14. Sinners in Zion were afraid; trembling seized the wicked: "which of us can live with the devouring fire? which of us can live with the eternal flame?" - 15. One who walks in righteousness and speaks the truth; who despises greed from oppression, keeps his hands from bribes, shuts up

CHAPTER 27. That you should not always reject those who renounce the world for random circumstances. Also, that one should not completely refuse anyone who comes to the monastery and sincerely asks to live with the brothers until you get to know him well. Therefore it is better

Lesson 2. St. Mitrofan, Bishop of Voronezh (On How to Acquire Wealth, Health, and Eternal Salvation of the Soul in a Christian Way) I. Nowadays, St. Mitrofan, the first bishop of Voronezh, in the schema monks Macarius, came from the clergy and was born in 1623 in

Is it necessary to live when there is no need to live? - Mom, I'm getting married. - On whom? - On Katya. - Yes? Where will you live? - Mom, Katya is emo. She doesn't want to live at all. Youth humor Then the devil takes Him to the holy city and puts Him on the wing of the temple, and says to Him: if you are the Son of God, throw yourself

This article talks about the general idea of \u200b\u200ba good Christian life. You will read about how you can become closer to the Lord, about the ways of spreading faith and the foundations of morality and ethics that God wants us to follow.

Steps

Follow Jesus' example at all times. Follow the greatest commandment of Jesus (the Son of God) - love God completely and everyone, even if they all treat you wrongly, regardless of whether you know them or not. Jesus said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who offend you and persecute you." Jesus says in John 13:15, "I have shown you an example, how I have acted, so you must do." In 1 Corinthians 11: 1, Paul says, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." Ephesians 5: 1 says, "So imitate God as loving children." Likewise, many Believers are “free, pure and transformed” (Matthew 12:44) from Luke's Christian Doctrine. If you just go to church, you will be a weak Christian and trials will wreak havoc in your life. But if you go to church and read Prayer every night, you will be a strong Christian. Most Christians don't read the Bible every day, so if all you do is just go to church, you will be a weak Christian. Here are some parables to educate a Christian: 8: 17-21. Psalm 1: 1-3. John 14: 21-27. James 1: 2-8. I Thess 5: 16-18. Second Epistle to Timothy 1: 6-7, Hebrews 8: 6,10. Ephesians 6: 10-18. Proverbs 4: 20-23.

Admit that you have mistakes (sins), and then repent - change your attitude and pray. Remember, turning to Christianity is not an empty act, but the beginning of a lifelong commitment. Perseverance and perseverance are fundamental qualities for realizing your opportunities. Don't be too hard on yourself when you fail — but admit it; cheer yourself up; believe in God ... go ahead.

READ and DO what the Bible says. James 1:22 - “Only to listen to the word is to deceive yourself. Do what it says. " Matthew 4: 4 Jesus replied: "It is written: A man will not be fed with bread alone, but with every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." The Bible also says that "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful [for something] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," - 2 Timothy 3:16.

Let God change you: as a follower of Jesus, you cannot change yourself, only God can do it through his son. Ezekiel 36: 26-27: “I will give you a new heart and give you a new spirit; I will take your heart of stone from you and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and direct you to follow my directions and be careful to keep my laws. " Ephesians 4:24 says, "And put on the new man, made in the likeness of God, in the righteousness and holiness of truth." A true Christian, when converted, immediately notices an inevitable change in the perception of his daily life. He will begin to question his tastes in movies, music, clothing, and even his choice of friends! The Bible says: "Thus, get rid of all uncleanness and any manifestation of malice, and with a light spirit greet the word planted in you, which can save your souls." (James 1:21)

Be aware that you may be persecuted for your beliefs. Don't let outside interference weaken your faith. Stand up for your beliefs to do good, but not to judge others. 2 Timothy 3:12 - "Indeed, everyone who wants to live godly with faith in Jesus Christ will be persecuted."

Set aside time for effective and meaningful prayer. Take care of people who are not praying enough for their own development, such as children of cousins, friends, enemies, and relatives, etc. In Ephesians 1:16, Paul prays for the “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation.” I recommend that you say a prayer in Ephesians 1: 16-23 for yourself every day for one year, and God will open your soul and understanding.

