A Knight's Blog

The Health Community for the body is strong. Physicians and doctors get regular visits from people battling infirmities. But what about spiritual sickeness? Do many go to priests, pastors, and parisoners for healing? The answer is likely divided up between the 15% that do seek a holyman fornhelo and the larger 85% who do not. The reason for this is a combination of the Relationship over Religion Movement (As called Im not reliious, but I am Spiritual) and ghe fact that a preist od pastor cannot solve the symptoms of spiritual sickness.  Before we look at why a clergyman cannot cure the spiritual cold, let us define what spiritual sickness is. According to the Orthodox Church, spiritual sickness or illness is caused by a combination of sinful choices and a spiritually dryi life. Orthodox see sin as "missing the mark," and deliberately distorting the icon (image) of God. Sinning after becoming saved does not negate Christ's Sacrifice, but it does harm his image in you and m

C.S. Lewis has long been revered as great theologian and scholar. His works such as "Mere Christianity," "The Screwtape Letters," "The Problem of Pain," and many others are considered essential Christian literature. Mr. Lewis has compiled some of the most exhaustive and brilliant answers to almost every theological question from the Problem of Evil to Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen to Good People? Lewis is nothing short of a legend in the theological arena. Mr. Lewis' life was one plagued with great trauma. When Clive Staples Lewis (C.S. Lewis) was but a young lad, his mother died. The poor boy was thus forced to be raised by his father. It is in this defining moment that Mr. Lewis's future was shaped. The death of his mother is echoed in one of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew , Digory Kirke represents C.S. Lewis seeking to save his mother from her sick bed, something Mr. Lewis could not do as a child. In fact, one coul

AMAZING GRACE John Newton, Bill Baker, and Will J. Gaither "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now I'm found Was blind but now I see 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear That hour I first believed Through many dangers toils and snares We have already come It was Grace that brought us safe thus far And Grace will bring us home We've all been here ten thousand years Bright shining like the sun Than when we first begun Amazing Grace Chorus." Amazing Grace is a song that has been with the saved and saints since the days of William Wilberforce. It encompasses what Jesus did for us and how His Grace holds us through the great trials and tempests of this life. Amazing Grace has been rewritten and sung by some of greatest artists in contemporary Christian Music. One variant says, "Amazing Grace fall like rain down upon me!"

Often the Crucifixion scene depicts Jesus in a very somber and suffering state. This is accurate and I do believe that our Lord and Savior was overwhelmed physically, emotionally, and spiritually during the process of being crucified. Most Corpus (corpse) scenes of Jesus have the Lord either with a placid or peaceful expression on His face. The peace tends to denote that at last, his suffering if complete for the sins of mankind. Recently I found this painting of Jesus being crucified. What is quite unique about the depiction is that Jesus is smiling! He has just died and yet is joyful! This alludes to that Jesus knows in his last breath, when he said, " Father, into your hands I commend my spirit ," (Luke 23:46) that Jesus knew that he just had died for the sins of all humankind and reconciled all people with God who believe in Him! (2 Corinthians 5:18). The painting shows a side of Christ's sacrifice that does not get emphasized enough!: Jesus was glad, He was joyf

In Christian society there is divide among those who live by the letter of the law and those who live the spirit of law. The letterites as I shall coin them, are people who look at Scripture and decide to use it as a code of behavior and they are characterized by harshness and a zeal to obey the Word. While obedience is not a sin, the motives of their hearts matter more than their hard work. For King David said, "Create a clean heart in me, O God, see if and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10, ESV). David was concerned with the state of his heart, because what dwells In the heart Jesus says is wicked: " But those things that proceed out of mouth come from the heart. For out of the heart evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, lying, and slander " (Matthew 15:18, cross references with Jeremiah 17:9) The Apostle Paul wrote the verse, " He (Jesus) has made us competent ministers of the New Covenant- not of the l

