Can Lay Persons Be As Holy As Clergy? Part Two

"But the power belongs to the priests, they say. I know it, too... But not simply to priests as such, but to those who serve in the priestly ministry of the Gospel [That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:16] in a spirit of humility and who live a blameless life. 

Such first present themselves to the Lord [Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Roman 6:16] and offer themselves as a 'perfect, holy and well-pleasing sacrifice,' as their own pure act of worship [I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1- Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27] in the temple of their own bodies [What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?1 Cor. 6:19], inwardly and spiritually.

They are accepted and appear on the altar that is on high [For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us... Heb. 9:24], offered by Christ the High Priest as a perfect sacrifice, changed and transformed by the power of the Spirit. They have been transformed into Christ, who died for us in the glory of His Godhead." (St. Symeon the New Theologian. Discourses, XXVIII, 9. B#74, p. 302)

Click here to read Part One.

A Sign Of The Jezebel Spirit

A BRIEF SUMMATION OF A JEZEBEL SPIRIT

The controlling Jezebel spirit (Hebrew אִיזָבֶל ('Izevel/'Izavel) is most often displayed in women. These women seduce and deceive their way into a positions of authority that are neither given nor earned. They maneuver, lobby or manipulate their way into communication with men - especially, the clergy. The Jezebel spirit must have a voice - she must have influence and position and has an insatiable desire for affirmation and recognition. Jezebel does not desire equality with men, she desires to dominate them. Her desire to dominate is demonically borne of Satan's goal of nullifying and destroying the church, and in particular, the man of God. Her tool is to gain the confidence of the man of God in order to do him harm, if not openly, then by subterfuge. Jezebel's greatest threat on her way to domination is the prophet (or seer). The prophet/seer is particularly equipped to discern this spirit at work and its cunning devises. The Jezebel will initially attempt to deceive the prophet/seer as she would any man, however, when she realizes she is thwarted or exposed, she will viciously attack or resist the prophet/seer (1 Kings 19) and attempt to diminish his voice. She may contradict him at every turn, and try to rally others to resist him as well. She works behind the scenes with gossip couched in religious language and feigned concern for the church, but her real motivation is to remove what she perceives to be an obstacle to her mission of domination. Jezebel may be a married woman, but she is usually the mouthpiece and spiritual leader in the relationship. She may also be a single woman and more often than not, a woman with one or more divorces or failed relationships in her history.

A TOOL OF JEZEBEL

Jezebel's reach today is expansive and rapid due to modern communication technology, in particular, social media, blogs, and mass e-mails. With the click of a button, Jezebel can speak into the life of the church and communicate with numerous men and clergy at one time. But her preferred method is not blatancy or obvious words- it is a methodical and slow dissemination of information and influence, which she hopes will gain the confidence of the hearers. With a Facebook account or a presence in a chat room, Jezebel, in effect, sits in counsel and discussion with the clergy as an equal, giving her opinion and advice. 

A SIGN OF JEZEBEL

I have recently become aware of a recurring theme in regards to Jezebel's work in targeting Genuine Orthodox Churches. She will often promote the idea that the group is "small", a "remnant", and are the only ones who know what is going on. In truth, no one should take pride in the fact that the remnant of true believers is small,  as it indicates a weakness in the mission of the church to bring salvation to all the world. But, Jezebel will work to cast dispersion on other groups and point out their failures, often calling out groups and people by name. In this, she entrenches herself as a part of this small group so as to exercise her influence. The aim is to subconsciously plant the idea in others that she is "one of us." In truth, her goal is to keep the true believers "small" by causing division and preventing unity both in the church and in the lives of individuals. Jezebel hates unity, works to undermine it at every turn, and works to keep things stirred up.

A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER

The Jezebel spirit will single out a man and try to make her way into his confidence. I once had a woman contact me by Facebook message. I am selective about who I "friend", but Jezebel spirit is cunning and usually not obvious. The woman told me who she was and that both she and her husband use the Facebook account, so I would get to talk with both of them. I accepted her friend request and also her request for my JTO e-mail. The woman began to send me a group e-mail bashing other jurisdictions. I asked to be removed from that list. She did so. Then, she e-mailed me personally, "sharing" information about another Orthodox brother. I immediately put a halt to it, telling her that what she was doing "bordered on gossip" and "frankly, I do not want to hear it."  I de-friended her on Facebook, but have subsequently seen the woman doing the same in conversations with others. I also saw the Jezebel spirit at work when I was discussing a matter on Facebook with a group of priests where she was participating. Her response to my words was to warn all (but directed toward me) to respect the words of our priests. This Jezebelian tactic is designed to be a wedge of divisiveness. With that statement, she publicly presented herself as the devoted servant and me as the rebellious independent. This, on the heels of our private e-mail where I rebuffed her for her tendency to gossip. I have yet to hear from her husband by e-mail or message, nor have I seen him in any social media forum. Left unchecked, this Jezebel-influenced woman will cause harm to the church. The question that should be asked of such a woman independently involved in this activity is, "Woman, where is thy husband"? 

A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER - TWO

I endured a three year period of time when I was publicly maligned, via the internet,  by a woman Jezebel. The viciousness of the attack included the posting of my name and the public accusation that I only had "partial salvation", was in prelest, was deluded, and was deceived by demons. This Jezebel rallied a few others- men whom she controlled - to publicly accuse me with words of, "false prophet", "enemy of the church", "liar" and even likening me to an ape. This Jezebel was an "orthodox" woman who ran an "orthodox" blog. The catalyst for her attacks was the fact that I had rebuffed her numerous attempts to become my counselor. She offered unsolicited correction to me based on her false perceptions of me. When the Jezebel spirit became convinced that she was exposed and could not control me (I, having rebuked the spirit by saying, "I have a priest and you are not him"), she turned to another tactic- trying to gain the confidence of my wife. When she learned that my wife had broken her wrist, she mailed a gift package to her. My wife, being very aware of the Jezebel spirit and knowing, as do I, her ploys and tactics, and that the woman had publicly denounced her husband, joined me in refusing the package and mailing it back, unopened. 

A WARNING FOR THE CLERGY

Discern the spirit of any woman, who independent of a husband, mingles with or converses on a regular basis with clergy, if she has not been recognized by a Bishop as having a particular grace (charism) which would warrant such a relationship. Take greatest caution in the arena of Social Media.

A DETERMINER

Women of wisdom, virtue, and holiness will read this article and not take offense nor feel it is directed at her nor misogynistic in its message. The woman with the Jezebel spirit will be angered, feel exposed, and be compelled to lash out.

A FINAL NOTE OR TWO OR THREE

1. One woman may only be influenced by the spirit of Jezebel and be acting in self-deception. Another may be controlled by Jezebel- a Jezabel - and, having stepped into a mode of witchcraft, be a more powerful tool of satan. These must be discerned.
2. Men can also be influenced by the spirit of Jezebel and unknowingly be doing her bidding. Other men may be under the control of the spirit of Jezebel and act as her emissary- her eunuch. This, too must be discerned.
3. The tell-tale sign for each is rebellion, for "rebellion as the sin of witchcraft...".

