My wife and I are southern Baptist, however I’m strongly considering Orthodoxy but am scared about how it will effect my marriage and my three children. If anyone would like to pray for my family and I to make a smooth transition please do so.
I just said a prayer for you. Have the courage to put yourself in God’s hands and let Him sort it out for you. Have faith, my friend, and follow your heart.
Wake up. The Bible is the story of Yahweh's fulfilled plan of redemption given exclusively to ancient Israelites cursed with the Old Covenant law of sin and death and pertains to no one alive today, soteriologically and eschatologically speaking. "I only came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel." ~Jesus Christ in Matthew 15:24 "Redemption was only for those who sinned under the first covenant." ~Apostle Paul in Hebrews 9:15 "Jesus came only to redeem those under the (Old Covenant) law." ~Apostle Paul in Galatians 4:5 "Where there is no (Old Covenant) law, sin is not taken into account." ~Apostle Paul in Romans 5:13 This of course means that salvation was only needed by those who had sin taken into account, which is not us today. "The ADOPTION into Sonship, the GLORY, the COVENANTS (both Old & New), the giving of the LAW, the WORSHIP and the PROMISES only BELONGED to (ancient) ISRAELITES." ~Apostle Paul in Romans 9:4 You've been duped into believing you're a sinner under a law that passed away and need a savior who said he came for someone else, who will save you from a sin that's already been removed and a judgement that already happened and allow you into a covenant that was made with someone else. The fact is, we today were never and are not part of ancient Israel's exclusive and fulfilled redemptive narrative, the Bible. ~Michael Bradley
You can't have the real presence of Jesus Christ in Protestant Churches Eucharistic Miracle of a beating heart. th-cam.com/video/747s-WgS7a0/w-d-xo.html 3 Eucharistic Miracle th-cam.com/video/93cqR-nwI8s/w-d-xo.html
I've known of Hank for a while but just recently learned of his conversion. It appears to me from watching and listening to him vs listening to his critics, it is abundantly obvious that Hank is more patient, compassionate, and Christ-like than any of his spiteful critics, and THAT is all the proof I need.
I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy...
Generally, evangelicals - like fundamentalists tend not to be very forgiving or even humble. They feel threatened by what they don't understand or don't even want to understand. I speak from my own attitude as a former one.
I’m a Protestant Evangelical and considering and visiting Eastern Orthodox Church 3-2023. Update 7/23 I was Chrismated into the Orthodox Church. Today, 4/24 it was the best decision I’ve made.
I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy...
@@tradertrader8838 Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart. Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different. Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves. Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?
@@tradertrader8838 Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart. Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different. Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves. Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?
@@tradertrader8838 Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart. Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different. Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves. Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?
@@tradertrader8838 Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart. Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different. Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves. Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?
Former mega churcher of 20 years here. My wife and I were Chrismated last year and all 7 of our children were Baptized into the Orthodox Church. I’m so glad to be living out the one True Faith now.
Congratulations, yes orthodox-christianity is closer to the spiritual side of the religion more than other religions, I wish you the best for you and your family 🙏
@@MsTC867 yes, for example in some places around Europe a while ago there were Saint people who did good stuff or miracles in the name of God during their lives and sometimes people from this places still remember this Saints and they pray to God and to this specific Saints too.
Tytheband, if you believe that ONLY NOW you are living out the one true faith is a red flag. EITHER WAY WERE NEVER CHRISTIAN or you've been brainwashed. ALL THAT ARE "SAVED" ARE LIVING THE ONE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH AND MILLIONS ARE NOT OF THE ORTHODOX DENOMINATION.
@@JesusChristISTHEONETRUEGOD I never said I wasn't a Christian before. Forgive me for the lack of clarity. The Holy Spirit can work wherever and whenever He wants, and that includes other "denominations". I just believe that Orthodox Christianity is the most complete/intact and oldest Christianity that there is. I'm sorry that my comment was overly simplified and not clear. I'm thankful for my 20 years in the "non-denominational" church world. Thank God I had that time.
My husband and I, and our children are orthodox. When I tell you it has been life changing, it has! Everything is amplified and like you said, it's more than symbols, it's life giving and alive. Church history is enhanced, and I am filled. 🙏
I've followed you a long time, and am fascinated by your "conversion". This has actually driven me to study far more than I ever have, and I am drawn to do even more!. I'm watching your posts and reading all of them I can find on your journey and where you are! More, please!
Disclaimer: I'm a confessional Lutheran, so I cannot speak from the Orthodox angle. But I can't help but wonder if at least part of what pushed Hank into the OC is the same thing that moved many of us into more historic and liturgical denominations: namely, the current state of American evangelicalism and the woefully mixed bag of theology it contains. If you look at the general Protestant denominations, most of them are all assimilating into the "non-denomination/megachurch" model and are virtually indistinguishable from one another. Their sense of church history starts with either Billy Graham or Billy Sunday, and clear doctrinal distinctions are disappearing, and in many cases that's not for the better. The theology often is superficial, very man-centered, and Jesus is often turned into a moral example instead of the gracious Savior who gives forgiveness of sins to all (you may hear that at first, but it's gone once you've "walked down the aisle" and it's mostly Law from then on). When you try to make Christianity fit into the fads, trends, and zeitgeists of the culture around you, you end up watering it down. Christianity should be timeless. It should be countercultural in the right sense of that word. It should not be running after the world and jettisoning all of the rich history and theology simply for the sake of gaining a greater audience (which ends up being a false sense of strength).
@@conantheseptuagenarian3824 BHABHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Sorry, I have never met a convert to the Orthodox Church who converted because of this. I have known MANY who converted DISPITE the 'troubles' it caused. The loss of friends, the difficulty of learning an entirely new platform of faith, the difficulty of continually growing in the faith, etc. WIth all due respect, you and the other dissenting commentators I read/see around the 'net remind me of the old Soviets trying come up with reasons WHY Russians defected to the West. You have to come up with a reason because, if you don't, then you will have to take a serious look at your own system in a humble, open minded approach...and it scares you. So you guys just spout foolishness instead of actually finding out WHY people who know so much are leaving their faiths to come to Orthdoxy. Before you reply with all of your "logic and knowledge", just answer me this: If what you know is correct, how come there are so many branches of Protestantism? For that matter, how come that are so many branches of even Evangelicalism? Truth is a narrow path. There are now over 46,000+ different belief systems in Protestantism. How can there be? Which is it, do you believe in speaking in tongues or not? I could go on...but just please answer my question. I have yet to find an answer that actually stands up in over a quarter of a century.
@@43pace right, i don't agree with you so i'm a soviet. makes sense. and because there are a ton of protestant denominations obviously your position is correct. good luck controlling your idiocy and bizarre outbursts of laughter.
@@conantheseptuagenarian3824 Wow, you really need to take a reading comprehension class. I didn't call you a soviet. Operative phrase is, "[you] remind me of the old Soviets..." You and your side are making the same mistakes that they made. No wonder you are so angry. I really feel sad for you. You are in my prayers.
I am falling in love with Orthodoxy and really have started to study the early church fathers and history. Yes many people (as I am) have been historically illiterate. I am starting to notice how many evangelical preachers are hostile and arrogant when talking about Orthodox Christians
What did the apostle Paul have to say in relation to church worship and function? None of these 'sectarian' churches follow the traditions he recieved and passed on from the Lord concerning church function, either in the East or the West.
Orthodoxy survived all the barbarians who wanted it's destruction, orthodoxy survived for over 500 years the Ottoman empire, with all their shiny sultans, and the muslims, and it survived over half a century of russian gulags and the communist regime who tortured our priests and monks, sending them to forced labour, with over 20-30 years of prison, and less than 500 calories a day. In the communist prisons, our priests endured the worst tortures, worse even than political prisoners. Orthodoxy is unmoved by their arrogant comments. Our priests went to hell and back, for their faith, trough pain and fire. It is irrelevant what those ignorant critics have to say.
Foreigners learning about Orthodoxy and having the courage and the will to convert brings me tears! We think we are being Christians, but you Sir are an example!
Became an inquirer in February 2021 and converted and renounced the reformation (I call it the 'Protestant Revolution') in September. I'm now studying theology and philosophy in Ukraine to become a deacon! Slava Pravoslavyu!
@@aidanmcwhirter2612 Reformation relies on some former Catholic monk (Martin Luther) who thought it would be nice to break his monastic vows and oaths to Christ to worship and idolise his horniness for a nun. Eventually, it relied strongly on John Calvin and his colleagues on how they read certain passages that "supports" reformed theology, when its entire motivation was revolution against the French monarchy and the Catholic Church Main theological reasons are protestantism is circular and relies on private judgement and always say "their mind feels God's presence speaking to them, so therefore, it really is God." Faith alone is a mental game that Satan can manipulate and take advantage of, and the Early Church including the scriptures which the Orthodox Church produced never taught sola scriptura and faith alone. You can't find sola scriptura in the Bible.
@@deVeresd.Kfz.1515 Orthodoxy has some strengths, but I think you are misjudging the motives of Luther and Calvin. Have you read Luther's main writings and Calvin's Institutes? You will see that their main motive was fear of God and a return of the church to the word of God. A reformation was needed, the split could have avoided if the Catholic Bishops would have repented. Celibacy should be honoured as a great (if difficult) calling, but it should be VOLUNTATY for priests, pastors etc.
I’ve followed Hank for about 20 years (give or take), his testimony was one of the first people I listened to. We have been officially orthodox for about 6 years. Our experience was like Hank. We felt at home, then started the process of right thinking/learning and letting go of some things that were/are mystery.
I used to listen to him all the time but I was reading where Greek orthodox pray’s to Saints that can’t hear us and he even used to preach against it because they would have to listen to 500,000 petitions a half a second no human can do that, but God because he’s omnipresent omniscience what the heck happened to this man I’m so disappointed in him now
Praise to saints is no different than praising a brother in Christ. I would listen to theoria if you are interested in short clips about understanding. Sometimes a word has another meaning than the original Greek. We worship one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We praise our brothers and sisters for a job well done.
@@Orthodixi I meant pray’ s to Saints not praise.. of course we have to praise them. Igosh, but not ask them to intercede because they can’t hear so I want to know is Hank now doing that after he used to preach against it?
@@Orthodixi because God says, the only way to the father is through his son in Hebrews once u die then his judgment, they were merely flesh imagine Mary would have to listen to 500,000 petitions a half a second. Only God is omnipresent omniscient not a flesh made human.
When I was in my deepest place in my journey through Charismania, it was reading Orthodox writings, specifically the life of st. anthony, that brought me back; though I did not pursue chrismation. But it brought me back.
