Posts Tagged ‘spiritual father’
Know Your Place
There is a place for everyone in the Church. That place is not just in the pews, but in the ministry of the Church. Nobody can do everything, but everybody must do something. If the ministry of Christ depended upon only the clergy, the Gospel would never spread. BRETHREN, grace was given to each of…
Read MoreThe Blessings from Obedience
We talk a great deal about obedience in the Orthodox Church. For many this is misinterpreted to be about control instead of blessings. In a secular world committed to self-made empires, the idea of being obedient is the furthest thing in our minds, but the most blessed option. BRETHREN, one does not take the honor…
Read MoreWhat is Perfection?
Are you a perfectionist? For some people, the idea of making a mistake or falling short of reaching a goal can be crippling. Whether it is at school, work or even at home, being a perfectionist is rarely a trait that inspires others to join us. What about Church? Timothy, my son, the saying is…
Read MoreSelective Strictness
It is a known characteristic of Orthodox Christianity that we live with a certain strictness. Our way of life since the first days of the Church has been shaped by faithful leaders guiding faithful followers to a life in communion with Christ. Strictness has always been a part of that life. That sense of strictness…
Read MoreToo Much Salt
Salt preserves. Salt adds flavor. Salt even brings out the best natural flavors of foods. When you add too much salt, food can be ruined and lose all its flavor. You can’t cook without salt, but you can’t cook with too much salt either. Salt requires balance. The Lord said, “Whoever causes one of these…
Read MoreThe Importance of BEING Orthodox
Whether you agree with recent statistics or not, you cannot deny the plentitude of groups calling themselves Christians. One recent statistic counts Christian denominations at more than 43,000 separate governing bodies of ‘churches’, all claiming to the be the ‘true’ Church of Christ. Brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling…
Read MoreTough Love is Real Love
You’ve heard the expression, but do you know how to express it? Expressing love can be one of the hardest things a person can do. Loving someone is wanting only what is best for them, even if it hurts you. Loving someone can also hurt them if they don’t want what’s best for them. At…
Read MoreChoose a Team
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…
Read MoreThere is One Path
As human beings we are determined to make our own way in life. We leave our home as young adults to forge a path free from the expectations and limits of our parents. We attach ourselves to others along the way but only if they share our goals. Our path is our path. Theirs is…
Read MoreBe Blameless When Society Is Wicked
Sometimes we like to think is was ‘easier’ to be a Christian in the past. We read the stories about Church growth and mass baptisms. We then think of today. We can’t imagine the same stories taking place today. It is so much harder to be Christian today than ‘back then.’ Brethren, as you have…
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