Living in modern America we have a lot to be thankful for. In the Gospel Parable of the Rich Fool, we are challenged to understand that all the great blessings we have received are from God, not for us but for others. The time has come for us to give thanks to God, not only in words but by allowing God to use us to bless others. The blessings we receive from God are not for us, but for us to bless others.

A Bible Study for Orthodox Christians on the Bible as Story in History. This session was originally LIVESTREAM in Tarpon Springs, FL on November 18, 2025. Study guide available at https://liveanewlifeinchrist.org/bible-studies/back-to-bible-basics/bbb09

When we enter the doctor’s office, sometimes we need to be willing to swallow a bit of bitter medicine, but the pill will heal us when we swallow it. The same is true about the Gospel. When we hear the Gospel, we hear our own mistakes and our own sinfulness. The only way the Gospel can heal us is when we are willing to swallow the bitterness and allow the healing of the Church to save us. When it comes to the Gospel of Christ, every bitter pill is accompanied by sweetness because we are all called to His Kingdom, even though we are sinners.

A Bible Study for Orthodox Christians on the Bible as Story in Parables. This session was originally LIVESTREAM on November 11, 2025, in Tarpon Springs, FL. Study guide available at https://liveanewlifeinchrist.org/bible-studies/back-to-bible-basics/bbb08

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazaros teaches us that our salvation will be determined by our generosity with the gifts and blessings we have received from God. If we wish to avoid the torment of hell, we must change our hearts to be generous to the Church for the work of the God.

A Bible Study for Orthodox Christians on the Bible as Story in Miracles. This session was originally LIVESTREAM in Tarpon Springs, Florida, on October 28, 2025. Study guide available at https://liveanewlifeinchrist.org/bible-studies/back-to-bible-basics/bbb07

A Bible Study for Orthodox Christians on the Bible as the Source of Tradition. This session was originally LIVESTREAM October 21, 2025, in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Study guide available at https://liveanewlifeinchrist.org/bible-studies/back-to-bible-basics/bbb06

When we suffer the loss of a loved one either through sickness or tragedy, we question why God has taken them from our life. We pray for miracles because we cannot imagine life without them. When God faced the widow from Nain, who was burying her only son, His first words to her were, “Do not cry.” God’s power and mercy give us peace and comfort in our pain. A real miracle is when those who do not believe see the power of God and believe.

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.

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.