Hank, Your Orthodox brothers and sisters love ya! Your “testimony” is of great value to the lost. Please keep in mind however, “your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t heed it” 🌹☦️🌹
So true. I am Greek, and although we Greeks are Christians, many of us believe it is something like tradition. We are so blessed to be informed of our True God that is the purpose of our lives, but in many cases we only believe as a habit. Fortunately, something occured in my life this year and it was like a spiritual slap to me. A calling to wake up and ask "What are you even doing with your life? You exist in this world just to have fun and make money? What is your purpose?". From that time I restructure my life to see the beauty of our God. Surely we aren't here by randomness. It is that our modern era is cleverly instucted by devil to make us blind of the truth and let us feel calm in our riches and pleasures. The quickly rythms of our lives today are not helping. Sometimes, we need to pause what we are doing and sarch for the truth. God bless us!
Many people including myself have the sort of believe but just by habit thing going on. I feel those are the people the Christ will say he never knew on judgement day
I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy... I am from Georgia (country), which is a traditional Orthodox country.
@@tradertrader8838 it seems as your Protestant mindset never left you, and this is the reason you are obstructed from seeing clearly the truth of Orthodoxy and bearing spiritual fruits. How can you be an apologist for the faith the moment you joined it? We want to teach others, but never learn ourselves. Pride causes distress in the soul and blinds the nous. You said it correctly, it is a lie and charm; these are the fruits of vain glory. It's not the Orthodox faith that's wrong, its your attitude towards it. The spiritual life is not apologetics. And I say this as a sinner facing the same temptation. I hope we all reconsider and accept the truth revealed in humility.
I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy...
In Orthodoxy we are not proselytizing and trying to convert people. We believe that the Holy Spirit draws people to our faith and from what has happened here with Mr. Hank Hanegraaf for me it says he was chosen by God to gather a portion of his sheep in the west. Mr. Hank knows. We are the true and original Church. 2000 years. People also need education about us they do not know or understand.
Thank you for sharing your journey. We protestants somehow think church history began 500 years ago. And so we miss the great treasures of 1500 years of faith, the most significant being the real transformational presence of the Lord as our heritage for today.
People are not only biblically illiterate but also historically illiterate. That’s so true. People don’t know what the early church believed for 200 years. Go read the early church fathers. Read the early Christian writings. You’ll fall more in love with Christ and the true Christian faith.
Why do we need a Eucharist to be filled with God’s presence when the veil between the Holy of Holies and the Holy Place was rent, making a way for us to experience the presence of God ourselves through the Holy Spirit within us? I’m not attacking...only asking.
@i .....A remembrance, not the transubstantiaton which is a lie. Christ celebrated the passover according to the Mosiac Law, once a year, not every Sunday.
But I want to know does he personally pray to Saints now when he was against it before because they can’t hear us because they were merely flesh and blood and they’re busy with Christ at his feet worshiping him. I’m confused.
4:12 That is such a great way of putting it. "Cradle Orthodox", looking into the Orthodox Church as a Protestant I had no clue who or what they were. After doing some of my own research I felt like I had stumbled onto a key part of my faith that had been missing from my life. While I haven't gone and converted I am seriously considering it in the future. The Orthodox Church needs to go out and reach people in the US. There is a massive untapped market of former believers that have walked away from the faith, and current believers not happy with modern evangelical teaching.
A really GOOD question for Hank would be “ Now that you’ve accepted Orthodoxy, do you accept the Bible complete with the books excised incorrectly by Luther and others in the Reformation AND do you now accept that the Bible you were the “Answer Man” for was incomplete therefore all your answers were also incomplete then?
If someone can find the name of the one and only church to attend in the Bible, please enlighten us, so we can all make that The church. I personally like the idea of a church without walls, where people are becoming Jesus followers, where the Gospel is being preached, and where the Holy Spirit is present.
The original Church established at Pentecost was only One Church and they were called Christians, a “universal” and open to all. Religion, also described at the time as “Catholic”, a Greek term for universal.
Why is everyone on here so caught up in being the “only true denomination”. It’s not about church fathers, apostles or “ holy Mary mother of God”. It’s about Christ crucified to save all of our sorry selfs. Christ crucified and the free gift of salvation. Deny yourself and follow Him. Help people that are hurting, feed the hungry, love your neighbors as yourself and do all of this with a pure heart and in His name. There will be no denominations in the Heavenly Kingdom only followers of Christ.
The Catholic Church (East and West) are NOT denominations. The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic faith is the only way people have access to scripture, the Gospel, salvation, doctrine, theology, etc. God is not a God of chaos and disorder therefore He has established an orderly Kingdom.
Dom the WOP you are exactly right, press on brother, let’s keep a single minded devotion to Christ and His word, and this we will do by the Lord’s empowering grace.
Orthodoxy is not a denomination, such language is that of Protestantism. There’s one Church-followers of Trinitarian God. Then, we live that out doing all you suggested (Ep 2:10).
I don’t think everyone here is caught up in being the “only true denomination”. I think people want to be following God correctly and faithfully. What you said the church is about is Orthodoxy in a nutshell. We do need to be part of God’s true church since it is what He has given us to become like Him and prepared for His Kingdom. Orthodoxy is the fullness of true Christianity and provides a way of life to live and become like Christ. If you really want to get serious about your faith then become an Orthodox Christian.
I love Hank and very much appreciate his ministry due to his desire to cling as closely to the scriptures as he knows how to. Yet in my mind allegiance to any man made institution like orthodoxy not a necessity. Christ did not profess any allegiance to any religious institution of His day and the ministry of that time was the only one ever instituted by God Himself. Neither did Jesus advance the idea of any religious organization as a path forward; He only called people to God via His own ministry which He achieved outside of any religious organization extant at the time. It was a matter of knowing who the Christ was and is; not a matter of which sect you belong to. So I wish each and everyone of you peace in your seeking God's face yet I desire that you should know it does not require an allegiance to any religious institution or organization. The only requirement is a personal relationship with the Lord our Christ; known as Jesus to many. Do His will, seek His face, and then you will have an opportunity to satisfy His requirements. There is no other path my friends! Jesus is the only path to God; you will find nothing else in the contents of scripture. Salome
@@McGheeBentle In the purest sense that is true yet in general practice it is men who will judge whether you are Orthodox or not. Every sect which uses the word Orthodox in their name had that word placed there by men to serve their own purposes.
@@grindercap Jesus Himself founded the Church. The Church is the Body of Christ, which means that it was not “created” (since Christ was not a created being). Christ established the Church. All Christians of all time and of all places are part of the Church. To be a Christian who does not participate in the life of the Church is to actually not be a Christian at all.
Yeah, and your point??? People can change. Did you forget that Saul transformed and was later called “Paul?” "God performed miracles through the hands of Paul." -Acts 19:11
I don't know if Mr Hanegraaff continues to monitor his you tube teaching clips but I have a couple of comments. 1. Mr. Hanegraaff's radio show was used by God in 1992 to send me to Russia during a period of "Glasnost" (openess) to teach the burgeoning new church the need for orthodox teaching and foundations of the Christian faith. This was solely by invitation of local congregations. Due to this revolution of openess of the former Soviet Union, all kinds of cults and aberrant teaching was storming in to Russia. Everything from aberrant teaching like "word of faith" to Hari Krishna' showing up at the Moscow Airport. Those of us with the teaching gift (Rom 12) loathe Scripture being misquoted, taken out of context and recognize that what is misinterpreted while be misapplied. 2. Our mission organization (Storehouse Ministries) encouraged us to meet with all local Pastor's in a given community and attend their churchs and we were blessed to be received favorably by the local Russian Orthodox Church. In another city I was blessed to have wonderful conversations with a local Pentecostal pastor. 2. I attended several Russian Orthodox churches and without exception sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holiness of the liturgy was palpable even tho I could not follow the language. 3. It saddens me greatly that the body of Christ continues to be devicive, polarized and will fail to communicate and listen with both mind and heart.
Lutheran theology rarely gets considered. We are Protestants but love mystery, are sacramental, liturgical, consider beauty as important, and are students of church history. There is no need to abandon precious doctrines like justification by faith alone, penal substitution, and the law Gospel distinction.
I called the Bible Answer Man about 15 yrs ago. I talked with Hank about how we are saved, Grace through Faith in Christ. I like listening to Hank but I wonder if he still believes that. Does he not believe in Sola Scriptura anymore 🤔?
Roman Catholic John Henry Cardinal Newman said, "be steeped in history is to cease being Protestant." Hanegraff mentions in the interview that many evangelicals do not know church history. So true. My father was a convert from the Greek Orthodox Church in the 1950s.Thus my interest in this subject.
Hank Hanegraaff has often said that within the body of Christ we can debate vigorously but we don't ultimately divide. In that spirit I will point out things that seem to contradict the very things he's taught for years. Does he now affirm leaving things to mystery?, is he Implying Evangelical Christianity is transactional? Hank says in the West there's a sense of snarling logicality,...debating, defining and defending, yet isn't that exactly what his ministry is all about. I'll have to read his book to better understand his current position yet I don't see truth competing with life for importance. Jesus said he is the way, the truth AND the life.
Someone still has to be in America teaching the streets and Orthodoxy is not able to relate. Cultural evangelism must have those who are willing to follow the Apostle Paul’s example to “become all things that I might win some.” I pray Hank is ok with us out here in the grind to raise up disciples, leaders and churches although we don’t do what he practices.
It is amazing to me, reading through the comments, how many people flock to Orthodoxy for what are essentially sensual, aesthetic reasons. People like this are in for a rude awakening and an endless nomadic experience because deep down, “it’s all about meeeeee!” The truth is that the Christian life is just that, a life to be lived, it involves not just admiring Greek and Slavic impressionist art of what saints may have looked like but dying unglamorously to yourself every day, not simply sticking to a fasting calendar but apologizing to those to whom you’ve been an insufferable douchebag. It involves sacrificing your time and money and resources for others who could never ever repay you and then not humblebragging about it to anyone. It’s about studying the Scriptures BOTH by yourself in its original historical-grammatical senses AND with a measure of deference to all the old dead guys who came before you and have some smart stuff to say about it. It all has very very little to do with smells and bells and warm fuzzy feelings and serene glances and a capella, quasi Byzantine tunes. I have met true Christians who are EO, who are Christ-like to their toes and do you know what they DON’T go around talking about? Eastern Orthodoxy! I have met Protestants in the same category - Baptists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Lutherans, Home-Church cats, even some Pentacostals and they are all infinitely more interested in talking about CHRIST than they are about their organizational rubrics. This is the sort of Christian I am not yet, but very much want to be.
I can’t believe he went back to tradition and religion. He used to preach against praying to people that have died that can’t hear us and all that energy should go to Christ. It’s so weird !!!t That just goes to show you how hard Satan is working to get those on his side.
