Maybe deep he knows you are making the correct choice!

@@lupinthe4th400 maybe his dad is just a good dad and it's not not one denomination might be better than the other

@@nilssonharrison maybe, but that's just your belief. God established one Church, and to think that everyone claiming to speak for God is correct would be logically inconsistent my friend. It's so simple. If there's one truth, one Christ, there's should be one Church. Not to talk about all the distortions other Churches make. This is just reasoning. Please read about Church history and see for yourself. That's what many people have done and then they become Orthodox. I don't say all this out of hostility, like I am a football fan. It's just reason.

@@lupinthe4th400 yeah he established one church, that none of us are in because of subjectivity on the matter

@@nilssonharrison I think that's just you being confused. At least you now admit you don't belong to the first Church. The Orthodox Church was found by Jesus and the Apostles and is the continuation of the same Church. Even if you look at it geographically, areas such as Greece and Minor Asia where Orthodoxy is found today, are where the Apostles spread the God's message, not America. Have some faith in God's actions. Also, don't you remember what Jesus himself said to the Greek proselytes upon meeting them, "The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified"(John IB 20-23). I don't say this is a simple issue, because nowadays the devil has made a huge mess to confuse everyone. But to declare everything subjective because you personally are confused is falling to the devil's trap. Jesus says, "Believe or not, research". Please look into Orthodoxy seriously.

I just said a prayer for you. Have the courage to put yourself in God’s hands and let Him sort it out for you. Have faith, my friend, and follow your heart.

Wake up. The Bible is the story of Yahweh's fulfilled plan of redemption given exclusively to ancient Israelites cursed with the Old Covenant law of sin and death and pertains to no one alive today, soteriologically and eschatologically speaking. "I only came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel." ~Jesus Christ in Matthew 15:24 "Redemption was only for those who sinned under the first covenant." ~Apostle Paul in Hebrews 9:15 "Jesus came only to redeem those under the (Old Covenant) law." ~Apostle Paul in Galatians 4:5 "Where there is no (Old Covenant) law, sin is not taken into account." ~Apostle Paul in Romans 5:13 This of course means that salvation was only needed by those who had sin taken into account, which is not us today. "The ADOPTION into Sonship, the GLORY, the COVENANTS (both Old & New), the giving of the LAW, the WORSHIP and the PROMISES only BELONGED to (ancient) ISRAELITES." ~Apostle Paul in Romans 9:4 You've been duped into believing you're a sinner under a law that passed away and need a savior who said he came for someone else, who will save you from a sin that's already been removed and a judgement that already happened and allow you into a covenant that was made with someone else. The fact is, we today were never and are not part of ancient Israel's exclusive and fulfilled redemptive narrative, the Bible. ~Michael Bradley

Will pray for you!

@@josephrohland5604 Do whatever makes you happy, Joseph. You have your own path to follow, as do we all.

You can't have the real presence of Jesus Christ in Protestant Churches Eucharistic Miracle of a beating heart. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bZpnppCIzLmbkWQ.html 3 Eucharistic Miracle kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b5mTpLVe092taKc.html

@MyNameIs Indeed. I left evangengelicalism years ago because it is basically Pharisee'ism 2.0 Thankfully Christ is the savior.

​@@mynameis7702orthodoxy ruled in one point in time and it was hell on Earth

I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy...

Generally, evangelicals - like fundamentalists tend not to be very forgiving or even humble. They feel threatened by what they don't understand or don't even want to understand. I speak from my own attitude as a former one.

@@tradertrader8838 or you can just completely give up the fairy tale and immoral beliefs of Christianity.

I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy...

@@tradertrader8838 Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart. Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different. Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves. Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?

@@tradertrader8838 Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart. Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different. Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves. Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?

@@tradertrader8838 Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart. Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different. Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves. Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?

@@tradertrader8838 Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart. Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different. Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves. Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?

Congratulations, yes orthodox-christianity is closer to the spiritual side of the religion more than other religions, I wish you the best for you and your family 🙏

@@DuMySmokePlus but do they ask Saints to intercede when they’re praying?

@@MsTC867 yes, for example in some places around Europe a while ago there were Saint people who did good stuff or miracles in the name of God during their lives and sometimes people from this places still remember this Saints and they pray to God and to this specific Saints too.