A LIST OF OTHER LINKS ON JEZEBEL

(click to read)
Who Is Jezebel?
How To Recognize A Jezebel Spirit
How Jezebel Spirits Make Eunuchs
The Jezebel Spirit
Wikipedia

Blaspheming- One Step Away From Judging

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is one step away from judging a brother. A fine and perilous line. Can one blaspheme without knowing it? Yes, if one does not know what blasphemy is. 

"Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is to attribute His operations to the opposite spirit, says Basil the Great. How does one do this? Whenever one sees miracles brought about by the Holy Spirit or any of the other divine gifts in any of his brethren- that is compunction of tears, or humility, or divine knowledge, or word of wisdom from on high (Cf.I Cor. 12:8, Jas. 3:15,17), or anything else that is bestowed on those who love God (Cf. Rom. 8:28) - and says that this comes from deceit of the devil. But he also blasphemes against the Holy Spirit who works in them (Cf.I Cor. 12:11, Eph. 2:2) who says that those who as sons of God are led by the divine Spirit (Cf. Rom. 8:14), and perform the commandments of their God and Father, are being deceived by demons. This is what the Jews of old said against the Son of God... Like unbelievers and those completely uninitiated into the divine mysteries when they hear anything about divine illumination, or of enlightenment of the soul and mind, or of contemplation and freedom from passion. or of humility and tears poured out by the working and grace of the Holy Spirit, straightaway the eyes of their hearts are darkened rather than enlightened... They audaciously aver [def: state or assert to be the case] that these things come from the deceit of demons... To deny that at this present time there are some who love God, and that they have been granted the Holy Spirit... that they have become gods by knowledge... and contemplation, that wholly subverts the Incarnation of our God and Savior Jesus Christ (Tit. 2:13)! It denies the renewal of the image that had been corrupted and put to death, and its return to incorruption and immortality."  [Saint Symeon the New Theologian. The Discourses XXXII, 1,2. B#74, pp.335-336]

I have upon occasion trembled at the ease at which brethren blaspheme in this way. On the JTO blog I have experienced this. People whom I have never met- only corresponded with briefly through the comment section or e-mail, step over from doctrinal discussions to blasphemy when they attribute the work and gifts of the Holy Sprint in me to that of demons. This is no exaggeration. I have been denounced by "orthodox" people with clear phrases such as "I proclaim you a false prophet", "you are deceived and need deliverance", you are in prelest and deception", "you are an enemy of the church", and more. 

I tremble also when I see in Social Media, the Heretic Hunters who go far beyond the propriety of speaking against heresies, and attack the character and spirituality of individuals, attributing even their good years devoted to the things of God as "false all along", "a demonic plant", or an "agent of the devil". It is a perilous thing to make such statements. It is dangerous, and should it blaspheme- there is no forgiveness. Blaspheming is one step away from judging. We must all watch where we step.

Does Our Haughtiness Separate Us?

"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone." [Saint Paul to the Romans] 

"Great is the power of the medicine and the force of this illustration for correcting the disease of haughtiness. Why [he means} do you think highly of yourself? Or why again does another utterly despise himself? Are we not all one body, great and small? Then as we are in the total number but one, and members of another, why do you by your haughtiness separate yourself? Why do you put your brother to shame? For so as he is a member of you, so are you also of him. And it is on this score that your claims to honor are so equal...So too, when he touches upon the gifts, he does not say that one received more or another less, but what? Different. And what if you are not appointed to the same office? Still the body is the same...

It requires a very noble soul, not only to keep from envying, but even to feel pleasure with the person who is in esteem...When your neighbor is ill-treated, you ought to make that calamity your own. Share then in his tears...Has a poor man come into your house?...There is no rich or poor in Christ. Be not ashamed of him because of his external dress, but receive him because of his inward faith." [Saint John Chrysostom]

The Power Of "You" In Interpersonal Communication

Recently, in opening up my FaceBook to include a larger scope of "friends" (outside my own family members), I have noticed some who fail to understand the interpersonal communication dynamics involved in use of the word, "you". The use of this word, directed at another, has the effect of diverting the communication from the subject matter and making it a personal assessment of another's character, motives, emotions, or whatever the "you' perceives the person is saying. At this point, all communication is shut down and offenses arise. In any case, "you", directed at another, should be avoided in a public forum, at all costs. "You" has the power to cause offense and is readily interpreted as a personal judgement from the user. It can also cause public embarrassment and humiliation. The FaceBook user should remember that the FaceBook timeline is not a private chat room. If a more personal communication is needed the Message Tab should be used to privately talk to another. But, even in private communication, one should be aware of the negative dynamics involved in the use of "you".

From Preston Ni, M.S.B.A. in Communication Success

1. “You” language plus directives

Ineffective communication is often characterized by the use of certain types of “you” language, such as “you are...,” “you should...,” “you need to...,” “you have to...,” “you’d better...,” and “you people...”. Directives are statements that either pass negative judgment, or order another person around. Some examples of “you” language plus a directive include:

“You are not good enough...”
“You should pay attention...”
“You need to do this now...”
“You have to understand my position...”
"You better get it right...”
“You people should behave...”

Most people don’t like being judged or told what to do, and when we use “you” language plus directives, it’s easy to arouse in others feelings of resentment and defensiveness. This type of communication is also problematic in that it tends to invite a “no” response, resulting in disagreements and conflicts.

I have recently had the word "you" directed toward me. In the course of discussions, I have heard, "You are too tense" and "You are nitpicking". The first temptation that arises from one so singled out is to defend themselves against such accusations. But, to do so would be pride and a sin. "You" has the power to tempt someone to sin, and defeats our responsibility to "as much as is possible be at peace with all men." Apostle James tells us, " The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body."

We are to guard our hearts and our mouths, especially in interpersonal communication with a fellow believer. Knowing that  "you" has the power to burn another, is a good start.

The Forgotten Fourth Verse

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Public FaceBook Discourse

To all of my FaceBook friends- especially my fellow Orthodox Christians: FB is not a private chat room. Please use wisdom in your discourse. Asking about, discussing, or commenting on personal details about another individual is NOT appropriate and borders on gossip and rumor mongering. If you must discuss such things, use the private message feature. In this way your sin is just between one other and not instantly spread to countless others. Pray for me, a sinner.

Has God Ever Spoken Directly To You? Part Two

Should anyone forbid that God is as near to us as our breath? Should anyone forbid that He knows us better than we know ourselves and that every hair on our head is numbered? Should anyone forbid that the Holy Spirit is given to lead us into all truth, not only corporately but individually as the Spirit wills in our lives? Should any one forbid that "we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...?" Should anyone forbid that "They that worship him must worship him in spirit AND in truth?"