Try to see the perspectives (points of view) of other people, even if you personally disagree with them. Of course, this answering prayer for the peace of your enemies, and that they will become blessed as the children of God, will help both you and them.

Be patient with those who don't make you happy or even upset you. Work to forgive those who might hurt you. You must learn to love your enemies. God loves everyone, and we must do the same. Say goodbye to choosing love. If you find it difficult to love your enemies, pray to God to nurture your understanding with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Work and pray for others to the best of your ability. Look after people who need it when they ask for help. James 2:16: “If one of you says to them:“ Go in peace; keep him warm and well-fed "but does nothing to satisfy the needs of his body: what's the use?" This is one of the things that Jesus spoke about in his teaching. Giving does not always mean providing financial assistance, it can be in the form of basic food and clothing.

Treat people with kindness, as you would like them to treat you. Even a simple act of kindness like holding the door for someone is a good deed that can help you feel less paranoid - because then you feel like others should think well of you and your faith in Christ.

Strive to live a calm life. 1Thesolonians 4:11 - "And in order to fulfill your intentions to lead a calm life: you must not meddle in your own business and work with your own hands, as we told you." Pride can mean that you are falsely judging others, and is considered the mother of all sins because pride lives in each of us. The source of all sin is your own selfishness (greed, lust, hatred for others, murder, theft, etc.).

Share your good news openly! Remember, to live like a Christian, your actions must demonstrate to others that God is present in your life. Always be able to stand up for your beliefs, such as conservatism in good morals and be condescending in sharing your own goods - do not be Robin Hood or a "wealth merchant" (profit from poverty), or a spender, but plant the seeds of faith in Christ among those around you, say about grace, through faith, which always leads to good deedsbecoming a RESULT of salvation, but NEVER a means of salvation.

Practice what you preach... Jesus gave us a very good example, in Matthew 7: 3-5: “Why do you look at a speck of sawdust in your brother's eyes and ignore the log in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, “Let me remove the sawdust from your eye,” when you are walking all the time with a log in your own eye? You are a hypocrite, first remove the log from your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. "

1. Help people. Volunteering is a great start for the Christian who is unsure of what the Lord God requires of him. For example, you might head up a homeless kitchen near you, or visit a person living in a nursing home.

   • However, remember, there is no need to make mistakes, knowing that someone will always forgive you ... No! The Lord God knows your heart, and you will only be forgiven as long as you are honest. God is always with you!
   • Remember, your faith should be centered on love, not commitment, consider these factors, but live like Jesus - easier said than done, but as long as you strive to be like him, you are in the right way... God will always be there to help you step by step.
   • Love other people and remember that the Christian life is more than following the rules; it is a manifestation of love for people through your love for God.
   • When you go to trial, you will have only one lawyer and one judge: God. And there is another mediator between God and people - the man-messiah Jesus Christ.
   • If you are not a Christian but want to become one, accept Jesus into your heart, then find a local church and study the gospel. Follow it; there is no middle ground between worldly and Christianity. You are either following Jesus or against him. As Christ said, you cannot wear the hat of the world and the hat of God at the same time. You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and drink from the cup of demons at the same time.
   • Ask people for help. Each of us learns something new every day.
   • Forgive yourself and others.
   • Take one step at a time, moving forward and not looking back.
   • Never be discouraged. Always look forward, not backward. Remember that God loves you and can forgive everything. So if you make a mistake, don't think that God no longer loves you. Just remember that God loves you, and there are no limits and boundaries of his love!
   • Attend church and weekly Christian church / school. This will help you learn more about the Christian life and teach you how to embody your faith.
   • All you have to do is trust God and Jesus.
   • Remember that the Christian life is a lifelong journey “in a direction to benefit others in the name of Christ. Do not expect to be simultaneously freed from sin and delusion without judging others. Supporting morality and good habits that glorify God in your body and in your daily life - not for bragging rights, but for the glory of God!
   • Trust him with all your heart and you will see miracles happen.