Your saved by grace through faith. I'm seriously concerned about anyone thinking that the church or icons or priest are imparting anything or any grace. I believe it to be Biblical inerrancy at best and dangerous idolatry at worst. God imparts, changes, saves, and transforms yes, but all from Him and for His glory, not that of priests, sacraments, dead saints, or icons such as paintings or sculptures.
I love the Holy Bible as much as you but Church history exists way before Martin Luther called out the Roman Catholic Church for indulgences. It’s very rich. I encourage you to simply read it. Pray on it. I’m still a Protestant but I’ve been learning more about the history and Orthodoxy. It’s been blowing my mind. Us here in America really don’t understand the DIVENESS of the Liturgy. I’m not telling you to be this or that. Just be a humble student and keep it in prayer as well. I love you. God bless. You could start with Early Christian Fathers by Cyril C Richardson. Even Google search the Didache and see what the Apostles taught the early Churches. All Christians should not just be studying the Holy Bible but all of Christian History too. It didn’t begin with Luther’s 95 Thesis.
In the Western tradition, Theosis is a subject to be discussed, argued about, and endured, in the Orthodox tradition Theosis is a life style choice to be embraced, and savored! I tried discussing the subject with an Orthodox deacon and he just became more quiet, contemplative, and not contentious! He seemed to be enjoying even that as a moment of Theosis, sort of like a well-cooked steak and fine wine,
I quit listening to Hank Hanegraaf years ago when he converted from Pre-Millenial eschatology to Preterism. I had no idea he has now abandoned Evangelicalism altogether. His account here about joining the EOC sounds very similar to many who join the LDS (Mormon) Church. He talks about how nice the people are, how impressive the history and tradition is, how lovely the rituals and ceremonies are. He doesn't seem to mention much Biblical support for the doctrines taught. Kind of strange for someone who used to refer to himself as "The Bible Answer Man."
Apostle Paul says salvation is through the written word and tradition of the church. Which refers to the early church fathers. Bible was compiled in the early 4th century and the Eastern Orthodox Church (old calendar) still practices the original traditions even in this day and age
@@constantines.9009 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) The Apostle Paul says Salvation is by Grace through Faith, not of works. Church tradition has nothing to do with it. "Tradition" is mostly referred to in the New Testament in a negative sense, i.e., the preference for man's tradition over the Word of God. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 3:6, the Apostle Paul speaks of "tradition" in the sense of the instructions which he and his fellow-workers gave to the early churches in person rather than through the Epistles. He was not speaking of practices which would be handed down from generation to generation, as we think of "traditions." Nowhere in the New Testament is the notion of Salvation through Church tradition mentioned or even hinted at. One must choose whether they are going to be lead by the teachings of Scripture or the traditions of a particular church (man). I understand that Orthodoxy places a greater weight on the authority of the EOC and the early church fathers, but where those teachings conflict with Scripture (and they do in many places), the choice must be made as to who we will listen to. Evangelical Protestants, such as myself, cling to the Word of God above the teachings of man. And Hank Hanegraaf used to trust in the Bible above all other authority, making his conversion even more tragic. One final thought, the Bible as we know it WAS compiled in the 4th Century, but the writings are 1st Century and bore the testimony of those who were eyewitnesses to the Lord's earthly life and ministry. Paul, John, Peter, Mark, Matthew, and Luke wrote long before the "church fathers" of Orthodoxy. Most of them personally knew and had spoke with Jesus in the flesh. Wouldn't their words carry more weight than someone living several centuries later?
I used to listen on occasion to Hank, he could spend a whole show explaining to someone how he is right and every other bible scholar in the world is wrong. I never had much care for anyone who was always right and never anything less.
@@shrewdthewise2840 Do you see the irony of tearing out the traditions of the people who handed you the Bible? The ones who compiled the Bible and preserved it are the ones who had these traditions. They didnt claim to create it themselves, they claim they got it from the apostles. They also do not claim to have written the Bible, they claimed to have received them from the apostles as well.
The word "religion" is mentioned in the Bible one or two times, and in positive sense. I wonder why Protestants suggest their own understanding of this word all by themselves.
The best that can be said about all "Christians" today is that they are waiting, hoping (begging), and praying to crash a wedding party that was prophesied to take place nearly two thousand years ago.
It's obvious why the grace of God was behind your conversion and not your friend J. MacArthur. You sir are humble and your humility is quite evident in your journey to Orthodoxy; unlike your friend who has too much anger and rage, in addition to his misunderstanding of ecclesiastical history of Christianity in the east. The greatest story l ever heard was that of a Russian monk who upon going east he came into this pagan village where he helped them build houses, showed them how to improve irrigation to better their agriculture and so on. When they asked him what he believed in he said nothing and continued helping them for another 2 months. Finally with his work done he left. The villagers were so grateful that they wanted to know what God this monk believed in, and why was he praying and fasting all the time, however the monk said nothing as his humility took the best of him. Finally someone told them that he was something called an Orthodox Christian. The villagers were so enamored with this monk who left without saying anything that they all immediately turned Orthodox Christians.
If ANYBODY is ‘lukewarm’ in whatever faith they believe or try to follow only in words with no actions, this is not good as ones FAITH does not grow but it remains ‘STILL’ anything that has no active action becomes stale and then it remains ‘comfortable’ this is not FAITH but WORDLY comfort - ORTHODOXY is not just another religion but is TRUTH and it is this TRUTH that is the LOGOS of God of whom is LOVE+ Theosis is what from the beginning GOD has given to ALL MEN- the enemy is SATANS LIES to destroy GODS SONS and turn Man away from TRUTH+++ May our LORD IHSOUS XRISTOS our One True God have mercy on us and keep us strengthening our Faith + Let all GLORY BE TO GOD IHSOUS XRISTOS +++ HAPPY LENT to all MANKIND and May Gods mercy bless us all+++ ICXC NIKA
Hank, I ask this humbly - have you issued an apology for all the years of the unabatted and unfair attacks against the Vineyard and John Wimber - during your Calvary Chapel years? I'm hearing you, and I rejoice in this - articulate inaugurated eschatology - something that John and the Vineyard held to almost from the beginning? Now that you are Orthodox - and I am glad you are - you must have left your cessationist ideas behind.
This may be a bit late, but I am currently working my way through The Orthodox Way By: Kallistos Ware. Started it after finishing Becoming Orthodox: A Journey to the Ancient Christian Faith
We do not believe it is "only" remembrance. We are partakers of the New Covenant. The taking of the bread is the "sign" of our acceptance of this New Covenant. God's presence is not IN the bread but the bread represents His body. If Hank were correct, then that piece of bread was Christ's body, and that piece of bread was crucified for your sins. But, that is not the truth. The bread was not crucified, Christ's actual body was crucified. Our obedience and remembering the New Covenant, as each time we take it, we kind of renew our marriage vows as the Bride of Christ. Something that comes in from the outside does not defile us, that which is already inside of us defiles us. Likewise, that which comes from the outside does not deliver and redeem us, He who now indwells us from the inside delivers and redeems us, from the inside out.
I can relate to much of what Mr. Hanegraaff says here. I'm a former evangelical Protestant who entered the Catholic Church about 12 years ago. What he said about people often not understanding Eastern Orthodoxy and even people raised Orthodox often being ignorant of "the treasure chest that they have inherited" easily applies to the Catholic Church too. Many people form their opinions of Catholicism on anti-Catholic propaganda or what they see in movies, on TV, or in the news, and far too many "Cradle Catholics" have a weak understanding of their faith and fall prey to well-meaning but misguided evangelical or fundamentalist preachers/teachers who bash Catholicism.
So, your assumption is that Walt would disagree. Based on? Martin took on Cults, not other biblically-based Christians. I know, my brother worked there and l volunteered there. And, have studied much of his works.
@@matthewvanmatre5137 I wouldn't call Geneva's bloody pope calvinism biblical but a twisted perversion of Yah's character making Him the author of sin. Now involved in eastern orthodox / catholic traditions. I don't see Walter's stamp of approval imo RIP. YAH bless Hank on his walk with Christ n let us all know His truth. Amen
Joe Shmoe l agree with you, Calvinism l think paints God as author of evil and damnation. This thought is the opposite of Orthodox, or biblical theology.
Walter Martins eldest daughter in a TH-cam video called Eastern Orthodoxy versus Evangelical Christianity at WalterMartinDotCom talks about Hannegraphs conversion to Orthodoxy. She says he is unbiblical and unethical and her Father would definitely not agree with the direction Hank has taken CRI. I agree. I think Hank is a horrible example and a smooth double talker. Tell me Bible Answer Man where you find chrismation, holy sacraments, holy icons, Christ in the Eucharist, sinless Mary, and salvation as a process dependent on Baptism, the Eucharist and a workout in the spiritual gymnasium of a dead liturgical church? Don’t misinterpret James 2 either. Interpret it in light of Romans 4.
Hank has now found Christ .? Had he not found him in the previous decades? Does he now view his former faith'religious traditioin as 'wrong' or as simply an alternative from which he no longer feels spiritually satisfied. Does his new tradition take part in the Great Commission?
Because Orthodoxy and Roman Catholics were both the very first Christians. The fullest of Christianity is found in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches.
Also, in an orthodox way of thinking, we don't convert once, but each day as many times as we are able to repent and to look more like Christ. Every time we repent, we are being converted to a more exact image and likeness of Christ.
@@alexschexnayder8624 I think most Protestants would say the same...but at there’s point of starting. So if I believer “born again” even decided to become orthodox they don’t seem to me to be converting, perhaps only as you say refining more to the image of God. Maybe more so, but still no less convert then when they first turned to Christ.
@@thebluedan it's also a significant change in way of thinking and in doctrine and in the base line seriousness that is expected out of an orthodox Christian. Because we believe that this is the true One Holy Catholic and Apostolic church that we are members in. But this proclamation need not be seen as condemning non orthodox as hellbound, but we also take seriously the errors that we perceive in the other groups outside of ourselves.
Ok didn’t he used to preach against praying to Saints that can’t hear us because they would have to listen to 500,000 petitions a half a second because they’re not human and they’re busy with God being happy in heaven and they are not listening because they can’t to our miserable life down here what the heck happened, I’m so disappointed if that’s what it is if that’s what he’s changed to
Yes, some are not canonical, but you can still learn from them (history, stories). You don’t have to read them. The apocrypha was taken out of the original bibles in the 1800’s. Yes, taken out. A lot of people didn’t realize this
I've listened to Hank many times and agree with most of his teachings. However, instead of ditching the charade of the Western church, he's jumped from the pot into the frying pan, by going into so-called Orthodoxy. Luke 22:19, 'And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” He said to do this in REMEMBRANCE of him and not that it will become is actual body. Perhaps all those who believe Jesus was speaking literally should also literally pluck out their eye when it offends. And it was a real meal they were sharing in the early church, not a fake biscuit and a sip, with the Eucharist. 1 Cor 11:20-21, 'Now when you come together at the same place, you are not really eating the Lord’s Supper. For when it is time to eat, everyone proceeds with his own supper. One is hungry and another becomes drunk.' And which is the real church? The answer is, not the East ir the West. But all those who believe are the body of Christ, the church. And not the sectarian works which divide. The real church is the body if Christ who meets in his 'Name', not their own. No one follows the traditions set out by the apostle Paul which he recieved from the Lord and passed on. When are going to come to your senses Hank?
