Pilgrims from Paradise: Recent Episodes

Matthew Gallatin and Ancient Faith Radio

Matthew Gallatin gives his perspective on living the Orthodox life while here on earth.

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Matthew concludes his discussion by reminding us of Christ's own words that He is "the Living Bread of Everlasting Life."

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Does St. John—as Protestants teach—disprove the belief that the bread and wine in the Eucharist is actually the Body and Blood of Christ? Matthew answers with an emphatic, "No."

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In the final chapter of his series, Matthew conclusively shows St. Paul's meaning behind his use of the term "predestined."

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How can St. Paul's use of the term "all men" be interpreted as "some men"? When it's used to erroneously support the Calvinist doctrine of predestination. This week, Matthew shows how.

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Matthew returns again to the Calvinist doctrine of predestination and examines its merits in light of St. Paul's letters to the Ephesians and to Timothy.

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Matthew concludes his series by examining the nature of man's conscience.

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Matthew answers the question, "What was God's purpose with the Old Testament sacrificial system?"

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In this podcast, Matthew examines two other pillars of Church unity—the breaking of bread and prayers.

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Matthew continues his series, this time examining the unity of the early Christians and their entry into the Divine Nature of the Trinity.

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Matthew examines what the Holy Spirit brings to those who are open and willing.

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The coming of the Holy Spirit into the world, says Matthew, was the dynamic event which makes true oneness with God and with other people possible.

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Matthew concludes his short series, examining the final two pillars-- prayer and alms-giving-- with special emphasis on the former.

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In this short series, Matthew examines the three "pillars" of Great Lent and uncovers the essence of love and unity that are inherent in each. He begins with Fasting.

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At the mid-point of Great Lent, the Church inspires our efforts with Christ's Holy Cross. Matthew uses this opportunity to reflect on our own crosses.

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Matthew explains that, just as every human being fell under the curse of death through Adam, every human has been given immortality in Christ.

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Matthew continues his series by showing how the Fall altered the nature of man's existence. We don't die because we sin. We sin because we die.

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Matthew begins a new series showing how the Incarnation restores loving oneness between humankind and its Creator.

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Matthew examines the deception of Satan in Eden.

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Matthew takes note of the nature of the fall and what was truly lost.

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Continuing his series, Matthew shows how the Western interpretation of Genesis is colored by their concept of God Himself.

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Matthew contrasts the Western and Orthodox views on the disobedience of Adam and Eve in Eden. He begins by revisiting the fall itself.

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Matthew illustrates how the communal nature of God is why Christians can say that God is love.

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Matthew continues his examination of oneness, this time showing how we become one with God, participants in the communal life of the Holy Trinity.

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Matthew continues his series by contrasting the Western and Eastern views of the Trinity.

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The great mystery of the Trinity lies in the sameness of each part of the triune Godhead. Matthew examines how this is so.

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Matthew shows how the communal life of the Father, Son and Spirit defines who we are and how we must live.

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Matthew shows how it is the desire of God that our lives be joined together in the same way that the Father and the Son are united.

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Matthew explains how self-centered individualism leads to a personal moral code, which is dangerously close to amorality.

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Matthew shows how Christ's invitation in Scriptures to His disciples is surpassed by His invitation to us today to partake of His Body and Blood.

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Matthew relates how the key to a struggle he fought years ago lied in the moths which were drawn to the Light of Christ.

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Matthew answers a letter from a listener who feels overwhelmed in his quest for the proper spiritual path.

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Matthew explains how the myrrhbearing women stood by Jesus, not from any agenda, but from their love of Him.

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Matthew shows that it's a short journey from "Hosanna" to "Crucify Him!" For the ancient Jews. And for us.

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Matthew examines the necessity of loving Christ above all.

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Matthew explains how Great Lent brings us together in Christian oneness.

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Matthew concludes his series by looking at Pharaoh's hardened heart.

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Matthew goes on to examine Romans eleven to further illumine St. Paul's writings two chapters earlier.

