Posts Tagged ‘Church’
Selective Strictness
It is a known characteristic of Orthodox Christianity that we live with a certain strictness. Our way of life since the first days of the Church has been shaped by faithful leaders guiding faithful followers to a life in communion with Christ. Strictness has always been a part of that life. That sense of strictness…
Read MoreYou Cannot Sneak into Heaven
As Christians we admit there is just one way into heaven. We can only ‘get into’ heaven through Jesus Christ. That is one reason I often speak about the importance of the truth of Who Christ is. There is another truth to accept. Since Jesus is the only way in, no other way will work.…
Read MoreThe Importance of BEING Orthodox
Whether you agree with recent statistics or not, you cannot deny the plentitude of groups calling themselves Christians. One recent statistic counts Christian denominations at more than 43,000 separate governing bodies of ‘churches’, all claiming to the be the ‘true’ Church of Christ. Brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling…
Read MoreThe Yoke of Christ
We all know how difficult it can be to follow Christ. Throughout Christian history many have tried and failed, only to return to their sinful past. Many more have succeeded despite the struggle of choosing Christ over the worldly agenda. How can Christ even claim His ‘yoke’ is easy? The Lord said to his disciples,…
Read MoreChoose a Team
When we are young, we cringe at the idea of ‘choosing teams’ in gym class. The ‘time tested’ method of choosing who you wanted to compete with brought stress both to the captain and to those remaining unchosen. Choose incorrectly and you lose. Brethren, you who were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your…
Read MoreThere is One Path
As human beings we are determined to make our own way in life. We leave our home as young adults to forge a path free from the expectations and limits of our parents. We attach ourselves to others along the way but only if they share our goals. Our path is our path. Theirs is…
Read MoreBe Blameless When Society Is Wicked
Sometimes we like to think is was ‘easier’ to be a Christian in the past. We read the stories about Church growth and mass baptisms. We then think of today. We can’t imagine the same stories taking place today. It is so much harder to be Christian today than ‘back then.’ Brethren, as you have…
Read MoreWe Long for Each Other
Throughout human history we have lived in groups and families. This is by design from God. “It is not good that man should be alone.” (Genesis 2.18) God wasn’t talking about super bowl parties. He wants us to help each other find God. We are meant for Communion. Brethren, God is my witness, how I…
Read MoreThe Household of God
Our host parish in Tarpon Springs was in the throngs of a doubleheader hurricane in the past three weeks. At one point I was forced to evacuate my home with my family for a safer place to ‘ride out the storm’ before returning home. Leaving, wondering if you will return is emotional. Returning home is…
Read MoreStubbornness 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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