American Evangelicalism is largely a borderline gnostic folk religion of escapism from the world and even our humanity. The Incarnation and Ascension of our Lord includes humanity in the Godhead. We are exactly what our Creator intended apart from sin and its effects...we will always be human and that is very good.
May I ask why you didn’t join the Local Church ie: Living Stream Ministry? You say you first encountered orthodoxy through Watchman Née and Witness Lee? One problem I see with that ministry is that they don’t believe believers go to heaven rather unless they’re an Overcomer they go to purgatory.
@@robertmacfarlane8176for me, I feel like I’m living a Christian life now. When I was Protestant, I felt like I had to do things to remind myself and then go to church on Sundays. Orthodoxy is an actual Christian lifestyle.
Hank, unlike many christian leaders, especially well known ones, is one of the most respectful, understanding men of god we could be so fortunate to learn from. His teachings & points are well thought, researched & explained. God bless you Hank & all your listeners & supporters.
I really pray for this man. Walter Martin's family believes he basically stole his role as The Bible Answer Man and head of CRI. He became very ill and evidently God showed him mercy and healed him. In the midst of this he converts to the Eastern orthodox religion from Christianity. I believe it was a huge mistake. One which may have eternal consequences. What is he thinking?
why would you claim something like that? Every orthodox teaching is based on the scriptures, and the followers of the people who wrote the scriptures agree with us.
@@josephsaab7208 There is no Scriptural warrant for idolatry. We are not to pray to icons, pictures, dead people, statues nor venerate relics. That all breaks the Second Commandment.
What's wrong with emotions? Emotions are the most important element in our lives. In fact your emotions were the most important factor in your conversion experience. You gave your heart, not your Bible, to Jesus.
@@Logos-Nomos You do not understand the meaning of icons, pictures, etc. Your information is coming from the enemies of Orthodoxy rather than from Orthodoxy itself. Who should I ask to find out about you.... ask your enemies or ask you?
@@kbblaze9371 The "enemies of Orthodoxy" would be Moses and the prophets who clearly commanded NOT to use anything God has not commanded in worship. I live in an Orthodox nation, debated Orthodox idolaters and listened to their arguments in videos like this one. It is idolatry that beaks the Second Commandment. It is mere sophistry to try to justify what God has CLEARLY COMMANDED YOU NOT TO DO!!!
I did not know that. I also must say I do not listen to a lot of his teachings. I have heard him from time to time and I do agree with him on at least a few topics. But I can easily see what you were saying about him
While I can understand frustration with Protestantism and evangelicalism, as I have I think its very sad that he has joined a "system" makes a mockery of previous teachings by him ...I would like to think he would understand that the tradition's and sacrament's can nullify the word of god because these things become the centre of worship ,our human nature will tend to follow the system easily Sacraments and traditions cannot save people , as he formerly taught .. Christ and Christ only
Hank is a pompous know it all that obviously doesn’t know it all. It’s amazing how he talks down to people from the lofty temporary doctrine that he believes in. didn’t have the answer until he turned a senior citizen? What will he be in 5 more years a Roman Catholic? That’s the trajectory based on this
They are heretics and schismatics. They abandoned the Chair of Peter in the 11th century and have set up a renegade sect in complete defiance of God's Holy Catholic Church. They are nothing more than Palamite dualist heretics.
@Arch Stanton *St Jerome* “I follow no leader but Christ and join in communion with none but your blessedness [Pope Damasus I], that is, with the chair of Peter. I know that this is the rock on which the Church has been built. *Whoever eats the Lamb outside this house is profane. Anyone who is not in the ark of Noah will perish when the flood prevails* ” (Letters 15:2 [A.D. 396]). Get ready to burn, heretic. The Lamb eaten outside the Body of Christ is rotten.
@@SAHOVNICU Wow... the ignorance... To claim that the oldest and true church of Christ is heretic, something must be off with you friend. And also, God's holy Catholic Church doesn't refer to the catholics. Catholic comes from Greek, oh yes, the greek church, (= καθολική in greek) and means universal. It's an adjective that characterizes Jesus' Church. Also Orthodox (=ορθοδοξία in greek) also comes from greek, again the greek church, and is another adjective which means correct, true glory. In the Orthodox church we pray for the one Catholic, Orthodox and Apostlic Church. These are all greek adjectives. It is just after the schism that the heretic west labeled itself "catholics". Read your story before fanatically trying to defend your heretic view.
@@lupinthe4th400 Your heretical sect that denies the Papacy is all but 1000 years old. Your schismatic forefathers of the 11th century severed themselves from the Chair of Peter, from the Body of Christ. Allow Pope Boniface to put you in your place and shut that forked tongue of yours. "The universal ordering of the Church at its birth took its origin from the office of blessed Peter, in which is found both its directing power and its supreme authority. From him, as from a source, at the time when our religion was in the stage of growth, all churches received their common order. This much is shown by the injunctions of the council of Nicaea, since it did not venture to make a decree in his regard, recognizing that nothing could be added to his dignity: in fact it knew that all had been assigned to him by the word of the Lord. So it is clear that this church is to all churches throughout the world as the head is to the members, *and that whoever separates himself from it becomes an exile from the Christian religion, since he ceases to belong to its fellowship”* (Pope St. Boniface, Epistle 14) Did you get that, heretic? Whoever separates from the Apostolic See becomes exile to the Christian religion.
Wow! This is very surprising now Hank believes there is in 79 books of the bible (Orthodox bible) which 11 are not canonical. This is very alarming. But I do love and pray for Hank, in which we have a obligation to pray for one another. Blessings
@Luis, I’m assuming you’re not much for History. The Fathers are the ones that compiled the canon and gave their lives defending the creeds of Christendom. The ‘extra’ books you mention do not hold the same weight as the canon, but are read for exhortation and often quoted by the people who decided on the canon. So, l don’t think they would’ve chosen heretical teaching to guide new converts. Read the Didache; it was used to instruct new believers.
@@Kirin2022 Well said Kirin, Orthodox and Catholics go back to the Jesus and his apostles. We both have the fullest of Christianity. Now that doesn't mean protestant believers aren't Christians. They are Christians both don't have the richness of apostolic Christianity. I am a Catholic, former protestant believer.
With all due respect to Hank, his representation that evangelicals had fundamentalist teach “I say a prayer I get a card and I get out of hell “ is dubious and disingenuous and he knows that’s not what it’s taught. Now he does have a point about Church life. I will grant him that. However, evangelicals are not without assemblies, or institutions where church. Life is promoted maybe not the same way, but people are brought into the church and the church life.
Wow...2nd clip I've heard of you on this. Second time I'm stunned at your weak answers. I was baptized Greek orthodox as an infant. Wheat and tares will grow together everywhere but I think you're striking the rock twice when you talk transubstantion...right off the bat at that. Jesus was standing next to them when he said this is my body, then interprets himself immediately saying do this in remembrance of me. I ve tried to go back but it's an absurdity to cal thel eastern church orthodox as far as Biblical doctrine is concerned. Rome lite. Most parishioners illiterate and uninterested in The Word. "I am the way..." Let's start with that.
It is different. For one, the RC has changed things and, I believe, might have been slightly different even in the beginning. The Eastern Orthodox Church uses the DIvine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Sadly, he is almost unknown in the West. Thankfully, we have over 2000 of his homilies preserved. The hardest thing for RC's is that the OC 'looks' so similar but isn't because of a different foundation. A different platform, if you will. You just have to relax and realize it takes time...(I have found) at least 3 years to really begin to understand this. Blessed day.
It's very similar to that used by the Eastern Catholic Churches, but these differ substantially from the Roman Rite. Some of the older western rites, like the Ambrosian Rite, are a bit closer to the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is also used on certain feast days, but it's really just a longer version of the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom), but there are some notable differences. There used to be some western rites that were quite close to the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, but during the Council of Trent the Roman Mass was standardized and many of the more ancient rites were lost around that time.
Orthodox is the right one ☝️ Also is way more spiritual than the other types and out traditions are way deeper than the Evangelicals or just Christianity ..
the problem is that certain parts of the church deny that the supernatural power of God is for today just as Hank did, he has now found it in the eastern orthodox who I would say are not necessarily getting their power from Jesus. Transubstantiation seems like idolatory to me... I came into a supernatural experience of God from being an agnostic, just through wholehearted prayer and repentance. Influenced by a couple of book, Prayer and contemplation by mark gibbard which is about meditating on Gods love for us so we can be filled with the HS and a little book called the CAlvery Rd, Roy Hession that came out of revival in africa in the 1930's. Its more about having the fruit of the Spirit through dieing to self... Interestingly I think Hank Hannegraaff would not have agreed with the first book. Or a book that really helped me later called Listening to God by Joyce Huggett. This has an emphasis on submitting everything to Christ to come into intamacy with Him.... there is no need to go to the eastern orthodox church, Jesus is right here with me now..
Mr. Hanegraaff is famous because there was strong demand for what he was offering. He has now changed product, for which there is no demand. I think it hurt his credibility. The Evangelical is "Scripture only" and the more he learns of orthodoxy the more errors he will discover. Liturgy was a fundamental article that the reformers rejected. 1 Cor. 12, 14, describes the free format that the early church used. We think church should be the fellowship getting together to praise the Lord and get into the Word, often also featuring, the Lord's supper and prayer, as the Spirit leads. By means of his reputation, Mr. Hanegraaff chooses to promote error, and Christian mysticism, but I think he mostly just causes Evangelicals to say, "Am I ever glad I'm an Evangelical."
Salvation is transactional. It is not a process achieved through works in the church but a moment when one is passed from death unto life. The thief on the cross is in heaven today with only faith in Jesus. It is the same for us. We are saved by faith apart from the works of the law. It is not of works lest any man should boast. Jesus said “he that believes and is baptized shall be saved but he that believes not shall be damned” Mark 16:16. If Hank is trusting in the “graces” given to him in his “church” then he has fallen from grace and is no longer saved. One cannot trust in Christ and trust in anything else at the same time. He either atoned for our sins or he didn’t.
God loves you and blesses you. I am a Baptist pastor, but I am coming from a Greek Catholic church. I loved the ceremonies. I agree western religion is too much intellectual effort. I am not seeing faith alone or grace alone. these alone are added. there is no historical tie to the first church or their teaching.