So, has God ever spoken directly to you? If not, then you must ask if you are truly in the faith and have truly received the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of Jezabel assails the church today- accusing those who would walk in intimacy- in friendship with the Holy Spirit, of being in prelest and deception. Truly, it is this false voice that is prelest and deception and would rob each Orthodox believer from a walk of faith endued with the  dunamis power of God. This false voice would relegate believers to only that which can be touched, tasted, smelled and reasoned. It would deny the supernatural elements of our faith. For the faith of our fathers is not natural- but super-natural.

Now, we are not talking about the doctrines of the faith or that which is unchangeable, nor the canons which are the guideline to conduct and church polity. These, too, are God speaking to the whole of the church throughout time. But, how does God speak to you personally? How does he lead you? How does he make you understand, give you insight in to a matter, show you whether something be of God or of the enemy? How does He draw you into intimacy with him?

"Believers receive knowledge of God by means of various and diverse signs, by hidden illusions, by reflections, by images, by hidden and inexpressible workings, by divine revelations, by dim flashes, by the contemplation of the purposes of creation, and by many other ways through which the faith of the believer is increased day by day and ascends to the love of God.

This is not all. Moreover, God also informs believers as He did the apostles, by the sending down and the presence of the Holy Spirit. They are enlightened more perfectly and are taught by the illumination, because God is uncreated and eternal and beginningless and incomprehensible.

Those to whom it is vouchsafed to be believers are able to think and to know and to state all knowledge and science and every word of wisdom and every word of hidden knowledge, indeed even the working of miracles and the gift of prophecy and diverse kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues, helps and administrations of cities and peoples, and the knowledge of future blessings and the achievement of the Kingdom of Heaven, sonship and to be clothed in Christ and to know the mysteries of Christ and to know the mystery of His dispensation and simply-all things such as unbelievers are unaware of- these things are taught only by means of the Spirit.

What can be more unclean, do tell me, than to try to teach the things of the Spirit without the Spirit? What can be more vile than to fail to repent and cleanse oneself, and yet discuss the things of the Spirit with would-be knowledge and to desire to dialogue on theology and wisdom in the natural only? Because if he were not to have committed any other sin (something impossible), this alone would make him deserving of eternal damnation, because 'Every one that is proud in heart before the Lord is unclean' (Prov. 16:5)." [Saint Symeon The New Theologian- Theological Chapters 1, 195] 

Has God Ever Spoken Directly To You? Part One

Can Lay Persons Be As Holy As Clergy?

In my Journey To Orthodoxy I have heard, more than once, a reference to an idea that "only monks" can achieve certain things or that certain gifts of the Spirit or virtues are only attainable by those cloistered away in some cave, or by only priests or bishops. Brethren, do you not see what a false idea this is? Do you not see that such an unorthodox position is to thwart the power of Holy Spirit to equip His saints to do the work of the church?

"If you do away with tears, you eliminate purification. There is no one saved without catharsis, no one blessed by the Lord, no such one shall see God.

It is possible brothers, for all men and not only for the monks, for the lay persons to repent constantly and to weep and pray to God, and to secure all virtues. That this is true is attested also by John Chrysostom, the great pillar and doctor of the church, in his discourse on the fiftieth psalm of David where he states that it is possible for a person not only to have a wife and children and many servants and to hold much property and have mundane cares, but also to weep daily and to pray and repent, and to attain the perfection of virtue and to receive the Holy Spirit and become God's friend and to enjoy His vision.

O wonder of it all! That man is united to God both spiritually and physically, since the soul cannot be separated from the mind, neither the body from the soul, but man by virtue of this union, becomes essentially trihypostatic by grace, a god by grace, consisting of body and soul and the Holy Spirit of whom he partakes and is filled- a divine offspring out of the divine Spirit.

What can I say to those who love to be renowned and love to become priests and bishops and abbots, yet desire to entertain alien thoughts and assert that they are worthy of the trust of forgiving and binding sins?

When I see that they understand none of the necessary and divine things, neither do they teach them to others nor guide them to the light of knowledge, what else is this but what Christ said to the scribes and the pharisees: Woe unto you, scribes, for you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves and you hindered those who were entering?"  [Saint Symeon The New Theologian]

Taming The Tongue 2

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?…

3:1-12 We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and every condition of life, private or public, affords examples of this. Hell has more to do in promoting the fire of the tongue than men generally think; and whenever men's tongues are employed in sinful ways, they are set on fire of hell. No man can tame the tongue without Divine grace and assistance. The apostle does not represent it as impossible, but as extremely difficult. Other sins decay with age, this many times gets worse; we grow more froward and fretful, as natural strength decays, and the days come on in which we have no pleasure. When other sins are tamed and subdued by the infirmities of age, the spirit often grows more tart, nature being drawn down to the dregs, and the words used become more passionate. That man's tongue confutes itself, which at one time pretends to adore the perfections of God, and to refer all things to him; and at another time condemns even good men, if they do not use the same words and expressions. True religion will not admit of contradictions: how many sins would be prevented, if men would always be consistent! Pious and edifying language is the genuine produce of a sanctified heart; and none who understand Christianity, expect to hear curses, lies, boastings, and revilings from a true believer's mouth, any more than they look for the fruit of one tree from another. But facts prove that more professors succeed in bridling their senses and appetites, than in duly restraining their tongues. Then, depending on Divine grace, let us take heed to bless and curse not; and let us aim to be consistent in our words and actions. [Mathew Henry Commentary]

Heresy Hunting

In our effort to hold fast to the things we were taught either by world or letter, the true doctrines of the faith, let us realize that there is a difference between being an apologist for the truth and being a heresy hunter. We are not called to root out heretics! We are called to hold fast to the truth. This may require speaking and confronting, but we must take great care that public dialogue does not deteriorate to sinful discourse, conjecture, rumor mongering, and accusation. This is also harmful to the church!

"Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

To The Antiochians

A timely message at this moment of decision. For all Antiochian Bishops, Priests, and Laymen...

Please read: Why we Left Where We Went- our decision to the leave the Antiochian Orthodox Diocese.

http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/06/why-we-leftwhere-we-went.html

Laymen Who Evangelize

Thoughts On Evangelism In The West

Do we get so caught up in church battles that we forget that our battle is for the souls of men? Are we more concerned with pleasing a personality rather than presenting the person of Christ to a lost world? I am still amazed when I find Orthodox people who are so consumed with the rudiments of the faith, their own personal "holiness" that they ignore Christ's commission to us to GO into the world and preach the gospel... Our churches/missions should certainly welcome local Orthodox Christians who find us - and those who leave the World Churches - but we, like Christ, must be about our Father's business- as the Apostles and saints before us- to take the gospel of Christ to a perishing world- to the unbeliever, the Protestant, the cultists. In the West we have a unique tool. Why do we not make use of radio? Why do we not make use of T.V.? Is it too Western? Not Orthodoxish enough? Smacks of Protestantism? Do we refuse to acknowledge the effectiveness of a form of communication just because someone else got there first or because that's not how they do it in the East? The media is today's street corner, today's marketplace. "How will they hear without a preacher?" People must know that the original church exists, before they can even consider stepping into a liturgy, where we all know that the purest evangelism occurs- in the life of worship. It seems all we do is talk to each other. We must change from an inward people to an outward people. The One, Holy. Catholic and Apostolic Church is not an elitist club. Our message should not be "prove yourself worthy or sincere before approaching the Holy Church." Our message should be "Come unto me ALL you who are weary and I will give you rest."

