Posts Tagged ‘repentance’
Do Not Judge Yet
We’ve all heard it. We’ve probably all said it, and it always means something bad. We say, “Do not judge,” when we don’t want to feel badly about our behavior. We don’t want to judge others, also because it might make them feel bad about themselves. So, why do we do it? Judgement is always…
Read MoreAvoid Divisions in the Church
It seems to be ancient practice. Find a unified group of people and try to divide them. Kingdoms have risen and fallen again through ‘divide and conquer’ philosophies. It all started in The Garden. It all started with the ‘divider’ Satan. Saint Paul knew this. Before becoming Christian, and the greatest evangelist in Church history,…
Read MoreOnly Constant is God’s Love
Seasons change. Hair and clothing styles change. Technology is constantly changing. Even we change as we age. With everything changing around us, it can create a feeling of uncertainty. Here’s one thing that is constant. God’s love is constant, even if we change. Brethren, I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am…
Read MoreHope Leads to Patience
What is it that drives you to continue fighting? Whether it be at work, school or even the playground, something inside of you keeps you going. The more you think about the reward, the more you are willing to endure, and to keep going. The more patience you have. Brethren, we know that the whole…
Read MoreDenial and Sin are a Dangerous Combination
Everyone knows toddlers are treated differently than teenagers when it comes to behavior. What is ‘cute’ in a toddler is ‘inappropriate’ for a teenager. If we never teach children about proper behavior, they will grow to become destructive adults. Today’s blog isn’t about childrearing. Today’s blog is about sin, and the danger of denying sin…
Read MoreWho Enters the Kingdom of God?
The question every Christian asks is, “Will I be saved?” We live our entire life defending our answer. We all think ‘we’ are going to be with God in heaven, but Christ says, “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven.” There is no guarantee. The defense make for…
Read MoreUngodly Behavior is a Choice
Excuses like ‘the devil made me do it’ and ‘I’m not a saint’ just won’t cut it when we stand in front of the Judgement Seat of Christ. Every time we ignore the joy, mercy and grace of God we ignore the possibility of heaven. Brethren, since the ungodly did not see fit to acknowledge…
Read MoreBelief is not Enough
We all know that being a Christian isn’t easy. There are teachings to memorize and rules to follow. For Orthodox Christians there are Sacred Traditions to keep and spiritual disciplines to practice. Is all this necessary? Why can’t we ‘just believe’ in God? Consider today’s lesson from Saint Paul. There were many who knew God,…
Read MoreTake No Offense
We’ve all said it. We’ve all had that moment when we needed to tell someone the truth, but we knew it would hurt to hear the truth. So, we soften it with a simple warning. “No offense, but…” Let’s face it, with the wrong heart, hearing these words are always an offense. We take offense…
Read MoreHave I Changed Yet?
Today is the Leave-taking of Pascha, the last day of the Feast. It is the final day we greet each other and sing Christ is Risen, until next year. Last year in my blog “Christ is Always Risen” I wrote about reviving the fervor of Pascha. Today, I still wonder about my fervor. Every year…
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