Something that I was listening for but did not hear is that you have found Orthodoxy the right place for you because God has called you to that place. What I heard is how Orthodoxy does church the right way ... and that is why you, having discovered this fact, are there. Such logic means that if God had his way, all church-goers, genuine and nominal, would join the Orthodox Church and all other churches/denominations would think about closing up shop. I think greater humility on your part and greater praise for God's part in your arriving in Orthodoxy are in order. It would also help alleviate some of the "Our church is the True Church" nonsense that has bedeviled the Church for centuries. I for my part am very glad to hear that you love the church you are now in. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. But let the adoration for this happy situation go to the God who knows where YOU need to be. The hundreds of thousands who have left the Orthodox Church in the past 50 years have a different experience of Orthodoxy. Ask Eric Metaxas.
My wife and I are southern Baptist, however I’m strongly considering Orthodoxy but am scared about how it will effect my marriage and my three children. If anyone would like to pray for my family and I to make a smooth transition please do so.
I just said a prayer for you. Have the courage to put yourself in God’s hands and let Him sort it out for you. Have faith, my friend, and follow your heart.
Wake up. The Bible is the story of Yahweh's fulfilled plan of redemption given exclusively to ancient Israelites cursed with the Old Covenant law of sin and death and pertains to no one alive today, soteriologically and eschatologically speaking.
"I only came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel." ~Jesus Christ in Matthew 15:24
"Redemption was only for those who sinned under the first covenant." ~Apostle Paul in Hebrews 9:15
"Jesus came only to redeem those under the (Old Covenant) law." ~Apostle Paul in Galatians 4:5
"Where there is no (Old Covenant) law, sin is not taken into account." ~Apostle Paul in Romans 5:13
This of course means that salvation was only needed by those who had sin taken into account, which is not us today.
"The ADOPTION into Sonship, the GLORY, the COVENANTS (both Old & New), the giving of the LAW, the WORSHIP and the PROMISES only BELONGED to (ancient) ISRAELITES." ~Apostle Paul in Romans 9:4
You've been duped into believing you're a sinner under a law that passed away and need a savior who said he came for someone else, who will save you from a sin that's already been removed and a judgement that already happened and allow you into a covenant that was made with someone else. The fact is, we today were never and are not part of ancient Israel's exclusive and fulfilled redemptive narrative, the Bible. ~Michael Bradley
Will pray for you!
@@josephrohland5604 Do whatever makes you happy, Joseph. You have your own path to follow, as do we all.
You can't have the real presence of Jesus Christ in Protestant Churches Eucharistic Miracle of a beating heart.
th-cam.com/video/747s-WgS7a0/w-d-xo.html
3 Eucharistic Miracle
th-cam.com/video/93cqR-nwI8s/w-d-xo.html
I've known of Hank for a while but just recently learned of his conversion. It appears to me from watching and listening to him vs listening to his critics, it is abundantly obvious that Hank is more patient, compassionate, and Christ-like than any of his spiteful critics, and THAT is all the proof I need.
@MyNameIs Indeed. I left evangengelicalism years ago because it is basically Pharisee'ism 2.0 Thankfully Christ is the savior.
@@mynameis7702orthodoxy ruled in one point in time and it was hell on Earth
I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy...
Generally, evangelicals - like fundamentalists tend not to be very forgiving or even humble. They feel threatened by what they don't understand or don't even want to understand. I speak from my own attitude as a former one.
@@tradertrader8838 or you can just completely give up the fairy tale and immoral beliefs of Christianity.
Thank you Hank. I’m a recent convert to Orthodoxy. Thank you for sharing your journey. It strengthens me everyday.
Hank has been such a wonderful encouragement to me on my path to Orthodoxy. So thankful for his strong testimony to the ancient christian faith
I’m a Protestant Evangelical and considering and visiting Eastern Orthodox Church 3-2023. Update 7/23 I was Chrismated into the Orthodox Church. Today, 4/24 it was the best decision I’ve made.
I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy...
@@tradertrader8838
Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart.
Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different.
Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves.
Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?
@@tradertrader8838
Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart.
Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different.
Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves.
Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?
@@tradertrader8838
Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart.
Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different.
Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves.
Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?
@@tradertrader8838
Friend, let me say a few things I hope you’ll think about. I was a Protestant for 24 years. I had done evangelism for 21 of those years. I learned about evidential apologetics, then years later Presuppositional apologetics from Bahnsen’s works. I even taught others the apologetic. My entire life in Protestantism involved a rational experience, I was in the Calvinist camp. But when I found Orthodoxy, I saw the emptiness of the entire rational pursuit of Protestantism, and maybe, I’m guessing here, but maybe you haven’t left your rational foundation? This is not to say we abandon all thinking, but I’m pointing out something I’ve learned which is that we don’t know God through human reason, but through the nous, our spiritual heart.
Is it possible you’re still remaining on your rational foundation? If so, I can understand why you don’t see others growing in theosis in Orthodoxy. First, you are judging others as not achieving theosis. Why are you focusing on others and not yourself? Why is it them who failed and not yourself who hasn’t achieved theosis? I didn’t hear that from you? For some it’s a life long struggle. This isn’t failure. All are different.
Also some never achieve theosis in this life, like the thief on the cross, yet he entered paradise. Some saints reached theosis in this life in recent years which you can read about. I focus on myself in my struggle for theosis, it’s what taking up our cross and following Christ involves.
Last, you see others growing in theosis in evangelism? What are you talking about? Evangelicals don’t understand theosis. They don’t have an essence and energies distinction. They don’t participate in the mysteries. But some are very good people. All Protestantism like Catholicism or Orthodoxy have their faithful people and not so faithful people. This doesn’t mean one thing is true while the other is false. I know very good and generous Muslims and Buddhists, but I’d never say they seem to grow in theosis. Are you going through something else that’s difficult and aren’t thinking clearly?
Former mega churcher of 20 years here. My wife and I were Chrismated last year and all 7 of our children were Baptized into the Orthodox Church. I’m so glad to be living out the one True Faith now.
Congratulations, yes orthodox-christianity is closer to the spiritual side of the religion more than other religions, I wish you the best for you and your family 🙏
@@DuMySmokePlus but do they ask Saints to intercede when they’re praying?
@@MsTC867 yes, for example in some places around Europe a while ago there were Saint people who did good stuff or miracles in the name of God during their lives and sometimes people from this places still remember this Saints and they pray to God and to this specific Saints too.
Tytheband, if you believe that ONLY NOW you are living out the one true faith is a red flag. EITHER WAY WERE NEVER CHRISTIAN or you've been brainwashed.
ALL THAT ARE "SAVED" ARE LIVING THE ONE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH AND MILLIONS ARE NOT OF THE ORTHODOX DENOMINATION.
@@JesusChristISTHEONETRUEGOD I never said I wasn't a Christian before. Forgive me for the lack of clarity. The Holy Spirit can work wherever and whenever He wants, and that includes other "denominations". I just believe that Orthodox Christianity is the most complete/intact and oldest Christianity that there is. I'm sorry that my comment was overly simplified and not clear. I'm thankful for my 20 years in the "non-denominational" church world. Thank God I had that time.
My husband and I, and our children are orthodox. When I tell you it has been life changing, it has! Everything is amplified and like you said, it's more than symbols, it's life giving and alive. Church history is enhanced, and I am filled. 🙏
I've followed you a long time, and am fascinated by your "conversion". This has actually driven me to study
far more than I ever have, and I am drawn to do even more!. I'm watching your posts and reading all of them
I can find on your journey and where you are! More, please!
Disclaimer: I'm a confessional Lutheran, so I cannot speak from the Orthodox angle. But I can't help but wonder if at least part of what pushed Hank into the OC is the same thing that moved many of us into more historic and liturgical denominations: namely, the current state of American evangelicalism and the woefully mixed bag of theology it contains. If you look at the general Protestant denominations, most of them are all assimilating into the "non-denomination/megachurch" model and are virtually indistinguishable from one another. Their sense of church history starts with either Billy Graham or Billy Sunday, and clear doctrinal distinctions are disappearing, and in many cases that's not for the better. The theology often is superficial, very man-centered, and Jesus is often turned into a moral example instead of the gracious Savior who gives forgiveness of sins to all (you may hear that at first, but it's gone once you've "walked down the aisle" and it's mostly Law from then on).
When you try to make Christianity fit into the fads, trends, and zeitgeists of the culture around you, you end up watering it down. Christianity should be timeless. It should be countercultural in the right sense of that word. It should not be running after the world and jettisoning all of the rich history and theology simply for the sake of gaining a greater audience (which ends up being a false sense of strength).
yeah, and the reaction is equally dangerous because you choose an historical christianity for sentiment and aesthetics.
@@conantheseptuagenarian3824 BHABHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Sorry, I have never met a convert to the Orthodox Church who converted because of this. I have known MANY who converted DISPITE the 'troubles' it caused. The loss of friends, the difficulty of learning an entirely new platform of faith, the difficulty of continually growing in the faith, etc.
WIth all due respect, you and the other dissenting commentators I read/see around the 'net remind me of the old Soviets trying come up with reasons WHY Russians defected to the West. You have to come up with a reason because, if you don't, then you will have to take a serious look at your own system in a humble, open minded approach...and it scares you. So you guys just spout foolishness instead of actually finding out WHY people who know so much are leaving their faiths to come to Orthdoxy.
Before you reply with all of your "logic and knowledge", just answer me this: If what you know is correct, how come there are so many branches of Protestantism? For that matter, how come that are so many branches of even Evangelicalism? Truth is a narrow path. There are now over 46,000+ different belief systems in Protestantism. How can there be? Which is it, do you believe in speaking in tongues or not? I could go on...but just please answer my question. I have yet to find an answer that actually stands up in over a quarter of a century.
@@43pace right, i don't agree with you so i'm a soviet. makes sense. and because there are a ton of protestant denominations obviously your position is correct. good luck controlling your idiocy and bizarre outbursts of laughter.
@@conantheseptuagenarian3824 Wow, you really need to take a reading comprehension class. I didn't call you a soviet. Operative phrase is, "[you] remind me of the old Soviets..." You and your side are making the same mistakes that they made.
No wonder you are so angry. I really feel sad for you. You are in my prayers.
@@43pace cope.
I am falling in love with Orthodoxy and really have started to study the early church fathers and history. Yes many people (as I am) have been historically illiterate. I am starting to notice how many evangelical preachers are hostile and arrogant when talking about Orthodox Christians
Yes they speak as if Christianity began in 1517
Evangelicals are arrogant to everything.
What did the apostle Paul have to say in relation to church worship and function? None of these 'sectarian' churches follow the traditions he recieved and passed on from the Lord concerning church function, either in the East or the West.
