Keep doing this father. I’m a former Protestant now orthodox catechumen. I can tell you it’s material like this that compelled me to find the true church.
It's pretty important to recognize that the church and faith are inseparable. A protestant friend of mine stopped going to church (non-denominational) because he wasn't getting anything out of it. But he goes to his Bible study every week. Just a few weeks ago nearly the entire Bible study converted to Calvinism because they all misread two passages.
Even as a Protestant, I never understood how anyone could believe in Calvinism. Most ppl do not read their Bible alone. They’re told what the scriptures say and then read it. In a court of law, that’s called “leading the witness.” I wonder why that’s illegal in court?
I’ve been reading and thinking for a month now on the origins and doctrines of my tradition and those of Eastern Orthodoxy. I think I’ve thoroughly muddled myself up and just need to go visit for Vespers. Prayers are appreciated that whatever needs to take place will take place.
I've almost reached end of my catechism and I'm constantly reading, listening and watching info on Orthodoxy yet none of it compares to just going and experiencing the church itself. I highly suggest attending Divine Liturgy and sticking around for coffee hour/trapeza/Agape Meal (depending on the Orthodox Church).
@ I think you’re right; I think that is the next step for me. I’ve been in touch with a priest in my area and I’m hoping to go with an open mind and that I will see God in one way or another.
Been a catecuhmen for 3 weeks. Went to a vespers last June and never went back to my charismatic church. Take your time. The church isn’t going anywhere.
Before I heard the call of Christ and repented, the churches and doctrine contradictions, and the hypocrisy and self righteous bigotry was my alabi for not believing. But since being saved, I told God "okay if you're real, the Bible is true, I don't want to become the hypocrite I mocked, whatever the real truth, interpretations are, show me. The church divisions must be from pride and prejudice and envy. So I will listen to different churches and preachers, to listen before judging. And for interpretation disputes they stem from lack of knowledge and wisdom, so teach me your mysteries. " Let me assure you, God has honored this request. I'm not boasting in myself, but the faithfulness and grace of God. He rejects the pride but gives grace to the humble. God hates the judgement of bigotry amongst Christians. In answer to what he said in the video, about multiple Christians claiming to ask the holy Spirit for guidance but getting different answers.....it's because He will only give what you have faith to receive. And if you have prejudice and pride in your heart, He will not help you fully. The devils core strategy is divide, inverse, mimic, misdirect, pin everybody against each other, and the kingdom of darkness will conquer. All the true denominations have truths, and errors. One isn't more right than the other. We see this in creation, get a chemistry formula wrong, and bad reactions take place, but put the elements in their correct balance, then it works. The ultimate answer is listen to everyone, in humility, don't rush, pray continually, read continually, and do this with other Christians. And for the unification of the church, all leaders come together before God, bowed, confessing pride and self righteousness, and God Will come
It's definitely kind of weird the first time you go there but just stick it through for the full thing and then talk to one of the priests afterwards with your questions. I can pretty much guarantee you'll be leaving there fulfilled.
44:00 thank you finally a Priest speaking on it and emphasizing it. i want to cry because its actually bothering people now and more and more are on the defensive. “some will not want to wake, for they are in love with the dark.”
This is a great summary of scripture and the church. Thank you Father Paul for doing this. I have no doubt that these teachings are greatly helping people, Orthodox and Heterodox alike. Lord have mercy. ☦️
Father bless! Thank you for the work you do. I am already becoming Orthodox, but it’s immensely helpful to better understand Orthodoxy and why it is indeed the Church that Christ left with us.
Bless you Father for this teaching. I'm a new catechumen and always seeking clarity on these issues. Your words here have inspired my own. This sprang to mind as I heard your words: "Those who hold to the Protestant view, or decry the Church for its elaboration on Scripture or its traditions - they are demanding we sprout a tree with only its trunk. This is laughably incomplete. It is a denial of the beauty of true life. For as a seed may grow into a beautiful and mighty tree with many branches and leaves for shade, for nests and for fruit, so too does the word of our Lord sprout and do much the same across the earth. First through the Apostles and their pupils, then Scripture, prayer, fasting, then through our holy traditions. All are part of the same living whole. To separate them seems a foolish and hubristic endeavor."
