Faithful or Zealous?

Silhouette with "FAITH" at sunrise background.

The modern Orthodox experience in America is complex with both longstanding members born into the Church coexisting with pious converts who have chosen Orthodoxy as their religion. Neither is more important than the other since both are members of the Body of Christ. Yet there appears to be a battle for the ‘soul’ of the…

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Christian Generosity

Hands exchanging a gift box with ribbon.

We live in a society that rewards generosity. Donors receive marble plaques, street names, and publicity. Even buildings are named for donors, often as incentive for wealthy people to give. As Christians our generosity is something different. Christian generosity expects nothing in return. When was the last time you gave anything without getting anything in…

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How Much More Proof Do You Need?

Scrabble tiles spelling 'EVIDENCE' on a wooden table with a magnifying glass.

In science, a single outcome does not prove a formula is true. There must be consistent findings before science accepts a theory as ‘proven’. The same is true for just about anything else that is presented to us, even our belief in God. God is not a theory. What are you waiting for? At that…

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Thankful for Your Cross

Wooden cross floating on calm blue water.

As we continue our focus on the Cross of Christ this week, it is important to also focus on our cross. While Christ picked up His Cross for us, we also must take up our cross for Him and for our salvation. The Cross, His and ours, brings life for those who believe. Brethren, now…

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Thanks for What?

Chalkboard with autumn leaves, "I'm Thankful for...

We are told as Christians to be thankful. Even the act of communing with God is called Divine Thanksgiving, or Holy Eucharist. We know that God has come to save us, but our lives on earth are filled with temptations and struggles. What exactly are we supposed to be thankful for? Brethren, whatever you do,…

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Choose a Team

Cheerful group celebrating with confetti indoors.

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…

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Fancy Words

Large crowd gathered in a spacious auditorium.

As a college student during the first Gulf War in 1990 I recall all my friends and I being ‘glued’ to the TV watching CNN reporting nonstop from across the globe. Every time we had the chance, we would watch the reports and speeches about the war. I remember that we had to watch the…

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Speak with a Little Salt

Salt spilled from burlap sack and scoop.

I like to cook, so I find myself watching a lot of cooking shows. I used to use cookbooks, but now after so many years I have learned how different spices work together to bring a delicious flavor to food. I have never used or seen a recipe that does not include salt. Even baking…

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Share What You Know

Candles lighting

It is an unfortunate saying about the Church. People call the Church, “The Best Kept Secret in America!” I say unfortunate, because keeping the Church a secret is sin, plain a simple. Christ wants us to allow our light to shine. He even sends us out to all nations to baptize them. Still, people keep…

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