Orthodoxy survived all the barbarians who wanted it's destruction, orthodoxy survived for over 500 years the Ottoman empire, with all their shiny sultans, and the muslims, and it survived over half a century of russian gulags and the communist regime who tortured our priests and monks, sending them to forced labour, with over 20-30 years of prison, and less than 500 calories a day. In the communist prisons, our priests endured the worst tortures, worse even than political prisoners. Orthodoxy is unmoved by their arrogant comments. Our priests went to hell and back, for their faith, trough pain and fire. It is irrelevant what those ignorant critics have to say.
I am on my journey to Orthodoxy. My heart is there, and I will likely convert soon.
Keep hoping and praying! Sunday has already dawned!
From what are you converting?
Right behind you!
Foreigners learning about Orthodoxy and having the courage and the will to convert brings me tears! We think we are being Christians, but you Sir are an example!
Update?
Great comment, "My job is not to criticize those that criticize me but build a lighthouse in the midst of a gathering storm..."
Became an inquirer in February 2021 and converted and renounced the reformation (I call it the 'Protestant Revolution') in September. I'm now studying theology and philosophy in Ukraine to become a deacon! Slava Pravoslavyu!
Why renounce the reformation?
@@aidanmcwhirter2612 Reformation relies on some former Catholic monk (Martin Luther) who thought it would be nice to break his monastic vows and oaths to Christ to worship and idolise his horniness for a nun. Eventually, it relied strongly on John Calvin and his colleagues on how they read certain passages that "supports" reformed theology, when its entire motivation was revolution against the French monarchy and the Catholic Church
Main theological reasons are protestantism is circular and relies on private judgement and always say "their mind feels God's presence speaking to them, so therefore, it really is God." Faith alone is a mental game that Satan can manipulate and take advantage of, and the Early Church including the scriptures which the Orthodox Church produced never taught sola scriptura and faith alone. You can't find sola scriptura in the Bible.
@@deVeresd.Kfz.1515
Orthodoxy has some strengths, but I think you are misjudging the motives of Luther and Calvin. Have you read Luther's main writings and Calvin's Institutes? You will see that their main motive was fear of God and a return of the church to the word of God. A reformation was needed, the split could have avoided if the Catholic Bishops would have repented.
Celibacy should be honoured as a great (if difficult) calling, but it should be VOLUNTATY for priests, pastors etc.
@@deVeresd.Kfz.1515 The Reformation does not in any way rely upon "some former Catholic monk". The Reformation relies on the Protestant Principle.
I’ve followed Hank for about 20 years (give or take), his testimony was one of the first people I listened to. We have been officially orthodox for about 6 years. Our experience was like Hank. We felt at home, then started the process of right thinking/learning and letting go of some things that were/are mystery.
I used to listen to him all the time but I was reading where Greek orthodox pray’s to Saints that can’t hear us and he even used to preach against it because they would have to listen to 500,000 petitions a half a second no human can do that, but God because he’s omnipresent omniscience what the heck happened to this man I’m so disappointed in him now
Praise to saints is no different than praising a brother in Christ. I would listen to theoria if you are interested in short clips about understanding. Sometimes a word has another meaning than the original Greek.
We worship one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We praise our brothers and sisters for a job well done.
@@Orthodixi I meant pray’ s to Saints not praise.. of course we have to praise them. Igosh, but not ask them to intercede because they can’t hear so I want to know is Hank now doing that after he used to preach against it?
Awwww pray’s vs praise. How do you know they can’t hear? Or how much they can hear? I may ask a friend to pray for me.
@@Orthodixi because God says, the only way to the father is through his son in Hebrews once u die then his judgment, they were merely flesh imagine Mary would have to listen to 500,000 petitions a half a second. Only God is omnipresent omniscient not a flesh made human.
When I was in my deepest place in my journey through Charismania, it was reading Orthodox writings, specifically the life of st. anthony, that brought me back; though I did not pursue chrismation. But it brought me back.
Hank, Your Orthodox brothers and sisters love ya! Your “testimony” is of great value to the lost. Please keep in mind however, “your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t heed it” 🌹☦️🌹
So true. I am Greek, and although we Greeks are Christians, many of us believe it is something like tradition. We are so blessed to be informed of our True God that is the purpose of our lives, but in many cases we only believe as a habit. Fortunately, something occured in my life this year and it was like a spiritual slap to me. A calling to wake up and ask "What are you even doing with your life? You exist in this world just to have fun and make money? What is your purpose?". From that time I restructure my life to see the beauty of our God. Surely we aren't here by randomness. It is that our modern era is cleverly instucted by devil to make us blind of the truth and let us feel calm in our riches and pleasures. The quickly rythms of our lives today are not helping. Sometimes, we need to pause what we are doing and sarch for the truth. God bless us!
Surely the answer waits in the past!
Many people including myself have the sort of believe but just by habit thing going on. I feel those are the people the Christ will say he never knew on judgement day
I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy... I am from Georgia (country), which is a traditional Orthodox country.
@@tradertrader8838 it seems as your Protestant mindset never left you, and this is the reason you are obstructed from seeing clearly the truth of Orthodoxy and bearing spiritual fruits.
How can you be an apologist for the faith the moment you joined it? We want to teach others, but never learn ourselves. Pride causes distress in the soul and blinds the nous.
You said it correctly, it is a lie and charm; these are the fruits of vain glory. It's not the Orthodox faith that's wrong, its your attitude towards it.
The spiritual life is not apologetics. And I say this as a sinner facing the same temptation. I hope we all reconsider and accept the truth revealed in humility.
My conversion to Catholicism from Evangelical Protestantism was a very long journey as well I can understand where Hank is coming from.
I am a former Protestant who became Orthodox 10 years ago, I have been an active apologist for the Orthodox faith for 10 years, but now I realize that this is all a lie and a charm. I have not seen any real fruits of theosis anywhere in this church. I have seen more actual results of theosis in evangelicalism than in Orthodoxy. This is my personal experience. Now I have two choices, either convert to the Roman Catholic Church or go back to Evangelicalism. My days are ending in Orthodoxy...
Enjoy false salvation based on works.
In Orthodoxy we are not proselytizing and trying to convert people. We believe that the Holy Spirit draws people to our faith and from what has happened here with Mr. Hank Hanegraaf for me it says he was chosen by God to gather a portion of his sheep in the west. Mr. Hank knows. We are the true and original Church. 2000 years. People also need education about us they do not know or understand.
Thank you for sharing your journey. We protestants somehow think church history began 500 years ago. And so we miss the great treasures of 1500 years of faith, the most significant being the real transformational presence of the Lord as our heritage for today.
Ignorant to our own shared history.
But the church in the first century was grace alone! What was Paul talking about in Galatians? Hhhmmm
Speak for yourself... not all Protestants are ignorant of history. Read the Reformers.
@Colin Sheehan Yes because I believe everything Cardinal Newman said....
@Colin Sheehan who wasn't Eastern Orthodox either...
I'm also a convert from thirty years ago. Welcome, brother!
People are not only biblically illiterate but also historically illiterate. That’s so true. People don’t know what the early church believed for 200 years. Go read the early church fathers. Read the early Christian writings. You’ll fall more in love with Christ and the true Christian faith.
:)
Why do we need a Eucharist to be filled with God’s presence when the veil between the Holy of Holies and the Holy Place was rent, making a way for us to experience the presence of God ourselves through the Holy Spirit within us? I’m not attacking...only asking.
@i .....A remembrance, not the transubstantiaton which is a lie. Christ celebrated the passover according to the Mosiac Law, once a year, not every Sunday.
Because Jesus Christ said so in John 6:53-54
Beautiful / POWERFUL
I have a lot of respect for Hank. This will make me examine my beliefs,
But I want to know does he personally pray to Saints now when he was against it before because they can’t hear us because they were merely flesh and blood and they’re busy with Christ at his feet worshiping him. I’m confused.
@@MsTC867 they were still flesh and blood
I used to but not anymore
4:12 That is such a great way of putting it. "Cradle Orthodox", looking into the Orthodox Church as a Protestant I had no clue who or what they were. After doing some of my own research I felt like I had stumbled onto a key part of my faith that had been missing from my life.
While I haven't gone and converted I am seriously considering it in the future. The Orthodox Church needs to go out and reach people in the US. There is a massive untapped market of former believers that have walked away from the faith, and current believers not happy with modern evangelical teaching.
A really GOOD question for Hank would be “ Now that you’ve accepted Orthodoxy, do you accept the Bible complete with the books excised incorrectly by Luther and others in the Reformation AND do you now accept that the Bible you were the “Answer Man” for was incomplete therefore all your answers were also incomplete then?
If someone can find the name of the one and only church to attend in the Bible, please enlighten us, so we can all make that The church. I personally like the idea of a church without walls, where people are becoming Jesus followers, where the Gospel is being preached, and where the Holy Spirit is present.
The original Church established at Pentecost was only One Church and they were called Christians, a “universal” and open to all. Religion, also described at the time as “Catholic”, a Greek term for universal.
Why is everyone on here so caught up in being the “only true denomination”. It’s not about church fathers, apostles or “ holy Mary mother of God”. It’s about Christ crucified to save all of our sorry selfs. Christ crucified and the free gift of salvation. Deny yourself and follow Him. Help people that are hurting, feed the hungry, love your neighbors as yourself and do all of this with a pure heart and in His name. There will be no denominations in the Heavenly Kingdom only followers of Christ.
The Catholic Church (East and West) are NOT denominations. The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic faith is the only way people have access to scripture, the Gospel, salvation, doctrine, theology, etc. God is not a God of chaos and disorder therefore He has established an orderly Kingdom.
Dom the WOP you are exactly right, press on brother, let’s keep a single minded devotion to Christ and His word, and this we will do by the Lord’s empowering grace.
Denominational Christians have no interest in those last few things you mentioned.
Orthodoxy is not a denomination, such language is that of Protestantism. There’s one Church-followers of Trinitarian God. Then, we live that out doing all you suggested (Ep 2:10).
I don’t think everyone here is caught up in being the “only true denomination”. I think people want to be following God correctly and faithfully. What you said the church is about is Orthodoxy in a nutshell.
We do need to be part of God’s true church since it is what He has given us to become like Him and prepared for His Kingdom. Orthodoxy is the fullness of true Christianity and provides a way of life to live and become like Christ. If you really want to get serious about your faith then become an Orthodox Christian.
How's Hank been doing since his Cancer treatment? Looks well.
Welcome my brother, there is joy in Heaven! ☦️🙏
What a wonderful story. This only confirms my belief that Christ does call ordinary people who are truth seekers to the truth.😇
God is great!
I love Hank and very much appreciate his ministry due to his desire to cling as closely to the scriptures as he knows how to.