The Usurper

The United States of America, the bastion of religious freedom and liberty, is under attack from within. The New World Order has taken root and a battle for control of the very soul of the nation ensues. Be aware, speak out and prepare for persecution- Christians are the targets in this ever-increasing spiritual battle. Christians are being slaughtered across the planet and are still the most persecuted people in the world. Hand-in-hand with the One World Order, is the One World Religion as seen by the imminent union of the World Orthodox and Roman Catholic Hierarchy.  The usurper, Barack Obama, aka Barry Soetoro, raised Islamic and trained a Communist, is aiding and abetting this effort. Rise up oh men and women of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 

Straight Questions- Crooked Answers- Conversations With a Protestant

I recently had a FaceBook conversation with a Protestant (Baptist background) whom I know well. This photo was posted and the jokes ensued. I found it illustrative, however, of a systematic wandering from the Faith of our Fathers and took the opportunity to point out a few things. Protestant heels were dug in and a non-productive exchange ensues. Here is that exchange:

ME: Illustrates why there are so many "truths" in Protestantism- so many interpretations leading to so many denominations. Illustrates clearly the problem with the Protestant practice of Sola Scriptura. So many versions written with an individual's commentary included giving us their interpretation of what the Bible means. Scofield was one of the first. His version spread through all of the English- speaking West with the the belief in a Pre-tribulation rapture theory ( the secret snatching away of the saints years prior to Christ's return). An un-scriptural eschatology that was never heard of in the church before 150 years ago. Read the "Early Church Fathers" (google it) to see what what was believed by ALL of the Church-everywhere, at all times- for the first 1000 years- that is the faith- that is the truth. 1 Timothy 3:15 tells us where that truth may be found. The CHURCH is the "pillar and foundation of all truth." The church gave us the Bible, the bible didn't give us the church. If the Orthodox church met in counsel and determined what was to be in the Bible, why can they not be trusted to say what it means? The Orthodox Christian Church is the original pre-denominational church established by Christ and His disciples. It is still here today and predates Protestantism by 1600 years. "To be deep into history is to cease to be Protestant."

POSTER: The church is you and me. Not going to put my faith in a mans word apart from inspired scripture. Would be the same argument you used in this comment against commentary. The priesthood of the believer and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and scripture alone is my stay. Commentary should always be weighed against the Word and so should the comments of any preacher or teacher. But this does not mean don't preach and teach. Man is fallible. The Holy Spirit is not.

ME: Man is fallible but you trust each individual man to hear the Holy Spirit correctly concerning what the Bible means? Then how do you know the "Scripture" is infallible if man is so fallible? Where did the Bible come from? It didn't just fall out of the sky- leather bound. The visible church headed by bishops with names, gave it to us 400 years after the church was established.. The Holy Spirit "inspired" them- the bishops- the unified, Spirit breathed group-not individuals-to know what were true and what were spurious. That's why we don't have a book of Thomas today. It was floating around at the time along with others. That's why we used the Septuagint version of the scriptures that Christ quoted from and not the Hebrew preferred translation from which the Protestant Bible is translated. Once again--a question that still goes unanswered: If you can accept the authenticity of the scriptures so readily, why can you not accept the authority of the visible church that gave them to you--the original Orthodox.

POSTER: Because the Holy Spirit is not fallible and scripture says he is the one that reveals truth to the heart. Jesus said he knew what was in the heart of man and did not put his trust in them. Pilate asked what is truth. Jesus had already answered that. "I am the way the truth and the life and no one comes to the father except through me"... Not a visible church or group of men who are fallible. That's why the scripture is for . It does not contain the word of god. It is the word of god.

ME: Says He revealed truth to the church- not individual members but a body- His body. The church IS HIM- His Body. Back to this...where did you get your Bible? This is not a theological question but a historic one, so "well God gave it to us" is platitude. Where did you get the Bible you believe in? How did it come about? In what historic context? Who was involved and how did they have the authority to say what the Bible contains? Why are these questions so offensive? Should not all who profess Christ have a ready answer for this? It was a group of men- you dismiss them, but why? On what basis? You accept what they gave you as authentic but discount them in every other way. Why? We know that God chose a group, the Apostles, to breath His authority into. Those Apostles chose others to be their successors- Bishops- with the laying on of hands- which imparted the same Spirit/authority to govern the church, that Christ gave them. These Bishops met together in counsel seven times over several centuries. (see the 7 Ecumenical Counsels) This is historic fact. Being so, one must prove when and where this changed. It did not. The original churches are still in the same place- Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem, Rome, Antioch- and now beyond, still governed by Bishops. The Apostle's bodies still kept in some of these Churches. "To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant." Protestantism- the new Coke.

POSTER: Nope.

POSTER: The ones Jesus choose while he was here were enough and fulfilled their purpose. We weren't to build legacies for anyone as Jesus tried to teach them when they wanted to build a monument to Elijah and Moses . We are a royal priesthood. The veil was torn from top to bottom an entrance I to his presence is individual and does not need the permission or dispensations. Of earthy priest. The cross and the resurrected Christ made that happen. Now we go boldly to the throne.Galatians is a good read about standing fast to liberty and not to out yokes of bondage around your neck or be subject tot the traditions of men. So again here I stand. Is Certain he has me and will keep me. I am a priest of he gospel and respect others but I know who saves and keeps. I just spread the word. Not searching for another foundation. I already have assurance. Certainly no man is going to be placed above what Christ has already done. That is a snare. I choose to be free in The Lord And the power of his might.

ME: Free in Lord". All men are equal ""priests" and each gets one vote? No one gets to rule over anyone else? This is called democracy. The church is not a democracy but a theocracy with hierarchy. It is patterned after heaven that also has a hierarchy and an angelic order of rule. Even the demons have this order. The church was established in the same order: "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." The Apostles purpose was to establish this order. Only then was their purpose fulfilled. This order is what has preserved the truth for 2000 years. Protestantism left that rule and now is in doctrinal disarray, every one adhering to whatever they feel the Holy Spirit says to them. They live in deception and teach the doctrines of demons. Some more than others. True liberty is found only when lived out within the life of this church which is not built on the tradition of men, but on the Tradition of the Apostles. "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."

