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For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation (1 Thes. 3:3-4).
Let us hear, who have ears to hear. The Christian is appointed to this. For concerning all the faithful it is said, for we are appointed to this. And we, however, thinking that we are appointed for ease, think it strange if we suffer anything; and yet why should we think it strange that we suffer?… It is a fit season for us to say to you, You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin (Heb. 12:4)…Who has been robbed of his riches for Christ’s sake? Who has been beaten? Who has been insulted? Even in words, I mean. Look how many things Christ suffered for us when we were enemies. What can we show that we have suffered for Him? Nothing that we have suffered indeed, but infinite good things we have received from Him. How shall we have confidence in that Day? Do you not know, that the soldier too, when he can show numberless wounds and scars, will then be able to shine in the presence of the king? But if he [or she] has no good action to show, though he may have done no harm, he will take rank among the least. But, you say, it is not the season of war. But if it was, tell me, which one of you would fight? Perhaps no one. For when I see that you do not despise riches for the sake of Christ, how shall I believe that you will despise blows? Tell me, do you bear bravely those who insult you, and do you bless them? You do not — but you disobey. Do you not know that it is proper during times of peace to keep up the exercises of war? Do you not see these soldiers, who though no war disturbs them, but it is profound peace, brightening up their arms, and going forth with the teachers who teach them tactics, into the broad and level plains, I may say, every day, keep up with the greatest strictness the exercises of war? Of our spiritual soldiers, who has done this? No one. For this reason we become in war weak and ignoble, and easily led captive by any…The blessed Paul has admirably said, For this we are appointed. He has not said merely, that we are tempted, but that to this we are appointed, as if he had said, For this were we born. This is our business, this our life. – St. John Chrysostom
Sermon:
Church Announcements:
- To help organize the service and better serve your children for the 2022/2023 year, transitioning on September 17th a the end of Bible Summer Camp on September 10, we kindly ask that you complete the the link below to register your children with the church. Each child requires their own registration. Registration deadline is September 16, 2022. Click: Registration Link
This Week’s Schedule:
- Monday:
- Midnight Praises: 8:00-9:30 pm
- Tuesday:
- Bible Study: 7:00-8:30pm (in-person and Facebook)
- Wednesday:
- Liturgy: 5:00-7:00am
- Thursday:
- Liturgy: 7:30-10:00am
- Summer Nights 7:00-10:00pm
- Liturgy: 7:30-10:00am
- Friday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-10:30am
- Saturday:
- Hymns: 5:00-6:00pm
- Sunday School: 6:00-7:00pm
- Vespers: 7:00-7:30pm
- Midnight Praises: 7:30-9:30am
- Sunday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-11:30am