Yet in my mind allegiance to any man made institution like orthodoxy not a necessity. Christ did not profess any allegiance to any religious institution of His day and the ministry of that time was the only one ever instituted by God Himself. Neither did Jesus advance the idea of any religious organization as a path forward; He only called people to God via His own ministry which He achieved outside of any religious organization extant at the time. It was a matter of knowing who the Christ was and is; not a matter of which sect you belong to.
So I wish each and everyone of you peace in your seeking God's face yet I desire that you should know it does not require an allegiance to any religious institution or organization.
The only requirement is a personal relationship with the Lord our Christ; known as Jesus to many. Do His will, seek His face, and then you will have an opportunity to satisfy His requirements. There is no other path my friends! Jesus is the only path to God; you will find nothing else in the contents of scripture.
Salome
Orthodoxy is not man made.
@@McGheeBentle In the purest sense that is true yet in general practice it is men who will judge whether you are Orthodox or not.
Every sect which uses the word Orthodox in their name had that word placed there by men to serve their own purposes.
@@grindercap No, you don’t understand. Orthodoxy was literally NOT made by men.
@@McGheeBentle Let's say someone does not understand.
@@grindercap Jesus Himself founded the Church. The Church is the Body of Christ, which means that it was not “created” (since Christ was not a created being). Christ established the Church. All Christians of all time and of all places are part of the Church.
To be a Christian who does not participate in the life of the Church is to actually not be a Christian at all.
In 1992 Hank opposed Watchman Nee
Now he embraces him
Hi Penny
Been trying to think through what is happening with Hank. Any reference to his criticism of watchman nee? I'll follow it up. Thanks
Yeah, and your point??? People can change. Did you forget that Saul transformed and was later called “Paul?”
"God performed miracles through the hands of Paul."
-Acts 19:11
The answer me clearly does not have the answers
I don't know if Mr Hanegraaff continues to monitor his you tube teaching clips but I have a couple of comments.
1. Mr. Hanegraaff's radio show was used by God in 1992 to send me to Russia during a period of "Glasnost" (openess) to teach the burgeoning new church the need for orthodox teaching and foundations of the Christian faith. This was solely by invitation of local congregations. Due to this revolution of openess of the former Soviet Union, all kinds of cults and aberrant teaching was storming in to Russia. Everything from aberrant teaching like "word of faith" to Hari Krishna' showing up at the Moscow Airport. Those of us with the teaching gift (Rom 12) loathe Scripture being misquoted, taken out of context and recognize that what is misinterpreted while be misapplied.
2. Our mission organization (Storehouse Ministries) encouraged us to meet with all local Pastor's in a given community and attend their churchs and we were blessed to be received favorably by the local Russian Orthodox Church. In another city I was blessed to have wonderful conversations with a local Pentecostal pastor.
2. I attended several Russian Orthodox churches and without exception sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holiness of the liturgy was palpable even tho I could not follow the language.
3. It saddens me greatly that the body of Christ continues to be devicive, polarized and will fail to communicate and listen with both mind and heart.
Lutheran theology rarely gets considered. We are Protestants but love mystery, are sacramental, liturgical, consider beauty as important, and are students of church history. There is no need to abandon precious doctrines like justification by faith alone, penal substitution, and the law Gospel distinction.
I called the Bible Answer Man about 15 yrs ago. I talked with Hank about how we are saved, Grace through Faith in Christ. I like listening to Hank but I wonder if he still believes that. Does he not believe in Sola Scriptura anymore 🤔?
No he surely doesn't believe the western doctrine of sola scriptura
If he had "converted" to Calvinism instead of the Orthodoxy they would have hailed him an enlightened maverick.
Thank you Hank. I am in transition. Trying to understand.
I am just a simple man with a simple mind and I am just a plain ole Christian. Nothing more and nothing less.
Roman Catholic John Henry Cardinal Newman said, "be steeped in history is to cease being Protestant."
Hanegraff mentions in the interview that many evangelicals do not know church history. So true.
My father was a convert from the Greek Orthodox Church in the 1950s.Thus my interest in this subject.
We all know Catholic history and their pagan beliefs, And the Inquisition. Let it go.
Hank Hanegraaff has often said that within the body of Christ we can debate vigorously but we don't ultimately divide. In that spirit I will point out things that seem to contradict the very things he's taught for years. Does he now affirm leaving things to mystery?, is he Implying Evangelical Christianity is transactional? Hank says in the West there's a sense of snarling logicality,...debating, defining and defending, yet isn't that exactly what his ministry is all about. I'll have to read his book to better understand his current position yet I don't see truth competing with life for importance. Jesus said he is the way, the truth AND the life.
Someone still has to be in America teaching the streets and Orthodoxy is not able to relate. Cultural evangelism must have those who are willing to follow the Apostle Paul’s example to “become all things that I might win some.” I pray Hank is ok with us out here in the grind to raise up disciples, leaders and churches although we don’t do what he practices.
Why would you need to experience God through a Eucharist ritual if God already lives in you after regeneration? You see the contradiction, right?
Not really.
I see someone manufacturing a contradiction though.
Because he commanded us to do so
It is amazing to me, reading through the comments, how many people flock to Orthodoxy for what are essentially sensual, aesthetic reasons. People like this are in for a rude awakening and an endless nomadic experience because deep down, “it’s all about meeeeee!”
The truth is that the Christian life is just that, a life to be lived, it involves not just admiring Greek and Slavic impressionist art of what saints may have looked like but dying unglamorously to yourself every day, not simply sticking to a fasting calendar but apologizing to those to whom you’ve been an insufferable douchebag. It involves sacrificing your time and money and resources for others who could never ever repay you and then not humblebragging about it to anyone. It’s about studying the Scriptures BOTH by yourself in its original historical-grammatical senses AND with a measure of deference to all the old dead guys who came before you and have some smart stuff to say about it. It all has very very little to do with smells and bells and warm fuzzy feelings and serene glances and a capella, quasi Byzantine tunes.
I have met true Christians who are EO, who are Christ-like to their toes and do you know what they DON’T go around talking about? Eastern Orthodoxy! I have met Protestants in the same category - Baptists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Lutherans, Home-Church cats, even some Pentacostals and they are all infinitely more interested in talking about CHRIST than they are about their organizational rubrics.
This is the sort of Christian I am not yet, but very much want to be.
It should be all about Jesus, period. Great insight BTW
I can’t believe he went back to tradition and religion. He used to preach against praying to people that have died that can’t hear us and all that energy should go to Christ. It’s so weird !!!t That just goes to show you how hard Satan is working to get those on his side.
Your saved by grace through faith. I'm seriously concerned about anyone thinking that the church or icons or priest are imparting anything or any grace. I believe it to be Biblical inerrancy at best and dangerous idolatry at worst. God imparts, changes, saves, and transforms yes, but all from Him and for His glory, not that of priests, sacraments, dead saints, or icons such as paintings or sculptures.
I love the Holy Bible as much as you but Church history exists way before Martin Luther called out the Roman Catholic Church for indulgences. It’s very rich. I encourage you to simply read it. Pray on it.
I’m still a Protestant but I’ve been learning more about the history and Orthodoxy. It’s been blowing my mind. Us here in America really don’t understand the DIVENESS of the Liturgy. I’m not telling you to be this or that. Just be a humble student and keep it in prayer as well. I love you. God bless.
You could start with Early Christian Fathers by Cyril C Richardson. Even Google search the Didache and see what the Apostles taught the early Churches.
All Christians should not just be studying the Holy Bible but all of Christian History too. It didn’t begin with Luther’s 95 Thesis.
In the Western tradition, Theosis is a subject to be discussed, argued about, and endured, in the Orthodox tradition Theosis is a life style choice to be embraced, and savored! I tried discussing the subject with an Orthodox deacon and he just became more quiet, contemplative, and not contentious! He seemed to be enjoying even that as a moment of Theosis, sort of like a well-cooked steak and fine wine,
I quit listening to Hank Hanegraaf years ago when he converted from Pre-Millenial eschatology to Preterism. I had no idea he has now abandoned Evangelicalism altogether.
His account here about joining the EOC sounds very similar to many who join the LDS (Mormon) Church. He talks about how nice the people are, how impressive the history and tradition is, how lovely the rituals and ceremonies are. He doesn't seem to mention much Biblical support for the doctrines taught. Kind of strange for someone who used to refer to himself as "The Bible Answer Man."
Well said, I was thinking the same thing. You don't hear of people converting because they read the Bible.
Apostle Paul says salvation is through the written word and tradition of the church. Which refers to the early church fathers. Bible was compiled in the early 4th century and the Eastern Orthodox Church (old calendar) still practices the original traditions even in this day and age
@@constantines.9009 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
The Apostle Paul says Salvation is by Grace through Faith, not of works. Church tradition has nothing to do with it. "Tradition" is mostly referred to in the New Testament in a negative sense, i.e., the preference for man's tradition over the Word of God. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 3:6, the Apostle Paul speaks of "tradition" in the sense of the instructions which he and his fellow-workers gave to the early churches in person rather than through the Epistles. He was not speaking of practices which would be handed down from generation to generation, as we think of "traditions." Nowhere in the New Testament is the notion of Salvation through Church tradition mentioned or even hinted at.
One must choose whether they are going to be lead by the teachings of Scripture or the traditions of a particular church (man). I understand that Orthodoxy places a greater weight on the authority of the EOC and the early church fathers, but where those teachings conflict with Scripture (and they do in many places), the choice must be made as to who we will listen to. Evangelical Protestants, such as myself, cling to the Word of God above the teachings of man. And Hank Hanegraaf used to trust in the Bible above all other authority, making his conversion even more tragic.
One final thought, the Bible as we know it WAS compiled in the 4th Century, but the writings are 1st Century and bore the testimony of those who were eyewitnesses to the Lord's earthly life and ministry. Paul, John, Peter, Mark, Matthew, and Luke wrote long before the "church fathers" of Orthodoxy. Most of them personally knew and had spoke with Jesus in the flesh. Wouldn't their words carry more weight than someone living several centuries later?
I used to listen on occasion to Hank, he could spend a whole show explaining to someone how he is right and every other bible scholar in the world is wrong.
I never had much care for anyone who was always right and never anything less.
@@shrewdthewise2840 Do you see the irony of tearing out the traditions of the people who handed you the Bible? The ones who compiled the Bible and preserved it are the ones who had these traditions. They didnt claim to create it themselves, they claim they got it from the apostles. They also do not claim to have written the Bible, they claimed to have received them from the apostles as well.
As Christians we suppose to follow Jesus and believe in him and the word, religion will take us straight to hell.
The word "religion" is mentioned in the Bible one or two times, and in positive sense. I wonder why Protestants suggest their own understanding of this word all by themselves.
The best that can be said about all "Christians" today is that they are waiting, hoping (begging), and praying to crash a wedding party that was prophesied to take place nearly two thousand years ago.