I always thought when the Bible said “the church”, that it was speaking of those who’ve repented of their sins, trusted in the Lord, and lived a life pleasing to the Lord. I never once thought it was speaking of a particular religion.
If you were "Bible-believing", you'd be believing the Bible.... the Church came first! Glory to God for His One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church! Believing in the Church is part of the Creed. Our pastor told us, "the Church is the continuation of the Incarnation" and "Scripture is the record of faith, not the *object* of faith".
Father Truebenbach, it is pure joy to learn from your teachings, which illicit the light of Christ. Holy Church Tradition absolutely preceded the Canonization of the New Testament. I parallel the down-trodding of Apostolic Tradition to Cain’s rejected offering to God. By and large, Protestants pedal their theology of “this is how I want to worship God” rather than How Jesus commands us to worship Him through the ordinances of His Apostles. Now, we know that God is always extending His grace to all beyond Orthodoxy…however, He wants to lead individuals to the Orthodox Church that has preserved His faith in holy obedience and excellence. Orthodoxy is quite clearly the fullness of the faith, which leaves us with one question-an ultimatum for the soul: knowing that Orthodoxy is the authentic expression of our Christian faith, why settle for anything less? God be with all of us on our journey of faith, and lead us into the Orthodox Christian faith. Amen. “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.“ - Genesis 4:7
@user-nu8hd1vb5c I have watched Mike Winger. He has some interesting things to say, but I think he would strive not to believe Fr. Paul! I think all Mike Winger would see is some sort of Catholic who refused to "Think Biblically"!
Thank you for this, Fr Paul. It is a very helpful explanation, if we could only realise how misled we can be by protestant teaching and/or trusting in ourselves, and be willing to listen to the Traditions and teaching of the Orthodox Church. It's invaluable! Too bad many get upset or offended rather than listening carefully. I really enjoyed this. Thank you for taking your time to teach us. God be with you. ☦ Also, I think many Orthodox will be benefitted by more teaching, as many seem to "make use of" the Church the way it suits them, perhaps because they have forgotten her great importance and teachings, or have never understood or valued them very well to begin with.
Im non denominational simply because that's where I ended up. The only ancient church in my area is a catholic church. But, my problem came in when I realized i could study to look for the original church all I want, at the end I find that even the original church disagreed and split up into different churches all claiming to be the ONE. So, I just decided to read the Bible, be humble, serve a church that humbly seeks Christ, and call that good enough. Which, I understand that it's not good enough. But there has to be grace for not having the right church in your area and there being so much division that no one can point someone to the true church without others making the same claims to being the original church. I agree with all of this. I read the Bible and see a true, original church. I just couldn't find that church. I really love the Jesus prayer tradition in the Orthodox church though. I have a 100 and 33 knot chotki that I use and that leans me toward the Orthodox church. I also love reading what the desert fathers wrote. But, I also love some parts of the catholic tradition and faith.
The fact of the matter, is that the Church can't be split or divided. Any apparent division is not division of the Church, but departure from the Church. Any group can claim to be the true Church, and inevitably only one of those groups will be correct. There are people who have to drive 4 hours to get to their nearest Orthodox parish, which may not be ideal, but for them it is a worthwhile effort. Maybe where you live is a 24 hour flight from the nearest Orthodox Divine Liturgy, and maybe it's not possible for you to move. It is still possible for you to find a spiritual father to assist you, to bring you into the Body of Christ, and make this Life available to you within your circumstances. With God, all things are possible. I would encourage you to make every effort to overcome these obstacles. Reach out to a Priest! Explain your situation. You might be surprised, what can happen. God bless you.
@@david6ravy the catholic church says the same thing. They claim orthodox left them. That's the issue. And within orthodoxy, there are other splits. Same as within catholicism.