POSTER: Nope. Your interpretation is not accurate and is legalistic bondage and not sustainable by comparative scripture. Of course I could point you to scripture to support that but have found this forum not productive. So as in the past I choose not to. You have chosen your path. If you are truly happy in it then you shouldn't have to keep trying to engage me in theological debate. Not interested. Your search will bring you full circle. I'm don't desire the conversation. I'm not on the walk with you. I am not between two opinions. In Christ alone I put my trust. I choose liberty not legalism. Just read scripture. The Holy Spirit will bring you to truth and final peace. Trying to convince me is pointless because I'm not going to exchange liberty for chains. Love you.

ME: This is not a theological debate. No theology being discussed here. Ecclesiology is the topic- church history. Whenever I see something posted that flies in the face of history and does not follow logically I engage the poster in a question, like "Where did you get your Bible?" or "Who founded your denomination"? Seems like non-debatable questions but the answer to such to often reveals a gaping hole in someone's belief system or education...and is met with resistance and viewed as threatening. The picture posted seems to be a joke or a misplace wrapper, but in actuality, I have seen the authors of such Bibles with unique Bible notes autographing copies for the buyers at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention and the Evangelical Publisher Association. This is a product of an ideology that is 1000 years separated from the original ecclesiology of the Church. Isn't it relevant to know from where you get your faith and to be able to give a ready answer and not platitudes? The reason the "Where did you get your Bible" question is difficult is because pursuit of the answer leads one to discover that Orthodox Bishops gave them their Bible. The more troubling discovery that follows is that they do not belong to the Church that gave them their Bible, and they are hard pressed as to why. I did come full circle and found the original church waiting for me to enter. I did , and so should all. It is the One, holy, catholic and apostolic church- the Orthodox Church.

Comment On This...

Mark 9:38-40

"And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part."

 

A New Catechumen

Congrats to my daughter April, who became a catechumen in the Orthodox Church today. April, and her husband Greg, faithfully serve the Lord and teach their children to do the same. Greg is a Sergeant and a Mission Chief in the United States Air Force. April completed her nursing degree and is expecting their third child in May.

GOD GRANT THEM MANY YEARS!

Prayer of Saint Ephraim

O Lord and Master of my life,
Grant not unto me a spirit of idleness,
of discouragement,
of lust for power,
and of vain speaking.

But bestow upon me, Thy servant,
the spirit of chastity,
of meekness,
of patience,
and of love.

Yea, O Lord and King,
grant that I may perceive
my own transgressions,
and judge not my brother,
for blessed art Thou
unto ages of ages.
Amen.

I Hate Judgmental People

The Tyrant Is Dead- Is It Time Yet?

Philip Saliba, the heavy handed, multimillionaire, tyrannical leader of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in America is dead.

'It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment .'

On a trip to California not long ago, I happened to stay in a hotel right next to where the Antiochian Diocese of California was meeting. There were men in black everywhere. I had the opportunity to talk with a few priests. One, in particular, had recognized me from my blog. It was the first time I realized the reach of the JTO blog. This priest was aware of my prior posts concerning his Metropolitan Philip Saliba--Issues of secrecy, greed, papist attitudes, heresy, apostasy, and the like. I was astonished to find that this priest needed no convincing as to the character of His Metropolitan nor of the drifting into apostasy of the Antioch Diocese and all of World Orthodoxy. The priest, in hushed tones, told me, "We know. We know all of these things. It is just not time yet." He was referencing a time when he and others would leave to find a faithful bishop or stay and stand up in mass dissent like the saints of old, caring more about the cause of Christ than the security of their position.

To the Antiochian priest and to all those in the Antiochian diocese: The tyrant is dead. Is it time yet?

WATCH: There will be a great struggle for power as some Arab factions will go to desperate means to keep control of the Antiochian diocese in foreign, in particular, Arab hands. Council will fight council. Those near Saliba, his associates, are already making efforts to hide records and evidence of Saliba's personal fortune, and other records that others had previously demanded to see. The associates will only be partially successful. Several smoking guns will be revealed. The revelation of certain documents will be the catalyst for a revival of spirit in the American Church and a weaning from foreign control. Priests will leave- Priests will stay- but turmoil will be the word within the Antiochian Diocese. What Saliba sowed in his life, the Diocese will now reap in his death. And those clergy who cared more about the security of their positions will now be shaken.

 http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/06/antioch-do-you-know-where-your-children.html
 http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/07/from-metropolitan-philip-nevermind.html
 http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/08/watered-down-orthodoxy.html
http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/06/why-we-leftwhere-we-went.html 
 http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/08/im-stokacus.html
http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/07/anonomous-priests.html
http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/05/bishops-say-no-to-antiochian-synod-and.html
http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/04/antiochians-and-all-other-parishoners.html
 http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/03/comment-from-antiochian-who-wears-black.html
http://journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/03/good-man.html

"Writers Are The Prophets Of This Generation"

"Writers are the prophets of this generation." These words were spoken to me by a friend who has spent his career in the literary and publishing world. At his words, my soul was pierced and a healing balm of God's Spirit was poured in.

Indeed, the prophets of our day use the art of writing to speak to the world at large and to specific individuals. It is true that writers are the prophets of this generation, but not all writers. Thus it is also true that prophets are the writers of this generation, but not all prophets. But for those prophets, with the gift, the calling, and the opportunity to communicate through writing, one stroke of a pen, one click of a button, one signing of a publishing contract and they are allowed, by the grace of God, and by their obedience, to speak to more people than the prophets of old did during their lifetime. But how do we know today the words that the prophets of old spoke? Their spoken words were written--the people read them--and still read them today. To him who has ears to hear, let him hear. To him who has eyes to see, let him see. The written word by the prophet hits its intended target audience.

Writers are the prophets of this generation. With the words of my friend, I found myself at the culmination of a long season of preparation. I am a writer. By God's grace, my prophetic platform goes beyond a blog. It extends to a larger platform. I am a screenwriter and a film producer.  I am inspired to write that which speaks to the individual, to the nation, to the world through feature films.  I write, then film what has been written-two mediums. A greater audience. 

"You will speak to the masses." These are the words spoken to me by my creator many years go. As I have moved through seasons of life, events, struggles, death of many visions, He has been present to show me, in the secret place of the most high, that place where prophets go to have their flesh annihilated and their will prepared to receive. My life is not my own--I am bought with a price--I speak the will of God in season and out--to those willing to hear and to those who might do me harm. "You will care what no man does to you", said my God.  So, now, this season has arrived and I have penned, clicked and signed- to speak the mind and will of God.

Rocky Top Pictures LLC is the structure from which I am writing and producing several feature films (dramatic films for theatrical release). A feature film that is the definitive film about abortion. A feature film based on the life of Saint Moses the Black. An 1800's period piece showing the spiritual evolution of an outlaw. A feature film about the enduring friendship of an autistic white boy born into wealth and privilege and a black boy from the other side of the tracks.  A feature film about a fallen priest who finds redemption defending a Native American tribe from oppressors. Now it seems, the God of all creativity, is saying to me "Go speak what has been written." And with that, He makes a way. He lights the path. He brings others to aide in the process. Even other prophets to add their words and works. 

