+
…that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; 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. 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. 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 to blood, striving against sin (Heb. 12:4)…Who has been robbed of his [or her] riches for Christ’s sake? Who has been beaten? Who has been insulted? Even in words, I mean. Do you have anything to boast of? What confidence have you to say anything? 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 that we have received from Him. How shall we have confidence on 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 has no good action to show, though he may have done no harm, he will 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. What involves no danger, you do not do; and will you endure blows, in which there is much pain and suffering? Do you not know that it is proper in 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, sharping up their arms, and going to teachers who teach them tactics, go into the broad and level plains every day to keep up with the greatest strictness in the exercises of war? Of our spiritual soldiers, who has done this? For this reason, we become weak and ignoble in war and are 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 [purpose] were we born. This is our business, this our life, and do you seek rest? – St. John Chrysostom
Sermons:
Church Announcements:
- Summer Nights:
- Women’s Meeting:
- Relationship Series
- Liturgy on Saturday will be from 7:30-10:00am followed by the talk at 11am.
- Servants Meeting:
- There will be a Servants Meeting from 12:00-1:00pm after the liturgy on Sunday (Sept 8th)
- Men’s Meeting:
- The next Men’s Meeting will be on September 12th
- To receive information on the Men’s Meeting, click: Men’s Meeting
- Marital Seminar:
- Art Show:
- Bible Pleasure:
- This week, Fr. Gregory will be finishing the book of Numbers.
- For streaming, use the Church’s Facebook Page
- Deacon’s Meeting:
- To receive information on the Deacons’ Meeting, click Deacon’s Meeting
- To join the COCC Advanced Hymns Class meeting, click Advanced Hymns Class
This Week’s Schedule:
- Monday:
- Midnight Praises: 8:00-9:30pm
- Tuesday:
- Bible Study: 7:30-8:30pm (In-person and on Facebook)
- Wednesday:
- Liturgy: 8:30-10:30am
- Thursday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-10:00am
- Summer Nights: 7:00-10:00pm
- Friday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-10:00am
- Sports Activities: 6:00-8:00pm
- Jr. High Bible Study: 7:30-8:30pm
- Youth Meeting: 8:00-9:00 pm
- Saturday:
- Liturgy: 7:30-10:00
- Relationship Talk: 11:00am
- Hymns: 5:00-6:00pm
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study: 6:00-7:00pm
- Vespers: 7:00-7:30pm
- Midnight Prayers: 7:30-9:30pm
- Sunday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-11:30am
- College Meeting: 11:30-12:00pm
- Servants Meeting: 12:00-1:00pm