@@Spideronaleaf I am familiar with their claims, but I struggle to understand why so many people seem to find those claims convincing. There were five Patriarchs, and one of them saw fit to deviate from the Councils, altering the Creed and claiming universal jurisdiction. Previous Roman Popes had affirmed the Nicene Creed that did not include "filioque". The Ecumenical Councils had previously anathematized anyone who would change the Creed, and since those Councils had normative authority, the Patriarchs of Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Constantinople could not have been expected to follow the Patriarch of Rome into heresy. He was in bed with Charlemagne, who hated the "Greeks", but the other Patriarchs were committed to Holy Tradition. If, as the RCs claim, the Pope of Rome is infallible in matters of faith and morals, I cannot understand how one Pope can affirm the original Creed, and then another Pope can insist upon changing it. The Creed is the Symbol of Faith, after all. And if Papal authority can nullify the decisions of previous Ecumenical Councils, I have to ask why these Councils ever took place. This simply makes no sense, and it is clear to me that the Pope of Rome went rogue, and that the idea that it was the other four Patriarchs who really went rogue, is preposterous. If all that wasn't enough, we can look at how things have since transpired. New doctrines continued to develop in the West, and changes have been so profound that Vatican I doesn't even agree with Vatican II. Pope Francis has been so scandalous, that many Roman Catholics feel the need to say that there is no legitimate Pope at the moment. But in the Orthodox Church, the teachings have been consistent over 2,000 years, and no institution can hold a candle to our Saints. St. Paisios, St. Porphyrios, St. Iakovos, St. Sophrony, St. Silouan, St. John of San Francisco, St. Nektarios, St. John of Kronstadt, St. Gabriel of Georgia, St. Xenia.... the list goes on and on. The Church has always produced undeniably holy people. This is not found elsewhere.
@@Spideronaleaf One thing is easy to check. The Roman patriarchate veered off track when they interpreted Matthew 16:18 as meaning Peter was the rock on which the church was built. - Grammatically, in Greek, since "πέτρα" is feminine, Jesus is referring to the confession of faith Peter made in the previous verse (Matthew 16:16, where Peter declares Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God) rather than Peter himself. This interpretation sees the "rock" as the foundation of faith in Christ's identity. Once you see Peter as the rock (and yes he was lovingly referred to as a rock by Christ based on his strong faith), you can see how that would lead to theological error and innovations that occurred in the Roman Catholic church and eventually led to a reformation attempt started by Luther and continuing to this day. The grammar used in Greek does not support Peter as being the rock on which the church was to be built. However, whether the reasons were based on a true misunderstanding or for other less than virtuous reasons, this belief certainly led to a later church split in 1054. From the beginning there were heresies and disputes. The first was found in the Book of Acts over circumcision. The collective decision between them shows how they handled it-not with Peter deciding unilaterally but through the prayers of the disciples together guided by the Holy Spirit. In fact, the reason we have a compiled canon of scripture in which we all trust and believe to be true-is because of the councils held in the 300’s and 400’s where together, through again, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the bishops of those days pounded out and revealed the heresies that had creeped in through Gnosticism, Arianism, docetism, marcionism, for example.
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Thank you Father for this valuable lesson and precious words. As an Eastern Orthodox, how do you recommend that I study the Holy Scriptures? I have a copy of the King James Bible and another version of the NASB 77 edition. I am a college educator and would like to begin a directed study, but do not know where to start.
same goes for excavations in israel with hebrew inscriptions. what im trying to say and add is that not even the jews had the full old testament either
There's a good example of how people just reading the scriptures could be terribly wrong. In a booklit of one denomination I've read about mother of god (I don't cpitalize on purpose, hope you'll understand why) that after she gave burth to jesus had other kids with this man joseph that she was engaged to. Guess why they came to such blasphemous conclusions? Becouse it's not mentioned in the Bible that Joseph was a very old man, a widower and had children from his deseased wife. It's only through the Church tradition that we know about that. And such examples are numeruos.
The Head controls the body. The body does not think for itself, the body follows what the head told it to do. _"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever _*_I have commanded you:_*_ and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."_ Christ is the authority, not the church. The body works the will of what the head already dictaminated. If the body does not obey then it does not belong to Christ. The body cannot usurp the authority that belongs to the head, rather it’s a servant in all submission to the commandments of God. Same as a pillar is not the truth, rather it upholds the truth revealed by God which are the scriptures. Orthodoxy wants to usurp the authority that belongs only to God’s commandments, desiring to make themselves coequal to God as Satan once wanted. They have made an idol of themselves. It’s no longer the one true God, but the "one true infallible church".
