Search the Scriptures Live

Tonight on Search the Scriptures LIVE, we will discuss the nativity of Christ in the Gospels, learn about false messiahs of the past, and hear inspirational words from the Fathers of the Church on the birth of the Lord according to the Flesh.

Why is Christmas on December 25th? Should Christians celebrate or recognize Hanukkah? Is the Orthodox Church inaccessible to people because of ethnicity? Is ethnicity and a lack of emphasis on missions an argument against the Orthodox Church being the true Church of Jesus Christ?

Our “Random Questions” series continues on Search the Scriptures LIVE! with discussions covering a wide variety of subjects, including whether our pets will go to heaven, the difference between the heart and the nous, Protestant arguments against the ordained priesthood, how Catholics interpret the Scriptures to support their claims of papal supremacy, and whether the Fathers are infallible.

Are we in the end times? Are we seeing signs of the end of the world? Is the COVID vaccine the Mark of the Beast or a precursor to it? How are we to interpret the book of Revelation? Dr. Jeannie will discuss these issues through a careful discussion of the Book of Revelation and the Fathers of the Church on Search the Scriptures LIVE TONIGHT.

Fr. Costas joins us once more with another list. This time it is 50 Ways to Fight Temptation. We will also continue to discuss more "random questions from listeners" on subjects such as our relationship with the non-Chalcedonian (i.e., "Oriental Orthodox") Churches.

When we speak about salvation, exactly what are we being saved from? Why did Jesus have to die? Why couldn't God just forgive us? Will we sin in the next life? If repentance means to change your mind, what does it mean that we continue to sin?

Does God expect perfection from us? Our Random Questions series continues with a variety of theological topics, including how we explain certain puzzling statements by Christ, such as "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect," or "only the Father knows," not the Son. How does Christ still intercede for us, and how do we understand the relationship between the persons of the Trinity? Tune in TONIGHT for a discussion of these questions and more.

We will continue our discussion on spiritual warfare and the passions. What are the passions? Why do we have them? When are they harmful? How do we combat them? How does the spirituality of the Orthodox Church, its understanding of the human person, respond to the values of this world, for example the statement that "love is love"?

Our discussion of "random questions" submitted by listeners continues. First, we will consider one of the most common arguments frequently heard to defend same-sex relationships: "Love is love." Is this true? Christ told us to love one another, so does that support the idea that "love is love"? We will then turn our attention to the subject of spiritual warfare. What is spiritual warfare, and is this something the Orthodox church emphasizes? Both Jesus and St. Paul speak about "spiritual fruit." How do we develop the fruit of the Spirit? Join us LIVE tonight

How are we to interpret the book of Revelation? Our discussion continues with a deep dive into the Apocalypse of John, illumined by the Fathers of the Church, especially Andrew of Caesarea. What are the REAL signs of the end, according to Revelation and NOT according to private speculations? What is the Mark of the Beast? How will we recognize the Antichrist? Can the vaccine be the Mark of the Beast or a precursor to it? Should Orthodox Christians be afraid? Join us live TONIGHT!

As we continue our discussion about the end times, we will consider why such controversy has developed in the Church regarding the COVID vaccine. Is it possible that the vaccine is the Mark of the Beast or a precursor to it? We will answer that question by a careful analysis of the relevant passages in the Book of Revelation as well as consulting the Fathers of the Church. Finally, Dr. Jeannie will explain why we should not fear the Antichrist and how we ought to prepare ourselves for the end times.

"What must I do to be saved?" Tonight on Search the Scriptures LIVE!, Dr. Jeannie will be joined by her husband Fr. Costas to address the most important question of all, our salvation, and other "random" but interesting topics

What is the Book of Enoch about? Scholars are interested in this book, but is it spiritually useful for Orthodox Christians? Why is modern Judaism different from biblical Judaism? To what extent does Judaism in the time of Christ correspond to the Judaism of today? What will ultimately happen to the Jewish people at the last judgment? We will consider these issues from a patristic, historical, and scriptural perspective

As we wrap up our study of Romans, we will discuss the activities of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome as well as their martyrdoms and burial. Are the churches constructed today actually where those two saints were buried nearly 2,000 years ago? What do we know about their travels and martyrdom from history, scripture, and Church tradition? We will read the Roman accounts of Nero's martyrdom of Christians and a wonderful passage by St. John Chrysostom about the relics of St. Paul.

"Greet Mary who worked hard among you." St. Paul continues to greet many people who belong to the Church of Rome, and St. John Chrysostom continues to laud in particular those Christian women, including a female apostle. Chrysostom explains how their roles and leadership in the Church do not conflict with Paul's statements about women. We will also continue our discussion about women in the early Church and the female diaconate as we respond to emails on that subject.

In Romans chapter 16, Paul greets many Roman Christians, including many women active in the church there. How do we reconcile Paul having female co-workers with the passages in his epistles in which Paul says that women should "be silent"? St. John Chrysostom, who is often accused of misogyny himself, has some very interesting comments to make about this last chapter of Romans and women in the early Church.

"I commend to you our sister, Phoebe, deacon of the church at Cenchrea." In the final chapter of Romans Paul greets an extraordinary number of people, including many women. Some people say that Phoebe was not a deacon but a "servant" and that women had no ordained positions. What do we know about the role of women in the early Church?

What was written in former days was written for our instruction," St. Paul told the Romans. This passage and others similar to it in the New Testament have been discussed many times by the Fathers of the Church. When the New Testament was written the only "scriptures" were the Jewish scriptures. Since the followers of Christ did not follow the Law of Moses, how did they adapt and interpret the Jewish Scriptures? Was there any controversy over the use of the Jewish Scriptures and their application in the Christian life?

"For Christ did not please himself," Paul writes. As he concludes his discussion of relationships in the Church, St. Paul brings us back to the premier example of Christ and the love of God. Chrysostom adds that it is not merely love that He requires but that we be of one mind, one phronema. Why is this important in the Church? St. John Chrysostom will explain it.

"But he who has doubts is condemned, if he eats, because he does not act from faith; Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." St. Paul concludes Romans 14 with a stark statement concerning faith, doubt, and judgment. After saying that he is convinced that nothing is unclean, how can Paul now say that someone who eats is condemned? This verse makes an important point concerning one's conscience. Join us tonight as we discuss this and continue with some further comments on the current Orthodox fixation on end time prophecies by monks and saints. How reliable are they?

“Do not let your good be spoken of as evil.” How can good be spoken of as evil? As we continue St. Paul’s lessons on love and the correct Christian attitude toward each other, how are we to apply that lesson against judging another servant of the Lord? It's easy to talk about loving others, but as a practical matter, how do we resolve conflicts in our own parish community over various issues? Does Paul’s instruction against judging another’s servant mean that we are to say nothing? Does this mean that we are to disregard our Orthodox traditions or ignore them? Is it ever appropriate to correct others? On the other extreme, do we bear any responsibility if we scandalize others by following only our own opinion? St. John Chrysostom has plenty to say about these issues.

“As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything while the weak man eats only vegetables” (Rom. 14:1-2). As we begin chapter 14 of Romans, Paul warns us not to have disputes over food. He describes some Christians as “the weak” while presumably others would be “the strong.” Orthodox Christians might be surprised about who is considered “weak” and who is considered “strong.” Who are these groups in the Roman Church, and what lesson is St. Paul teaching us about the observance of food regulations?

"Love is the fulfillment of the Law." St. Paul brackets his statements of advice for the Roman Christians by returning to the subject of love. It is easy to talk about love or to believe that we are loving toward our fellow human beings. But what do the holy Fathers tell us about how this commandment to love ought to be demonstrated in the ordinary situations of daily life?

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities." The first few verses of Romans 13 are the basis for what has traditionally been called "the Divine Right of Kings." On the basis of this section of Romans, monarchs claimed that worldly powers received their authority from God, and for that reason, the populace was obligated to obey them. The question of the relationship between Christians and the government continues to provoke debate, no less than during the recent COVID pandemic. Did Paul really intend this verse to be taken literally and expect us to passively comply with all government directives?

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities." The first few verses of Romans 13 are the basis for what has traditionally been called "the Divine Right of Kings." On the basis of this section of Romans, monarchs claimed that worldly powers received their authority from God, and for that reason, the populace was obligated to obey them. The question of the relationship between Christians and the government continues to provoke debate, no less than during the recent COVID pandemic. Did Paul really intend this verse to be taken literally and expect us to passively comply with all government directives?

We will continue discussing Paul's words of encouragement in Romans 12. After his description of spiritual gifts and how they ought to be used both within the community and to help those outside the Church, he turns his attention to address how we ought to react to those who oppose us. This passage contains one of the most peculiar verses in Romans: that by being kind even to one's enemy, we thereby "heap burning coals on his head." This strange comment has resulted in much confusion. But it leads into another very controversial statement about the role of government and political authority, often called "the divine right of kings." Are we required to submit to political authority?

The final chapters of Romans are among the most poetic and inspirational passages of the entire Bible. As we continue our deep dive into Romans 12, we will uncover the richness and power of Paul's pastoral instructions and the patristic application to our lives.

"Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." This famous verse introduces a new section of Romans which focuses on Christian phronema: our lifestyle and manner of thought. What do the Orthodox mean by terms like "illumination" and "sanctification" and "deification"? How do such terms relate to Paul's instructions in Romans 12 and elsewhere in Romans about the correct Christian attitude and way of life?

Paul has finished his discussion of the future of the Jewish people and their role in the plan of salvation. Now, in Chapter 12, he begins a new section of Romans, a new section of the letter, the "paranesis" which contains many of the most memorable passages of Romans. Paul began by telling us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed. What did he mean by that?

Paul struggled to understand why his own people rejected the Messiah. His conclusion was surprising: it was part of the plan of God that the Jewish people did not accept the Christ. Why? And does this mean that they had no choice? What will happen to the Jews in the future? Join us as we continue in the book of Romans with a discussion of chapter11 and conclude Paul's thoughts on the Jewish rejection of Jesus.

What did Paul mean that Jesus became "a curse"? Does that mean that he was cursed by God? If we are saved by faith, How do we know what the Bible means by "faith"? Is it intellectual conviction or something more than that? Join us as we continue our discussion of Romans 9 to 11 and St. Paul's thoughts on the question of Jewish unbelief in Jesus.

After years of evangelization, in Romans 9 Paul expresses his deep anguish over the fact that most Jews have not accepted Jesus as the Messiah. Since the Messiah was promised to the Jewish people and God is faithful to His promises, why did most Jews reject the Lord's Messiah?

What does it mean to live in the Spirit? Paul articulated the grace received through baptism and recognized that nonetheless a spiritual struggle continues within us. Paul turns his attention in Romans 8 to the work of the Spirit in the life of the Christian. How does the Spirit work within us? If baptism and Chrismation alone are not enough, what are we to do and how does the cross of Christ relate to all of this? These and other topics are discussed on Search the Scriptures LIVE!

Having explained the grace we receive in the Mystery of Holy Illumination in Romans 6, St. Paul is nonetheless completely honest about the reality of Christian life and the continuous spiritual struggle required. He expresses the experience of all of us. Too often we do what we do not want to do, and what we actually want to do is not what we end up doing. Why is this the case and what can we do about it? Dr. Jeannie Constantinou explains.

Having established that we are saved by Christ not the Law of Moses, justified because we believe in him, Paul continues his careful exposition in Romans to explain the effects of this new reality. How does the salvation achieved by Christ for all humanity occur for an individual person? In Romans 6, Paul explains that "justification" marks only the beginning of the process of salvation. After accepting Christ's justification we must continue by actively seeking illumination and sanctification.

Dr. Constantinou discusses Paul's explanation of baptism. Romans 6 is the most important passage in the New Testament for the Orthodox understanding of what baptism is and its role in the Christian life. Why does Paul discuss baptism at this point? What does it have to do with everything that came before—salvation by faith, Abraham and his faith, Adam and the fall?

Dr. Constantinou continues her discussion of Romans 5, especially St. Augustine's ideas about sin. His writings tremendously impacted what Western Christianity thought—and still believes—about sin and also about God. Why do wrong ideas about the nature of sin lead to wrong ideas about God?

In Romans 5, Paul explains the role of Christ in salvation in relation to Adam. How can Christ be a "type" of Adam, since Adam sinned and Christ did not? Does this chapter support the interpretation of universal salvation? Since all "died in Adam," will all "live in Christ"? Western Christian understanding of sin and its effects on the human race was strongly influenced by Augustine's interpretation of Romans 5:12. From Augustine's faulty interpretation, the concept of "original sin" was born and took root in the West. How are Catholic and Protestant concepts of sin and salvation different from the Orthodox understanding? What do these different ideas of sin reveal about our different conceptions of God and His relationship to humanity?

Dr. Jeannie wraps up her overview of the state of the Latin Church during the Middle Ages, especially the papacy. She will then turn her attention to Romans chapter 4 and St. Paul's brilliant and important insight about Abraham.

Dr. Constantinou presents an overview of the developments in the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages which led to the Protestant Reformation. Why did the Reformation happen?

Dr. Constantinou continues her study of Romans 3 and the meaning of justification. As we move forward into chapter 4, St. Paul introduces the figure of Abraham, considered by Jews to be a model of Torah obedience. Paul's insight into Abraham's character led to a profound shift in his thoughts about the Law and created an entirely different kind of life for Gentile believers.

Dr. Constantinou continues her study of Romans by delving into chapter 3, in which Paul explains that no one is righteous in the sight of God. Fr. Costas will join us for an in-depth discussion of the meaning of that very important word in Romans: "righteousness" or "justification." What is the history and nuance, Greek and Jewish, behind this word? What did it mean in Paul's culture to be "justified"?

Dr. Constantinou continues her discussion of the Beast of the Sea, also known as the Antichrist, of Revelation 13, specifically focusing on the "mark of the beast." What is the mark and how does one receive the mark? What form might this take in the future? We will also respond to a listener's email question about the fall of the devil from heaven and look at St. John Chrysostom's comments on the power of the Devil.

Dr. Constantinou continues her study of Romans. Did anyone notice that what St. Paul said in chapter 1 about the connection between mind and behavior is completely consistent with Orthodox theology and spirituality? In chapter 2, Paul continues his analysis and we will turn our attention toward the Jews. The pagans were very proud of their worldly wisdom. Did the Jews have any reason to "boast" according to Paul?

Dr. Constantinou continues her study of Romans. Paul was free to communicate with the Church of Rome since it had no apostolic founder (he was "not building on another man's foundation"). But did the absence of an apostolic presence create a specific need that Paul felt called to fulfill for the Church of Rome? As we continue in chapter 1, we will encounter St. Paul's "thesis statement" for this epistle: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel." Why does Paul feel the need to begin his discussion with such a surprising statement? Were the Roman Christians ashamed of the gospel? And if so, why?

Dr. Constantinou begins delving into the first chapter of Romans and also continues to discuss the early Church of Rome. What were their lives like? What became of those first Roman Christians?

Search the Scriptures LIVE returns with a new series on the book of Romans. What do we know about the origins of the Church of Rome? Why did St. Paul write to them? And why did St. Paul feel the need to explain to a church community he had never met his views on the Law of Moses? Did Paul teach that good deeds contribute nothing to our salvation, but that we are saved by "faith alone"?

Dr. Constantinou concludes her discussion of the book of Revelation by discussing the kingdom of heaven. What do the images of the heavenly city mean? How do we understand the descriptions of life in the kingdom of heaven?

Dr. Constantinou continues her discussion about hell and judgment, primarily focusing on arguments which are being currently promoted that hell is not eternal. Is that a possibility? She considers the arguments in the light of the Scriptures, the words of the Lord, Church history, the Fathers, and the Tradition of the Church. Do they conflict? Is there "reason for hope"? What consideration should be given to these arguments?

Dr. Constantinou continues her discussion of Revelation by focusing on the judgment and punishment as it is described in Chapter 20. On what basis will we be judged? Will punishment be eternal? What about the arguments that hell is not eternal?