Orthodox Christianity 101: For Enquirers - Fr. Stephen Freeman
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- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
- In this episode, Father Stephen Freeman offers advice to those who are interested in becoming Orthodox Christian.
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#Orthodox blogger, author, and #Archpriest, Father Stephen Freeman, is founder and Pastor Emeritus of St. Anne Orthodox Church in Oak Ridge, TN. To learn more about Father Stephen’s work, please check out his blog on #Orthodoxy, Glory to God for All Things:
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I could’ve burst into tears when he said “if you die in the process it’ll be alright”. I grew up baptists believing that you had to rush and say the prayer then rush and get baptized lest you die and not make it. So much anxiety. I still haven’t been able to let that go completely but thank God he is working on me.
Glory to God!
I mean for all you know they WERE correct. Who is to say which interpretation is valid, which branch of Christainity knows the truth? Why do you arbitrarily believe one over the other? The solution is: Throw all of Christianity away. Throw all religions away. Join the atheists in a rational and humane understanding of the world :). And if you're curious about spiritual matters, you can test it with new age ideas! Lets all abandon orthodox Christianity together :D
@@radscorpion8 I agree that most of todays atheism is good in so far as it represents the rejection of a clearly evil demiurge. I don't agree with the glib abandonment of one vision of absolute truth for another. Atheism is as philosophically and metaphysically absurd as any fundamentalist christianity. The only good points atheism has to make is how the traditional metaphysical arguments for the reality of God fail.
@@radscorpion8All is Vanity in the end but Faith in our Lord leads to salvation. Something lead you here in the first place brother. Let our Lord in.
“ The priest is not the physician....more like the head nurse...” Brillant. Inspired.
A former atheist told me that his life as an atheist was happier than.his life as an Orthodox because he now realized how miserable his sins were. As I priest I told him that Orthodoxy means taking up your cross every day and suffering if necessary to do Christ's will in the expectation of a glorious ressurection.
For me it was the opposite, I didn't realize how unhappy my sins were making me because I didn't know there was another path
Supposed to turn the suffering over to God . Not continue carrying them just because.
@@travelchannel304 We first repent. We Orthodox understand the concept of joyful sorrow which in a nutshell means that we feel sorrow for our sins but we also see the light at the end of the tunnel which means the joy of God's forgiveness and His grace which comes with it.
Ha! I was by no means genuinely happy as an atheist! Happiness was so ephemeral that I often preferred to stay depressed! I thought I just happened to have a “mental illness” but all along it was a spiritual one. New Age “spiritualism” at least got me to accept 1)that there is a God & 2) he is good & loves us. I finally started to experience a more consistent sense of happiness & joy & contentment like I had never known before. But it also played into my pride & vanity & I kept refusing to even consider Christ as my Lord & Savior.
Now that I am a very very new enquirer, I’m realizing just how prideful & vane I was in my own way. How much I have failed to become more holy & more wise on my own because of my often subtle rebellion. The Orthodox Church brings me instantly into a state of sublime submission to god’s mercy & will, something I could not experience in Catholic mass. At times, the gravity of the consequences of my sins sometimes hits me so hard I want to crawl out of my own skin!! It can be heavy, but I know now that the experience is fleeting & serves me well in the long-run. This can be very acutely painful, but it is nothing compared to spending nearly half my life in with the hollow, soul-sucking ache of chronic depression & anxiety.
@@VidBint Its interesting how you believers never talk about any rational proof for your religion. Its always just psychological arguments about how you used to be so prideful but now you feel some sublime happiness supposedly brought on by the orthodox faith, but why the faith is true is never brought up which you'd think was critical. If psychological arguments were sufficient, then new age meditators also feel sublime peace. There are new age mediums who can communicate with spirit and learn about the various ways they can improve on their personal flaws.
But at least when it comes to new age, they have some concrete proof that their ideas work, that you can manifest things. They have forums where they share their successes and techniques and people can try those things themselves. And because they often have a direct connection to spirit, they can test the validity of that connection in various ways. With most religious faiths, I don't even know if you guys have that. Instead its just this extremely shaky and frankly shallow belief in God which only manifests in your life as "joyful sorrow" as Tysikos put it. No offense but that sounds like a truly miserable existance, because you have no connection to God except a made up one in your head that you never have any true faith in precisely because you're making it up. That's why your religion is dying.
