In his book Reflections on the Psalms, C. S. Lewis wrote a chapter on praising which began with him saying that “It is possible (and it is to be hoped) that this chapter will be unnecessary for most people”. In the same spirit, I hope that this and subsequent episodes on the topic of predestination will be unnecessary for most people.

In my last episode, I examined Paul’s words in Romans 9 and their bearing upon the classic Reformed teaching about predestination—i.e. the notion that before the creation of the world God had already chosen some to be saved and some to be damned, and that these choices were based solely upon His sovereign will, and that furthermore, our human choices to accept or reject Christ were simply the outworking of God’s primordial decisions. Those whom He chose to be saved He would draw to Himself so that they would accept Christ, and those whom He had chosen for damnation He would harden so that they would reject Christ. Those teaching this often refer to Paul’s words in Ephesians 1 in support of their views, so we will examine that passage here.

Fr. Apostolos shares from 2 Corinthians 6:1-10.

Fr. Apostolos reflects on the importance of Thomas' faith and the strength of our faith through the Paschal Season.

In this 2nd episode, Fr. Maxym addresses the question about love in the spiritual life.

Sermon on the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Galatians 1:11-19; Luke 8:26-39)

The readings presented by the Church on this day remind us of the most fundamental teachings about what we believe and who we are called to be as Christians. As we celebrate the Falling Asleep of the Mother of God, Fr Tom tells us that the Virgin Mary is the one who embodies hearing and keeping those most basic teachings. (Dormition of the Mother of God, Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)

Short-of-stature Zacchaeus overcomes his obstacles to seeing Jesus. Fr Tom reminds us that our actions and behaviors reveal to the world and to God what things are most important to us, but we can rise above the crowd of the world in order to be united with God. (Thirty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost)

Though we have the revelation of the one God in Christ, people the world over are free to believe in the god of their choosing, or no god at all. Fr Tom reminds us that as Orthodox Christians, though we firmly believe in the right to religious freedom, we must always assert to everyone the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ, because what we believe about God matters. (Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council)

On the Sunday after Pentecost we celebrate the life of the Holy Spirit in all those who have become sanctified by God's Grace. Fr Tom reminds us that all Christians are called to be holy, as he expounds on the teachings of our Lord to His disciples.

In the press and popular culture we're hearing more and more that the God of the Christians is "too demanding" and "angry" and often point to scriptures such as this parable of the Unforgiving Servant to make their point. Fr Thomas reminds us that to have a true understanding of Who God really is, we have to reject the god which people sometimes create in their own image and likeness. (Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost)

Navigating the din of conflicting messages outside of the Church can be confusing for the uninitiated. Sadly, even Orthodox Christians are susceptible to being confused and influenced by false doctrines concerning Christ. Fr Thomas teaches us about how we come to experience the true Christ in Orthodox worship.

The saying goes, "actions speak louder than words." Christ Himself condemned the Jewish religious leaders for saying one thing but doing another. Fr Thomas teaches us that, as Orthodox Christians, our actions are important because they have to align with what we claim about God and ourselves. In fact, our eternal judgment is at stake.

What must we do to be saved? Listen as Fr. Tom exhorts us to an understanding that the Christian life is not one where we can sit idly by, be a hearer of the word only, or rely on ritual action alone; it is a life whereby we must cooperatively be incorporated into Christ Himself.

Fr. Tom calls us to consider the invitation of the Gospel: union with one another and union with God Himself. Invariably, we all make excuses to God's invitation - what's yours?

Exhorting us from the Parable of the Talents, Fr. Tom reminds us that - as true members - we must use our gifts to build up the Body of Christ.

The beauty of Orthodoxy is in its Christ-centeredness. Fr. Tom reminds us that Christ is everything and that we are only saved in and through Him; however, that doesn't mean we do nothing! Salvation comes not through easy belief-ism, but through following the command of our Lord to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.

Truth is more than an internal reality or a set of external precepts - it is the transformative power of Christ!

As we move from Pascha to the Ascension towards Pentecost, Fr. Tom discusses Christ's role as our eternal priest and sacrifice and what true unity looks like.

When we discuss Eternal Life, do we think primarily of being a good enough person so that we can get to Heaven? When does Eternal Life begin? Listen as Fr. Tom calls us to focus on becoming like Christ here and now.

In his sermon on Pentecost, Fr. Gregory says we have the promise of Christ that if we pray and wait on the power of God, the Holy Spirit will descend upon us.