   Warnings

   • Remember that God loves everyone and we must do the same.
   • Forgive and don't admit again - while you cannot change past events, you can change your views and attitudes towards the past (pray with gratitude and forgive sincerely). God forgives all sin when we sincerely repent: be like God!
   • Prayer is effective; don't underestimate her.
   • Peter reminds us to share our hope with "awe and respect." No need to be rude or forcefully impose faith.
   • Do not hide your talents and do not hide your benefits from others - share as much as possible, give less than yourself and set an example by helping those who are less fortunate, instead of condemning them, calling them lazy or sinners because of their unlucky and poverty. As a rule, poverty is not a punishment from God, for example, extreme drought or terrible storms can bring suffering, disease and hunger, and they happen to all states or nations, even the good and wise.
   • Never lose faith in God. (There are different times in life, and we are not perfect and are not called to be like that)
   • Every aspect of the Christian life specified in Scripture must be observed. When you are confused about how to live the Christian life, just ask yourself one question: "How would Jesus want me to act?" If you are still in doubt, pray to God for help, then turn to the Scriptures. “If anyone needs wisdom to know what you must do, you must ask God and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and is not angry with anyone. " (James 1: 5)
   • You can recognize a Christian by the fruits of his deeds, but this is a positive statement. Remember that only God can and has already saved us. There is one judge; love others as you love yourself.
   • Never forget what the term "Christian" means ... it means "like Christ." 2 Corinthians 3:18. But we Christians are faceless, we can be mirrors, brightly reflecting the glory of the Lord. And along with the way the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.
   • Jesus said, “Whatever you do for the rest of my children, you do for me! Your good or bad deeds are for me. " It also means that if you are one of God's servants, you suffer from ridicule and violence because you insist on truth, honesty, love for your enemies and others. good deeds and others, by this they hate Him and do this evil to God, and not only to you ...
   • The Bible has some parts Old Testament about Israeli ancestry, history or legal system that seems archaic (and uninteresting). Old Testament books like Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Samuel and a few others are especially interesting books because they contain prophecies (prediction of the future) and stories of miracles. All New Testament books are easy to read.
   • Remember that certain ill health conditions or illnesses, such as certain types of cancer, diabetes, drunkenness, drug use, excessive obesity, and other physical and emotional distress, are often associated with personal choices that Jesus said was good for health, good temper and character.
   • You can change a lot through prayer, but don't overuse it. God answers all prayers and He will say "No" to any unjust or hurtful prayer. Pray and His will will touch you, because He wants the best for all of us. He will change everything bad in our life for good if we believe in Him.

The Christian life is zeal and the power to remain in communion with an active God, by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, with the help of the grace of God, the fulfillment of His holy will, to the glory of His Most Holy Name. The essence of Christian life consists in communion with God about Christ Jesus, - in communion with God, at first usually hidden not only from others, but also from oneself. The visible, or felt within us, evidence of her is the heat of active zeal, exclusively about Christian pleasing to God, with complete self-denial and hatred of everything that is contrary.

So, when this heat of jealousy begins, then the beginning of the Christian life is laid: and in whom he constantly acts, he lives in a Christian way. Quench not the Spirit, the Apostle commands: Become aflame with the Spirit; Serve the Lord.

It is clear that the cold observance of the Church's statutes, the regularity in deeds established by a calculating reason, serviceability, staunchness and honesty in behavior are not yet decisive indicators of what a truly Christian life is like in us. All this is good, but since it does not carry the spirit of life about Christ Jesus, it has no value before God. Deeds of this kind would then be like soulless idols. And the clock is good; but who can say that there is life in them? So it is here. This decency of behavior can most of all lead to deception. Its true meaning depends on the internal locations. Just as, keeping outwardly from sinful deeds, one can have attachment or delight to them in the heart, so likewise by doing externally righteous deeds, one may not have a heartfelt disposition towards them. Only true jealousy and goodness wants to do in all its fullness and purity, and pursues to the slightest shades of it. She seeks the first as her daily bread; she acts with the latter as with a deadly enemy.