I thank God I'm not orthodox or any other religion. If it wasn't for new age ideas, and the fact that they are testable and provable, I'd be way more depressed. But even without new age, I'd be happier as an atheist, because at least you know the things you're believing are true and not just constructed in your head to make you feel better. For the same reason I can't believe in Zeus lol. Every single philosophical or pseudo-naturalistic argument for God fails miserably, and I've seen hundreds of debates and scholarly arguments by now to know they really don't have anything. I guess in a way I answered my own question. Maybe you can't bring up any rational proof so you resort to psychological tricks instead. But you're really only tricking yourself
How could you not like this guy.
This is by far the absolute best introduction to the Orthodox faith I have ever heard.
As an evangelical Charismatic Protestant for 29 years, for the last few weeks I've been exploring orthodoxy. The Jesus Prayer has been the key but what has massively freaked me out is discovering 2 words that shocked me to the core: Podvig and Prelest.
I'm being tenderly dismantled and taking it slowly.
First time ecountering Father Stephen, too beautiful and so much wisdom.
That is why our path is narrow. One needs to be very watchful when it comes to the subtle deceits like "prelest". Podvig is what is missing in Protestantism and what we Orthodox can not understand - how come our fellow Prots are not putting up the fight against evil.? That is where podvig comes into play.
"...The slow, patient work of salvation'" Love it!
There were some good words here on pastoral ministry. “Don’t worry so much. There is a God.” Thanks!
Thanks to God! Glad you found it edifying Pastor Scott!
Pastor Scott, as a Baptist, what do you believe about Orthodoxy?
Your words were a balm to my soul tonight - simple, yet profound - thank you so much.
The virtue of patience is a corner stone element in the faith. It shows humility and it is like an imitation of God himself, that His ways are usually not rushed but slow and patient. Patience is trust to God, moving a problem to Him and who is better in solving problems than Him? But takes courage to let things take their route.
Amen!
I like how you talk about how we are not here to fix what is going on with others. I’m a psychotherapist, and the same is true in the field of healing. We are not here to fix people. We are here to listen empathetically, and share strategies.
I'm russian and live in Russia and Father Stephan' words about patience inspired me very much 9:25
Beautiful! I'm a Baptist on a journey... Thank you for introducing me to Fr. Freeman.
Keep walking...
There's no rush!
@@brettscotland889 👍Thank you, Brett.
God with us
May I ask how your journey is going?
@@jeromestafford3089 😊Thanks for asking. Wow, I'm surprised to see that 2 years gone by since my post...
I have not yet officially converted, and the reasons are a bit complicated. Covid time of course slowed everything down, but the biggest issue is that I live far up North and the priests visit only once or twice/month... Thankfully there are lot of resources online that I use frequently.
So right now, in my mind I'm no longer a Protestant. I visit Catholic Mass once a month and Orthodox Vigilia twice/month. (These are held in the same orthodox chapel. And there's about 10-15 persons in each parish). I have my daily prayer rule and I daily read spiritual books by Church Fathers, Saints or monastics. Both the prayers and the books are a mix of Catholic and Orthodox... often pre-schism...
In a way my spiritual life is quite eremitical...ascetic. I'm clearly influenced by the Carthusians and Russian Orthodox hermits.
But I absolutely feel a need to choose what Church to belong to. Mainly to be able to fully take part in the Eucharist and other sacraments.
The journey continues. God have Mercy, all Glory to Him.
@@mikkis668may I ask, when it comes to embracing the more sacramental theology of EO or RC, what was most compelling for you in leaving Baptist theology?
I have also recently been working on believing in God. Not that I didn't believe before, but I have been working on being more conscious when I pray that my prayers are directed to my father rather than just speaking words out into the air with my heart not really being intent on God.
May the Lord be with you! We are so blessed To believe God!! May God hear your prayer
Thank you for the wonderful clip from Father Stephen. I am a 44 year old catechumen, and one of the things I am learning is to narrow my focus, which he describes as the key to freedom
Thanks to your channel, I am finally taking action on converting to Orthodoxy. Born into a protestant family, I realized from an early age after attending Mass with a Catholic friend that Protestantism was terribly empty of both substance and meaning. My faith was magnified by living the holidays and celebrating them the way they were meant to. What resounded most deeply with me was how universal the Divine Liturgy in Orthodoxy is, regardless of where it is celebrated. Thank you, Herman.