You do not understand this correctly because Christ gave His gifts and keys to men, and ordained them to preach, teach, and establish His Church with His promise to preserve her unconquerable to every generation until the end of the world. The Holy Spirit descended and brought/distributed these gifts to men at Pentecost with power and authority. If there isn't any authority and man's will is left as his only guide without the Light and Tradition (Tradition is a big word, also greatly misunderstood) of the Church, he will never be saved: he will indeed be like a body without a head! The Church is the most sacred place on earth, for it is the ordained, blessed, and sacred place where God pours out His Light, Truth, and Sacraments for our salvation. It is not a willy-nilly man-made institution "usurping authority over God." Where, and how else, can you be saved, pray tell? Be quiet and listen to this again more carefully; you might be amazed at what you've misunderstood heretofore! ~Wishing you peace.
@@laceygreenwood A true church has the keys because it has the Gospel , which is the key to the kingdom of God and it bring forth the fruits thereof. We are his soldiers but The authority still is God, he commands the battle. The church are his servants that must work his will, not their own will. If the tree does not produce good fruit then it’s cut down and thrown in the fire. There is no one infallible or above reproach. Orthodoxy has a false Gospel where the church is the one that saves according to her own infallible judgement. Their church has become their idol. They are not part of God’s servants. They have their own false god: the "one true infallible divine institution", the orthodox church. They preach the gospel of Orthodoxy just like you: how God send the orthodox church as the savior of the world and if you join the church you maybe could be saved. This is not christianity.
Keep doing this father. I’m a former Protestant now orthodox catechumen. I can tell you it’s material like this that compelled me to find the true church.
"An infallible book still requires an infallible interpreter."
Perfect timing, perfect video! Glory to God for inspiring you Fr. Paul for making this video. This was very needed for the season I am in.
So illuminating and comforting message! Thank you, Fr Paul, and God bless!
It's pretty important to recognize that the church and faith are inseparable. A protestant friend of mine stopped going to church (non-denominational) because he wasn't getting anything out of it. But he goes to his Bible study every week. Just a few weeks ago nearly the entire Bible study converted to Calvinism because they all misread two passages.
That's pretty insane 😂
Even as a Protestant, I never understood how anyone could believe in Calvinism. Most ppl do not read their Bible alone. They’re told what the scriptures say and then read it. In a court of law, that’s called “leading the witness.” I wonder why that’s illegal in court?
That's actually terrifying.
I’ve been reading and thinking for a month now on the origins and doctrines of my tradition and those of Eastern Orthodoxy. I think I’ve thoroughly muddled myself up and just need to go visit for Vespers. Prayers are appreciated that whatever needs to take place will take place.
I've almost reached end of my catechism and I'm constantly reading, listening and watching info on Orthodoxy yet none of it compares to just going and experiencing the church itself. I highly suggest attending Divine Liturgy and sticking around for coffee hour/trapeza/Agape Meal (depending on the Orthodox Church).
@ I think you’re right; I think that is the next step for me. I’ve been in touch with a priest in my area and I’m hoping to go with an open mind and that I will see God in one way or another.
Been a catecuhmen for 3 weeks. Went to a vespers last June and never went back to my charismatic church. Take your time. The church isn’t going anywhere.
Before I heard the call of Christ and repented, the churches and doctrine contradictions, and the hypocrisy and self righteous bigotry was my alabi for not believing.
But since being saved, I told God "okay if you're real, the Bible is true, I don't want to become the hypocrite I mocked, whatever the real truth, interpretations are, show me. The church divisions must be from pride and prejudice and envy. So I will listen to different churches and preachers, to listen before judging. And for interpretation disputes they stem from lack of knowledge and wisdom, so teach me your mysteries. "
Let me assure you, God has honored this request. I'm not boasting in myself, but the faithfulness and grace of God.
He rejects the pride but gives grace to the humble.
God hates the judgement of bigotry amongst Christians.
In answer to what he said in the video, about multiple Christians claiming to ask the holy Spirit for guidance but getting different answers.....it's because He will only give what you have faith to receive. And if you have prejudice and pride in your heart, He will not help you fully.
The devils core strategy is divide, inverse, mimic, misdirect, pin everybody against each other, and the kingdom of darkness will conquer.
All the true denominations have truths, and errors.
One isn't more right than the other.
We see this in creation, get a chemistry formula wrong, and bad reactions take place, but put the elements in their correct balance, then it works.