The work of piety and communion with God is a difficult and painful work, especially at first. Where to get the strength to raise this work? With the help of the grace of God in animated zeal. A merchant, a warrior, a judge, a scientist undergo a long-term and arduous service. How do they support themselves in their labors?

With inspiration and love for their work. There is no other way to support oneself on the path of piety. And without this, we will find darkness, burden, boredom, lethargy in serving God. Zealous pleasing of God is a joyous, spirit-inspiring march to God. We must do everything for the glory of God, contrary to the spirit that lives in us. It is clear that without jealousy a Christian is a bad Christian - lethargic, relaxed, lifeless, neither warm nor cold - and life is not life like that. So, the true testimony of the Christian life is the fire of active zeal for the pleasing of God. How is this fire kindled? Such zeal is produced by the action of grace, but not without the participation of our free will. One must pray for the sending of grace and one must be ready to receive it. The Spirit of God, descending into the heart, begins to act in it not only with devouring, but with all-acting zeal.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

Christian life is an indivisible whole: either we are with God, or against Him: “ He who is not with Me is against Me"(Luke 11:23).

Christ is the Bridegroom of the Church, and the soul of a Christian, like a bride, can be either faithful or unfaithful to his Bridegroom.

If the soul has loved Christ much, much is forgiven to her, and if it has not loved, then a thousand good deeds will not save, for, as the Apostle said, “ if I distribute all my possessions and give my body to be burned, but I have no love, there is no benefit to me"(1 Corinthians 13.3).

« Sin is lawlessness" (1 Jn 3.4), and it lies precisely in the violation of the law spiritual growth... Even a stop in movement towards God, according to the holy fathers, is tantamount to retreating.

And a small betrayal is already a real betrayal.

Sin is everything that breaks communion with God, our divine-human life.

There is nothing worse than fear. To a fanatic, the devil always seems terrible and strong, he believes in him more than in God. However, the Monk Silouan the Athonite said: "The devil only frightens, but has no strength."

What man most needs is a spiritual cure for fear.

A person who stands before God will never become a fanatic. He becomes a fanatic only when he puts himself before people. The fanatic seeks power, not Truth. Truth is not given ready-made and is not perceived passively by a person, it is an endless task. Truth does not fall on a person from above, like some thing. Truth is a way out of oneself. The fanatic cannot lose his temper. He loses his temper only in anger against others, but this is not a way out to others and to another. This is a distortion of Christianity.

Christian life is not fulfillment most rules of good behavior or accumulation of good deeds; it is a complete rebirth of a person.

It is not like not only the life of a sinner, but also the life of a non-Christian righteous man.

This Life is supernatural, divine-human. The Christian does not live alone, but with God, and not according to his own, but according to His will.

Not new rules, not even a new moral teaching was given and is given to us by Christ, but Himself, but in Himself this new life, filled not with human, but with Divine love.

She is moved by the Holy Spirit, which is, as it were, the highest inspiration of man, the inspiration of holy life.

A true Christian does the will of God not as a slave fulfilling someone else's command, but as a son of God by adoption, and clearly realizes that the will of God is, in essence, his own, secret desire. And, indeed, doing the will of God, he only gains freedom and becomes himself.

But this is possible only with close union with Jesus Christ, since only in Him human nature is inseparably and unmergedly united with the Divine nature.

Union with Christ is obtained by the power of the Holy Spirit, the acquisition of which, according to the word of St. Seraphim of Sarov, is the goal of Christian life.

The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of love and unity descended on the Holy Church, on this most perfect union of love on earth, called to unity, like the highest unity Holy Trinity... Therefore, a person can acquire the Holy Spirit only in the Church.

The completeness of communion with God or beneficence is holiness.

Few reach it and can say with the Apostle Paul: “ I no longer live, but Christ lives in me”(Gal 2.20).

But even on the way to it, Christians are not deprived of communion with God, that is, the beginning of a grace-filled life. It is only important that its seeds, implanted through the word of God and the Holy Sacraments, would sprout and grow. It's all about this increase.

If life, driven by passions and lusts, dies away, and the effort to live according to the will of God and the ability to communicate with God grows, then we live.