How has life changed for you?
This has changed me on the inside. Thank you. I now understand.
"..working on the reality there is a God..." Fr Stephen states this was his experience during his first year year as an Orthodox Chriistian. This is , I think, is really profound.
I am not a 'convert' to the Orthodox faith but I am. Honestly, i think that probably all those actively seeking the truth will go through an Orthodox conversion journey or even journeys. This may even apply to, and perhaps, especially true to cradle Orthodox. Not all cradle Orthodox realised or were taught about the 'pearl' before them and in addition, as an adult if our faith journey is earnest we are all converts. While I was born into the Russian Irthodox church I did not have the language and like many converts, I stood in church juggling service books trying to hear the liturgical words that might give me access to the faith - To God. Many of my Orthodox friends seem to not struggle with knowing that God exists. I don't have this sort of faith but I do believe wanting to attain this is my personal journey. In the Orthodox church I think we are all converts. We are all the same just that our journeys are different. Getting to know Fr Stephen and like him very much. Thank you.
Thanks to God...thanks for sharing your story, Mary...glad you found this video edifying!
Thank you this video has taken the sting of urgency out of the equation. Trust and faith in GOD leads us safely home.
And yes patience in our suffering. All suffering comes with blessings
I really relate to what he said about finding Orthodoxy due to logic/ intellectual reasons. This is me, an inquirer who found Orthodoxy because of apologetics. Once I found home, I have no more desire for apologetics or defending Orthodoxy to others.
As someone going through a long(ish) waiting period as an inquirer prior to becoming a catechumen (given family life situation and living away from home country) this was very meaningful. Lord have mercy on us. Thank you!
Thanks to God...may God encourage you in your patience!
Everything in the spiritual life takes years...and requires great patience! This is particularly difficult for us because we've become so accustomed to getting everything quickly(!) May God give us strength to learn patience!
@@ProtectingVeil Indeed. I am thankful for this slow journey into greater humility and repentance as I have lived much of my life getting what I want very quickly. Glory to God.
Same here.. plus covid circumstances
Thank you for helping me understand God's will, and
the necessity for patience during conversion.
His point about time is valid. Looking back on my life, I realize that seeds that were planted early often took years to take root then to flower. Sometimes I only realized the importance of some bit of wisdom I encountered until my life situation changed and suddenly I knew what it meant.
Christ is born glorify him. Peace be on to you and to your spirit
Wonderful video.... Father Stephen has a gift for communication, he sheds soft light onto a subject that can be frustrating. As an inquirer I take is advise to heart. Thank you once again for a great video. I love this channel
☦️
Thank God for Fr Stephen and what he shared here! I needed to hear so much of this so badly. Thank you so much for conducting and posting these interviews.
Glory to God. Very helpful.
Powerful. Very helpful to me, looking into the Orthodox window.
I share your position of not rushing. Speed kills.
Im going to convert soon. Just been doing alot of OT to buy church clothes for the first time in a looong time. Im really excited and cant wait to start the process to getting baptized.
Godspeed!
As a Roman Catholic I have found that frequently the Sunday sermon was meaningless. Specifically, the words have no relevance to my life and struggles. As if the priest had not carefully prepared. But rather, was merely performing without any expectation of accomplishment. In turn, I have listened to Father Stephen several times and I feel that I would have no problem listening to his words. There is something genuine about him.
Priests are men and they have different levels of talents.
I found this to be helpful on so many levels. The patience, the recognition of necessary struggle perhaps by God’s doing. Really, the individual level effort to know God that Christianity points to versus over-relying on constant prescriptions from any one church leader. Of course!
Thank you!
Well said! Thankful for this interview!! Greetings from one living by God’s grace & not bound by the law… Peace of Christ!!!
Thank you 🙏🏻
Really insightful! Thank you!
Thank you! - Wise words.
Thanks to God!
Thank you. Praise Jesus!
Sound advice! Thank you.