The Holocaust was a horrible manifestation of hatred. In two days is the International Memorial Day that remembers those who died in the genocide of the Holocaust. What is a shame about commemorating this somber remembered day, is that often is focuses on just Jews who suffered in the interment camps. In reality, Christians suffered as well. In fact, a friend of mine, Rosemary Schindler (the Niece of Oscar Schindler) shared, "Over 12 Million Christians were killed in the Holocaust, double that of the Jews at 6-7 Million." Now I am not trying to start a contest between Jews and Christians about who suffered more. Rather my heart is that we join together in remembering this horrific hour of both our histories. Christians should not feel like the Holocaust is merely a monstrous act of human cruelty towards Jews, it was done towards Christians! Therefore our prayer should be the same as the Jews, "Never Again." As persecution rises in the world against both Jews an

As Christians we must beware of the counsel found outside Jesus, The Holy Spirit and The Holy Scriptures. While it is not inherently dangerous to seek the advice of friends and even turn to books by Christian scholars; we must be careful of esteeming the 'wisdom' of people over God. There are plethora of books by brilliant theologians and believers. But even the best book by a priest, pastor, Christian counselor, and sage can be flawed. I recently was reading a book that up until now was insightful. I was going to recommend it until I reached the current chapter where the author, a Christian, makes claims that contradict the Bible and caste doubt over principles that are established by the Church since the days of the Apostles. His wording is cleaver and could be interpreted differently, but honestly with discernment and open mind, I discovered that this author is essentially asking people to be subject him and share everything in their hearts and minds with him, even if i

  The Russian Orthodox Cross is unique in that it has three cross beams: one where the words 'King of the Jews' was written in Greek, Roman, and Hebrew at the top. The second is the cross bream where Jesus' hands were nailed to. The third is where Christ's feet were nailed to a post. This post is sometimes not as pronounced, but in the Orthodox tradition one side is elevated and the other is titled downward. The reason for the titled third beam is because it symbolizes the story of the two criminals who were crucified on both sides of Jesus Christ. The Scripture says, "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him (Jesus): Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and Us! But the other criminal rebuked his fellow criminal and said, "Don't you fear God," he said, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this Man has done nothing wrong. Then this penitent (repentant)

Last night I was watching on of Joyce Meyers programs. There are many mainstream pastors and ministers like Joyce; Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Beth Moore and so forth that have been called into question and even persecuted by fellow Christians. I would like to speak to that. You do not know their hearts. The Word of God says, " You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your heart " (Luke 16:15) and " Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen ." (Acts 1:24). It is clear only the Lord God knows what is in the heart of each person and so judging the intent or motive of someone is impossible, unless they testify unequivocally that they are deceptive and trying to lead people astray. But even those who are full of mixed motives and wrongful motives when preaching the Gospel, St. Paul says, " It is true that some preach Christ out of envy, and rivalry, but others out of good will. The latter d

  Many people are ashamed of Christ. They would rather not be associated with Jesus in public or on their social media profiles. On Sundays they sing hymns and say how much they love Jesus, but come Monday they are back to masquerading as secular people. Honestly, this shallowness is a fulfillment of Scripture. Jesus says, " many will come to me on that day (Judgment Day), saying we caste out demons in your name, healed people in your name, and I will say to them, I never knew you, depart from me you workers of wickedness !" (Matthew 7:22). Then there is the Scripture that says, " If you publicly acknowledge me before others, I shall acknowledge you before my Father, but if you deny me before others, I shall deny you before my Heavenly Father ." (Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8-9). Honestly, there are man pseudo or lukewarm Christians who are professing Jesus on Sunday, but denying Him on Monday through Saturady with their friends, family, and faculty at schools.