Writers are the prophets of this generation. "And He Himself gave some to be prophets...For the Lord does nothing unless He reveals instructions to His servants the prophets."

Lord make me an instrument of your peace and write your words upon my heart.

Who Are You To Judge Another's Servant?

"Why do we usurp God's right to judge? ...It is for God alone to judge, to justify or to condemn. He knows the state of each one of us and our capacities, our deviations and our gifts, our constitution, and our preparedness ...according to the knowledge  that He alone has ...And how do you know what tears he has shed about it before God? You may well know about the sin, but you do not know about the repentance." [St. Dorotheos of Gaza- Discourse on Refusal to Judge our Neighbor. B#45 pp. 133,135]

Forgiveness Sunday 2014

Byzanfest 2014- My Pick For Best Film

Byzanfest 2014- Orthodox Filmakers- see the top 12. Below is my pick for Best Film.

My Tough, Coptic Friends

I call the Copts my friends here, because, for some, it is offensive to refer to the Copts as brothers. Why? Because some 1400-1500 years ago, there was an issue of semantics surrounding the nature of Christ. Is it a dual nature or a single nature? Well, the Copts (Egyptians) say they are NOT monophsites- that they believe in the two natures of Christ- FULLY GOD AND FULLY MAN. Some, however, insist on telling the Copts what they believe.... and the debate continues. All I know is that the Copts I have met love, I say LOVE, God and LOVE people. They are more loving and more Christian by their fruits than many of the "real" Orthodox Christians I have known. 

I have wept as I watched the Coptic Pope speak of forgiveness. I have been blessed by the respect the Coptic laymen have for the clergy, even those who are not Coptic. I am most humbled, however, by the commitment- even unto death- that the Copts show everyday, as they endure persecution, not only in America, but in their own Egypt. Their churches are being destroyed and their people massacered by the thousands. I do not miss an opportunity to tell a Coptic Christian that I am praying for them and their people.

Today, I met a hard working Coptic man as he served me at a Greek Restaurant. With his broken English and genuine smile, he told me that he had been in America only four years. "Are you an Orthodox Christian?", I asked. "Yes", he said with joy. To prove his faith, he revealed a tattoo on his neck, on his arm, and on his chest. A cross, the Theotokos and an Arabic word, which I assumed left no doubt as to whom he served and would serve his entire life. I thought at that moment that the Coptic people know more than most, the truth of the popular bumper sticker which says, "Orthodoxy, Christianity, Only Tougher". To the Copt, this truth is a life or death statement. "The Muslims", he said, "they are no good." It is the Muslims who are killing Christians by the thousands all across the world today, and I count my Coptic friend, among those whose faith and experience makes them tough-strong-mighty in the eyes of God. I am ashamed and humbled in their presence. And I am weak compared to them. So are many of us who confess the faith and have not experienced persecution such as they have. "By their fruit you shall know them."  By their fruit, may I not call them my brothers?

The Theater Of Heaven

Retire from the earth, and look to the theater that is in heaven. If men should praise you, then afterwards they will blame you, will envy you, will assail your character; or if they do not, yet their praise will not benefit you. It is not so with God. He delights in praising your virtuous deeds. Have you spoken well and obtained applause? What have you gained? If those who applauded you were benefited, changed their minds, became better men, and had desisted from their evil deeds, then you might indeed rejoice, not at the praises bestowed, but at the wonderful change for the better. But if they continue their praises and loud plaudits, but gain no good by what they applaud, you ought rather to grieve, for these things turn to their judgement and condemnation. 

Does no one honor you? You ought to rejoice at it. For God will not lay to your charge, among other things, that you have enjoyed honor... For he who is not honored in the present life, who is despised, and held in no consideration, but is insulted and scorned, gains this at least, if nothing else, that he does not have to answer for being honored by his fellow-servants. And on many other accounts he gains by it. He is brought down and humbled, nor if he would, can he be high-minded, if he takes the more heed to himself...

Let us not seek for honors, but evade them when they are offered; let us cast them from us, let us extinguish that desire... The human glory is empty, and an imitation of glory: it is not true glory. Only beauty which is natural, which is within, is lasting: that which is put on externally, when the threater breaks up, and the masks are taken off, each appears what he really is...

Let no man praise you, for it profits nothing; and if he blames you, it does not harm you... And herein we are made like God, that He needs no glory from men. (St. John Chrysostom, Homily II on Titus I)

"DUCK"!

I was raised hearing the old adage, "God hates the sin but loves the sinner." Since this applies to those who commit homosexual sin, in order to love as God loves, Christians must hate homosexuality, but love the homosexual. Is this not what Phil Robertson of the A&E Reality Show Duck Dynasty, expressed to the interviewer in this recent GQ article?

"What does repentance entail? Well, in Robertson’s worldview, America was a country founded upon Christian values (Thou shalt not kill, etc.), and he believes that the gradual removal of Christian symbolism from public spaces has diluted those founding principles... He sees the popularity of Duck Dynasty as a small corrective to all that we have lost."

“Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong,” he says. “Sin becomes fine.” 

[Interviewer] What, in your mind, is sinful?

“Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong. Sin becomes fine. Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men ... Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers -- they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

It seems that warning people of the destructiveness of sin is love, but GLAAD spokesperson, Wilson Cruz said, "Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil's lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe." 

No, Wilson, the lie is found only in your statement. True Christians believe the Word of God as found in the scripture and tradition of the Church. Since those words seem to fly in the face of your seared conscience of godly morality, I lovingly suggest that you "duck" at the following:

^"Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men." 

(1 Corinthians 6:9)

"If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination." (Leviticus 20:13).

"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. Nor shall you mate with any animal, to defile yourself with it. Nor shall any woman stand before an animal to mate with it. It is perversion. ‘Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you." (Leviticus 18:22-24).

"For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due." (Romans 1:26-27).

"As Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." (Jude 7)
"Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them." (Genesis 19:4-5)

"Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the glorious gospel of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted." 1 Timothy 1:8–11

God hates homosexuality...but loves the homosexual. So do all true followers of Jesus the Christ, including Phil Robertson,

“I myself am a product of the 60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together, however, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other.” Phil Robertson

Vanity, Vanity, All Is Not Vanity

Bearded men are wrought with perilous events which threaten the comeliness of their appearance. Our beards tend to be a catch-all at meal time. In conversation, if we see eyes darting to our chins, we know it is time to shake our beards free of debris. We must also be careful around fire. Many a man has smelled the smell of burning hair during liturgy or evening prayers at home. Another way you know that your beard has caught fire is that someone rushes up and begins striking you about the face or tossing holy water on you at the most inopportune time. Now, there may be other reasons for these actions, but the smile on your attacker's face is an indication that it was a benevolent, life preserving act. In either case, the beard is prone to damage or disarray. Because of such a state of affairs, some clergy have put on the piety of not caring what they look like, to the extent that they do not brush or comb their beard or hair. To them it is vanity to care about such things. For me? I brush my beard, put oil on it, and keep my hair as neat as possible. To me, this is not vanity, but an act of love for those who have to look at me. Makes sense to me.

