The Celtic-Hebrew Confession
"Mission and Rule of Life"
Compiled by Abbot Bishop +David Michael, OC, MEd, MS, DD, ThD  
Abbot General, Order of the Culdee
Original: December 1995, Revised: June, 2010
 
Mission Ordination Governance Liturgy
Rule of Life Doctrines One Church Books of Record
Bishops and Abbots Lead a Community of Twelve on a Mission
And he [Jesus] goeth up into a mountain, and called unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach. And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. (Mark 3:13-15)

Red Martyrdom (Vow of Obedience)
"See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Mt. 10:16-20)

Green Martyrdom (Vow of Poverty)
He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." (Mark 6:8-12)
"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whether it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)

White Martyrdom (Vow of Chastity)
"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous." (Mt.10:37-41)
 
One Ministry, many Ministers
Behold, I [Jesus] send you prophets, and wise men, and scribes. (Matt 23:34)
And he [Jesus] gave some Apostles; and some, Prophets; and some, Evangelists; and some Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a perfect man, into the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God that worketh all in all. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another decerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. (I Cor 12:4,6,8-10)

Now there were in the Church that was at Antioch certain Prophets and Teachers... As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabus and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:1-3)

The Holy Scriptures as Final Authority
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people." (1 John 1:1-4)

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." (Lk. 21-33-36)

From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation though faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Tim 3:15-17)

The Confession of Faith
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; That which we have seen and heard declare unto you, that ye may also have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (I John 1:1-3)

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (I Tim 3:16)

The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith that we preach; That if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:8-10)

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God, every spirit the confesseth that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh is of God: And every spirit the confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of the antichrist. (I John 4:2-3)

The Council of Ministers and the Annual Gathering of the Orders
And the apostles and elders came together to consider of this [gentile convert] matter. And when there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them... [shared his testimony supporting acceptance of gentile converts]. Then all the multitude kept silence and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul... [they gave testimony supporting acceptance of gentile converts]. And after that they held their peace, James answered, saying... [his decision in support of accepting gentile converts/churches]. Then pleased it the apostles, and elders, with the whole church, to send men of their own company to Antioch...with letters... (Acts 15:6-22)

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two or three shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matt 18:18-20)

Discipline within the Order
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." (Mt. 16:24-25)

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Heb 13:17)

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those that labor in word and doctrine. (I Tim 5:17)

Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church [Order]: but if he neglect to hear the church [Order], let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. (Matt 18:15-17)
 
Gathering for Worship
And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the Apostles. (Acts 2:42-43).

And they continuing daily with one accord in the Temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:46-47
Giving (for Missions)
  • Giving [for Missions]
  • Apostles Doctrine
  • Fellowship
  • Breaking of Bread
  • Prayers
  • Fear [holy reverence]
  • Miracles

How is it then, brethren when ye come together, every one of you have a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. (I Cor 14:26)

Rule of Life
Missions
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; (Luke 4:18)
And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 15:16)
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15)

Work (in a Common Fellowship)
All that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold [historic context is leased] their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (Acts 2:44-45)
The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things they possessed was his own; but they had all thing in common. And with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that had lacked: For as many as were possessors of lands or houses, sold [leased] them and brought the prices of the things that were sold [leased], And laid them at the Apostles feet: and distribution was made to every man according to as he had need. (Acts 4:32-35)

But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his own heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. (II Cor 9:6-8)

Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you. That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that you may have lack of nothing. (I Thess 4:11-12)

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, for it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide that he hath built upon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (I Cor 3:13-15)

Prayer (Contemplative, Intercessory and Fasting)
Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (I Thessalonians 5:17-21)

And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him [Jesus] privately, Why could not we cast him [a demon] out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. (Mark 9:28-29)

Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. (Psalm 55:17)

Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. (Acts 3:1)

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. (Daniel 6:10)
 
Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, "What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? (Matthew 26:40)

Study
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15

These [Berians] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11)

The Sacraments

 Eucharist:
We have an Altar, whereof they have no right to eat that serve the Tabernacle. (Heb 13:10)

"Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." (John 6:54-58)

Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."

The Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread; And when he had given thanks, he break it and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. (I Corinthians 11:23-25)

·  Baptism:

Know ye not that so many of you were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)

Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe whatsoever I [Jesus] have commanded you ; and lo, I, am with you always, even unto the end of the world. (Matt 28:19-20)

Sabboth Days and Traditions
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of this world, and not after Christ. (Col 2:8)

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances, (touch not; taste not; handle not; which are all to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and the neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh. (Col2:20-23)

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ. (Col 2:16-17)

Angels
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. (Col 2:18)

Wherefore seeing we are compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. (Heb 12:1)

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Heb 13:2)

Unity of the Catholic Faith
I therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forebearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. (Ephesians 4:1-6)

I [Paul] have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth is anything, neither he that watereth; but God gave the increase. Now that he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his labor. (I Cor 3:1-8)

Forbid him not [to use Jesus' name]: for there is no man that shall do a miracle in my name that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part [for us]. (Mark 9:39-40)

Books of Rememberence
Wherefore I will not negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. (2 peter 1:12)

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain all the books that should be written. (John 21:25) 

I ______________________________ agree to the above Culdee Confession of the Hebrew-Christian as founded in Scripture and adopted as orthodox and catholic by the historic Celtic-Hebrew Abbeys as sufficient for faith, fellowship and doctrine. In addition, I agree to hear and put into action all scriptural and spiritual counsel of Abbot-Bishops and other ministers of the Order of the Culdee and of the Church Universal in my Christian journey with Jesus the Messiah.  

Amen.

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