Double Edged Sword ♱ Assyrian Church Podcast

Father Genard discusses the challenges of gambling habits and draws parallels between the story of Zacchaeus and Jesus. He emphasizes the power of Christ's love in bringing about genuine repentance, holds a firm stance against what he considers sinful behaviors, including homosexuality, and uses biblical references to support his views. Father Genard emphasizes the importance of combining love and care with a strong stance against sin and encourages open discussions with LGBTQ+ individuals while adhering to Christian beliefs. He concludes by extending an invitation for discussion and guidance to those affected by LGBTQ+ issues.

In this episode, Father Genard emphasizes the importance of seeking the correct path to repentance and absolution from sins. He discusses the authority granted by Jesus to His Disciples and Apostles, particularly to St. Peter, to bind and loosen sins. This reflects the significance of having mediators, such as priests, in the process of seeking forgiveness. He quotes Dr. Martin Luther on confession and absolution and suggests that having another person, like a priest, between believers and God is essential. The statement also cites biblical evidence for confessing sins to one another and explains a specific liturgical order for absolution in the Church. Overall, it highlights the role of priests and Apostolic authority in the Christian faith's process of repentance and forgiveness. For info, feedback or topic suggestions please visit ⁠https://linktr.ee/doubleedgedsword⁠ If you’d like to make a monetary contribution to this ministry please visit: ⁠https://double-edged-sword-podcast.cheddarup.com

Father Genard's presentation focuses on the theme that God cannot be mocked, as emphasized in Galatians 6:7. He discusses how some individuals may appear religious in public but engage in questionable behavior privately, pointing out the need for genuine faith and adherence to both religious and cultural values. Father Genard underscores the accountability of words and actions in the Day of Judgment and encourages sincere repentance. The central message is that it's impossible to deceive God. Bible verses: Galatians 3:28-29 "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free-born, neither male nor female; for you are all one in Jesus the (Christ), and if you are the Messiah's, then you are the seed of Abraham, and heirs by the promise." Isaiah 5:20-23. call evil good and good evil... put light for darkness and darkness for light... put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! James 1:22 be a doer of the word (a living example) and not only a hearer (promoters), and do not deceive yourselves. Proverbs 15:3 "The eyes of Lord God are in every place, gazing on the good and on the evil." Matthew 16:27 "For The Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with the Holy Angels and then he will repay each man according to his works." 2 Cor 5:10 "For we are all going to stand before the judgment seat of The Messiah, that each man will be paid in his body anything that was done by him, whether of good or of evil." Matthew 12:36-37 "For I say to you that every idle (empty, N meaningless, derogative, rude, filthy, lying, blaspheming, thersitical) word that people will speak, they will give an answer for it in the Day of Judgment. For by your words, you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned." col 4:6 "Your words should always be with grace, as if seasoned with salt, and be aware how it is appropriate for you to answer each man. " 1 Cor 11:29 For whoever eats and drinks from it being unworthy, eats and drinks a guilty verdict into his soul for not distinguishing the body of the lord. For info, feedback or topic suggestions please visit ⁠https://linktr.ee/doubleedgedsword⁠ If you’d like to make a monetary contribution to this ministry please visit: ⁠https://double-edged-sword-podcast.cheddarup.com

To combat grief, one can find solace in Holy Scriptures like Psalm 34:18 and Psalm 147:3, acknowledging that grief is a natural part of life, and seeking strength from God, as advised in Isaiah 53:4. Trusting in God's never-ending love and practicing gratitude, as recommended in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, can provide comfort. While traditions and rituals can help with the grieving process, it's important to remember that death has a time limit, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:25-26. Though grief is a part of life, Scripture promises eventual comfort. Referenced Bible verses: Isaiah 53:4 "He himself bore our sicknesses, and our pains that He carried." 1 Cor 15:25-26 "For he is to reign, until he shall put all his enemies under his feet, and the last enemy, death, will be abolished." Acts 8:2 "And believing men gathered up and buried Stephen. And they lamented over him greatly." Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 55:4-5 " My heart is in anguish within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me." Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 55:4-5 " My heart is in anguish within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me." 2 Cor 1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." For info, feedback or topic suggestions please visit ⁠https://linktr.ee/doubleedgedsword⁠ If you’d like to make a monetary contribution to this ministry please visit: ⁠https://double-edged-sword-podcast.cheddarup.com⁠