The ultimate answer is listen to everyone, in humility, don't rush, pray continually, read continually, and do this with other Christians.
And for the unification of the church, all leaders come together before God, bowed, confessing pride and self righteousness, and God Will come
It's definitely kind of weird the first time you go there but just stick it through for the full thing and then talk to one of the priests afterwards with your questions. I can pretty much guarantee you'll be leaving there fulfilled.
44:00 thank you finally a Priest speaking on it and emphasizing it. i want to cry because its actually bothering people now and more and more are on the defensive. “some will not want to wake, for they are in love with the dark.”
It was beneficial. Thank you. God bless you and your family.
Glory to God☦️
Father Paul has been on fire lately. Thanks for this!
This is a great summary of scripture and the church. Thank you Father Paul for doing this. I have no doubt that these teachings are greatly helping people, Orthodox and Heterodox alike. Lord have mercy. ☦️
Father bless!
Thank you for the work you do. I am already becoming Orthodox, but it’s immensely helpful to better understand Orthodoxy and why it is indeed the Church that Christ left with us.
Bless you Father for this teaching. I'm a new catechumen and always seeking clarity on these issues.
Your words here have inspired my own. This sprang to mind as I heard your words:
"Those who hold to the Protestant view, or decry the Church for its elaboration on Scripture or its traditions - they are demanding we sprout a tree with only its trunk.
This is laughably incomplete. It is a denial of the beauty of true life.
For as a seed may grow into a beautiful and mighty tree with many branches and leaves for shade, for nests and for fruit, so too does the word of our Lord sprout and do much the same across the earth. First through the Apostles and their pupils, then Scripture, prayer, fasting, then through our holy traditions.
All are part of the same living whole. To separate them seems a foolish and hubristic endeavor."
I always thought when the Bible said “the church”, that it was speaking of those who’ve repented of their sins, trusted in the Lord, and lived a life pleasing to the Lord. I never once thought it was speaking of a particular religion.
If you were "Bible-believing", you'd be believing the Bible.... the Church came first! Glory to God for His One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church! Believing in the Church is part of the Creed. Our pastor told us, "the Church is the continuation of the Incarnation" and "Scripture is the record of faith, not the *object* of faith".
Thank you for bringing these relevant topics forward, so we know why we must remain a community striving for unity under GODs❤ Divine Word!!
Father Truebenbach, it is pure joy to learn from your teachings, which illicit the light of Christ. Holy Church Tradition absolutely preceded the Canonization of the New Testament. I parallel the down-trodding of Apostolic Tradition to Cain’s rejected offering to God. By and large, Protestants pedal their theology of “this is how I want to worship God” rather than How Jesus commands us to worship Him through the ordinances of His Apostles. Now, we know that God is always extending His grace to all beyond Orthodoxy…however, He wants to lead individuals to the Orthodox Church that has preserved His faith in holy obedience and excellence. Orthodoxy is quite clearly the fullness of the faith, which leaves us with one question-an ultimatum for the soul: knowing that Orthodoxy is the authentic expression of our Christian faith, why settle for anything less? God be with all of us on our journey of faith, and lead us into the Orthodox Christian faith. Amen.
“If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.“
- Genesis 4:7
Thank you Fr. Paul, wonderful video 🙏🏻
please somebody send this video to Mike Winger
@user-nu8hd1vb5c
I have watched Mike Winger. He has some interesting things to say, but I think he would strive not to believe Fr. Paul! I think all Mike Winger would see is some sort of Catholic who refused to "Think Biblically"!
Thank you for doing these. Always helpful on my path to God.
❤💪👩❤👨🙏✝ GOD BE WITH US AGAINST EVIL AND TEMPTATIONS ✝🙏⛪💍🕊
Excellent teaching!
Thank you for this, Fr Paul. It is a very helpful explanation, if we could only realise how misled we can be by protestant teaching and/or trusting in ourselves, and be willing to listen to the Traditions and teaching of the Orthodox Church. It's invaluable! Too bad many get upset or offended rather than listening carefully. I really enjoyed this. Thank you for taking your time to teach us. God be with you. ☦ Also, I think many Orthodox will be benefitted by more teaching, as many seem to "make use of" the Church the way it suits them, perhaps because they have forgotten her great importance and teachings, or have never understood or valued them very well to begin with.