Tytheband, if you believe that ONLY NOW you are living out the one true faith is a red flag. EITHER WAY WERE NEVER CHRISTIAN or you've been brainwashed. ALL THAT ARE "SAVED" ARE LIVING THE ONE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH AND MILLIONS ARE NOT OF THE ORTHODOX DENOMINATION.

@@JesusChristISTHEONETRUEGOD I never said I wasn't a Christian before. Forgive me for the lack of clarity. The Holy Spirit can work wherever and whenever He wants, and that includes other "denominations". I just believe that Orthodox Christianity is the most complete/intact and oldest Christianity that there is. I'm sorry that my comment was overly simplified and not clear. I'm thankful for my 20 years in the "non-denominational" church world. Thank God I had that time.

yeah, and the reaction is equally dangerous because you choose an historical christianity for sentiment and aesthetics.

@@conantheseptuagenarian3824 BHABHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Sorry, I have never met a convert to the Orthodox Church who converted because of this. I have known MANY who converted DISPITE the 'troubles' it caused. The loss of friends, the difficulty of learning an entirely new platform of faith, the difficulty of continually growing in the faith, etc. WIth all due respect, you and the other dissenting commentators I read/see around the 'net remind me of the old Soviets trying come up with reasons WHY Russians defected to the West. You have to come up with a reason because, if you don't, then you will have to take a serious look at your own system in a humble, open minded approach...and it scares you. So you guys just spout foolishness instead of actually finding out WHY people who know so much are leaving their faiths to come to Orthdoxy. Before you reply with all of your "logic and knowledge", just answer me this: If what you know is correct, how come there are so many branches of Protestantism? For that matter, how come that are so many branches of even Evangelicalism? Truth is a narrow path. There are now over 46,000+ different belief systems in Protestantism. How can there be? Which is it, do you believe in speaking in tongues or not? I could go on...but just please answer my question. I have yet to find an answer that actually stands up in over a quarter of a century.

@@43pace right, i don't agree with you so i'm a soviet. makes sense. and because there are a ton of protestant denominations obviously your position is correct. good luck controlling your idiocy and bizarre outbursts of laughter.

@@conantheseptuagenarian3824 Wow, you really need to take a reading comprehension class. I didn't call you a soviet. Operative phrase is, "[you] remind me of the old Soviets..." You and your side are making the same mistakes that they made. No wonder you are so angry. I really feel sad for you. You are in my prayers.

@@43pace cope.

Yes they speak as if Christianity began in 1517

Evangelicals are arrogant to everything.

What did the apostle Paul have to say in relation to church worship and function? None of these 'sectarian' churches follow the traditions he recieved and passed on from the Lord concerning church function, either in the East or the West.

Keep hoping and praying! Sunday has already dawned!

From what are you converting?

Right behind you!

Foreigners learning about Orthodoxy and having the courage and the will to convert brings me tears! We think we are being Christians, but you Sir are an example!

Update?

:)

Surely the answer waits in the past!

Many people including myself have the sort of believe but just by habit thing going on. I feel those are the people the Christ will say he never knew on judgement day

I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy... I am from Georgia (country), which is a traditional Orthodox country.

@@tradertrader8838 it seems as your Protestant mindset never left you, and this is the reason you are obstructed from seeing clearly the truth of Orthodoxy and bearing spiritual fruits. How can you be an apologist for the faith the moment you joined it? We want to teach others, but never learn ourselves. Pride causes distress in the soul and blinds the nous. You said it correctly, it is a lie and charm; these are the fruits of vain glory. It's not the Orthodox faith that's wrong, its your attitude towards it. The spiritual life is not apologetics. And I say this as a sinner facing the same temptation. I hope we all reconsider and accept the truth revealed in humility.

I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy...

Enjoy false salvation based on works.

@i .....A remembrance, not the transubstantiaton which is a lie. Christ celebrated the passover according to the Mosiac Law, once a year, not every Sunday.

Because Jesus Christ said so in John 6:53-54

Why renounce the reformation?

@@aidanmcwhirter2612 Reformation relies on some former Catholic monk (Martin Luther) who thought it would be nice to break his monastic vows and oaths to Christ to worship and idolise his horniness for a nun. Eventually, it relied strongly on John Calvin and his colleagues on how they read certain passages that "supports" reformed theology, when its entire motivation was revolution against the French monarchy and the Catholic Church Main theological reasons are protestantism is circular and relies on private judgement and always say "their mind feels God's presence speaking to them, so therefore, it really is God." Faith alone is a mental game that Satan can manipulate and take advantage of, and the Early Church including the scriptures which the Orthodox Church produced never taught sola scriptura and faith alone. You can't find sola scriptura in the Bible.