Waiting can be a hard thing (!!) but trust and faith in God's purpose and plan to come to fruition makes patience easier.
I will praise the Lord at all times, let His name be always in my mouth.
🙏💙☦️❤️☦️💙🙏
Hi there, I am a Protestant. Thank you for taking the time to share your story. To be honest, I feel as though I'm either being drawn or tricked. The Lord has always shown me mercy as my tendency is to learn the hard way, due to my abundance of pride. Logic suggests even if I am being tricked; 1. It's not the Lord who is tricking me, so what does He want me to learn?
2. Orthodoxy 'feels' right, which for me, usually means it's 'wrong', a characteristic I gained from 3 decades of 'substance abuse'; so again, with all the struggle I'm having, where does the Lord want me to be, and what must I learn from this? Am I being dumped? Lord, plz mercy. ..?????
Edit: well, what 'feels' like 2 years on, I'm not being tricked, I'm being led to Christ. There's no other way but the way He gave to His Apostles, to give to us, to pass on to His future children. Though it's been a while, it has good cause to be, I have a stubborn, rebellious, and wicked heart. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
I had a long standing addiction to porn. May not be everyone's experience, but the spritual practices and attending perspective of Orthodoxy freed me. Orthodoxy "feels right', but in the opposite way from substance abuse. It is the antithesis of substance abuse.
Very helpful, thank you much.
Great video, keep it up! Patience by God it will take a lifetime!
Thanks to God! And thanks for your encouragement, Brigid...I'm glad you found it edifying!
This is amazing...that’s all.
Thanks to God...thanks for stopping by, Brett!
This is beautiful
Christ is Risen! Thanks to God!
Very helpful video. This priest is an amazing pastor.
Thanks to God...glad you found it helpful, Michael!
The father is well spoken. I liked his comment regarding people who come to genially argue about orthodoxy not being ready for orthodoxy.
Отец Фриман прав: вера - это таинственный дар благодати. Помню, как произошло моё обращение: я куда-то шёл по монастырю, и у меня внутри возник вопрос: "Я верю, что в Православии истина?" - "Да." - и с тех пор я верующий.
И про терпение он хорошо говорит. "Сиди в своей келье, и она всему тебя научит" ))
Ditto
Subbed! Beautiful, thank you!
Thanks to God...glad you found us!
Dr. Herman, your channel is quite amazing! I’m wondering if you have or will have any interviews with past Freemason/Occult members who have left and found Orthodoxy. I would really appreciate such a topic! God bless you!
Every video is so good
Thanks to God...glad you found us and that you're finding them edifying!
Patience is the only thing I've ever learned, and the only thing I need to learn in future.
I don't want to speak too soon but the more I hear of Orthodox Christianity, the more at home I am feeling. Many of my own peculiar perspectives that make me feel separate to culture including much Christian culture are not simply being echoed but expanded.
Did you end up becoming Orthodox?
@@consciousstream5036 Yes! Thanks for asking. I'll be baptised in August, God willing. :)
Wonderful video. I couldn't help but to relate to what Fr. Stephen said at 10:58. I'm an ex-Catholic turned Protestant and despite the year of service in the church's choir, I can't help but feel that I would be better or more comfortable in another church or even another religion entirely. I don't know if I'm being called elsewhere or if it's just a matter of buckling down and being patient. Regardless, I'm thankful for this video..
There is only one Home and it is patiently waiting and praying that people like you would hear the tiny voice in your heart...
I am on the "fence" about converting to Orthodoxy , I liked what Father Freeman had to say,
Have you ever attended an Orthodox Liturgy?
I was raised atheist and have remained that way for a long time. I've tried protestantism, only to figure out there are over 30,000 different denominations. I know the history of the orthodox and catholics with the schism of 1054. I've recently decided to go to an orthodox church this weekend. As of right now I don't know 100% if I truly believe in God, mostly because I really don't know who God is or what it feels like to believe. I've been wanting to believe in God since I was a teenager. Becoming orthodox for me is ultimately about feeling connected to God and secondly about changing my life completely around for the better. I noticed he said don't do it unless you believe in God, but what if I don't know how to connect with God or even who God is? It's hard as someone who grew up faithless to just flip a switch to believe 100% that God is the one described in Christianity.
