In For a Penny

"In for a penny in for a pound?"  In the case of some Orthodox Church members  it is "In for a penny, and that's all I'm paying."

There are too many readily available teachings on the topic of tithing, so I will let you, the JTO readers, decide to which to adhere. My comments on the subject are Pauline in nature in that they are personal.

My wife and I grew up in a Protestant ethos where tithing was the law of the land, so to speak. To give at least 10% of one's income to the church, was a given, a natural part of Christian stewardship. Some pastors were not afraid to preach an annual sermon on the topic, not just because the church needed money, but for the edification and building up of the individual. To give was part of a full Christian life. To not give was to miss the mark.

Cynthia and I gave 10-25 % of our income for almost 25 years of our marriage. There were seasons where we had little income and our faith, at times, wained. It especially wained when we entered the charismatic movement, where every Scripture ever written was ten degrees of separation- where everything had to do with money. We were peppered with anecdotal manipulation such as, "Joe gave, and the next day a $1000 dollars came in the mail." "The Lord says it is the day of prosperity a double portion is yours! Just write the check out to..." There were times when I gave and my own family suffered loss. The natural outcome of that was to grow bitter at God for not fulfilling his promise. It took me a while to realize that I was following the hollow promises of charlatans and false teachers, not the promises of God. I grew tired of being manipulate and decided to put a stop-payment on the tithing. I figured if it was man jerking me round, then there was not much they could do to me, if I stopped giving. I also figured that God would honor my sincere desire to find the truth on the matter and perhaps could bear the financial loss if I short-changed him for a while. In either case, I stopped giving, cold turkey. In fact, I made an official announcement, of sorts, to my pastor. He was none too happy and met with me to compel me to change my mind. I would not budge. I needed time to allow God to renew my mind. It took a while, but, He did. My focus changed from man to God. I was no longer influenced by a charlatan's chiding, but by Christ's Church. I no longer wanted to give to receive, but I wanted to give because I believed.

One day, a traveling man asked me for gasoline for his car so that he could get to another state. I had the cash, so I was willing to fill his tank. He repeatedly told me that he would pay me back. I told him that it was a gift and that I did not expect him to do that. "But I will anyway," he said. I never heard from him again, but I was not disappointed, for I did not expect to be repayed. The same principle applies here. "Don't ask what your Church can do for you, ask what you can do for your Church." This is the Orthodox way. Having said that, God does bless a cheerful giver and his blessing are great for, "He owns the cattle on a thousand hills."

The Orthodox principle of tithing is very simple.

First-Give

Second-Give with a joyful heart

Third-Give as unto the Lord

Fourth- Tithing is as valid a practice as is baptism. The Church, being Jewish, took the forms of the Mikvah (Jewish baptisms) and incorporated baptism into the life of the Church. The Church, being Jewish, took the forms of Tithing (which literally means "a tenth") and incorporated it into the life of the Church. If you buy in to the old line, "Tithing is just an Old Testament practice and is no longer in effect today," then so is baptism no longer in effect.

Fifth- Tithe 10% of your gross income in money. Gifts and other offerings are above and beyond that. In reality, 100% of what you have belongs to God. All that is asked is that you manage the 90% and He, through the Church, manages the 10%.

Sixth- If you don't accept any of the above as valid, then at least take the humanistic approach..."Pull your own weight!"  If you eat at the table, live in the house and receive of its benefits, why would you not help in paying for it?  Is this not the accountability and courtesy you would teach your child?

Seventh-If you find you cannot trust the clergy to rightly handle the money, ask who has the trust issue, the clergy or you?

What if?

What if there were just ten families in a Church?

What if there was an average of three wage earners per family?

What if the average annual wage of those earners was only $30,000?

What if all of the wage earners tithed?

The tithe to that church would be $90,000 annually!

If all tithed...

The Church Could!

The Church Could help the widows and the Orphans and others in need.

The Church Could give to missions.

The Church Could expand the Temple or make needed repairs.

The Church Could relieve the stress from the Priest and Matushka.

The Church would be blessed!

...and you along with it!

Frankly, tithing is not an option. It is the responsibility of every Orthodox Christian. What If you started tithing this week? The Church Could...

World Orthodox, Patriarch of Constantinople, Antichrist- An Unholy Trinity

My wife and I are currently looking for a house in a small Tennessee community so that we might be closer to our church. We have taken the time to meet some of the town folk. There is quite an assortment of modern people in the eclectic little town, a blend of artsy and rural, those who don't want things to change, and those who demand change. In talking with some of the business owners, I have discovered that it is not the regular folk, nor even the stronghold of Wiccans that oppress the people, surpress the economy, and attempt to get the community to adapt to their religious dogmas and way of life. It is the religious people, the prominent churches, in the area, controlled by the Freemasons. The thought struck me as I read the news release below, that it becomes clearer and clearer that it is not the pagans, the non-Christians, and the like, who are persecuting the Church in that last days, but it is the united world religious institutions that have become servants of Antichrist. What will it take for you to realized that World Orthodoxy, and its spokesman, the Patriarch of Constantanople, has become the tool of Antichrist? Will you remain a Frog In Boiling Water or will you come out of her?