@@deVeresd.Kfz.1515 Orthodoxy has some strengths, but I think you are misjudging the motives of Luther and Calvin. Have you read Luther's main writings and Calvin's Institutes? You will see that their main motive was fear of God and a return of the church to the word of God. A reformation was needed, the split could have avoided if the Catholic Bishops would have repented. Celibacy should be honoured as a great (if difficult) calling, but it should be VOLUNTATY for priests, pastors etc.

@@deVeresd.Kfz.1515 The Reformation does not in any way rely upon "some former Catholic monk". The Reformation relies on the Protestant Principle.

Ignorant to our own shared history.

But the church in the first century was grace alone! What was Paul talking about in Galatians? Hhhmmm

Speak for yourself... not all Protestants are ignorant of history. Read the Reformers.

@Colin Sheehan Yes because I believe everything Cardinal Newman said....

@Colin Sheehan who wasn't Eastern Orthodox either...

I used to listen to him all the time but I was reading where Greek orthodox pray’s to Saints that can’t hear us and he even used to preach against it because they would have to listen to 500,000 petitions a half a second no human can do that, but God because he’s omnipresent omniscience what the heck happened to this man I’m so disappointed in him now

Praise to saints is no different than praising a brother in Christ. I would listen to theoria if you are interested in short clips about understanding. Sometimes a word has another meaning than the original Greek. We worship one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We praise our brothers and sisters for a job well done.

@@Orthodixi I meant pray’ s to Saints not praise.. of course we have to praise them. Igosh, but not ask them to intercede because they can’t hear so I want to know is Hank now doing that after he used to preach against it?

Awwww pray’s vs praise. How do you know they can’t hear? Or how much they can hear? I may ask a friend to pray for me.

@@Orthodixi because God says, the only way to the father is through his son in Hebrews once u die then his judgment, they were merely flesh imagine Mary would have to listen to 500,000 petitions a half a second. Only God is omnipresent omniscient not a flesh made human.

The Catholic Church (East and West) are NOT denominations. The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic faith is the only way people have access to scripture, the Gospel, salvation, doctrine, theology, etc. God is not a God of chaos and disorder therefore He has established an orderly Kingdom.

Dom the WOP you are exactly right, press on brother, let’s keep a single minded devotion to Christ and His word, and this we will do by the Lord’s empowering grace.

Denominational Christians have no interest in those last few things you mentioned.

Orthodoxy is not a denomination, such language is that of Protestantism. There’s one Church-followers of Trinitarian God. Then, we live that out doing all you suggested (Ep 2:10).

I don’t think everyone here is caught up in being the “only true denomination”. I think people want to be following God correctly and faithfully. What you said the church is about is Orthodoxy in a nutshell. We do need to be part of God’s true church since it is what He has given us to become like Him and prepared for His Kingdom. Orthodoxy is the fullness of true Christianity and provides a way of life to live and become like Christ. If you really want to get serious about your faith then become an Orthodox Christian.

The original Church established at Pentecost was only One Church and they were called Christians, a “universal” and open to all. Religion, also described at the time as “Catholic”, a Greek term for universal.

But I want to know does he personally pray to Saints now when he was against it before because they can’t hear us because they were merely flesh and blood and they’re busy with Christ at his feet worshiping him. I’m confused.

@@MsTC867 they were still flesh and blood

I used to but not anymore

Hi Penny Been trying to think through what is happening with Hank. Any reference to his criticism of watchman nee? I'll follow it up. Thanks

Yeah, and your point??? People can change. Did you forget that Saul transformed and was later called “Paul?” "God performed miracles through the hands of Paul." -Acts 19:11

The answer me clearly does not have the answers

No he surely doesn't believe the western doctrine of sola scriptura

Not really. I see someone manufacturing a contradiction though.