God bless orthodoxy ❤
Qi. Martmadidebli eklesia ❤
Im non denominational simply because that's where I ended up. The only ancient church in my area is a catholic church. But, my problem came in when I realized i could study to look for the original church all I want, at the end I find that even the original church disagreed and split up into different churches all claiming to be the ONE. So, I just decided to read the Bible, be humble, serve a church that humbly seeks Christ, and call that good enough. Which, I understand that it's not good enough. But there has to be grace for not having the right church in your area and there being so much division that no one can point someone to the true church without others making the same claims to being the original church.
I agree with all of this. I read the Bible and see a true, original church. I just couldn't find that church.
I really love the Jesus prayer tradition in the Orthodox church though. I have a 100 and 33 knot chotki that I use and that leans me toward the Orthodox church. I also love reading what the desert fathers wrote. But, I also love some parts of the catholic tradition and faith.
The fact of the matter, is that the Church can't be split or divided. Any apparent division is not division of the Church, but departure from the Church. Any group can claim to be the true Church, and inevitably only one of those groups will be correct. There are people who have to drive 4 hours to get to their nearest Orthodox parish, which may not be ideal, but for them it is a worthwhile effort. Maybe where you live is a 24 hour flight from the nearest Orthodox Divine Liturgy, and maybe it's not possible for you to move. It is still possible for you to find a spiritual father to assist you, to bring you into the Body of Christ, and make this Life available to you within your circumstances. With God, all things are possible. I would encourage you to make every effort to overcome these obstacles. Reach out to a Priest! Explain your situation. You might be surprised, what can happen. God bless you.
@@david6ravy the catholic church says the same thing. They claim orthodox left them. That's the issue. And within orthodoxy, there are other splits. Same as within catholicism.
@@Spideronaleaf I am familiar with their claims, but I struggle to understand why so many people seem to find those claims convincing. There were five Patriarchs, and one of them saw fit to deviate from the Councils, altering the Creed and claiming universal jurisdiction. Previous Roman Popes had affirmed the Nicene Creed that did not include "filioque". The Ecumenical Councils had previously anathematized anyone who would change the Creed, and since those Councils had normative authority, the Patriarchs of Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Constantinople could not have been expected to follow the Patriarch of Rome into heresy. He was in bed with Charlemagne, who hated the "Greeks", but the other Patriarchs were committed to Holy Tradition.
If, as the RCs claim, the Pope of Rome is infallible in matters of faith and morals, I cannot understand how one Pope can affirm the original Creed, and then another Pope can insist upon changing it. The Creed is the Symbol of Faith, after all. And if Papal authority can nullify the decisions of previous Ecumenical Councils, I have to ask why these Councils ever took place. This simply makes no sense, and it is clear to me that the Pope of Rome went rogue, and that the idea that it was the other four Patriarchs who really went rogue, is preposterous.
If all that wasn't enough, we can look at how things have since transpired. New doctrines continued to develop in the West, and changes have been so profound that Vatican I doesn't even agree with Vatican II. Pope Francis has been so scandalous, that many Roman Catholics feel the need to say that there is no legitimate Pope at the moment. But in the Orthodox Church, the teachings have been consistent over 2,000 years, and no institution can hold a candle to our Saints. St. Paisios, St. Porphyrios, St. Iakovos, St. Sophrony, St. Silouan, St. John of San Francisco, St. Nektarios, St. John of Kronstadt, St. Gabriel of Georgia, St. Xenia.... the list goes on and on. The Church has always produced undeniably holy people. This is not found elsewhere.
@@david6ravy You make alot of sense. Thank you.
@@Spideronaleaf
One thing is easy to check. The Roman patriarchate veered off track when they interpreted Matthew 16:18 as meaning Peter was the rock on which the church was built.
- Grammatically, in Greek, since "πέτρα" is feminine, Jesus is referring to the confession of faith Peter made in the previous verse (Matthew 16:16, where Peter declares Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God) rather than Peter himself. This interpretation sees the "rock" as the foundation of faith in Christ's identity. Once you see Peter as the rock (and yes he was lovingly referred to as a rock by Christ based on his strong faith), you can see how that would lead to theological error and innovations that occurred in the Roman Catholic church and eventually led to a reformation attempt started by Luther and continuing to this day.