Thanks for the comment, Kyle! Faith is a continuous journey...not a one moment affair...our relationship with God is like that of Bridegroom and Bride (a biblical image) that is, a relationship of love. We were created to love God, and He comes to us to begin our journey of faith. If we don't respond, He respects our free will and will not force us. When we respond, He responds, and the journey continues...it is, in fact, an eternal journey into deeper love and understanding...as they say in Greece, "slowly, slowly!" Here's a short, but wonderful, book that you might find encouraging: www.sainthermanmonastery.com/God-s-Revelation-to-the-Human-Heart-p/grhh.htm
We would love to hear about your experience this weekend.
Amen about being Orthodox "intellectually" but not believing...not living like you believe anyway...not deep down in your bones.
Thankfully, when the "intellectual Orthodox" God Willing, are finally Humbled enough to believe - they don't need to search for "The Way", they just need to start living it.
Currently struggling with confusion. I just can't understand the thought of being in a wrong denomination.
I see devoted, passionate, godly protestants, Catholics, even Muslims and I can't help think how are they wrong.
The thought of dying believing you choose the right religion then dying realizing you were wrong.
However as I seek more for the truth I really am drawn to orthodoxy.
Don't worry, my friend...if you see them, God sees them too, and loves them more than you do! The question for you is: where is God leading you? And where will you find the fullness of truth that will provide you with the best tools to become who God created you to be? God doesn't call us to solve all the problems in the world (that's His job), but to be faithful to Him in the time and space He gives to us...
Thank you Fr Stephen. I feel very afraid to dare to think that everything I know is in error. I've lived a life where God is my genie in a bottle, raised a baptist, then moved in pentecostal circles, and I've ended up at the Salvos doing a rehab programme called Celebrate Recovery, and, since Cvd-19 has struck, I've been listening to Reformation Theology. My drug addiction is worse than ever but... While searching for John Macarthur sermons I stumbled into what I thought was Dr JMac, opposing Orthodoxy was Hank Hannegraff's rebuttal of Jman's renunciation of Orthodoxy. Since then I've felt irresistibly drawn to Eastern Orthodoxy and I'm scared. I'm experiencing so much familiar opposition (drug abuse), could it be possible that the narrow way lie before me? I was born and raised a protestant, I oppose Catholicism, how can something so similar be drawing me to it? Help Lord, please have mercy and lead me home, please Lord...?
One of the prayers in Orthodox Holy Liturgy is for the people who enter the church building with fear. You shouldn't be scared...
I had a long standing addiction to porn. May not be everyone's experience, but the spritual practices and attending perspective of Orthodoxy freed me. Orthodoxy "feels right', but in the opposite way from substance abuse. It is the antithesis of substance abuse.
Matthew- Can you get to an Orthodox Church? Attending Divine Liturgy is truly the best medicine. Although I became clean and sober a year before becoming an Orthodox Christian, I have no doubt it was my being an Orthodox Christian that kept me healthy for 26 years! Obtained university degrees and have helped the struggling addict ever since. I owe my solid and unshakable faith (& sobriety) to opening my heart to the Orthodox Christian Church ☦️❤️ Praying for you Matthew 🙏🏼💟
Based
?
I am glad I have found your page, I have attended Fr. Josiah's parish in riverside a couple of times recently and I am still trying to figure the best direction into orthodoxy. Any suggestions on a first step into orthodoxy?
Likewise, brother! Sounds like you've already taken the best first step...and you're blessed to be close enough to attend Fr. Josiah's parish! I would encourage you to spend as much time as you can in church and ask Fr. Josiah what kinds of things you should be doing. I would caution you against spending much time with online Orthodoxy (I think Fr. Josiah would agree!) Online Orthodoxy can be fine as a way to discover Orthodoxy initially (and, if your local priest thinks it's appropriate, perhaps he'll point you towards some online material), but beyond that, it's a mixed bag and can often cause more confusion than is beneficial.
@@ProtectingVeil I appreciate the response and suggestions! With online videos and readings, that is what I was running into. I did find some pages associated with Fr. Josiah, including your page, which I have found very helpful so thank you for your content. I will take the suggestion and introduce myself next time I'm there. Still a step I haven't done yet as well. Thank you for your advice!