Because he commanded us to do so

This may be a bit late, but I am currently working my way through The Orthodox Way By: Kallistos Ware. Started it after finishing Becoming Orthodox: A Journey to the Ancient Christian Faith

It is different. For one, the RC has changed things and, I believe, might have been slightly different even in the beginning. The Eastern Orthodox Church uses the DIvine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Sadly, he is almost unknown in the West. Thankfully, we have over 2000 of his homilies preserved. The hardest thing for RC's is that the OC 'looks' so similar but isn't because of a different foundation. A different platform, if you will. You just have to relax and realize it takes time...(I have found) at least 3 years to really begin to understand this. Blessed day.

It's very similar to that used by the Eastern Catholic Churches, but these differ substantially from the Roman Rite. Some of the older western rites, like the Ambrosian Rite, are a bit closer to the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is also used on certain feast days, but it's really just a longer version of the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom), but there are some notable differences. There used to be some western rites that were quite close to the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, but during the Council of Trent the Roman Mass was standardized and many of the more ancient rites were lost around that time.

There are western rite orthodox churches in canonical jurisdictions (ROCOR, Antiochian) that would celebrate a western liturgy.

We all know Catholic history and their pagan beliefs, And the Inquisition. Let it go.

Wow truer words , actually its very sad .

So, your assumption is that Walt would disagree. Based on? Martin took on Cults, not other biblically-based Christians. I know, my brother worked there and l volunteered there. And, have studied much of his works.

@@matthewvanmatre5137 I wouldn't call Geneva's bloody pope calvinism biblical but a twisted perversion of Yah's character making Him the author of sin. Now involved in eastern orthodox / catholic traditions. I don't see Walter's stamp of approval imo RIP. YAH bless Hank on his walk with Christ n let us all know His truth. Amen

Joe Shmoe l agree with you, Calvinism l think paints God as author of evil and damnation. This thought is the opposite of Orthodox, or biblical theology.

Walter Martins eldest daughter in a KZfaq video called Eastern Orthodoxy versus Evangelical Christianity at WalterMartinDotCom talks about Hannegraphs conversion to Orthodoxy. She says he is unbiblical and unethical and her Father would definitely not agree with the direction Hank has taken CRI. I agree. I think Hank is a horrible example and a smooth double talker. Tell me Bible Answer Man where you find chrismation, holy sacraments, holy icons, Christ in the Eucharist, sinless Mary, and salvation as a process dependent on Baptism, the Eucharist and a workout in the spiritual gymnasium of a dead liturgical church? Don’t misinterpret James 2 either. Interpret it in light of Romans 4.

Because Orthodoxy and Roman Catholics were both the very first Christians. The fullest of Christianity is found in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Also, in an orthodox way of thinking, we don't convert once, but each day as many times as we are able to repent and to look more like Christ. Every time we repent, we are being converted to a more exact image and likeness of Christ.

@@alexschexnayder8624 I think most Protestants would say the same...but at there’s point of starting. So if I believer “born again” even decided to become orthodox they don’t seem to me to be converting, perhaps only as you say refining more to the image of God. Maybe more so, but still no less convert then when they first turned to Christ.

@@thebluedan it's also a significant change in way of thinking and in doctrine and in the base line seriousness that is expected out of an orthodox Christian. Because we believe that this is the true One Holy Catholic and Apostolic church that we are members in. But this proclamation need not be seen as condemning non orthodox as hellbound, but we also take seriously the errors that we perceive in the other groups outside of ourselves.

@@thebluedan Well evangelical Christians are always talking about when they were saved. So no protestants don't believe that its an ongoing process

It should be all about Jesus, period. Great insight BTW

Well said, I was thinking the same thing. You don't hear of people converting because they read the Bible.

Apostle Paul says salvation is through the written word and tradition of the church. Which refers to the early church fathers. Bible was compiled in the early 4th century and the Eastern Orthodox Church (old calendar) still practices the original traditions even in this day and age

