Garvin
Volume 2 of Playmakers In The Faith, will help believers live a life that is pleasing to the Lord Jesus. Our conduct and behavior is important to the Lord. The Holy Spirit helps guide us to live holy. The transformation power of the Word and the Holy Spirit will help lead others to repentance and faith in Jesus. "6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." 1 John 2:6 KJV
Playmakers In The Faith
Michael Ray Garvin
Playmakers In The Faith Vol.3 Defend The Faith. Apologetics is constituting a formal defense or justification of a doctrine (Oxford Dictionary of English). This handbook will give Christians credible information, to effectively defend the faith. There are many who do not believe in God but believe in science. Since our God created the world and the universe, science only exists because of our God. There is scientific evidence in the Bible to help prove to non-believers that God does exist. “9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Titus 1:9 KJV
Playmakers In The Faith
Michael Ray Garvin
Playmakers In The Faith Volume 4 Persevere & Finish. This is the final book to the Playmakers In the Faith series. When it comes to the last part of the marathon, it becomes the hardest and sometimes the most difficult. We must finish the race. We must be faithful unto death. The only thing that will matter in the end, is if we made it into the Celestial (Heavenly) City. Is your name written in the Book Of Life? Did you make it through the Gates? "10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10 KJV.