spiritual effort is spiritual progress

spiritual effort is spiritual progress

There are disciplines that makes us. disciples of Christ. But we can so often lose focus on the next step that we can stumble.

Fr. John Brian continues to encourage continuing development of Christian spirituality by taking the next step forward.

Helps for our spiritual journey are available in the scriptures. Fr John Brian points out the help available at the end of First Thessalonians, encouraging the study of the entire chapter 5.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Malankara calendar and was given on Sunday, April 7, 2013 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian and for our mission and help us as you are able.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
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when does faith heal

when does faith heal

Using the stories of Christ healing the paralyzed from Mark Chapter 2, Luke Chapter 2 and John Chapter 5, Fr. John Brian gives a sermon on the powerful message of healing in the scriptures - showing that forgiveness is even greater than physical healing.

He then uses Ephesians Chapter 5 to show us the spiritual path to healing in Christ. Fr. John Brian's sermon focuses on this primary issue of Orthodox Christian spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Malankara calendar and was given on Sunday, March 31, 2013 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian and for our mission and help us as you are able.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
LISTEN ON-LINE HERE:

keeping time and truth

keeping our own time in the truth

Keeping of calendars has always been primarily a religious task. Even with the disparity of Christian calendars, it is important for Orthodox Christians to follow whatever calendar approved by the collective instruction of their bishops - in obedience to the divinity of the apostles and apostolic succession.

The sequence of events from the beginning of the fast through Holy Week and Easter is understood to be divinely inspired - even when local traditions and customs may vary.

This gets to the core reason Orthodox Christians continue to participate in the Holy Church services - Holy Orthodoxy is known by the heart. It resonates with the inner core of each of us.

Fr. John Brian's sermon focuses on this primary issue of Orthodox Christian spirituality, using the time of year and the calendars to discuss the resonance of divine harmony in our hearts.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Malankara calendar and was given on Sunday, March 24, 2013 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian and for our mission and help us as you are able.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
LISTEN ON-LINE HERE: