dailyreadings Archives • Page 63 of 292 • Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K.

The Lord is not then content with an inward faith, but requires an outward confession, urging us to confidence and greater love. And since this is useful for all, He speaks generally, saying, Whosoever shall confess me both in condemnation a greater punishment is announced, and in blessing a greater reward; as if He said, Now you confess and deny, but I then, for a far greater recompense of good and evil awaits them in the world to come. There are other modes also of denying which St. Paul describes, saying, They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him. And again, if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Also, Flee from covetousness, which is idolatry. Since then there are so many modes of denial, it is plain that there are many likewise of confession, which whosoever has practiced, shall hear that most blessed voice with which Christ greets all who have confessed Him. But mark the precaution of the words. For in the Greek he says, Whosoever shall confess in Me, showing that not by his own strength, but by the aid of grace from above, a man confesses Christ. But of him who denies, He said not in Me, but me. For though being destitute of grace he denies, he is nevertheless condemned, because the destitution is owing to him who is forsaken, or he is forsaken for his own fault. But elsewhere it is said, Be ready to answer every one who shall ask you for a reason of the hope that is in you. When indeed a contest or strife arises among friends, He bids us take thought, but when there are the terrors of a court of justice and fear on every side, He gives His own strength so as to inspire boldness and utterance, but not dismay. – St. John Chrysostom #confess #faith #faithandworks #advocate #Christ #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

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“Believe me when I say, I have never been so sure of my heart in peace time as in the times of persecution. For I have confidence that if I should die while suffering for Christ and being strengthened by His mercy, I will find still greater mercy with Him.” – St. Athanasius the Apostolic #suffering #mercy #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

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“Do not concentrate on sorrowful matters; by faith forget them, by prayer forget them, by remembering God’s promises and benefits, you forget them.” – H.H. Pope Shenouda III #coptic #orthodox #sorrow #rejoice

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“Inasmuch as you tire here, will you find rest in eternity; inasmuch as you endure here, will you delight there.” – The Thrice Blessed Pope Shenouda III

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“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” – St. Augustine. #copticorthodox #church #jesus #copticchurch #christian #orientalorthodoxy orientalorthodoxy #ethiopianorthodox #prayer #faith #jesus #love #pray #god #bible #christian #church #hope #jesuschrist #believe #peace #worship #blessed #godisgood #holyspirit #gospel #spirituality #bibleverse #grace #truth #life #biblestudy

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