Episode 435 – God’s Grace is for All People

People along with the priest worshiping in the church

When God’s blessings come, we don’t always understand them for what they are. In the Parable of the Sower found in Luke 8.5-15 we learn that God’s sends out His Son for all people, but not everyone is able to understand God’s grace fully. In every situation, good and bad, God’s grace is for everyone.…

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All Things Under His Feet

For many years I have struggled with the idea that God is ‘in control’ as if He was playing some sort of game with humanity. “God did…God placed…God chose…” These are expressions of power, not love. God is in control, but He doesn’t play chess. God’s control is based on love. Brethren, God has put…

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What if it was God the Whole Time?

I am not afraid of truth. Science doesn’t scare me. It doesn’t shake my faith. It doesn’t matter what someone tells me, I believe God, Father-Son-Holy Spirit, is the Creator of the Universe. The only difference between my belief and countless other ‘creator stories’ is God. In those days, while Paul was waiting for them…

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Stubbornness Leads to Death

Our host parish in Tarpon Springs is still in a state of emergency from Hurricane Helene. Thankfully our town was spared the ‘worst’ of the storm, but we still learned a lesson. Refusing to evacuate causes more damage than property. People die from storms when they remain. The Lord said, “Why do you call me…

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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…

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Become a True Theologian

Pharisee Christian

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…

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Don’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…

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A 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…

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When 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…

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