In Christ the Old Self is Put Aside As we struggle to make spiritual progress we do battle with the old self. We work against old habits that have kept us stuck and prevented the change we so desire in our quest for communion with God. Our sins and passions
We Should Not Reserve Modest Clothing for Church Services The Old Testament is filled with the image of God’s people being a holy people, set apart. The ancient Israelites were not like their neighbors. Their values and their faith impacted everything about them. They dressed differently than many of their
Step by Step, Progress is Made We can feel discouraged when we struggle to change our bad behaviors, or overcome sins that seem to follow us like bad debt. We feel overwhelmed and wonder if we’ll ever have victory. During times like these it is good to remember the words
Step by Step, Progress is Made We can feel discouraged when we struggle to change our bad behaviors, or overcome sins that seem to follow us like bad debt. We feel overwhelmed and wonder if we’ll ever have victory. During times like these it is good to remember the words
The Connection Between Godly Friendships and Spiritual Progress It is easy to feel trapped by our bad habits. We don’t like certain behavioral patterns that have become habitual, and we feel helpless in our attempt to change. Growing as Christians is often fraught with failure, and we find ourselves stuck.
Becoming Partakers of the Divine Nature Although our regeneration began with baptism, our repentance opens the gates to grace after grace. Repentance is the second regeneration in that through our repentance, the door to the mercy of God opens wide. In being regenerated by God’s mercy, we are justified before
The Opposite of Faith is Unbelief, not Doubt Lack of doubt causes people to hold beliefs which may not be enough to sustain them in this present world, for they, in their fear of doubt, fail to go beyond the external form of the Christian faith. In their fear, they
The Chief Sign Of A Priest If a priest is not himself filled with the Holy Spirit he will be unable to share Him with others. A priest who is not humble and compassionate, and living in repentance will not be able to impart an authentic faith that is believable.
God’s House Must Be Entered With Awe And Fear We must practice reverence in the temple, whether during services or when we step into the church to light a candle and venerate the holy icons. The temple is the place set apart for the worship of the Holy Trinity and