Not argue?? But how will they know I’m right?! 😉😆
I think a lot of converts have difficulty not arguing, but that’s just my experience.
Yes...for many it takes a long time to internalize the reality that the spirit of God is one of peace, unity, gentleness, love (etc.) and that arguing is (usually) counterproductive(!) I guess this is a lesson that we can always learn better (and hopefully do!)
@@ProtectingVeil - Wanting to shout Orthodoxy from the rooftops is a constant struggle. I'm weak.
Love is a beautiful thing...I sympathize brother!
Derek A. Kamal Yeah, being super zealous in the wrong way is a real problem among converts. The struggle is real. 🙄😆
Blessed brother, they do not have to know you are right, since God is right. Everything we do not do or are, God will fix, not we. Wejust try, by His grace, to fix our will towards becoming what He wants. God bless. Kali Anastasi!
Pray and then pray some more!!!!!!!
I'm an ex-atheist who had a religious experience in an orthodox monastery. I don't even understand what happened, or which direction it points me in. I'm not even sure that I am ready to be an inquirer. The road ahead is long and I can only see one step ahead. I thought I was pretty patient but I'm moving at a snail's pace and can hardly accept that.
Godspeed, brother! Learning patience is one of the greatest of life's lessons...good strength...and may God continue to guide your steps!
@@ProtectingVeil Thank you
Fr. Freeman said "conversion is His doing", what did he mean by that?
I believe that he is saying that God is the one who is converting us and that we do not need to worry about our salvation. Essentially time is not an issue.
Kick ass bench
English oak *is* lovely...
Some priests think they are the physician sadly… we are all human and are vessels needing healing.
Why should we take our time? What if we feel a deep urgency in our bones? What if we fear for our health if we delay any longer in confessing our sins (which requires becoming Orthodox)? As it is written, "...and the eunuch said, 'Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?' And Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he answered and said, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' ... and he baptized him." Acts 8:36-38
Yep, some may feel a great urgency. But i suppose we all don't have to.
@@jeffreyhoward6319 True, but we never know how many days we have. I'm sure Kobe didn't expect not to make it home.
@@graceoverall I suppose we Orthodox Christians would see the whole process as being Salvific.
@@graceoverall Kobe? You lost me
@@jeffreyhoward6319 Sorry, Kobe Bryant (world famous basketball player) died suddenly in a helicopter crash just last week.
Are there Orthodox parishes, in the USA, that conduct Liturgy in English?
Hey Sirius...yes, indeed, most parishes conduct their services in English. Most (perhaps all?) OCA and Antiochian parishes do. In the other jurisdictions, if the services are not 100% in English, they're usually at least 50% in English...come and see!
Very much interested in learning more. I have several Orthodox Parishes near me in New Jersey: Russian, Ukraine, Greek.. The Liturgy I have attended was in that language. Gorgeous and romantic, but I need to understand what I'm participating in
I certainly understand...happily, Orthodox parishes in the US are increasingly moving towards English. In some older parishes (especially in the Northeast and Midwest), there is an attachment to the old languages...this will change, however. Here's a tool for finding local Orthodox parishes...as I mentioned, most OCA and Antiochian parishes are going to be in English: orthodoxyinamerica.org/
@@siriusalien2977 The majority of the Greek Orthodox Churches have Services in English.
@@ProtectingVeil Hello from the Coptic Orthodox Church :) in the last 5to 7 years the Coptic church has now about 4 English churches only (well 90% English) in Southern CA. thank you for the beautiful video. God Bless.
As a Protestant definitely something to think about. I find lack of justification by faith alone is something to be concerned about. Missing the mark.....
You have to take into account that in Koine (Biblical Greek) 'justification' and 'righteousness' are virtually the same word: 'dikaios'
@@jeffreyhoward6319 So what's the conclusion?
its a continual process
@@jeffreyhoward6319 yes sanctification is a continual process but not justification. Just like the theif on the cross!! The penalty of sin is paid for. This I find is a weakness in the Theosis concept.
@@supersmart671 John Wesley phrased it by saying that faith and repentance are the mere gateway.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
Jeremiah 17:9
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
From the outset, this 'priest' gets it all wrong. Christianity isn't about feelings, it's about knowledge, which knowledge is ultimately grounded in the very source of truth, Christ and His word as found in scripture.