Some in orthodoxy say it is vanity to be a blogger, or if you are a blogger, at least take care not to promote yourself by making the blog about you-photos included. For me, I look to the first bloggers, particularly Saint Paul the Apostle, to immolate. He spoke much about his personal life, his state of mind, his temptations, his "Journey To Orthodoxy", in order to remain a transparent disciple of Christ--warts and all--so that he might "win a few." This is blogging- this is not vanity. The photo? I imagine Saint Paul, had he the technology, may have distributed photos of himself to the churches as a token of love, and as a connection with those whom he had not had an opportunity to meet. I, too, have a prominent photo of myself on the JTO blog. It helps people around the world feel as if they are communicating with a real person. Personally, I prefer to participate on other blogs when I know what the person looks like and a little about them. I find it strange that Orthodox Church websites rarely have photos of the clergy. Surely it would not be vanity to do so. A website is intended to inform. A person perusing a website for a church home, benefits by seeing faces and thus eliminating some of the unknown before visiting a parish.

So I groom and smile--and keep blogging-- with photo attached. Vanity? Not all is vanity.

Tonsured

My Journey To Orthodoxy has led me to a very sobering place--the lowest of the low--a place of servitude and rank, void of acclaim. Several times today I have been congratulated. A nice gesture, and well intended, but a confusing dichotomy for a newly tonsured Reader in the Orthodox Church. The rank of Reader is the entry point for Orthodox clergy and a simple position of service- so I don't know what to do with the well-intended congratulations offered by sincere and godly people. The dichotomy is the fact that Christ called the servant the greatest of all. Yet, to be great you must be the least--thus the confusion, and yet it makes total sense, if one has eyes to see.

Today, His Beatitude, The Very Most Reverend Metropolitan John, Archbishop of New York and New Jersey, First Heirarch of the Holy Synod, of the Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles, within the Tomos of Union with the True Orthodox Churches of Greece, Russia, and Italy, saw fit to tonsure me and make me a Reader. With this low place of service comes a high measure of grace extending from Vladyka John's hand of blessing. With the charge to establish a mission center in Tennessee, my wife Xanthia and I will establish a place of prayer and ministry in the Middle Tennessee region of the south, USA.

This Orthodox Christian communion focuses not on what is wrong with the world, but, rather, on Christ Himself, who has, is, and will make all things right. All who come to Christ will find a savior and redeemer ready to extend to them His love and redemption under the umbrella of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. 

Please pray for me, a sinner, that I will trully be an extenion of the ministry of Vladyka John and of our Lord Jesus Christ who was, and is, and is to come!

 

Why God Permits Temptations

Ascetical Homilies of St Isaac the Syrian, Homily 61

 

By the love which the saints show for God on account of the things they suffer for His name’s sake (when they endure and do not forsake that which God loves), their hearts acquire the boldness to gaze toward Him without a veil and to beseech Him with confidence. Great is the power of bold prayer. For this reason God allows His saints to be tried by every sorrow, then to experience anew and to prove His aid, and to understand how great a providence He has for them, for in their perils He is found to be their Redeemer. And again, He does this so that they may gain wisdom from temptations, lest they be unlearned men and be deprived of the two parts of training, and so that they may acquire the knowledge of all things, lest perhaps they be mocked by the demons. For if He exercised them only in that which is good, they would lack training in the other part and would be blind in battles.

 

If we say that God guides His saints without training and without their knowledge of it, we must conclude that He wishes them to become like oxen and asses and creatures which possess no freedom. If a man is not first tried by the experience of evils, he has no taste for the good. Hence when in evils he meets with that which is good, he will be unable in knowledge and freedom to make use of it as being his very own. How sweet is knowledge that is gained from actual experience and from diligent training, and what power it gives to the man who through much experience has found it within himself, the same is known by those who have been assured of and have seen the help it affords them. They learn the weakness of their nature and the help of Divine power when God first withholds His power from them [while they are amid temptations]. Thus He makes them conscious of their nature’s impotence, the arduousness of temptations, and the cunning of the enemy. Thus He gives them to understand against whom they must wrestle, what kind of nature they are clothed with, how they are protected by Divine power, how far they have advanced on the way. To what height God’s power has raised them up, and how powerless they are before the face of every passion when the Divine power is withdrawn from them. Through all these things they acquire humility, cleave closely to God, look for His help with expectation, and persevere in prayer. Whence could they have received all these boons, if they had not had experience of the many evils which God allowed them to undergo? As the Apostle says, ‘And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan.’ But by the experience of many interventions of divine assistance in temptations, a man also acquires firm faith. Henceforth he has no fear, and he gains stout-heartedness in temptations from the training he has acquired.

 

Trial is profitable for every man. For if trial was profitable for Paul, ‘Let every mouth be stopped, and all the world become guilty before God.’ Ascetic strugglers are tried, that they may add to their riches; the slothful are tried, that they may thereby guard themselves from what is harmful to them; the sleepy are tried, that they be armed with wakefulness; those who are far away are tried, that they may draw nearer to God; those who are God’s own are tried, that with boldness they may enter into His house. The son who is not trained will receive no profit from the riches of his father’s house. For this reason, then, God first tries and afflicts, and thereafter reveals His gift. Glory be to our Master Jesus Christ Who brings us the sweetness of health by stringent medicines!

 

There is no man who will not feel oppressed at the time of training. And there is no man who will not find the time bitter wherein he is given the virulent potion of trials to drink. Without temptations a man cannot acquire a strong constitution, yet to endure with patience is not within our power. For how should the clay vessel endure the vehemence of the waters, if the divine fire had not hardened it? If we submit ourselves to God, while beseeching Him humbly with perseverance in unceasing desire, we shall certainly receive all, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

“That I May Know Him"

Xanthia Lewis

By Xanthia Lewis

The other day I was thinking about the relationship we have with celebrities.  We read about them, we troll the internet for photos of them.  We spend our hard earned dollars to see their concerts and buy their DVDs.  We feel like we know them. Yet, if we met one on the street, we’d have to admit, there is no friendship there.  We are fans, not intimates.

It occurred to me that it is often the same in our spiritual walk.  We read about Christ. We fill our homes with icons and crosses. We spend our hard earned dollars to go to religious conferences, buy books about the faith and the early church fathers. We even participate in the works of the church.  And yet, if we met Him on the street, would we have to admit, there is no friendship there?  Would we have to admit that we are fans of Christ, but not intimates? 

