Aroma of Christ

Golden censer with smoke near religious icon.

It might be tempting to think that salvation vs condemnation is a matter of action. If we sin, we are condemned. If we do not sin, we are saved. What if our condemnation was a matter of how we feel in Christ’s presence? What if our salvation isn’t because we were perfect? It is easy…

Read More

Episode 453 – From Sinner to Saint

People along with the priest worshiping in the church

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the Chief-Apostles, we are reminded there is a place for everyone in the Kingdom of Heaven. Saint Peter denied even knowing Christ, and Saint Paul went around killing Christians. Both were called by God and repented to become great saints of the Church. It won’t matter what we…

Read More

Not Your Call

People standing in line at a door.

It’s hard for everyone. We see behavior we don’t agree with, and we are tempted to judge someone. We think because we don’t ‘do what they do’ that somehow makes us the judge. Well, I have news for you. It’s not your call. It’s God’s. Brethren, it is not as though the word of God…

Read More

Some People Just Hate God

Person screaming in frustration, pulling hair.

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…

Read More

Christ is in Our Midst

Checkbox with "Found" selected, "Lost" unchecked.

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…

Read More

The Return Home

Chalkboard with "welcome home" message.

Today is the Feast of Ascension, the day on which Jesus Christ returned physically to His Throne in Heaven. It has been forty days since we celebrated His Resurrection but today is no less important than Pascha. Today is the day on which we celebrate our return home to God. As we state in the…

Read More

Bold Truth is Hard Truth

Signs pointing to lies and truth.

Truth is not relative. Truth does not change. There is no such thing as ‘your truth’ and ‘my truth’ ever. We either accept the truth or we do not. How we hear the truth is what matters for our salvation. If we hear the truth with joy, we rejoice. If not, we turn away from…

Read More