A Bible Study for Orthodox Christians on the Bible as the Source of Tradition. Study guide available at https://liveanewlifeinchrist.org/bible-studies/back-to-bible-basics/bbb05 This session was originally LIVESTREAM in Tarpon Springs, FL October 14, 2025.

It is only natural that we become our parents. When God calls us to become children of God, it isn’t so natural. In the Gospel of Luke we hear, “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.” The human way is to love those who love us back. To become children of God means that we love even when we are hated in return.

A Bible Study for Orthodox Christians on the format, use and inspiration of the Scriptures. Session 1 was originally livestream September 30, 2025, in Tarpon Springs, FL.

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.