 “ . . . that I may know Him and the power of the resurrection.” (St. Paul -Philippians 3:10) The saints tell us by their examples as well as by their words that prayer is vital to this intimate knowledge of Christ. Not the shopping list of prayers we normally pray, as we tell Him what we need, how we want it, and when.  Prayer must be more than just words, and standing, and prostrations.  It is entering into a time of “knowing” if you will.  To know Him in a very basic sense.  Like the young lovers who walk hand- in-hand, absorbed in each other’s presence where words are not needed.  Or like the child to gives a contented sigh as he sits quietly on his daddy’s lap.  Or like the friend who sits with you during tragedy when no words can help. 

I've always been a multi-tasker.  It is a strength, and a weakness.  A weakness because the biggest challenge for me in prayer, is to focus on one task – the task at hand. Knowing  Christ.  Not approaching Him with my list of details for the day, nor even worse, slipping him in to His “slot.”  But allowing the prayers of the church to remind me of Who He is, and why that’s important, and then taking time to look into His eyes and “know.”

[Xanthia is the wife of JTO BLOG Author Nathan Lee Lewis]

The Holly Spirit?

It seems that Holly-wood is now playing the role of the Holy Spirit. A new T.V. Reality Show encourages repentance from those who have wronged another. On its face, it seems to be a good thing, but it is a little gratuitous to tape the repentance, show it to the world and bank the advertising dollars for corporate gain. 

If we will simply follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we will not need the Holly Spirit to lead us to repentance.

The words of our Lord:
"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

"I’M SORRY!” NATIONWIDE CASTING of GROUNDBREAKING TV SERIES DID YOU DO SOMETHING BAD TO SOMEONE THAT “SORRY” JUST CAN’T FIX? IS THE GUILT EATING YOU ALIVE AFTER YOU DESTROYED SOMEONE’S LIFE? WE WILL CHANGE THEIR LIFE NOW FOR THE BETTER ON YOUR BEHALF. (Details to you after you submit~ BUT we will be doing VERY nice things for them) • Did you knowingly get someone fired so that you could take their job? • Did you sleep with a friend’s boyfriend just so they would to break up? • Have you ever use social media to spread rumors about someone that you knew weren’t true? • Do you now regret your actions and wish you could be forgiven? Everyone deserves a second chance and so do you! AN EMMY AWARD WINNING PRODUCTION CO. & A MAJOR CABLE NETWORK WANT TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THE VERY PERSON YOU HURT. Must be at least 21 years old and legal U.S resident

He Who Endures To The End Will be Saved-Has Reverend Graham Endured In Truth?

Dr. Schuller: "Tell me, what is the future of Christianity?" 

Dr. Graham: "Well, Christianity and being a true believer, you know, I think there's the body of Christ which comes from all the Christian groups around the world, or outside the Christian groups. I think everybody that loves Christ or knows Christ, whether they're conscious of it or not, they're members of the body of Christ. And I don't think that we're going to see a great sweeping revival that will turn the whole world to Christ at any time. I think James answered that, the Apostle James, in the first council in Jerusalem, when he said that God's purpose for this age is to call out a people for his name. And that's what God is doing today. He's calling people out of the world for His name. Whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world, or the non-believing world, they are members of the body of Christ because they've been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus, but they know in their heart that they need something that they don't have and they turn to the only light they have and I think they're saved and that they're going to be with us in heaven." 

Dr. Schuller: "What I hear you saying is that it's possible for Jesus Christ to come into a human heart and soul and life even if they've been born in darkness and have never had exposure to the Bible. Is that a correct interpretation of what you're saying?" 

Dr. Graham: "Yes it is because I believe that. I've met people in various parts of the world in tribal situations that they have never seen a Bible or heard about a Bible, have never heard of Jesus but they've believed in their hearts that there is a God and they tried to live a life that was quite apart from the surrounding community in which they lived." 

Dr. Schuller: "This is fantastic. I'm so thrilled to hear you say that. There's a wideness in God's mercy. 

Dr. Graham: There is. There definitely is."

Ancient Faith in Arkansas

Several Months ago I heard of an Orthodox layman who had the vision to build a temple with his own resources. This Greek man had met and married a southern girl from Arkansas. Finding no Orthodox presence there, the man and his wife decided to build a temple-"build it and they will come." [More of the story HERE] I had the opportunity to visit the site when it was being constructed, and returned only recently to see the completed project. It was named Saint Matthew the Evangelist Church. It was awe-inspiring. I had just completed the video log below when a man drove up and introduced himself as a "member" of the church. He offered to show me the inside. I talked with the humble tour guide for 20 minutes before I realized that I was meeting the layman who had built the temple--he did not want to talk of his participation in the building of the temple and was chagrined that anything had been posted regarding his identity--All glory to God--was his heart. I was moved that God had allowed me to meet this layman with a vision and was moved to tears by his humility. I discovered that a number of people are now attending on a regular basis and priests from the Genuine Orthodox Church of Greece are celebrating the Liturgy. He built it and they did come!

I, too have a vision--as should all of us, to evangelize every community in which we live. Our vision should be God's vision and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. 

In America the opportunities are such that we should not be content to remain in house churches. We certainly should not despise small beginnings, but the word "beginnings" infers that something comes after that. Without a vision the people perish. 

Ask God for a vision. No matter how impossible it seems-believe and you will receive. Preach the gospel to every creature, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Commemorating Saint Moses The Black

St. Moses the Black, Troparion, in Tone I —
A desert-dweller, an angel in the flesh/ and a wonderworker wast thou shown to be,/ O our God-bearing father Moses./ For, having acquired heavenly gifts through fasting, vigilance and prayer,/ thou dost heal the infirm/ and the souls of those who have recourse to thee with faith./ Glory to Him Who gaveth thee ( strength!/ Glory to Him Who crowned thee!// Glory to Him Who worketh healings for all through thee!

Kontakion, in Tone IV —
Having beaten the Moors and spat in the faces of the demons,/ thou didst shine forth noetically like the radiant sun,// directing our lives by the light of thy life and thy teaching.

The Saints of the Kiev Caves, Troparion, in Tone IV —
Let us honor today the noetic sun and the radiant moon of the first leaders of the Caves, with the whole assembly of the venerable; for, illumining the firmament of the Church, they enlighten those who languish in the darkness of the passions, and by their supplications they grant help from Christ God amid all tribulations, and ask deliverance for our souls.

Kontakion, in Tone VIII —
O venerable saints of the Caves, favorites of God chosen from among the generations of men, who in the virtues shone forth upon these mountains: the earth did not conceal you, but heaven hath been opened unto you as a dwelling in paradise; wherefore, on the day of your commemoration we offer up hymns of praise unto God Who hath glorified you. As ye have boldness, by your supplications deliver from all misfortunes us who honor your assembly, for ye are our helpers and mediators before God.

Please continue to pray for the Moses The Black-The Movie.