What is the triumph of Orthodoxy? A short synopsis of the historical background, then discussion of what this triumph is for the individual. It involves "faith", understanding that the pleasures of sin are for a season, and believing that a good thing CAN come out of Nazareth.
Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-12:224 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
John 1:43-51 43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
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I SOO love this passage – we taught it at Sunday School yesterday! I love the fact that our Savior is no fraud and respects honesty like what He got from Nathan. The kids came up with "Nazareth? Only Hood Rats come from Nazareth!" and then Jesus called him out for it – and for being right and honest. So much of Orthodoxy is of the ostrich-sticking-its-head in the-sand ilk where we have failed churches and ethnic clicks instead of vibrant, living bodies of Christ! Today one would be more likely to hear "Can anything good come from Orthodoxy?" than Nazareth…thank God for an awesome honest God!
Vegas
I will allow this comment because of its positve qualities, but the blanket criticism of Orthodoxy is unwarranted (and I am sure, will upset some innocent people who are being tarred with a big brush in a clumsy way)
This is not an appropriate statement: "Can anything good come from Orthodoxy?" You are questioning if the church is good! Of course it is. One could argue (I would) that your very question is sinful, on multiple levels.
Try to refrain from blanket criticism of others.
I am Orthodox, and do not stick my head in the sand. What an idea! I am sure there are those who do, because fear is a human failing, and Orthodox Christians are human, but comments such yours are argumentative and not productive.
You want to find vibrant Christianity? Pray and fast, and attend the services and give alms and care for your soul with humility (this is obviously not an inclusive list!) . you will then find it – in your heart.
Well Glory to God for some true words spoken. Father Seraphim is correct in his critic of the above comment. However, much of our presented Orthodoxy is wrapped in culture worship, festivals that are secular, language foolishness where people sing in tongues that are not understandable. So we have to pay attention to that. At the same time our salvation does not come from blanket attacks and criticism, but rather in putting on Christ,and that is only through humility so that we acquire the humble heart which God shall not despise.
with love in our Saviour
gerasimos+