Bible verses: 2nd Chr 2:5, Philippians 4:7, Hebrews 11:1, Numbers 22, Hebrews 11:6, James 2:19, 2 Cor 5:10, Revelation 20:12, Eph 2:10, Matthew 16:12

In this episode Father Genard discusses judgement and if we are permitted to judge? We are not permitted to make a final judgment, condemn people to hell, or gift them with the bliss of the Kingdom of Heaven, that is God's judgement. But we are instructed to do it righteously, by judging according to Christ's standards found in the scripture and incorporated in the Church's canons and laws. We are to worry about, rebuke, lookout for one another as Christians. When a brother or sister in Christ sways out of the path, we are to correct them and remind them and to restore them to be on the correct path. However avoid hypocrisy. • Jude righteously (Scriptures, Church cannons, Liturgy, Sacraments) • Judge it pity, love, care and mercy • Be sure to have judged yourself first • Do not judge to condemnation (eternal Hell) Hymnology from the burial of the deceased: Those who have been rejected by their deeds, the door of the wedding feast will not be open unto them (Matthew 25). Abraham will not refresh those who are burning in the flames of fire (Luke 16:19-31). The Judge will not forgive those who have not repented (Luke 13:3-5). For this reason, take refuge in repentance, O my soul, and say, "I have sinned against you O Lord, have pity and mercy upon me. Bible verses: Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. Luke 6:44 ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor admire the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. Leviticus 19:15 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. John 12:48 “Judge not, that you be not judged. Matthew 7:1 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?† But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.† Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.† Galatians 6:1-2 Iron sharpens iron, And a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.† Proverbs of Solomon 27:17 For info, feedback or topic suggestions please visit ⁠https://linktr.ee/doubleedgedsword⁠ If you’d like to make a monetary contribution to this ministry please visit: ⁠https://double-edged-sword-podcast.cheddarup.com⁠

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the 2023 North American Youth Conference hosted by the diocese of California in Sacramento, Ca. Father Genard sat down with Deacon Peter Azzo to discuss the theme of the conference, Not of this World. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:19

Episode 56: Father Genard sits down with Deacon Andrew Aziz to discuss being rooted with Christ. As Christ is the vine and we are his branches.

In this weeks episode , Father Genard reflects on the simplicity of Christianity, emphasizing the importance of personal works and faith. He highlights Jesus' warning of judgment based on individual actions. Father Genard encourages adding virtues and knowledge to one's faith and finding blessings in being watchful for the Lord's return. He interprets "sitting down" as a symbol of rest and freedom from labor in the Kingdom. He reassures believers that Christ can exceed their expectations and promises to serve them. Father Genard also mentions the concept of reigning with Christ and experiencing eternal bliss, but cautions against rejecting Jesus. Finally, he reminds his audience not to be ashamed of Jesus and His words and emphasizes the significance of humility in exaltation. Bible verses: Matthew 16:23, Luke 12:37, 2 Timothy 2:12, Ephesians, Matthew 32:12

In this episode, The Bible teaches us to bless and love our persecutors, rather than cursing them. We are called to be patient, understanding, and compassionate towards them. This instruction is found in Romans 12:14 and Matthew 5:43-46, where Jesus encourages us to bless those who curse us and pray for those who persecute us. This attitude stems from the teachings of Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing love and forgiveness even towards our enemies. By responding with blessings, we may have the opportunity to lead our persecutors to repentance. This aligns with the Gospel message and the example set by Jesus on the cross when He prayed for His persecutors' forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Ultimately, enduring persecution for the sake of righteousness is rewarded, as mentioned in Matthew 5:10-12 and 1 Peter 2:20.