It's not about enjoying church, it's about a contrite person coming to the realisation that he is a sinner in the hands of an angry righteous God, in desperate need of a saviour.
The gospel isn't about smells and bells and relics and shiny things, it's about the terrible consequences of sin and the gift of grace to sinners who put their trust and faith in Jesus as their righteousness through imputation.
The reason why people are attracted to the Orthodox Church is simple. The gospel of grace is not enough for them. The grace of God is insufficient for them. God is not enough for them. Christ has not done enough.
The Orthodox church claims to hold to the teachings of the apostles in the first century, yet no such historical biblical evidence exists to back up this claim.
This is merely Roman Catholicism repackaged.
Anyone can check out the core doctrines of the OC and see for themselves the errors.
How do you know that you are really fully understanding Orthodoxy? By criticizing Orthodoxy you have actually revealed that you are already half way there. I suggest you do more research. And by the way he is in the hands of a loving, merciful God. You are right, its not just about feelings, Orthodoxy engages the whole person. Seems you had already made up your mind that you were not going to agree with any of it before you even heard it.
жестоко.... почему нет хотя бы русских субтитров....
We know our Orthodox interpretation of the Holly Bible is correct with the same methodology we know the Bible is correct:
Via majority verification,
We can reconstruct the original Bible and filter out mistakes, omissions or additions by comparing the text that was passed over/translated copy to copy, in different geographical areas.
If 995 out of 996 is x then x is correct and 1 is not.
99% of churches that are mentioned in the Bible have all preserved identical traditions, except the heretic bishop of Rome, who claimed he can add things to the tradition, from him came the Protestants who also think they're infallible and can create their own traditions..
It's painfully obvious what the correct way to worship our Lord is,
Accepting a gift without saying thank you is not very polite
We all felt short of the glory of God, let's not walk further away from the light
When I hear a man speak like this, it is very very hard NOT to believe in God.
" The WORK of salvation" He expresses one of the main anthropocentric, unscriptural errors of the " Orthodox" church.
God cannot save us unless we are willing to be habitable for his grace. He does not impose his grace on us, we have to be willing to accept him.
That's true, but if you are working to be " habitable" for His grace, then it's not grace. " Willing to accept Him"...by all means,but if you are working to be worthy of the free gift, it's no longer a gift. Read the book of Galatians and Romans chapters 3 to 7 ....God''s Word condemns all that man adds to the gospel regarding our salvation.
@@matthiasbrandt1252 Our will cooperates w/ his grace. "Faith without works in dead"
Also accepting his grace is work / action on our part: as well" "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" I suggest you read some of the works of St. John Cassian. He shows us a truthful balance between the extremes of St Augustine and Pelagius
No my friend. You misinterpret the scriptures along with the " Orthodox" and Roman religious systems. James 2 .. Faith without works is dead...yes....the works show your faith is REAL....but you are justified BY FAITH Romans 5:1 and HAVE peace with God. Yes...you work out your salvation with fear and trembling...a salvation you HAVE...by Grace alone through faith alone. Romans 4:5..." But to the one who DOES NOT WORK, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his FAITH is credited as righteousness". Abraham was declared righteousness through His FAITH... which was proved real by his obedience...though imperfect. The Orthodox Church boasts about never having a reformation...well, it needs one. The only infallible rule for life and practice is the Word of God....inspired by the Holy Spirit and carefully interpreted with His help. Traditions of man are not worthy of being placed on the same level.
You have to be ignorant historically and biblically.
What do you base this on?
I suggest you look up Father Stephen De Young's "Religion of the Apostles". It is Orthodox Biblical theology par excellance.
Im catholic you're not doing anything i am unfamiliar with. are you talking to protestants?
We are talking to all Heterodox.... to repent and come home.
I have no doubt that devote Orthodox Christian are sincere in their quest to love God. Maybe this is not the proper place to say this but The Orthodox Church claims of being the true Church of Jesus are completely false. Jesus would never have practiced Christianity.
Well, perhaps you don't have a good reason for becoming Orthodox ;)
I suggest you look up Father Stephen De Young's "Religion of the Apostles".