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10th In Luke December 10, 2006 “My Brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the cunning of the Devil. For we wrestle, not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, -- against powers, -- against the rulers of the darkness of this world, -- against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:10-12 Will you not agree, that these words written by St. Paul to the Christians of Ephesus almost two thousand years ago, are in reality, a true reflection of the condition of the world today? Ephesus is a rather small city today, but in Apostolic times, it was a center of commerce, with a sizeable seaport. It is located on the coast of Asia Minor, today's Turkey, where St. Paul spent much time preaching the Gospel of Jesus, and edifying the newly established Church. Before he departed, he already had baptized many into the new Faith. He also consecrated his devoted follower Timothy, to be the first Bishop of Ephesus. After a rather long absence, St. Paul wrote his Epistle to the Ephesians, admonishing them to keep the faith undefiled, and to always be invincible Christians, --- strong in their faith in the Lord. As he expressed his words, which we just quoted, we also have to deal, not so much with a person to person encounter, but with the various forces of evil, which bring nothing but catastrophe. St. Paul qualifies these evil forces as principalities and powers, --that is, the evil spirits which influence and dominate the underworld of darkness and sin. These evil people become powerful forces, simply because, as Edmund Burke, the English philosopher said: "Evil will prevail, as long as good people stand back and do nothing," Wickedness in high places, is another observation St. Paul expresses to the Ephesians. We read and witness every day the rampant corruption in high places, whether it be in the business world, or in our Government. In order then to stand up against all the evils of darkness, Paul exhorts his followers, to put on the whole armor of God, so that they may be able to stand against the evil kingdom. Listening to his exhortations, is like hearing what an officer would say to his soldiers, preparing his battalion to be ready for war. It is a fact, that dedicated Christians often find themselves engaged in the various battles of this life. It is no wonder then, that St. Paul advises his followers, not only to wear the armor of God, but to gird themselves with truth and the armor of righteousness. How greatly Christianity today, needs to apply these instructions of St. Paul, when spiritual strength is the crying need of the day! There is no question, but that we are living in the most difficult period of human history. A period, that we can say Christianity is put to the test. We hear, or read at times, that Christianity is defunct - bankrupt! This can never be true. Christianity is not bankrupt, but it is the very Christians, that have become bankrupt! Our Lord very emphatically stated: the world may come to the end, but that His words would remain forever. We often say, that the world has changed, and that the true values are gradually vanishing. However, have we ever done any real soul-searching to see, whether we have slipped in some measure, and are tolerating conditions, which contribute to this social deterioration? In contemplating the message of today's pulpit, I would say that there are 3 categories of Christians, who involuntaringly, and without realization, dangerously expose the Church of Christ.The first category, to which many Christians belong, is those, who have no fundamental knowledge of the meaning of Christianity, and yet offer opinions. St. Paul refers to these, as people having faith, but without any foundation. Thus, it is easy to conclude, that our personal faith can be edified, only if we really know, and understand what we believe. There is no question that Christianity is laden with so many mysteries, inconceivable to man; but God, made His revelation complete in the New Testament, and it is up to every Christian to be well acquainted with the Bible. The Lord gave us His formula when He said: "Know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." A second category of Christians is those, who are superficial in their faith and knowledge, to the degree, that they fabricate, and offer their own religious pattern; They even go so far as to offer their personal theological opinions. We hear them saying in any occasion that "all Churches are alike, and after all there is only one God!" At other times, they emphatically deny the existence of the Hereafter, and say "that here on earth we experience true Heaven and Hell!" How firm then, can these people be in their convictions, and to what degree are they able to contribute to the strength of the Church? The third danger for the Church, is the category of Christians, who do not have strength of convictions. The environment, or any other influence, immediately subdues these people. They say they are believers, but they readily submit to the first real danger, simply because they have no real convictions. How distantly removed these people are, from the true nature of Christianity, that is, to be unshakably faithful, even unto death! The type of faith, which produced the countless thousands of martyrs over the centuries, and even until today! One of the fundamental ills of our ailing society today, is the fact that there is a gross lack of true convictions. It is the pitfall of so many, who have not put on the cloak of righteousness. Admittedly, nothing can truly stand in this world, unless it is founded on convictions. Unfortunately, we have permitted our environment, to become stronger than our convictions, and for this reason we constantly founder. No one will question the fact, that life has its many hurdles and struggles, as well as so many challenges. This is the experience, and the facts of life. How else then, can all these be overcome, except through proper preparation, so as to be able to stand up to them, and overcome them? Which athlete can win a contest without patient and diligent preparation? We as Christians, can become strong, only though spiritual exercises. We therefore must strive to learn more about our Faith. When we know more, we'll love more, and consequently become more productive. Our love will so edify our faith, that no earthly force will ever have the power to separate us, as St. Paul declares, from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Toward this end we all must labor. Amen.
+ Fr. George Papadeas
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