@@constantines.9009 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) The Apostle Paul says Salvation is by Grace through Faith, not of works. Church tradition has nothing to do with it. "Tradition" is mostly referred to in the New Testament in a negative sense, i.e., the preference for man's tradition over the Word of God. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 3:6, the Apostle Paul speaks of "tradition" in the sense of the instructions which he and his fellow-workers gave to the early churches in person rather than through the Epistles. He was not speaking of practices which would be handed down from generation to generation, as we think of "traditions." Nowhere in the New Testament is the notion of Salvation through Church tradition mentioned or even hinted at. One must choose whether they are going to be lead by the teachings of Scripture or the traditions of a particular church (man). I understand that Orthodoxy places a greater weight on the authority of the EOC and the early church fathers, but where those teachings conflict with Scripture (and they do in many places), the choice must be made as to who we will listen to. Evangelical Protestants, such as myself, cling to the Word of God above the teachings of man. And Hank Hanegraaf used to trust in the Bible above all other authority, making his conversion even more tragic. One final thought, the Bible as we know it WAS compiled in the 4th Century, but the writings are 1st Century and bore the testimony of those who were eyewitnesses to the Lord's earthly life and ministry. Paul, John, Peter, Mark, Matthew, and Luke wrote long before the "church fathers" of Orthodoxy. Most of them personally knew and had spoke with Jesus in the flesh. Wouldn't their words carry more weight than someone living several centuries later?

I used to listen on occasion to Hank, he could spend a whole show explaining to someone how he is right and every other bible scholar in the world is wrong. I never had much care for anyone who was always right and never anything less.

@@shrewdthewise2840 Do you see the irony of tearing out the traditions of the people who handed you the Bible? The ones who compiled the Bible and preserved it are the ones who had these traditions. They didnt claim to create it themselves, they claim they got it from the apostles. They also do not claim to have written the Bible, they claimed to have received them from the apostles as well.

Orthodoxy is not man made.

@@McGheeBentle In the purest sense that is true yet in general practice it is men who will judge whether you are Orthodox or not. Every sect which uses the word Orthodox in their name had that word placed there by men to serve their own purposes.

@@grindercap No, you don’t understand. Orthodoxy was literally NOT made by men.

@@McGheeBentle Let's say someone does not understand.

@@grindercap Jesus Himself founded the Church. The Church is the Body of Christ, which means that it was not “created” (since Christ was not a created being). Christ established the Church. All Christians of all time and of all places are part of the Church. To be a Christian who does not participate in the life of the Church is to actually not be a Christian at all.

She gmail Bu Books recognized by early Christians for the benefit of exhortation. Hmmm

Yes, some are not canonical, but you can still learn from them (history, stories). You don’t have to read them. The apocrypha was taken out of the original bibles in the 1800’s. Yes, taken out. A lot of people didn’t realize this

They are heretics and schismatics. They abandoned the Chair of Peter in the 11th century and have set up a renegade sect in complete defiance of God's Holy Catholic Church. They are nothing more than Palamite dualist heretics.

@Arch Stanton *St Jerome* “I follow no leader but Christ and join in communion with none but your blessedness [Pope Damasus I], that is, with the chair of Peter. I know that this is the rock on which the Church has been built. *Whoever eats the Lamb outside this house is profane. Anyone who is not in the ark of Noah will perish when the flood prevails* ” (Letters 15:2 [A.D. 396]). Get ready to burn, heretic. The Lamb eaten outside the Body of Christ is rotten.

@@SAHOVNICU Don't you have some amazonian idol to go worship with your pope? You follow an apostate 'church' led by an apostate 'bishop'.

@@SAHOVNICU Wow... the ignorance... To claim that the oldest and true church of Christ is heretic, something must be off with you friend. And also, God's holy Catholic Church doesn't refer to the catholics. Catholic comes from Greek, oh yes, the greek church, (= καθολική in greek) and means universal. It's an adjective that characterizes Jesus' Church. Also Orthodox (=ορθοδοξία in greek) also comes from greek, again the greek church, and is another adjective which means correct, true glory. In the Orthodox church we pray for the one Catholic, Orthodox and Apostlic Church. These are all greek adjectives. It is just after the schism that the heretic west labeled itself "catholics". Read your story before fanatically trying to defend your heretic view.

@@lupinthe4th400 Your heretical sect that denies the Papacy is all but 1000 years old. Your schismatic forefathers of the 11th century severed themselves from the Chair of Peter, from the Body of Christ. Allow Pope Boniface to put you in your place and shut that forked tongue of yours. "The universal ordering of the Church at its birth took its origin from the office of blessed Peter, in which is found both its directing power and its supreme authority. From him, as from a source, at the time when our religion was in the stage of growth, all churches received their common order. This much is shown by the injunctions of the council of Nicaea, since it did not venture to make a decree in his regard, recognizing that nothing could be added to his dignity: in fact it knew that all had been assigned to him by the word of the Lord. So it is clear that this church is to all churches throughout the world as the head is to the members, *and that whoever separates himself from it becomes an exile from the Christian religion, since he ceases to belong to its fellowship”* (Pope St. Boniface, Epistle 14) Did you get that, heretic? Whoever separates from the Apostolic See becomes exile to the Christian religion.

