'God loves a cheerful giver.' We might take that as an ironic thing to say, especially since we usually don't feel like giving -- especially our money. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick opens up what this 'cheerfulness' is about and Who it comes from and why.

Sometimes, we wish God would just show up so that He would remove all our doubts and we could believe in Him without question. But what are we really asking for? What would happen? Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses this question in light of the Gospel of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick highlights a passage from a speech by Patriarch John X of Antioch that emphasizes the integrative character of the Christian life, giving over all things to God and thus becoming whole, including some extra notes about how Orthodoxy is neither anti-intellectual nor elitist.

With the parable of the Rich Fool, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick explores where life really comes from and why feeling deep feelings about God is not the same thing as loving Him.

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick points out that the woman bent over by a 'spirit of infirmity' was under demonic attack and addresses the place of angels and demons in the life of the Christian, insisting that exorcism is actually a key component of the gospel.

There are some who say that Christian dogma is unchanging but morality can be revised over time. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick shows from Scripture that the original Apostolic dogmatic statement included moral commands from God and talks about why moral revisionism is anti-Christian.

Abraham is called by God out of Ur of the Chaldees, a descendant of the civilization founded by the first murderer Cain. Yet when he reached the Promised Land, he lived in tents. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses why and how this relates to Christmas and to us.

On the Eve of Theophany, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick charges straight ahead into dragon territory, discussing what it means to confront the dragons in the water and also asking: Why don't we seem to see dragons any more?

Using the Gospel of the Ten Lepers, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses how leprosy put the lepers outside society, how their healing has a purpose beyond physical health, and how that relates to the Kingdom of God and the immortality of its citizens.

On the feast of the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses Christ's role as the First-born and what it means for us to share in his inheritance.

With the parable of the Publican and Pharisee, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick shows how the Pharisee was actually an idolater. He adds further comments on the nature of idolatry and why it always turns back toward the self.

On the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses what sexual immorality does to a person, noting how its devastating corruption is inward and difficult to uproot.

On the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses how idols are radically different from icons, based both on man's encounters with the visible God before and after the Incarnation and also on a thorough understanding of how idolatry actually works.

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick tells us that angels were present and involved at the giving of the Law to Moses. The Lord Jesus says that the 'sons of the resurrection' are 'sons of God' and 'equal to the angels.' So then what does it mean to be saved?

In the time of social distancing and isolation away from corporate worship, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick says Christians must prepare now for their return to church. He gives five concrete ways to do that.

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick says farewell to this podcast after 10 years and nearly 400 episodes. But he's not going anywhere, and he's also announcing two new podcasts beginning this year, as well as some very special news.

We hope you return for a fresh episode each week!

Matthew is forced to reject Western punishment theories because of one simple fact: God, by nature, does not change.

As the blessed Natvity of our Lord approaches, Matthew catches us up on events in his own life, reflects on the past year and gives thanks for all his gifts.

Matthew shows how the communal life of the Father, Son and Spirit defines who we are and how we must live.

The great mystery of the Trinity lies in the sameness of each part of the triune Godhead. Matthew examines how this is so.

Matthew continues his examination of oneness, this time showing how we become one with God, participants in the communal life of the Holy Trinity.

Matthew continues his series by showing how the Fall altered the nature of man's existence. We don't die because we sin. We sin because we die.

Matthew explains that, just as every human being fell under the curse of death through Adam, every human has been given immortality in Christ.

Matthew explains how self-centered individualism leads to a personal moral code, which is dangerously close to amorality.

Matthew takes note of the nature of the fall and what was truly lost.

The coming of the Holy Spirit into the world, says Matthew, was the dynamic event which makes true oneness with God and with other people possible.

Matthew examines what the Holy Spirit brings to those who are open and willing.

Matthew continues his series, this time examining the unity of the early Christians and their entry into the Divine Nature of the Trinity.

Matthew returns again to the Calvinist doctrine of predestination and examines its merits in light of St. Paul's letters to the Ephesians and to Timothy.

Matthew examines the deception of Satan in Eden.

How can St. Paul's use of the term "all men" be interpreted as "some men"? When it's used to erroneously support the Calvinist doctrine of predestination. This week, Matthew shows how.

In the final chapter of his series, Matthew conclusively shows St. Paul's meaning behind his use of the term "predestined."

Continuing his series, Matthew shows how the Western interpretation of Genesis is colored by their concept of God Himself.

Matthew contrasts the Western and Orthodox views on the disobedience of Adam and Eve in Eden. He begins by revisiting the fall itself.

Matthew shows how it is the desire of God that our lives be joined together in the same way that the Father and the Son are united.

Having been born in the image of God, we strive to achieve His likeness - becoming one with Him. And our relationship with His creation is a part of that spiritual development.

Matthew begins a series exploring the spiritual aspect of environmentalism by asking, "Why does God create?"

In this segment, Matthew notes the true nature of God's "wrath."

Matthew explains how experiencing God requires two elements - asceticism and the mysteries, or sacraments.

Matthew examines the Western Charismatic movement.

Matthew outlines the problems inherent in a relationship with God based on rational contemplation or imagination.

Matthew points out how the difference between the God of the Old and New Testaments is actually our own spiritual maturing.

Matthew looks at the history of God's actions towards us to see if "legal" theories hold water.

In this segment, Matthew outlines the "ransom theory" of salvation subscribed to by the early Church.

This week, Matthew outlines three ways that the remnants of Augustine's philosophy infect even those who are trying to return to an intimate experience with God.

Matthew continues his discussion of Augustine and his views on predestination.

Matthew shows how a misunderstanding of the story of the Garden of Eden leads to a misunderstanding of our relationship with God.

Looking more closely at the Augustinian view of God, Matthew examines the concept of "original sin".

Matthew concludes his annual tale set in Christmas of 1964