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Matthew examines the hardening of Pharoah's heart as "proof" of pre-destination.

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Matthew continues his examination of St. Paul's epistle, looking this time at God's relationship with Jacob and Esau.

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Does St. Paul's letter to the Romans "prove" pre-destination?

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Matthew concludes his series by examining our relationship with the environment - one that is both sacramental and eucharistic.

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Having been born in the image of God, we strive to achieve His likeness - becoming one with Him. And our relationship with His creation is a part of that spiritual development.

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Matthew begins a series exploring the spiritual aspect of environmentalism by asking, "Why does God create?"

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Matthew concludes his annual tale set in Christmas of 1964

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In this now-traditional annual story, Matthew takes us back to the week before Christmas, 1964 and recounts the tale of a young boy and his mother's love.

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As the blessed Natvity of our Lord approaches, Matthew catches us up on events in his own life, reflects on the past year and gives thanks for all his gifts.

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Matthew concludes his series by noting how the rationalism and idealism of western culture prevents seekers from recognizing the true Church.

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Matthew gives us the third obstacle between western believers and the experience of pre-Augustinian Christianity—misconceptions about the nature of the Church.

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Matthew explains how experiencing God requires two elements - asceticism and the mysteries, or sacraments.

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Matthew examines the Western Charismatic movement.

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Matthew outlines the problems inherent in a relationship with God based on rational contemplation or imagination.

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Matthew reveals how the second obstacle to overcome in Western philosophy is in finding intimacy with God.

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Matthew answers those sects that subscribe to an "annihilation doctrine".

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Matthew explains that the Eastern Christian view of punishment lies not in God's actions towards sinners, but in the sinners' reaction to God's love.

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Matthew reveals that God shows redemptive love, not vindictive vengeance, to those he punishes—especially to children.

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Matthew examines the wrathful deeds of the loving God.

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Matthew points out how the difference between the God of the Old and New Testaments is actually our own spiritual maturing.

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In this segment, Matthew notes the true nature of God's "wrath."

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Matthew is forced to reject Western punishment theories because of one simple fact: God, by nature, does not change.

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Matthew looks at the history of God's actions towards us to see if "legal" theories hold water.

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In this segment, Matthew outlines the "ransom theory" of salvation subscribed to by the early Church.

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This week, Matthew outlines three ways that the remnants of Augustine's philosophy infect even those who are trying to return to an intimate experience with God.

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Matthew continues his discussion of Augustine and his views on predestination.

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Matthew shows how a misunderstanding of the story of the Garden of Eden leads to a misunderstanding of our relationship with God.

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Looking more closely at the Augustinian view of God, Matthew examines the concept of "original sin".

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Matthew Gallatin continues his examination of the differences between the Eastern and Western Churches, specifically their perspective on the nature of God.

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In this segment, Matthew differentiates between the Eastern view of God as opposed to Augustine and the West.

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In this segment, Matthew contrasts the mystical experience of the Eastern Church with the rational philosophy of the West.

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Matthew notes how Eastern Orthodox Christians possess both the light (scriptures) and the path (ascetic, sacramental experiences).

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Matthew continues his examination of sola scriptura and contrasts it with the Apostles decision regarding the circumcision of gentiles.

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Matthew examines the Orthodox Church's beliefs concerning the Scriptures and its teachings regarding Holy Tradition.

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Matthew contemplates the crowd at Christ's crucifixion and how only one understood what was truly happening.

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In the final part of this series, Matthew shows how unity is not only possible, but already exists.

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In part three of four, Matthew shows the contradictions between various interpretations of Christ, thereby tearing down the notion of pluralism.

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In part two of this four-part lecture, Matthew examines the "We all worhip the same Jesus" theory and shows why it is a fallacy.

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In part one of this four-part series, Matthew outlines the problem that exists with pluralism in Christianity.

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The saints of the Church, whose icons we venerate, lived the life of God, meeting him face to face. They teach us how to have this life.

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Matthew offers his reflections on our proneness toward sin, and God's relentless pursuit of us.

