Posts Tagged ‘Romans’
Mercy is God’s Choice
Two people can hear the same words and understand something totally different. Each person will hear what they want to hear, regardless of accuracy. I find that true almost every day in the Church. We all hear God’s word through Holy Scriptures, but we don’t all understand the same. Brethren, it is not as though…
Read MoreThe Forces of Evil
I can’t tell you how often I hear people admit they do not believe in demons. Many do not believe there are ‘forces out there’ constantly trying to trip us up. The forces of evil are real. They exist, and they have been fighting against the Church since Adam and Eve. Brethren, we know that…
Read MoreSacrifice as Response
When we hear the word sacrifice, most think of involuntary death. Thanks to Hollywood we have no understanding of what it means to make a sacrifice to God. Let me just remind you. Sacrifice has nothing to do with convincing God to ‘do’ something. Brethren, if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God…
Read MoreWorks Seal Your Faith
So many non-Orthodox accuse the Church of depending upon works to get into heaven. Our life of fasting and worship ‘regulations’ are interpreted as works. Interestingly, feeding the poor is never accused against the Church. The truth is, neither feeding the poor nor fasting with a thousand prostrations are used by the Church as ‘works’…
Read MoreChristian Hypocrisy
There are many sayings that mock hypocrisy. One of my favorites, “Do as I say, not as I do,” expresses the sad truth that we are all susceptible to becoming hypocrites of the Law. As Christians we say one thing, and often do the other. At least we’re not alone. Brethren, when Gentiles who have…
Read MoreBeware of Judgment
As Christians we know we are not supposed to judge others. We quote to each other all the time. “Judge not, lest you be judged,” (Matthew 7.1) but judgment does much deeper. When we judge others, not only will we be judged, we are already judging ourselves. Brethren, since the ungodly did not see fit…
Read MoreThe Cost of Freedom
As Americans we often hear mention of the cost of freedom. We honor the memory and service of soldiers who have suffered and died for our freedom. Many soldiers have paid the ultimate price for our freedom, but there is a higher cost to our freedom many ignore. Brethren, the wrath of God is revealed…
Read MoreFaith is not the Opposite of Reason
Have you ever been challenged by someone about what you believe? Have you ever heard the words, “Oh yeah? Prove it!” when it comes to your Christian beliefs? Have you ever been at a loss for words in the face of these and similar charges? Have you wondered if faith is real? Paul, a servant…
Read MoreCaution VS Fear
Growing up on the playground our courage is often tested by our friends. Jump over this. Throw that. Stand there. These are all challenges to our courage. They also establish our ‘pecking order’ among friends. We naturally strive for the top tier, so we regularly risk danger in the name of courage. In those days,…
Read MoreBelief is not Reason
We talk a great deal about the truth of God. We read a book or watch a video and we think that belief in God is determined by what we know. We think that we can learn our way to heaven. We even think we can convince someone else to believe using a blog post…
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