I am a nobody but I am none the less now a God Parent.
Where Heterodoxy brought me turmoil; Orthodoxy has brought me triumph. Salvation is not a one night stand and a free ride. Salvation is a whole life of repentance. Repentance is not just lip service; it is a change of heart and action. There is a difference between intrinsic value or value of existence; and value of output, output as in giving of love to God and others from our own hearts.
Proverbs 10:20
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
The heart of the wicked is worth little.
2 Timothy 2:20-21
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, [a]sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
Even the smallest sin is dishonorable.
1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
I don’t know if anyone here is aware of the hell I went through before I came to Orthodox Christianity. The pendulum kept swinging between extreme unhealthy fear and sloppy grace which at the time I had head injuries partly from sibling rivalry. All this could have been avoided if I were to have grown up Orthodox.
The human heart is in the most need especially of the healing touch of Jesus. Many don’t have in person contact with the fullness of the Good News of Jesus Christ in the form of a local Orthodox Church Parish with a full time Priest or even a Deacon for a reader service.
Many Priests and Deacons work unrealistic bi-vocational hours to share the love of Jesus. We can bring relief.
Share The Faith with Orthodox Christian Mission to America
STF SMM Coordinator Eric A. Tweten
