A Bible Study for Orthodox Christians on the format, use and inspiration of the Scriptures. Session 1 was originally livestream September 23, 2025, in Tarpon Springs, FL.

Christ invites us, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow,” Him into heaven. As long we desire to be with God, then we can move the first phase of our journey. We must learn how to deny ourselves before we can ever follow Christ into heaven. The entire life of the Church teaches us how to deny ourselves and follow Christ into heaven.

A Bible Study for Orthodox Christians on the format, use and inspiration of the Scriptures. Session 1 was originally livestream September 9, 2025, in Tarpon Springs, FL.

When we think of making our way up to heaven, we must first descend into our hearts. We must stop looking down on others as not being worthy. Christ descended to our level to show us the way to heaven. He came down to lift us up with Him. Our job is to get down on the level of those around us, so that we can lift each other up, and climb to heaven together.

A Bible Study for Orthodox Christians on the format, use and inspiration of the Scriptures. Session 1 was originally livestream September 2, 2025, in Tarpon Springs, FL.

It can be difficult to forgive those who use their free will to hurt us. It might be difficult but as we learn in the lesson of the Master who forgave 10,000 talents teach us, we will only be forgiven the sins we commit against God if we forgive even the smallest sin someone else does against us. We can never repay God what we owe Him. God has given us everything we have ever done, but He will forgive with mercy and grace, but only if we have also forgiven others.

When we are faced with the difficulties of life and tragic events, it can feel like we are drowning. In those moments when life feels unbearable, the Church reminds us that God is always right next to us holding our hand. He is always there to lift us up when we need Him. In those moments when we are weak, He is our strength. With God our heads will always be above water.

When we are faced with people with needs, we must understand that God has already given to us what we need to help them. Sometimes the needs are physical, but more often the needs are spiritual and emotional. So many of our friends need hope and peace, that can only come from God. We have enough hope and peace from God, so that we can give it to others.

Before healing two blind men Christ said, “Let it be done to according to your faith.” We ask God for many things in our lives, but we rarely ask in faith. Instead of rambling a list of demands for God, ask Him to open your eyes to see the blessings He has already given to you.

We all know people who need God, but for one reason or another, they are unable to bring themselves to God or the Church. We can still express our love for them by bringing them to God in our prayers. When God sees our faith, our love for them will be a blessing to them and to us. Even if they refuse to come to God, or to pray for themselves, never give up on them. Pray every day for them. Pray for God’s mercy and leave the rest to Him.