"Yesterday Greek police stationed on Mount Athos arrested Fr. Gregory of Esphigmenou Monastery. He was then removed from Mount Athos. Fr. Gregory is one of the leading fathers of Esphigmenou Monastery.

He is the editor of the Monastery's bi-monthly publication, Boanerges (Sons of Thunders; Mark 3:17 ) that is read by True Orthodox Christians throughout the world. Boanerges is the best periodical published by the True Orthodox and the arrest of Fr. Gregory is an attempt to sever the bond that True Orthodox Christians all over the world have with the Monastery.

This violation of the basic human rights of the 107 fathers of the Monastery is perpetrated by the Greek Government on behalf of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The voice of the Esphigmenou fathers which boldly proclaims the Orthodox Faith becomes louder with each attack against the Monastery. Please keep all the fathers in your prayers.

In Christ,

+Fr. Panagiotes"

Sodomy/Homosexuality, And The Good Law

Are some born sodomites/homosexuals? No. Are some born with a propensity toward that sin? Possibly. But one must realize that sodomy is something you do, not something you are. You are a sodomite if you are committing the act. When you stop committing the act and repent,  you are no longer a sodomite. Sodomy is as the act of adultery or any other unclean acts that defile the body and go against the nature that God created.

Does God hate homosexuals? No. God loves all of mankind, but hates homosexuality. Those who willfully live in unrighteousness, thus defying the will and love of God, put themselves at enmity with him. In this way, they become enemies of God and the consequences come as a result. Homosexuality is a sin  and sin separates us from fellowship with the Creator. Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. The world was already condemned and homosexuality is a reflection of that state of condemnation. There is nothing "gay" about it. Jesus brings redemption from that condemned state. If one rejects the redemption, one can hardly blame the redeemer for the results. 

Political correctness is running amok. The question of righteousness should always be discussed in light of the scripture. Let the politically correct pundits push against the word of God, not against your opinion. Here are biblical texts regarding the act of Sodomy/homosexuality. Beware though, entire books have been written to discount every one of the scriptures you are about to read, on the premise that they don't really mean what they say, or at least, they are out of context and out of time.

The Origin Of The Term "Sodomite/Sodomy"

Genesis 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

Genesis 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

Genesis 19:4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

Genesis 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

Genesis 19:6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,

Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.

Genesis 19:10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.

Genesis 19:11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

Genesis 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:

Genesis 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.

Early Laws For God's People Concerning Homosexuality

Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Leviticus 18:29 For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.

Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

How Homosexuality Affects Mankind

Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

The Eternal Consequences of Homosexual Sin

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

The Law Against Homosexuality Leads to Freedom Not Bondage

1 Timothy 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

Private Infallibility: An Error Common To Romanists And Protestants Alike

UPDATE: 3/20/13  Please look also at the Catholic explanation and definition of "Infallibility". I am not certain it contradicts this writer's own view of the authority of the church.

In the case of Romanism, this error slowly crept in many centuries ago but took its definite form in the First Vatican Council of 1870. Ironically, as we see, it was a church council which defined this dogma. The contradiction of such a statement is immediately obvious: the Pope was now infallible, but if a council declared it so, then the council itself is infallible also.

Papal infallibility lacks both Scriptural and historical support. It was a complete novelty which scandalized a large sector of Roman Catholicism when it first appeared, and occasioned the separation of the Old Catholics of the See of Utrecht in the Netherlands and its sister churches to this day. Not every Roman Catholic theologian accepts it though not many dare to clearly and openly admit it.

Protestantism, while ridding itself from the shackles of Papal infallibility, has nevertheless fallen into a probably worse and definitely more dangerous error : personal or individual infallibility. In defending the alleged privilege of every individual to privately interpret the Scriptures "under the guidance of the Holy Spirit" it has in fact magnified the Romanist error to the nth degree. The most sacred dogma of Protestantism, "Sola Scriptura", immediately and inescapably brings up the issue of interpretation. "Sola Scriptura", though and attractive and seemingly rational theory has actually never been carried out in real practice. The fact is that the Holy Scriptures need interpretation; to Philip's question to the Ethiopian eunuch: "Indeed, do you know what you are reading?" the answer was: "How can I, except some man should guide me?". Who, then, can interpret Scripture correctly (infallibly)? The Protestant answer is actually twofold. Those subscribing to a more "confessional" position (the Lutherans, the Reformed,etc.) point us to their respective confessions of faith, requiring of their ministers and church officials an absolute allegiance to them. Those of the more "independent" side don't hesitate to defend each individual's right to his own (and unconsciously infallible) interpretation.

The truth lies elsewhere. It lies in Christ's promise that He would build His Church, and that the gates of Hades would not prevail against her; it lies in Christ's promise to His apostles that the Holy Spirit, once come, would guide them unto all Truth. If Jesus is both faithful and capable of fulfilling His promises, and He is then two things must be true: the Church that He founded must still exist today, and only within her borders is the Teaching of the Apostles kept pure and unchanged.

