Originally Posted by
TER
Life is truth, and that is what the Truth came to reveal, so that He, the Truth, could give life to mankind, and life abundantly ( John 10:10).
Truth is NOT an abstract notion or constructive thought or philosophical dictum. Truth is a Person, namely the Incarnate Logos of God, the God-man Jesus Christ, in Whom we find life, which is found through communion with Him. True, experiential living, which can only come from the Source and Giver of Life, that is, God. Not merely in an intellectual way or a partial way, such as the gnostics and docetists believed, but in a wholly and complete way, which includes not only the mind, but also the body, and the spirit. It is the work of the Holy Spirit whom Christ sends from the Father whereby man is a true and complete man, reflecting the glory of God, in the fullness and stature of Jesus Christ. The more we become like Christ, them more we become a true human being, as sons and daughter of God.
We are not put in this world and exist merely for discerning logistical truth, but rather, to find life. To live! Christ is the way, the truth, and, most importantly, the life.
As for Hank Haanergeaff, he found not only the dogmatic truth within the mind and the life of the ancient and original Church, through its apostolic teachings and patristic and liturgical traditions which have held firm and unweilding, but he found life, and life abundantly, through the grace of the Holy Spirit and Christ abiding in Him. And that is why he joined the Orthodox Church and entered into the communion of the Saints through every century.
And since joining the Church, he has been dropped by radio stations, castigated by former friends and supporters, and now learned he has a rare and extensively spread cancer.
But still he states he has found peace and comfort and joy!
Still he is resolute in his assurance that he has come to know life and God's presence, even as his time left here may be short.
What a splash of cold water to those who have been duped by those pushing the 'prosperity gospel'!
What a testament to the great paradox, and the strength that Christ gives, which makes a man stronger in his weakness, as St. Paul endured and preached!
For those who suffer for His Name will find comfort and peace, and those who follow Him, and carry their cross and follow him, those will find salvation.
Indeed, be wary if everything seems to be going easy and good in the worldly sense. Be nervous if there are no suffering or hardships or struggle in this life. All of the Apostles suffered, and all His disciples and blessed ones have sacrificed their own wills, desires, passions and comforts in order to find the Pearl of Great Price.
Hank Hanegraf is now learning fully what it is to be a Christian, and he too is finding the Pearl of Great Price, which is incomparable to anything else and more fulfilling than all the wealth and all the healthy comforts of this world. May the Lord continue to bless him.
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