Posts Tagged ‘Church’
We 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…
Read MoreTwo 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 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 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 MoreDon’t Bury Your Head in the Sand
It is a common response to stress. We avoid stressful situations. We hide from conflict in relationships. We even deny a problem when things aren’t heading in the right direction. We do this thinking things will change if only we can wait it out. We’re wrong. The Lord said to the Jews who had come…
Read MoreIs Repentance Even Possible?
The Church is always talking about repentance. We are called by Christ to “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3.2) But we have grown cynical about life. Around every corner we find people who claim to repent, only to be fooled. Is it even possible to repent? True repentance isn’t action.…
Read MoreOrder Instead of Chaos
Some people believe Orthodox Christianity is too complicated. There are so many rules and regulations. Everything from what and when we can eat to how and when we should enter the Church. There are so many rules to ‘figure’ out that most stop trying or try to change the rules. Brethren, when you come together,…
Read MoreEdify the Church
In every aspect of our life, we have an established goal. Even when that goal is to retreat for some peace and quiet, we always have a purpose in our choices and actions. When we work, when we play, even when we socialize, we always have a purpose. So, what is your purpose when you…
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