Holirumics Friend l think you missed the point. It’s not simply the Truth we believe but living out the Life - the theosis. Orthodoxy holds to the Scripture within Tradition, for there lies its origin. Tradition was first, and the NT came out of it.

Can you show me where it says all that in the Bible? I can’t find it... I read the book of James and it seems to contradict what you just said. So much for the Bible only! Lol 🤦‍♂️😂

Strange you accuse Orthodoxy of dichotomy when you are the one using dialectics, faith vs. works, scripture vs. tradition, etc.; God encompasses the entirety of creation, there are no dialectics in God. All that is is in He who is.

Read the epistle of James, you know the one Martin Luther wanted to trash

There are major differences, both doctrinal and practical. You focus on icons and saints because they are a big topic of contention in Protestantism.

Visit mount Athos if you can and you will understand. It is a life changing experience

@@maxavail you're missing the point.

@@youGotMeJumpingLike862 I am not sure how my life can be changed any more by God. Is there another level which God will propel me?

@@robertmacfarlane8176for me, I feel like I’m living a Christian life now. When I was Protestant, I felt like I had to do things to remind myself and then go to church on Sundays. Orthodoxy is an actual Christian lifestyle.

Right on, he speaks total rubbish so the answer man has more truth >?????

Eastern Orthodox do not believe in Purgatory. This automatically disqualifies you from having any credibility on commenting on what the the Orthodox Church believes! Unless of course you're just a fool or a Protestant hack!

Orthodox don't believe in purgatory, never have, never will.

Hi I don’t think Hank responds to KZfaq comments so I will try to guide you to get some answers on this. I am a former Cradle Roman Catholic who converted to non denominational “Calvary Chapel Harvest Greg Laurie” Christianity which was wonderful for a while until I out grew it. Thank God for His wonderful gifts and especially His Church the Eastern Orthodox Church! Check out ”Ask about the Orthodox Faith” on Facebook. I remember someone asked that same question. Hope this helps you on your journey. God bless facebook.com/groups/ask.about.the.orthodox.faith/permalink/3452847231402522/

Cali Love thank you for your response. I will look at your link again but I did not see anything related, I probably missed it. I did talk to my priest, who recommended I stay off Facebook discussions like this. And that certainly I can pray with and for my family especially my wife and children. I just feel bad for those who are seeking Christ’s church and are turned away or off by such insensitive comments. Like I’m going to not pray with my wife and kids that I live with. There are some things as Christians we just have to have common sense about. Jesus was a lot like that according to the many stories in the New Testament. Thank you again for reaching out. Many many blessings. Roger

Sons of the Edelweiss you’re welcome and God bless you and your families journey!

THERE IS ONLY ONE CHURCH THE BODY OF CHRIST.

Hardy Hofer ok. But that did not really address the question. Thank you though.

Hank, unlike many christian leaders, especially well known ones, is one of the most respectful, understanding men of god we could be so fortunate to learn from. His teachings & points are well thought, researched & explained. God bless you Hank & all your listeners & supporters.

@Pa M I agree.

I’m just going to be real, I can’t stand John MacArthur. He’s pompous, arrogant and just totally rubs me the wrong way. I don’t like him.

@@fantasybouthour6679 Mac Arthur does make some helpful points. But his tone comes off as you say.

@daniel lopez Every Bible teacher on planet Earth is a heretic these days just ask any Christian.

How do you know there are no true churches? Are you God? Where does it say that in the Bible.? I know the Bible says there are many false churches and there is the faithful ones throughout the New Testament.