Many brothers and sisters are swamped. This term tends to denote that they are overwhelmed by the tasks at work. However, I believe there is adifferent connotation beneath it. The truth is that our enemy, Satan, has many Christians caught in his swamp of despond. To borrow respectfully from John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, there is a swamp for the souls of mankind. The devil wants us to sink in the mire, muck, and mud. His objective is to get us so despondent that we cannot reach the deep calling Christ has for us. This image of swamp is meant to represent a place in the spiritual realm. There the enemy wants us to wade fruitlessly in the mud, never meaning to grow or make it to the celestial city of Christ Jesus' Calling for our life. I know many followers who have fallen into this pool and canot seem to break free of the depression and devastation that sinks their soul into despondency. Many are like the friend of Christian who set out on the journey, but once t

Often the Church splits into two groups: the scholars and the servants. The Scholars spend their time debating theological differences and reading the endless volumes of doctrine and divinity. The servants range from organizations to individuals who go out to their community or to countries seeking to serve. These missionaries and caregivers are the "hands and feet of the ministry." But what about the scholars? Are they not the "head and mouth" of the ministry? The Church is suppose to be a reflection or mirror of Jesus Christ. When the world sees us, they should see the Lord. One could argue that missionaries, caregivers, and counselors are closer to Christ, because they are out there; in the world tending to the "least of these." However, scholars and scribes spent much time in Scripture and can answer many daunting questions that intellectuals and skeptical people ask. They may not clean Aids orphans, but they do clean the minds of those who have d

It is time for a Re love olution. No that is not a typo. I am talking about revolution of love! I recently saw a picture of Jesus Christ with the word R evol ution and the second to fifth letters after the R were highlighted. It turns out its love backwards: R - evol - ution. I thought this was quite profound, but decided to simplify it to Re love olution so that love would be prominate . St. Paul said, "peace, love , and joy. But the greatest of these is love ." (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love is the center of the Gospel message: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Begotten Son, Jesus, and who ever believes in Him (the Son) shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). Love is definitive difference between Jesus Christ and all the pantheons of pagan gods. Gods' love is made manifest in the Christ Crucified. For there on the cross the Lord reached out to all man and womankind. I heard a song today that was from Jesus to his followe

  The Church has changed. Once upon a time, the Church was the Body of Christ; a community of believers and followers of Jesus. St. Paul was the head of communities in Greece, St. James the administrator or apostle of the communities in Judea. The Church in the time of Christ and post Pentecost was a family. Believers came together on Sundays not to learn about programs, but to pray together, fellowship, and worship the Risen Lord. In what stark contrast this image of the earlier church is to the contemporary church. Today churches are more akin to banks and pharmacies. Each denomination promises to lead you to the "riches in heaven" or to "heal you and lead you upon the right path." For someone who are not saved it can be daunting task to get through the tangled webs of denominationalism and find both Christ and a community of Christ followers. My heart aches and breaks that the Body of Christ is so divided over doctrines. Jesus Christ said to the Father,

Worry and anxiety are almost at pandemic levels in the world. People everywhere are assailed by these two powers. But should we as Christians really give worry and anxiety any of our time? Jesus responded to the question by saying, " can anyone of you add an hour to your life by worrying ? And why are you worrying about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow, they do not toil or spin. But if God clothes grass of field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown in the furnace, will He not much more cloth you? You of little faith !" (Matthew 6:27-30). Jesus continues his sermon about worry by explaining that we should not even have anxiety about having enough drink or eat. He gives the example that if the " birds of the air have enough to eat and are taken care of, how much more so will your Heavenly Father take care of you ? Are you not more valuable than they ?" (Matthew 6:26). How true are the words of the Lord. For worry and anxiety only add stres

Jurassic Park is not where you expect to find Jesus or the Gospel in general. In fact, Generro who is Catholic gets the most famous scene of being eaten by the T-Rex. However, I have discovered a new interpretation. It is Alan Grant (initials Adonai which means Lord in Hebrew and G for God, which is interesting because Spielberg is a Jew and the Jews pray Deuteronomy 6:4 which says, "Hear O Israel, The Lord (Adonai) is God, The Lord is One.") represents Jesus in the film. Alan Grant first appears after the opening scene with Muldoon and the Raptor and Generro meeting with some diggers. Grant is found in the desert, The Wilderness, just like Jesus (Luke 4:2). There Grant gets his ministry, for John Hammond comes calling and tells him to go to Jurassic Park. At first Alan is not fond of children, which does not fit well with a Christ allegory, because Jesus said, " let the children come to me, for such as they belongs the Kingdom of Heaven ." (Matthew 19:14). But