12:53

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Matthew encourages us to contemplate the sobering Parable of the Last Judgment, because what will happen to us at that moment is being decided right now.

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And here is the 4th and concluding part of this talk from Eagle River in Alaska.

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This is part 3 of Matthew's lecture at Eagle River in Alaska.

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This is part 2 of Matthew's 4 part lecture delivered at Eagle River in Alaska.

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Matthew just returned from Alaska where he spoke at Eagle River Institute on the topic of Discovering the Will of God. His next few episodes will feature that lecture.

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Matthew teaches us lessons from the life of St. Herman of Alaska, a life of simplicity, purity, and commitment.

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Matthew compares the role of an Evangelical Protestant pastor with that of an Orthodox priest.

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If our choice of churches is based on how they make us feel, are we really interested in worship?

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Matthew is taking a step of faith into a new ministry endeavor including a church plant. Listen in on his audio Christmas newsletter.

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Matthew talks about what all Christians can learn from monastics, and encourages us to develop a relationship with a monastery.

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So what is the monastic life all about? Legalism? Works based salvation? Matthew explores this topic in today's episode.

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So why are Orthodox Christians fasting the weeks leading up to Christmas while other Christians are having parties and good food?

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Matthew departs from his script today to reflect on the miracle that brought him to Orthodoxy,

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So what does it mean "There is no salvation outside of the Church?" Matthew explores that in this week's episode.

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Does Christianity begin with a rational, doctrinally defined picture of God? Matthew explores the sacramental nature of the Church and how it relates to our experience of God.

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Matthew is back and feeling better. His thoughts today are concentrating on the flow of dogma through the history of the Church. He observes that doctrinal differences between Christians are more than just an annoyance.

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Matthew is sick this week so we will take a break from his series on sacraments to present a short feature from our archives.

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Are the sacraments some duty to be fulfilled or are they part of our very lives as Orthodox Christians?

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Sacraments are not a bridge to anywhere - they are the destination.

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Sacraments are how God lives out His life in us moment by moment, day by day.

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This is part 2 of Matthew's discussion on this fleshly passion that plagues so many.

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In part one of a two part series, Matthew addresses the societal problem of lust and immorality in the light of the Orthodox Christian Faith.

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Why do Orthodox feel they need to confess their sins to a priest. Don't we all have direct access to God through Christ?

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This is the final episode in the Imputed Righteousness series. If you would like a CD package (4 CD's) of all 13 episodes in this series it is available for $30 when you make your request by emailing us. We will give you the details on how to process your order.

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Abraham faces the greatest test of his faith imaginable.

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Faith is the beginning of the journey to salvation but obedience is the path. It is simply our love relationship with God.

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What God really wants from us is a living connection. A joining with our beings. Just believing that doesn't make it happen.

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Matthew takes a break from his series to address some questions from listeners.

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What is the nature of faith and how does it relate to the phrase "faith alone?"

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Matthew is helping us understand the nature of our "dance" with God. Abram, Sarai and Hagar are the focus of today's study.

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Dancing with God has become a lost art in the west. Listen as Matthew helps us recover this wonderful and living movement with our Creator.

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Are we really righteous as the result of a declaration? Matthew continues his look at Abraham's faith and how that relates to our lives as Christians today.

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Matthew continues his look at Abraham and his faith. What did God impute to him as a result?

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This week Matthew takes a closer look at Abram becoming Abraham and what his faith brought about.

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So, is God's righteousness a commodity he bestows on us or is it part of His being and we enter into it?

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By popular demand, Matthew explores further a topic he introduced a few weeks ago.

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Matthew continues his exploration of those encounters with those we may prefer to avoid. He introduces us to David who would impact him for many years to come.

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So, what do you plan to say to the beggar you see waitng for you on the next block?

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Matthew brings part two of a two-part series on the differences between Eastern and Western views of imputed righteousness.

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Matthew brings part one of a two-part series on the differences between Eastern and Western views of imputed righteousness.

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We hope you return for a fresh episode each week!