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Reading Scripture as a path to Theosis — deification and union with God.
Key question: “How does this passage draw us into the mystery of God and guide us on the path of theosis?”
18342 illustrations found
As we come before our Dear Heavenly Father today, let us pause and immerse ourselves in the profound concept of Redemption, as illuminated by Matthew 25:31-46. Picture this scene: the Son of Man seated on His glorious throne, surrounded by...
Sarah, a beloved member of our church, recently shared a story that touched my heart. After losing her husband to illness, she felt adrift, questioning everything she thought she knew about love and faith. For weeks, she struggled under the...
As we reflect on John 3:16—“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son”—we find a profound invitation to embody that same love in our lives. This isn’t merely a call to believe; it’s a...
In Terrence Malick's poignant film *The Tree of Life*, we are taken on a breathtaking journey that spans the vastness of the universe and dives into the intimate moments of family life. Picture a quiet Texas backyard, where the golden...
1 Corinthians 13 describes agape—love that is God's nature shared with humans. We don't generate this love; we participate in it through theosis. Maximus the Confessor taught that as we grow in union with God, His love increasingly becomes our love.
The sermon illustrates the Eastern Orthodox understanding of theosis, emphasizing that through the Incarnation, humans are called to partake in the divine nature by grace. This transformation is facilitated by the sacraments, prayer, and spiritual disciplines, leading to a mystical union with God, as articulated by the Church Fathers.
In the 9th century, brothers Cyril and Methodius were sent to evangelize the Slavic peoples. They didn't just preach—they created an alphabet (Cyrillic) so the Slavs could read Scripture in their own language. They translated the liturgy, defended local customs, and trained local clergy.
The Desert Fathers lived in Egypt's wilderness for decades—fasting, praying, battling demons. Anthony spent over 80 years in the desert, dying at 105. How did he survive conditions that would kill most people?
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, we encounter the Great Commission—a divine mandate that echoes through the ages. Jesus, in His final moments with His disciples, charges them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to...
As we reflect on Joshua 1:9, where God commands, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go," we see...
The sermon emphasizes the Eastern Orthodox understanding of theosis, where believers are called to participate in the divine nature through grace and the sacraments. It highlights the transformative power of the Incarnation and the importance of spiritual practices in achieving union with God, ultimately leading to a profound change in the believer's life.
Orthodox icon writers don't "paint" icons; they "write" them—a theological act requiring prayer and fasting. One iconographer spent weeks on an image of Christ, praying before each brushstroke.
As we gather in this sacred space, let us reflect on the profound intersection of *The Peculiar Politics of Christ* and our progressive Christian faith, especially in light of Romans 8:19-22. The Apostle Paul paints a vivid picture of creation...
In Orthodox tradition, believers often have a spiritual father—a trusted guide for the soul's journey. This isn't replacing trust in God but embodying it: God guides through the wisdom of elders. "Lean not on your own understanding"—but don't lean on isolation either.
Dear Heavenly Father, As I pause to reflect on Your divine Providence in my life, I am drawn to the profound truth of John 14:6, where Jesus boldly declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In this...
As I pause in prayer, I turn my heart toward the intricate web of technology that weaves through our lives. The ink of Proverbs 3:5-6 settles in my soul: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not...
There was a young boy named Mark, who carried the weight of the world on his small shoulders. He was a timid child, often overlooked and bullied by his peers. His days were marked by a profound loneliness that whispered...
Dear Heavenly Father, As I pause in the stillness of this moment, I am drawn to the profound truth of 1 John 4:19, which reminds us that we love because You first loved us. In light of this divine love,...
Dear Heavenly Father, As I pause to reflect on the weight of Guilt in my life, I am drawn to the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in You with all our hearts and lean not...
Imagine a young woman named Sarah, who recently moved to a new town. Feeling lonely and isolated, she wandered into a local coffee shop one chilly afternoon. As she ordered her drink, she overheard a group of friends at a...
In the heart of our bustling city, there’s a small coffee shop that I often visit. It’s a place where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the chatter of patrons seeking solace and connection. One rainy afternoon, I...
In our current age, the themes of Reconciliation and Forgiveness are both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity for those of us who strive to embody a progressive Christian faith. When we turn to Galatians 3:28, we encounter a radical...
As I pause to reflect on the profound role of women in church leadership, I am brought to the stirring words of Amos 5:24: "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." These words resonate...
Dear Heavenly Father, As I sit quietly, reflecting on the profound truth of justification in my life today, I turn to the wisdom of Matthew 6:25-34, where you assure us not to worry, for you care for even the smallest...