Spiritual Journey Insights: September 2025

Monday, September 15, 2025

Orthodox Christianity and Beliefs

Over the years, we have seen people switch from one religion to another. Every religion, in some way, seeks to gain new converts. Some groups do not accept others, while others actively welcome those who are seeking truth.

Even within Christianity, people often change denominations or groups. Most of the time, this happens because they are seeking better alignment with the Bible, or they have gained new understanding of their faith.

For example, many have moved from Orthodox traditions to Protestant churches, sometimes finding a home in Pentecostal fellowships. In recent years, I have also met people who have moved in the opposite direction—from Protestant backgrounds to Orthodox traditions—often citing reasons like their love for liturgy and a sense of historic continuity with the early church.

Key Differences to Understand

When we look at why people switch, it is helpful to understand the differences between how various groups see Scripture, Tradition, and Revelation:

Scripture (The Bible)
- Protestant / Evangelical / Pentecostal: Believe the Bible is the sole authority ("Sola Scriptura") for faith and practice.
- Orthodox & Catholic: See the Bible as central but part of a larger tradition handed down through the Church.
Tradition (Church Practices and Teachings)
- Protestant / Pentecostal: Respect tradition but test it against Scripture. If tradition contradicts Scripture, Scripture wins.
- Orthodox & Catholic: Place high value on Church Fathers, liturgy, and centuries-old practices—considering them essential for properly interpreting the Bible.
Revelation (How God Speaks Today)
- Pentecostal: Believe God still speaks through the Holy Spirit, giving guidance, prophecy, and direction in alignment with Scripture.
- Evangelical / Protestant: Generally emphasize the sufficiency of the Bible, with careful discernment about claims of new revelation.
- Orthodox & Catholic: Believe God speaks through Scripture and Tradition, with less emphasis on personal revelation.

In short, Pentecostals critique Orthodox Christianity for being “ritualistic, hierarchical, and stagnant,” while Orthodox critique Pentecostalism for being “subjective, doctrinally loose, and lacking historical continuity.”

Key Faith Statements of Orthodox Christianity

Orthodox Christianity is rooted in the early church and emphasizes continuity with the teachings of the Church Fathers and Ecumenical Councils.

1. Authority of Tradition

Belief: Scripture is authoritative, but it is interpreted within the Sacred Tradition of the Church — including the writings of the Church Fathers, the Ecumenical Councils, and the liturgy.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Affirm Sola Scriptura — the Bible alone is the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
- Tradition is valuable but must be tested by Scripture (Acts 17:11 – Bereans examining everything).

2. Sacramental Life

Belief: Salvation and grace are received through the sacraments (mysteries) — baptism, chrismation, Eucharist, confession, etc.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Agree baptism and communion are important but view them as symbols and testimonies of grace already received by faith, not the means of salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9).
- Emphasize personal faith and repentance as the starting point of salvation.

3. Deification (Theosis)

Belief: The ultimate goal of salvation is union with God (becoming “partakers of the divine nature,” 2 Peter 1:4).
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Agree that transformation into Christ’s likeness is the goal (Romans 8:29) but clarify that humans never become divine.
- Stress the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification — an ongoing work leading to holiness and empowerment for mission.

4. Veneration of Saints and Mary

Belief: Saints and Mary are honored and can intercede for believers before God. Icons are windows to heaven and aid in worship.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Respect saints as examples of faith (Hebrews 12:1) but teach that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).
- Prayer should be directed to God alone through Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

5. Liturgical Worship

Belief: Worship is sacramental, highly liturgical, and rooted in ancient tradition. The Divine Liturgy is central.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Emphasize Spirit-led, participatory, and contemporary forms of worship (John 4:23–24).
- Value freedom of expression and the active use of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12–14).

6. View of Salvation

Belief: Salvation is a process — baptism starts it, sacraments sustain it, and perseverance completes it.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Teach that salvation begins with a personal new birth by grace through faith (John 3:3, Ephesians 2:8–9).
- Works and obedience follow as evidence of true salvation, not as its basis.

7. Eschatology

Belief: Focus on the final resurrection, new creation, and judgment but less emphasis on rapture or millennial views.
Pentecostal/Evangelical Counterpoint:
- Often emphasize Christ’s imminent return, evangelism urgency, and hope of resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Fellowship or Groupism?

One of the greatest blessings of being part of a church is fellowship. Fellowship is more than just casual interaction; it is a spiritual bond that unites us as one body in Christ. In a time when the world is becoming increasingly isolated and people are drowning in loneliness, fellowship is not optional—it is vital for our growth in the Lord and for the health of the church.

Unfortunately, what often creeps into churches today is not true fellowship but groupism. Groupism happens when people only relate, talk, and associate with a few selected individuals, closing themselves off from the rest of the body. Instead of building bridges, groupism builds walls.

Fellowship vs. Groupism

Fellowship:

Inclusive: Welcomes everyone as part of the body of Christ.
Christ-centered: Built on love, prayer, and encouragement in the Lord.
Strengthening: Helps each believer grow stronger in faith.
Reflects heaven: Displays unity in diversity, showing the love of God to the world.

