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.

In this final episode on this topic, I would like to conclude my extended look at a Reformed view of predestination. There are certain aspects of it that fly in the face of much Biblical teaching.

Recently a minor fracas in the narthex of our church was caused by (I kid you not) my long hair (see inset for a rear view of said hair). Since my hair steadfastly refuses to grow on the top of my head, you would think I could be cut a little slack for the bit that grows at the back, but apparently not.

"If you're suffering today, know this: you are on the right path. If you're not suffering, that's when you should be worried. If you are suffering in this life, God is with you. If you don't find life easy and comfortable, you're doing it right." On the Sunday of the Cross, Fr. Apostolos shares about the redemption of our own suffering through the suffering of Christ.

The beauty of Orthodoxy is richly expressed in her magnificent iconography adorning the walls and ceilings of our churches. As the parish of St Nicholas continues the iconographic renewal of their temple, Fr Thomas encourages parishioners to look up and see the Kingdom to come.

As the celebration of Theophany continues, Fr. Tom shows us that all of Christ's redemptive work is set forth to build the Church and bring us to perfection.

Fr. Gregory speaks to both the children and adults admonishing them and all of us to properly prepare for the coming of Christ in the flesh.

Fr. Gregory Hallam talks about the real St. Nick!

St Nicholas stands, by his own example, for a holistic understanding of Christian truth, a truth that saves because it is immersed in and expressed by self-giving love.

Bobby interviews Fr. David Smith, author of the new Ancient Faith Publishing book Help! I'm Bored in Church: Entering Fully into Worship in the Divine Liturgy.

Bobby interviews Elizabeth Crispina Johnson, the author of the new Ancient Faith Publishing children's book The Miracle of the Red Egg.

Does it matter how "death" is defined, and who defines it?

Should aspects of nature be given the same kind of rights as human beings?

Dr. Albert Rossi interviews Dr. Peter Bouteneff about the Sacred Arts Initiative at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. Information about the Sacred Arts Initiative can be found here.

Fr. Lawrence Farley uses the Scriptures to describe what awaits us in the world to come.

Why is Orthodoxy the noted exception when it comes to the declining interest in religion by men? Noted author and speaker Frederica Mathewes-Green tells us in this hard hitting 45 minute talk.

"Ancient Faith Presents" an interview with Mat. Robin Freeman, one of the conductors of an upcoming concert by the St. Vladimir's Seminary Chorale. This audiovisual presentation is titled Orient: Sacred Song and Images, and it will take place in New York City on May 7 at 7:30 PM.

We speak with Dn. David Companik, the spokesman for the upcoming conference titled "Sacred Art, Sacred Music," which will be held this coming March 1-3 at St. Jonah Orthodox Church in Spring, Texas. The speakers will be Archimandrite Luke Murianka and the composer Kurt Sander.

Bobby Maddex interviews Nicholas Reeves, Assistant Professor of Liturgical Music at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, about an upcoming master class on the interpretation of Orthodox sacred music. The class will be led by Maestro Vladimir Gorbik and held at St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church in Santa Rosa, California.

John talks with Fr. Andrew Jarmus from St. Nicholas Orthodox Church about an upcoming symposium in Ft. Wayne, IN, entitled Searching for the Sacred.

Noted author, speaker, and podcaster Frederica Mathewes-Green joins us to talk about a documentary film project on her life and work as a former feminist and now Orthodox Christian. Learn how you can support this project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/basilicaproductions/frederica-the-life-and-work-of-frederica-mathewes

Bobby Maddex interviews Craig Hella Johnson, the director of the Conspirare choir, and Vlad Morosan, the founder and president of Musica Russica who helped select the songs that Conspirare sing on their 2015 Grammy-award winning CD The Sacred Spirit of Russia.

Bobby Maddex intervies Dr. Frank Papatheofanis, the founder and president of St. Katherine Orthodox College in San Diego, California, about the school's recent regional accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Bobby Maddex talks with Frederica Mathewes-Green, the keynote speaker at the upcoming Ancient Faith Writing and Podcasting Conference..

Preaching from Galatians 2:16-20, Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon reflects upon justification through faith.

Hierarchy isn't about status or being important. In the Church, hierarchy is our sacred order, the way we fit together as One Body.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 If your parish suddenly disappeared, would anyone notice? Are we living out the Gospel in our neighborhoods and communities? Because we believe the same things that the first Christians taught. But do we act like them? Last week, we talked about the importance of prayer. But we can't forget almsgiving in our spiritual practice. We've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you work through how you can better love your neighbor. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/be_be_bee_148 Questions you might be struggling with, that we'll touch on in the video: How do we act like Christians? How do I love my neighbor? How to act like a Christian? What is unchristian like behavior? What are Bible rules to live by? What is social justice in Christianity? What does the Bible say about social justice? What is social justice really mean? Social justice and the Gospel? Why do young adults leave the Church? Why do people quit going to Church?

“If you cross the Jordan, you will find glorious rest.” (Life of Saint Mary of Egypt) Jesus tells us that He came to shed His blood and "give His life as a ransom for many.” But what exactly does that mean? What does the Orthodox Church teach about atonement? We're going to learn about the redemption and atonement that Jesus offers us. And this redemption isn't simply *from* something, but also *for* something. And Saint Mary of Egypt (who we celebrate on the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent) is a perfect example of what that looks like. Christ saves us *from* sin and death so we can be *free* to live as Christians, loving and serving both God and neighbor. As always, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what you'll learn. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee173

Both St. Paul and John the Forerunner and Baptist look forward to a time when their own ministries and lives will be over. They laboured to produce a foundation on which the next in line would continue to build. Just like us.

The Apostle Peter witnessed the Transfiguration and wanted it to stay there but God the Father had other plans.

(screenshots) An official statement from Google says the site was designed to "provide content owners an easy way to give us access to their content". (more screenshots)

England replace injured duo Tom Curry and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in their 36-player squad preparing to face South Africa in the Autumn Nations Series on Saturday.

Australian golfer Jeffrey Guan has lost sight in his left eye after being hit by a ball at a pro-am tournament.