Private infallibility, whether in its Papal or in its Protestant variant, is wrong. Both reflect the arrogance and rebellion of man's fallen state; they are two manifestations of the same disease. Neither Romanism nor Protestantism can possibly provide a cure for this lethal malady.

True infallibility belongs to the Church as a whole. It is found in the Mind of the Church manifested in the consensus of the Fathers, the witness of the countless saints and martyrs throughout the centuries, and the declarations of the Ecumenical Councils. Only the Church is the "the pillar and ground of the truth" as the holy apostle Paul declares. Only within her can a man find the Truth of God's revelation.

Glory to God for all things!

NOTE: Visit Hno. Germán's blog!

A Humble Act

When I was a teen, my father was the pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Santa Barbara, California. During one of the Baptist business meetings, the topic was whether or not to build a new building. One man, Roland Hudson, was opposed to it and, according to Roberts Rules of Order, was allowed to state his strong opposition. After much discussion, a vote was taken and the majority voted to build the building.

On the following Saturday, all the men of the church showed up with tools in hand, ready get to work. Roland Hudson also showed up with his tools, ready to work. "I thought you voted against building this building", a fellow church member said. "I did", said Roland, "but I lost." At that, the men, including Roland, all started to work.

Baptism of Nathan Lee Lewis

Sacrament of Marriage

Is The Orthodox Church Divided?

"People in our time speak of the 'divided Church' and the urgent need of 'reuniting it.'  Father Florovsky remarks that "the Church is not divided, has not been divided, did not divide ... and is not divisible."  What is divided is the Christian world.  This "is in a state of descent, conflict and ¯ is it not time to admit it? ¯ in collapse. ..."  We should not speak of "disunion in the Church, but of disassociation from the Church." (Dr. Constantine Carvanos speaking on the blessed Fr. Georges Florovsky's teaching on Ecumenism.)

Communion

After several months of visiting with the Agape community of Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Liberty, Tennessee, my wife, Cynthia, and I gave confession and partook of the Holy Eucharist, making Holy Annunciation our home parish, Father Gregory Williams our priest, and Bishop Agafangel, our Bishop.

A renown Roman Catholic politician once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."  Of course, he borrowed that concept from our Lord,

"Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

"Ask not what your church can do for you but ask what you can do for your church."

We are overjoyed, not only to be a part of a faithful communion of believers, but that we are able to serve to promote the Kingdom of God and the salvation of men's souls. Sometimes this takes the form of changing a door handle or fixing a cabinet door. Sometimes it is chanting with others or being the lone chanter because heavy snowfall has kept the faithful away. In either case, I never feel much like a servant. Whenever I start to think in those terms I look at those martyrs of the faith and even those still living, such as Father Gregory and Matusha Anastasia who have faithfully served the community for 30 plus years. As I walk on the 400 acre property, nestle in the hills of Tennessee, I cannot help but feel the presence of the myriads of faithful servants who have walked there.

I will always feel like a babe in Christ, never having fully attained, with the constant need of forgiveness. Father Gregory has reminded me, several times, not to put him on a pedestal. Perhaps he knows his own frame too well, that all of us are but dust, and that "he who endures to the end will be saved." Perhaps this is why he can lean his head against mine in Holy Confession and join with me in my tears of sorrow and my joy of repentance. Perhaps that is why he can so quickly say, at the end of the Sacrament of Confession, "Now, pray for me a sinner." Perhaps that is why the communion at Holy Annunciation is so sweet. They have remembered that Christ is not just the Lion of the Tribe of Judah but He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He offers us His cup of savation, His body and blood... and I am included. 

Journey To (In) Orthodoxy

Since the likelihood of you reading all 400 posts on the JTO blog is relatively small, let me bring you up to date by bullet-pointing my 50+ year Journey To Orthodoxy.

• Raised and educated a Southern Baptist
• Entered the Charismatic/non-denominational world
• Found the International Community of Charismatic Episcopal Church (ICCEC)
• Entered the Orthodox world through the Antiochian jurisdiction (chrismated only)
• Baptized in the Genuine Orthodox Church (Chrys) 

As I was standing at our family alter this week I had an epiphany. For 50+ years I have been on a Journey To Orthodoxy but I am now on a Journey IN Orthodoxy. With our recent entry into a local Tennessee ROCA parish, that has remained free of ecumenism, is full of grace, and is established in a community ethos, our feet are firmly planted in the Church. I can feel my soul beginning to quiet and the noise of the Journey beginning to hush.

JTO has been about my Journey in finding the Orthodox Chruch by  discovering, and exposing, the myriad of heretical and heterodox doctrines, movements, denominations that pose as the church. I imagine that there will still be a measure of that discovering and exposing on this site, as that is the nature of sounding the trumpet of truth, but I will be sharing more of my inward journey of theosis as God gives me grace.

If this blog wasn't so firmly established as Journey TO I might change it to Journey IN. Perhaps there will always be an element of both, but I am moving forward with a new focus.

[Related Article: http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2006/09/drive-by-bloggers-or-dbbs.html]