@@LordHaveMercyOnUs247 I answered your question in the statement I made that you responded to. Did you get past the first line? Then your question, "Are you God? To which I say, no I'm not and that's exactly the point. Neither are you. Neither is any mortal leader of any church. So by default all churches are flawed. The question is, "Do the the church's flaws amount to damnable heresy?" Throughout the scriptures Jesus and the apostles break Salvation down to a few essential beliefs. These are as follows; there is only one God, he is Triune in nature and Jesus is the second person of that Trinity, Jesus was born of a Virgin Mary, He was crucified for our sins, He rose from the dead proving He has the authority to forgive our sins, through His grace we are saved, and He promises to return for His church ( not an institution but all those who believe in Him). Just some food for thought let's picture his return. Any church still standing any institution still in power will have had to bow to the Antichrist and will definitely be false. Now since that time has not come yet just that make all churches today false? Obviously not. It is the Fallen nature of man that guarantees that. Does this mean that no church today can receive actual revelation? No. But what it does mean is that any revelation received must gel with prior Revelations IE scripture. Example: When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, his response was not let's call on the living Saints of old who are alive in Abraham's bosom waiting to be set free into the New Kingdom after they have been Sanctified through the shed blood of the Messiah. Instead he directed us to pray directly to the father and in fact call him Abba meaning Daddy. Nor when the disciples were concerned about their future lives and livelihood did he tell them to wear some special magical underwear to protect them. Instead he told us to trust God like the sparrow does for every day every meal every necessity and that he would protect us as he sees fit. Scripture is very clear that once you make the claim that you've heard from God and you established the tradition or a Doctrine based on that claimed that it better be shown to be 100% true both with previous Revelation scripture and with future events. If not you set yourself up according to Deuteronomy 18:22 as a false prophet. The Bible is very clear that someone who has been found out to be a false prophet is to be thrown out of the community or put to death. this is why it is okay to say you believe God spoke to you you think you heard from him but to be adamant that your words are the infallible words of God also means you are willing to suffer the consequences if wrong. that's just why in my first comment I did not say God told me there are no True Churches. That is my observation based on scripture telling us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. That is why Paul told us to test everything that they even said and hold fast to that which is true. Paul even understood this and that is why he made the statement that if Christ be not raised our faith is in vain and we are the biggest fools of all. That is also why I said many times that if they ever discovered for fact the actual body of Jesus Christ and we can prove Beyond doubt that it is his body somewhere in the ground that I would not walk away from Christianity. I would run.

They see the sacraments (when rightly administered) as objectively valid. This is one of the first truths I acknowledged before I even became Orthodox. The idea is that there is inherent power and truth in the sacraments, no matter whether someone “believes” it or not. The idea is that the sacraments are objective; and not dependent on the feelings or subjective beliefs of the person who partakes in the sacrament. This is why they do not rebaptize Christians who have previously been baptized in the Christian faith. That baptism has inherent power itself and should not be denied. It would be a greater offense to somehow deny the true objective workings of the sacraments.

@@McGheeBentle But again, this recognises the sacraments of the heterodox. Therefore recognises the heterodox churches as equally valid as the Orthodox. So what need of Orthodoxy?

@@Simonet1309 Not exactly. Because of the unique administration of all the other sacraments, the Orthodox Church only views the administration of the Eucharist, for example, as valid when administered in the Orthodox Church. There is also something unique about baptism. Both Ephesians 4 and the Nicene Creed are very clear about the fact that only one baptism is acknowledged. The Orthodox take that very seriously and don’t mess around with “double baptism” if the first baptism was administered correctly.

why would you claim something like that? Every orthodox teaching is based on the scriptures, and the followers of the people who wrote the scriptures agree with us.

@@josephsaab7208 There is no Scriptural warrant for idolatry. We are not to pray to icons, pictures, dead people, statues nor venerate relics. That all breaks the Second Commandment.

What's wrong with emotions? Emotions are the most important element in our lives. In fact your emotions were the most important factor in your conversion experience. You gave your heart, not your Bible, to Jesus.

@@logosnomos3794 You do not understand the meaning of icons, pictures, etc. Your information is coming from the enemies of Orthodoxy rather than from Orthodoxy itself. Who should I ask to find out about you.... ask your enemies or ask you?

@@kbblaze9371 The "enemies of Orthodoxy" would be Moses and the prophets who clearly commanded NOT to use anything God has not commanded in worship. I live in an Orthodox nation, debated Orthodox idolaters and listened to their arguments in videos like this one. It is idolatry that beaks the Second Commandment. It is mere sophistry to try to justify what God has CLEARLY COMMANDED YOU NOT TO DO!!!