The grammar used in Greek does not support Peter as being the rock on which the church was to be built. However, whether the reasons were based on a true misunderstanding or for other less than virtuous reasons, this belief certainly led to a later church split in 1054.
From the beginning there were heresies and disputes. The first was found in the Book of Acts over circumcision. The collective decision between them shows how they handled it-not with Peter deciding unilaterally but through the prayers of the disciples together guided by the Holy Spirit.
In fact, the reason we have a compiled canon of scripture in which we all trust and believe to be true-is because of the councils held in the 300’s and 400’s where together, through again, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the bishops of those days pounded out and revealed the heresies that had creeped in through Gnosticism, Arianism, docetism, marcionism, for example.
I just realized this video was 50min long.
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Hope you guys are doing well.
Thank you Father for this valuable lesson and precious words. As an Eastern Orthodox, how do you recommend that I study the Holy Scriptures? I have a copy of the King James Bible and another version of the NASB 77 edition. I am a college educator and would like to begin a directed study, but do not know where to start.
Start at NT and then go to OT.
25:36 which sentence(s) in the Bible has instructions for how to properly pray to the Holy Spirit to guide your interpretation?
15:15 didn't Jesus say he left us the Holy Spirit? The Counselor?
same goes for excavations in israel with hebrew inscriptions. what im trying to say and add is that not even the jews had the full old testament either
There's a good example of how people just reading the scriptures could be terribly wrong. In a booklit of one denomination I've read about mother of god (I don't cpitalize on purpose, hope you'll understand why) that after she gave burth to jesus had other kids with this man joseph that she was engaged to. Guess why they came to such blasphemous conclusions? Becouse it's not mentioned in the Bible that Joseph was a very old man, a widower and had children from his deseased wife. It's only through the Church tradition that we know about that. And such examples are numeruos.
The Head controls the body. The body does not think for itself, the body follows what the head told it to do.
_"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever _*_I have commanded you:_*_ and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."_
Christ is the authority, not the church. The body works the will of what the head already dictaminated. If the body does not obey then it does not belong to Christ.
The body cannot usurp the authority that belongs to the head, rather it’s a servant in all submission to the commandments of God. Same as a pillar is not the truth, rather it upholds the truth revealed by God which are the scriptures.
Orthodoxy wants to usurp the authority that belongs only to God’s commandments, desiring to make themselves coequal to God as Satan once wanted. They have made an idol of themselves. It’s no longer the one true God, but the "one true infallible church".
☦️
Please watch the Bees vs Flys video by Fr. Paul. You have watched and commented on thirteen of his videos arguing with everyone. Why do you do this?
You do not understand this correctly because Christ gave His gifts and keys to men, and ordained them to preach, teach, and establish His Church with His promise to preserve her unconquerable to every generation until the end of the world. The Holy Spirit descended and brought/distributed these gifts to men at Pentecost with power and authority. If there isn't any authority and man's will is left as his only guide without the Light and Tradition (Tradition is a big word, also greatly misunderstood) of the Church, he will never be saved: he will indeed be like a body without a head! The Church is the most sacred place on earth, for it is the ordained, blessed, and sacred place where God pours out His Light, Truth, and Sacraments for our salvation. It is not a willy-nilly man-made institution "usurping authority over God." Where, and how else, can you be saved, pray tell? Be quiet and listen to this again more carefully; you might be amazed at what you've misunderstood heretofore! ~Wishing you peace.
@@laceygreenwood A true church has the keys because it has the Gospel , which is the key to the kingdom of God and it bring forth the fruits thereof. We are his soldiers but The authority still is God, he commands the battle. The church are his servants that must work his will, not their own will. If the tree does not produce good fruit then it’s cut down and thrown in the fire. There is no one infallible or above reproach. Orthodoxy has a false Gospel where the church is the one that saves according to her own infallible judgement. Their church has become their idol. They are not part of God’s servants. They have their own false god: the "one true infallible divine institution", the orthodox church. They preach the gospel of Orthodoxy just like you: how God send the orthodox church as the savior of the world and if you join the church you maybe could be saved. This is not christianity.
@@EthanSmathers I hate every false way