Archive for June 2025
It’s Not You; It’s Me
Made popular by a famous TV character, this saying has deep truth. It isn’t about breaking up or cancelling a date. What makes this saying true is the relationship between me and the Church. We like to blame the Church for being too strict and chasing me away, but that isn’t true. Brethren, I am…
Read MoreEpisode 452 – The Peace of God is for Everyone
When Christ called His first disciples to join Him on His mission, they immediately changed their focus toward God. Immediately they made their entire life about serving God and sharing His Gospel with the world. With the constant reality of violence and war in the world, it is an opportunity for us to live as…
Read MoreSin and Grace
One thing we can all agree on is that we all sin. Although we don’t like to admit, at least publicly, we all know just how unbearable temptation can be, because we all fall. We all fall every day, and still Jesus forgave us and forgives us. Still, He saves us, despite our sin. Brethren,…
Read MoreSome People Just Hate God
It is harsh to hear. It is even more harsh to say, but it is true. No matter what we say or do; no matter what God says or does, some people just hate Him. Some people just refuse to listen to His love and grace. Some people are just too much into themselves to…
Read MoreWorks of Faith
The relationship between works and faith isn’t a new argument in the Church. We all know that being a Christian requires some sort of effort in life. I have never met a Christian who believes we merely ‘sit back and believe’ without some required impact on our daily lives. Brethren, to one who works, his…
Read MoreAre You Prefect Yet?
I hear it all the time. Quite frankly, it bothers me. “I’m not perfect!” These are the words of someone not even trying to live a life without sin. These are the words of someone who has given up the fight. The Lord said, “Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse…
Read MoreThe Pain of Violence
Last night the world was witness to yet another example of political violence. This is something the world has known for centuries, millennia even. Since the first murder of Abel by his brother, humanity has known the unfortunate reality of violence. When Jesus came to bring us a better example of peace and love He…
Read MoreSome things are newer than others
It is common to refer to the Orthodox Church as the “Church that never changes.” While it is true our dogmas about God never change, there are some things in our way of life that change. Some traditions are from the Apostles. Some traditions are newer but no less valid. Today is the commemoration of…
Read MoreNo Shame in Good News
Shame can be a powerful force. It can be good, and lead to repentance. It can be bad and lead to death. In a society that praises greed, power, self-reliance, and all sorts of immorality, shame can also be used by the devil to keep us away from God. Saint Paul thought otherwise. Paul, a…
Read MoreChrist is in Our Midst
The traditional greeting among Orthodox Christians is much more than a greeting. To be able to say, “Christ is in our midst,” is only possible because the Holy Spirit has revealed the truth of God to us. We cannot see Christ among us, but through the Holy Spirit we know He is here. The Lord…
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