On being prepared and watchful for the Lord's return, discussion of the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Jesus exhorts us to be ready for His coming and to prepare

New section, exhortations by Christ to decide, description of Holy Fire

Discussion of division, and unholy compromises.

Final discussion on hypocrisy and responding to Christ. Introduction to chapter 13, and discussion of opening section on repentance.

Repentance and the fruitless fig tree, intro to section on the woman bent over from infirmity for 18 years.

A woman bent over with a spirit of infirmity for 18 years is healed on the Sabbath

Who is saved?

Strive to be saved

We discuss the purpose of our faith and close out the section on striving to be saved. Additionally we introduce the last section of chapter 13 pressing toward Jerusalem.

Pharisees opposition and Jesus' decision to go to Jerusalem.

Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem, Introduction to chapter 14 and outline

Jesus heals a man with edema on the Sabbath

Jesus teaches on humility and the dangers of pride and self-exaltation.

A teaching on hospitality

Explanation of the parable of the Kingdom and the distinction between the carnal, natural and spiritual person.

The banquet and refusing God's invitation to attend

Final discussion of heavenly banquet, Eucharist discussion

The Cost of Discipleship

The cost of discipleship, final lecture

Outline and summary of general themes for chapter 15, initial discussion of the Parable of the Lost Sheep.

he Parable of the Lost Sheep

Parable of the Lost coin and Introduction to the Prodigal Son, part 1

Introduction to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Part 2

Introduction to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Part 3

Elissa explains that the purpose of her podcast is to present ideas for educating our youth in the Orthodox faith—to identify new ways to talk about ancient Truths.

Elissa encourages us to develop a vocabulary to communicate the significance of prayer in terms children can understand and then offer opportunities to put it into practice.

Elissa explains how to use the baking of prosphora to talk with children about theosis, which she calls "the meaning of life."

Elissa explains how to use images from existing pre-communion prayers to help children prepare themselves for the Holy Mysteries.

Elissa demonstrates how the idea of the monastery is a very useful illustration to help all of us, especially our youth, understand how to be Orthodox in this world.

Elissa encourages us to allow this season—the beginning of the new school year—to be one that sanctifies us and changes us for the better.

Elissa explains how it is that God has no beginning and no end and what that tells us about Him.

Elissa explains how to be responsible for a child during the Divine Liturgy.

Elissa explains how to help children who struggle with doubt about the existence of God.

Elissa shares how to use the lives of the Saints to combat children's fears.

Elissa encourages us to participate fully in the Nativity fast in order to prepare our hearts for Christ.

Elissa offers some suggestions for teaching gratitude to our children.

Elissa describes how the life of St. Nicholas can be used as an inspiration to give anonymously.

Elissa offers various ideas for communicating the glorious feast of Theophany to children.

When teaching Orthodoxy to children, our goal is not just to make sure that our kids know things about our faith, but rather to shepherd them in their faith. So how do we do that? Elissa shares a few ideas.

Elissa shares some examples of how to teach children about the Orthodox understanding of heaven and hell.

Elissa offers ideas for teaching during the three-week period of preparation for Great Lent (which is itself a preparation) to ensure that our kids benefit from the Church's wise preparation before the preparation.

Elissa presents part two of her brief series on preparing for Lent.

Elissa offers some suggestions for teaching children about the purpose of fasting.

Elissa encourages us to teach our children to view their souls as habitations for our Lord.

Let’s not just offer little Bible Stories as morality tales. Let’s instead help our children to encounter the Scriptures in their wholeness, finding Christ in the Old and the New.

Elissa encourages parents and Sunday school teachers to stress the importance of Pascha by sharing in its fullness the story that leads up to Christ's Resurrection.

Elissa encourages families to spread the joy of Pascha to a local cemetery.

Elissa addresses the little church of the family unit, reminding us that learning to live the Faith shouldn't stop during the summer.

Elissa reminds us that if God were fair, we would be in big trouble.