Groupism:

Exclusive: Selects only a few, leaving others out.
Self-centered: Based on comfort, preference, or culture rather than Christ.
Weakening: Isolates members and hinders spiritual growth.
Divisive: Creates exclusive groups and destroys the unity of the church.

How It Impacts Our Walk with the Lord

When we live in fellowship, we are reminded that we are not walking alone. We share burdens, celebrate victories, and pray for one another. The New Testament is full of “one another” commands—love one another, serve one another, encourage one another. Fellowship is where these commands come alive.

But when groupism takes over, believers are left feeling unseen, unwanted, and disconnected. This leads to spiritual dryness and, in many cases, people drifting away from church altogether. Without fellowship, we become easy targets for discouragement and temptation.

Practical Steps to Build Fellowship

Fellowship does not just happen automatically—we have to be intentional. Here are some practical ways:

Talk to new people – Make it a point to greet someone you don’t know. Even a simple smile and kind word can make them feel welcome.
Stay after service – Don’t run away as soon as the benediction is said. Take a few minutes to greet others, especially new visitors.
Join smaller gatherings – Participate in prayer meetings, Bible studies, or fellowship dinners. These smaller settings help you connect and know people more personally.
Step out of your comfort zone – Don’t just stick to your close circle. Try sitting in a different spot, invite someone new for coffee, or ask someone how you can pray for them.
Be intentional – Fellowship is a discipline. It requires effort, but the rewards are eternal.

The Challenge of Our Generation

The world around us is becoming increasingly isolated. People may have thousands of online connections but very few real, life-giving relationships. This reality is a wake-up call for the church: if we do not guard and intentionally nurture fellowship, even church members will soon be lost in the loneliness that plagues society.

The greatest challenge for the church today is not just to attract people from outside, but to maintain the fellowship of those already inside. We must be intentional in reaching out beyond our comfort zones, breaking down walls of division, and fostering genuine relationships centered in Christ.

A Call to Action

Fellowship matters. It is the lifeline of the church and the anchor for our walk with God. As members of the body of Christ, let us:

Welcome everyone with the love of Christ.
Refuse to be trapped in Exclusive groups.
Encourage one another in prayer and word.
Build a community where no one feels alone.

When we do this, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who came not for a select few but for all.

Monday, September 1, 2025

A Ministry Giant with a Painful Home

When we think of John Wesley, we often remember him as the founder of Methodism, the fiery preacher on horseback, and the man God used to bring revival across England. Yet behind the powerful ministry was a personal life marked by deep struggle—particularly in his marriage to Mary “Molly” Vazeille Wesley.

A Difficult Union

Wesley married Molly, a wealthy widow, in 1751. Their marriage, however, quickly became strained. Wesley’s relentless ministry schedule—often gone for months traveling and preaching—left Molly feeling neglected and resentful.

Mistrust grew as she accused him of improper attachments to female supporters, though no evidence of misconduct was ever proven. Their conflicts became public, damaging Wesley’s reputation at times. Eventually, Molly left him, returning only briefly before leaving permanently in 1771. Wesley wrote bluntly in his journal:

“I did not forsake her, I did not dismiss her, I will not recall her.”

Pain in the Parsonage

Wesley once described marriage as his “cross,” a sobering reminder that even spiritual giants face struggles at home. His situation highlights several realities:

Ministry Pressure Strains Marriage
Wesley’s calling demanded constant travel, but it came at the expense of his marriage. Ministers today also wrestle with the tension between church duties and family responsibilities.
Neglect Opens Doors to Bitterness
Molly felt sidelined and undervalued. Unmet emotional needs can easily turn into resentment, especially when one spouse feels “second place” to the ministry.
Unresolved Conflict Spills Over Publicly
Their quarrels became known to others, and Molly even spread accusations against Wesley. What begins as private pain can damage public witness if not handled carefully.
God Works Through Imperfect Vessels
Despite his marital struggles, God used John Wesley mightily. His personal weakness did not cancel God’s calling—but it does remind us that private life matters deeply.

Lessons for Today’s Leaders

Guard Your Marriage: Ministry must not consistently come before family. Paul reminds us that a leader must “manage his own household well” (1 Timothy 3:4).
Pursue Partnership, Not Neglect: Healthy ministry grows when spouses are engaged and supported in the call, not left behind.
Deal with Conflict Early: Bitterness unresolved becomes bitterness multiplied. Leaders must seek help, accountability, and reconciliation quickly.
Depend on Grace: God’s work continues through imperfect people, but leaders should not use grace as an excuse to neglect their families.

Conclusion

John Wesley’s marriage is a sobering reminder that even great ministers can stumble in their family life. His story does not diminish his legacy but instead calls us to learn: ministry success should never come at the expense of covenant faithfulness at home.

Prayer:
“Lord, help us to honor our marriages as much as our ministries. Give us wisdom to balance the work of the gospel with the care of our families, that both our public witness and our private lives may bring glory to You.”