Displaying episodes 121 - 150 of 171 in total
Justification Is Just the Beginning
In this episode we discuss what it means to be “justified.” Fr Aaron explained that the Greek word that is often translated as “justified” can also be translated as “d...
The Pharisees & Self-Righteousness
We began by focusing on the problem of self-righteousness addressed in the Gospel. It is important to note that while the Pharisees were often portrayed in a negative ...
Why Does Jesus Teach in Parables?
Today we examined the role of parables in Scripture. We began by stressing the importance of viewing the entirety of Scripture as parable, as well as the value of para...
The Unforgivable Sin
We begin with an examination of the so-called “unforgivable sin.” From a thorough understanding of the preceding verses in Mark’s Gospel, we see this blasphemy against...
The Meaning of Fasting
We discuss the tradition of fasting, dating back to pre-Christian Judaism. This helps us better understand why Jesus was questioned by the disciples of John as to His ...
The Abomination of Desolation
Today we discussed whether the “abomination of desolation” has already taken place or whether it is still yet to come. While many people today have become obsessed wit...
Talk Is Cheap (Matthew 21:28-32)
Today we discussed the significance of Jesus’ movement in and out of the great city of Jerusalem, and His spending the evenings in Bethany. We also highlighted a parab...
The Transfiguration of Christ
In this episode we examined the significance of the events of the Transfiguration of Christ. We explored the historical/Old Testament connection between the Transfigur...
What It Means to "Canonize" Scripture
In discussing the canonization of Scripture, we discussed how this recognition of Scripture confirms that everything from Church doctrine to the practice of living a C...
Confession and the Epistle of James
We began today’s episode by discussing the universal nature of the New Testament Epistles. We then discussed how our reading from the Epistle of James today communicat...
A Righteousness Based on Faith
Today, we compare the Gentiles with Israel, in that Israel seeks to achieve righteousness by their works, while the Gentiles find righteousness by their faith. Father ...
The Body of Christ and Its Members
Today's episode was a "rapid-fire" Q&A between Jason & Father Aaron. We were reminded of the importance of all members of the body of Christ. All are needed for the fu...
Freedom & Slavery According to the Gospel
Father Aaron and Jason discuss the concepts of freedom and slavery as presented in the Gospel. Fr Aaron highlights how, in Christ, we are set free from the law and fro...
Hearers vs Doers of the Law
We discuss the use of the term “Greek” in New Testament translations and if or how it applies to other Gentiles who are not ethnically Greek. We then discussed the rea...
A Call to All Nations: The Epistle to the Romans
Today we began by discussing an alternative theory on the authorship of Romans (i.e. that it was written not by Paul himself, but by his disciple, Luke). Father stress...
The Feast of Weeks and Pentecost
In today’s episode, we began with a discussion of Pentecost and its history in the Jewish tradition. Father Aaron explained the significance of this pilgrimage feast a...
Christian Hope in the Resurrection
Today we examined the epistle reading that is designated for the Saturday of Souls services as well as the funeral service. Our discussion began with the theme of hope...
Theophilus & The Ascension
Today’s discussion began with Theophilos, to whom St. Luke addresses both his Gospel and the Book of Acts. This opening address shows that St. Luke’s writings were not...
From Saul to Paul
We began today’s podcast with a discussion around the significance of the name change of the great Apostle to the Nations, from Saul to Paul. These names provide us wi...
The Spirit Blows Where It Wishes
We begin by discussing why the Jews were amazed when the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles, as well as what exactly that means from a practical perspective. We then t...
Success Is Planting A Seed
Today’s episode focused on a comparison of the apparent outcomes of both Peter and Stephen’s sermons in the book of Acts. First, we discussed why the Bible is systemat...
Peter Freed From Chains
We discuss the significance of James’s martyrdom and Peter’s being freed from his chains. Having been unsatisfied merely with the crucifixion of Christ, Herod Antipas-...
Jesus Christ & The Old Testament
Today’s reading from Acts finds Peter in the midst of a sermon given to many devout Jews who were in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost. We began by examining the pu...
In The Beginning Was The Word
We discuss why John 1 is read at Pascha rather than an account of the Resurrection. Fr Aaron connected the beginning of this Gospel to the reading from Matthew 28 at t...
Hebrews 12: Fear and Covid-19
In today’s episode we examined Hebrews 12 and how we might apply his instruction to our current situation. On the subject of fear, Fr Aaron stressed that rather than a...
The Testing of Abraham
Having received the promise of God to be the father of many nations, Abraham grew impatient and took it upon himself to have a child. Further illustrating his unbelief...
Mary Takes Up Her Cross
We addressed some of the common misconceptions regarding Mary and why she is paid such great honor and respect in the Orthodox Church. We call to remembrance her examp...
The Lord is a Rock of Stumbling?
Today’s episode provided an important clarification of how God can be both our fear and dread, and yet also become a sanctuary. Father Aaron stressed that we must firs...
Lent & Covid-19: Special Episode
Fr Aaron's sermon for Sunday, March 15, is being shared as a special episode. Father discusses how we have a unique and special opportunity to practice Lent this year....
The Great Cloud of Witnesses
We began today’s episode by discussing who St. Paul was referencing as the “great cloud of witnesses.” Father Aaron explained that Paul’s specific reference here was t...