Sin 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,…

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Some 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…

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Works 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…

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Are 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…

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The 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…

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Some things are newer than others

History written On A Paper With Teared Brown Sheet Upon It

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…

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No 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…

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Christ 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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