KNOW AND BELIEVE THAT OUR MERCIFUL GOD LOVES YOU!

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God, and Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

KNOW AND BELIEVE THAT OUR MERCIFUL GOD LOVES YOU!

One need only to open the Holy Bible to discover Who God is. No Christian needs to be a theologian or to be expected to offer theological interpretation of the Holy Scriptures to read it. People who are seeking to find God in their lives will definitely be helped by taking only a few minutes from their busy lives by turning to the New Testament for answers. One may begin by reading slowly and methodically the Gospels i.e., Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. And then to Saint Paul’s Letters or Epistles. If anyone needs assistance and guidance they turn to their local parish priest who may possibly have organized a study bible group that one can join. However, it is up to the individual to make the effort and to seek help. The New Testament has been translated in every known language and can be purchased at any local bookstore or through the local parish. The local church, I am sure, may even give it free of charge. According to our Holy Orthodox Church the Holy Scripture is divinely inspired and therefore the word of God. When one begins to explore the Holy Bible, he or she should do it with a sincere, open, and contrite heart. God speaks to us when we have faith even as small as a mustard seed. Jesus says, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you” [Matthew 17:20]. Faith, my beloved, IS A GIFT OF GOD, and an assent to the Truth, which benefits the soul. A special gift by Christ which causes things to happen beyond man’s power and understanding.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, FOR GOD IS LOVE (AGAPE). In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His Only Begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” [1 John 4:7-9]. By saying that “God is love” is not a definition of Who God is, but rather a description of His relationship to us as our Father. As the “only begotten Son” sacrificially gave Himself “that we might live through Him” so we are to give ourselves to Him and to “one another.” This is Christianity! For all those Christians that have been baptized but ceased to practice the Faith there is still time to save their souls by following the good example of the Prodigal son who said: “How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father and will say to him, “Father I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” And he arose and came to his father…” [Luke 15:-17-20]. This extreme need brings the prodigal son to his senses, but what draws him homeward is certainly his father’s agape.

Speaking about agape (love) , it is more important than the very air that we breathe. People take it for granted that everyone feels loved by someone. That they are frequently told by their relatives and friends how much they are loved by them. The words, ‘I love you!’ are heard daily or often. However, that is not always true. Somehow and for some reason, people find it difficult to express openly the love for each other, even within families. It is so very important that everyone expresses to each other what they feel in their hearts. No one should doubt that It makes a difference in one’s life to know, and be reminded constantly, that he or she is loved, especially the children. Sadly, about fifty percent of families never hear the words ‘I love you’ in their home. However, it is never too late to start saying these three little words. Believe me it does make a difference.

Christians believe that Christianity is not one of thousands of religions in the world. Christianity is NOT a religion but A REVELATION! Jesus Christ is NOT another human being that formed a “new” religion. Our Lord Jesus Christ is God incarnate Who descended from heaven to save mankind from death and corruption. He is the DIVINE REVEALER! God reveals to the human race that He alone can save us from evil and death. His love for humanity is unconditional. Jesus says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” [John 3:16]. The essence of the Gospel: God’ Gift of His Son, as the ultimate expression of His love for the world.

Begin a life of prayer. There is no greater prayer than that of the Lord’s Prayer and therefore begin with that. Our Holy Orthodox Church has an unfathomable spiritual wealth that one can draw from. There are prayers for every occasion and all needs. There is, of course, the Divine Liturgy conducted during the week and of course on the Lord’s Day that all should attend as frequently as possible. The church is a place of reconciliation and healing. It is a spiritual hospital for the spiritually ill which all of us are. The Physician of our souls, and bodies, Jesus Christ, is always present to bestow upon us penitents, forgiveness of sins and life everlasting through His Precious Body and Precious Blood, Holy Communion. There is no greater medicine than the Holy Eucharist.

“The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God and Father, and
the communion of the Holy Spirit be
with all of you.”

________
“Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!”
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George