Archive for September 2024
Two Faced Christians
For years I have witnessed with frustration Christians welcome visitors, even invite visitors, only to reject visitors who may want to join the Church. Its one thing to visit. Its another thing to join. So long as visitors keep a safe distance, we’re happy to welcome them. Just keep a distance. Brethren, when Peter came…
Read MoreBecome a True Theologian
Among the various Orthodox website and media channels, many present themselves as theologians. Quoting the Fathers and Holy Canons of the Church out of context, these ‘OrthoBros’ as they are sometimes known, are a long way from being theologians. Today is the Feast of the Falling Asleep of Saint John the Evangelist and Theologian. His…
Read MoreDon’t Twist the Saints
The devil will never stop trying to trick us away from God’s path. He fooled Eve using her ego to taste the fruit, and she died along with Adam. He fooled Judas using his ego to betray Christ, and he died. At every turn the devil uses our ego against us, always to fool us…
Read MoreA Confusing Lectionary
If you are in the habit of reading the Holy Scriptures everyday using ‘The Readings of the Day’ you may have been a bit confused today. You may be wondering ‘which’ reading for today is the correct reading. You may be wondering how the Church chooses the readings it chooses. As Orthodox Christians, reading the…
Read MoreWhen People of Faith Doubt
When it comes to faith some believe that doubt is a sin. Some believe that it is not possible for someone who knows God and believes Him can doubt His power. Everyone doubts, if even a little, but that doesn’t mean doubt is a sin. Even people of faith doubt. At that time, in the…
Read MoreWhen Will We Learn?
There is a reason the saying, “hindsight is twenty-twenty” is so popular. It is true. Looking in the rearview mirror is always a reminder that we should have known better. As Bugs Bunny’s used to say, “I knew I should have taken that left turn at Albuquerque.” We do know better. The Lord said to…
Read MoreExcel in Love
We often wonder what genuine love is, how we show it, or how we feel it. We say it all the time. “I love you.” Just because we say it doesn’t mean it is genuine. Most of the time the love we express and the love we feel is not genuine, but worldly and shallow.…
Read MoreProper Grief
We all experience grief. It may be a loved one’s death. We may grieve the loss of a job. Grief occurs when we lose something or someone dear to us. When we face the prospect of losing ourselves, our grief can be overwhelming. Brethren, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit,…
Read MoreDon’t Give Victory to Darkness
Political debates. Race riots. Homeless camps. Rampant gangs. Drug overdoses. Out of control abortion clinics. These are just a few examples of the darkness of our world. Around every corner lurks darkness waiting to pounce and swallow up your joy and peace. At that time, the Pharisees took counsel against Jesus and said to one…
Read MoreLive for God
There is a great book that has made it way through the Church from the business world. In his book “Start with Why” Simon Sinek leads the reader to a higher business success by focusing on ‘the why’ of the business. The focus on ‘why’ is just as effective for our spiritual life. Brethren, Christ…
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