It's obvious why the grace of God was behind your conversion and not your friend J. MacArthur. You sir are humble and your humility is quite evident in your journey to Orthodoxy; unlike your friend who has too much anger and rage, in addition to his misunderstanding of ecclesiastical history of Christianity in the east. The greatest story l ever heard was that of a Russian monk who upon going east he came into this pagan village where he helped them build houses, showed them how to improve irrigation to better their agriculture and so on. When they asked him what he believed in he said nothing and continued helping them for another 2 months. Finally with his work done he left. The villagers were so grateful that they wanted to know what God this monk believed in, and why was he praying and fasting all the time, however the monk said nothing as his humility took the best of him. Finally someone told them that he was something called an Orthodox Christian. The villagers were so enamored with this monk who left without saying anything that they all immediately turned Orthodox Christians.
If ANYBODY is ‘lukewarm’ in whatever faith they believe or try to follow only in words with no actions, this is not good as ones FAITH does not grow but it remains ‘STILL’ anything that has no active action becomes stale and then it remains ‘comfortable’ this is not FAITH but WORDLY comfort -
ORTHODOXY is not just another religion but is TRUTH and it is this TRUTH that is the LOGOS of God of whom is LOVE+
Theosis is what from the beginning GOD has given to ALL MEN- the enemy is SATANS LIES to destroy GODS SONS and turn Man away from TRUTH+++
May our LORD IHSOUS XRISTOS our One True God have mercy on us and keep us strengthening our Faith +
Let all GLORY BE TO GOD IHSOUS XRISTOS +++
HAPPY LENT to all MANKIND and May Gods mercy bless us all+++
ICXC NIKA
Hank, I ask this humbly - have you issued an apology for all the years of the unabatted and unfair attacks against the Vineyard and John Wimber - during your Calvary Chapel years? I'm hearing you, and I rejoice in this - articulate inaugurated eschatology - something that John and the Vineyard held to almost from the beginning? Now that you are Orthodox - and I am glad you are - you must have left your cessationist ideas behind.
Which books did you read to understand Orthodoxy better?
This may be a bit late, but I am currently working my way through The Orthodox Way By: Kallistos Ware. Started it after finishing Becoming Orthodox: A Journey to the Ancient Christian Faith
We do not believe it is "only" remembrance. We are partakers of the New Covenant. The taking of the bread is the "sign" of our acceptance of this New Covenant. God's presence is not IN the bread but the bread represents His body. If Hank were correct, then that piece of bread was Christ's body, and that piece of bread was crucified for your sins. But, that is not the truth. The bread was not crucified, Christ's actual body was crucified. Our obedience and remembering the New Covenant, as each time we take it, we kind of renew our marriage vows as the Bride of Christ. Something that comes in from the outside does not defile us, that which is already inside of us defiles us. Likewise, that which comes from the outside does not deliver and redeem us, He who now indwells us from the inside delivers and redeems us, from the inside out.
I can relate to much of what Mr. Hanegraaff says here. I'm a former evangelical Protestant who entered the Catholic Church about 12 years ago. What he said about people often not understanding Eastern Orthodoxy and even people raised Orthodox often being ignorant of "the treasure chest that they have inherited" easily applies to the Catholic Church too. Many people form their opinions of Catholicism on anti-Catholic propaganda or what they see in movies, on TV, or in the news, and far too many "Cradle Catholics" have a weak understanding of their faith and fall prey to well-meaning but misguided evangelical or fundamentalist preachers/teachers who bash Catholicism.
Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Ephesians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:14
I wish Dr Walter Martin was still here. I'd love to hear his thoughts on the Christian research institute now.
Wow truer words , actually its very sad .
So, your assumption is that Walt would disagree. Based on? Martin took on Cults, not other biblically-based Christians. I know, my brother worked there and l volunteered there. And, have studied much of his works.
@@matthewvanmatre5137 I wouldn't call Geneva's bloody pope calvinism biblical but a twisted perversion of Yah's character making Him the author of sin. Now involved in eastern orthodox / catholic traditions. I don't see Walter's stamp of approval imo RIP. YAH bless Hank on his walk with Christ n let us all know His truth. Amen
Joe Shmoe l agree with you, Calvinism l think paints God as author of evil and damnation. This thought is the opposite of Orthodox, or biblical theology.
Walter Martins eldest daughter in a TH-cam video called Eastern Orthodoxy versus Evangelical Christianity at WalterMartinDotCom talks about Hannegraphs conversion to Orthodoxy. She says he is unbiblical and unethical and her Father would definitely not agree with the direction Hank has taken CRI. I agree. I think Hank is a horrible example and a smooth double talker. Tell me Bible Answer Man where you find chrismation, holy sacraments, holy icons, Christ in the Eucharist, sinless Mary, and salvation as a process dependent on Baptism, the Eucharist and a workout in the spiritual gymnasium of a dead liturgical church? Don’t misinterpret James 2 either. Interpret it in light of Romans 4.
Hank has now found Christ .? Had he not found him in the previous decades? Does he now view his former faith'religious traditioin as 'wrong' or as simply an alternative from which he no longer feels spiritually satisfied. Does his new tradition take part in the Great Commission?
Why they call it conversion...if you are already a believer already a follower of Christ...?
Because Orthodoxy and Roman Catholics were both the very first Christians. The fullest of Christianity
is found in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches.
Also, in an orthodox way of thinking, we don't convert once, but each day as many times as we are able to repent and to look more like Christ. Every time we repent, we are being converted to a more exact image and likeness of Christ.
@@alexschexnayder8624 I think most Protestants would say the same...but at there’s point of starting. So if I believer “born again” even decided to become orthodox they don’t seem to me to be converting, perhaps only as you say refining more to the image of God. Maybe more so, but still no less convert then when they first turned to Christ.
@@thebluedan it's also a significant change in way of thinking and in doctrine and in the base line seriousness that is expected out of an orthodox Christian.
Because we believe that this is the true One Holy Catholic and Apostolic church that we are members in. But this proclamation need not be seen as condemning non orthodox as hellbound, but we also take seriously the errors that we perceive in the other groups outside of ourselves.
@@thebluedan Well evangelical Christians are always talking about when they were saved. So no protestants don't believe that its an ongoing process
Ok didn’t he used to preach against praying to Saints that can’t hear us because they would have to listen to 500,000 petitions a half a second because they’re not human and they’re busy with God being happy in heaven and they are not listening because they can’t to our miserable life down here what the heck happened, I’m so disappointed if that’s what it is if that’s what he’s changed to
The Orthodox Church. It’s NOT just for Greeks, Russians, or Arabs, anymore.
Based!
Thanks be to God ... ☦️
I love our brother in Christ Hank.
Keep up the good work brother 💕
Love from Georgia ❤️
peace bro
Hank you just added several more books of the Bible you can say you have full understanding & authority on. Hmmm
She gmail Bu Books recognized by early Christians for the benefit of exhortation. Hmmm
Yes, some are not canonical, but you can still learn from them (history, stories). You don’t have to read them. The apocrypha was taken out of the original bibles in the 1800’s. Yes, taken out. A lot of people didn’t realize this
What is the commandment in 1 Tim. 4:11?
I also don't believe he was qualified to take Walter Martin's place.
I've listened to Hank many times and agree with most of his teachings. However, instead of ditching the charade of the Western church, he's jumped from the pot into the frying pan, by going into so-called Orthodoxy.
Luke 22:19, 'And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” He said to do this in REMEMBRANCE of him and not that it will become is actual body. Perhaps all those who believe Jesus was speaking literally should also literally pluck out their eye when it offends.
And it was a real meal they were sharing in the early church, not a fake biscuit and a sip, with the Eucharist. 1 Cor 11:20-21, 'Now when you come together at the same place, you are not really eating the Lord’s Supper. For when it is time to eat, everyone proceeds with his own supper. One is hungry and another becomes drunk.'
And which is the real church? The answer is, not the East ir the West. But all those who believe are the body of Christ, the church. And not the sectarian works which divide. The real church is the body if Christ who meets in his 'Name', not their own. No one follows the traditions set out by the apostle Paul which he recieved from the Lord and passed on. When are going to come to your senses Hank?
American Evangelicalism is largely a borderline gnostic folk religion of escapism from the world and even our humanity. The Incarnation and Ascension of our Lord includes humanity in the Godhead. We are exactly what our Creator intended apart from sin and its effects...we will always be human and that is very good.
It's not really a conversion He chose a different theology and group of belevers. He's been a regenerated believer for a while.
May I ask why you didn’t join the Local Church ie: Living Stream Ministry?
You say you first encountered orthodoxy through Watchman Née and Witness Lee?
One problem I see with that ministry is that they don’t believe believers go to heaven rather unless they’re an Overcomer they go to purgatory.
Icons, saints, and other icons. I don't see a huge difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. I am a bit disappointed.
There are major differences, both doctrinal and practical. You focus on icons and saints because they are a big topic of contention in Protestantism.
Visit mount Athos if you can and you will understand. It is a life changing experience
@@maxavail you're missing the point.
@@youGotMeJumpingLike862 I am not sure how my life can be changed any more by God. Is there another level which God will propel me?
@@robertmacfarlane8176for me, I feel like I’m living a Christian life now. When I was Protestant, I felt like I had to do things to remind myself and then go to church on Sundays. Orthodoxy is an actual Christian lifestyle.
Hank is truly a class act sorry I can't say the same about John MacArthur.
Hank, unlike many christian leaders, especially well known ones, is one of the most respectful, understanding men of god we could be so fortunate to learn from. His teachings & points are well thought, researched & explained. God bless you Hank & all your listeners & supporters.
@Pa M I agree.
I’m just going to be real, I can’t stand John MacArthur. He’s pompous, arrogant and just totally rubs me the wrong way. I don’t like him.
@@fantasybouthour6679 Mac Arthur does make some helpful points. But his tone comes off as you say.
@daniel lopez Every Bible teacher on planet Earth is a heretic these days just ask any Christian.
I really pray for this man. Walter Martin's family believes he basically stole his role as The Bible Answer Man and head of CRI. He became very ill and evidently God showed him mercy and healed him. In the midst of this he converts to the Eastern orthodox religion from Christianity. I believe it was a huge mistake. One which may have eternal consequences. What is he thinking?
Watchman Nee , what a huge impact.
All of his reasons are based upon emotion and not Scripture. That says it all.
why would you claim something like that? Every orthodox teaching is based on the scriptures, and the followers of the people who wrote the scriptures agree with us.
@@josephsaab7208 There is no Scriptural warrant for idolatry. We are not to pray to icons, pictures, dead people, statues nor venerate relics. That all breaks the Second Commandment.
What's wrong with emotions? Emotions are the most important element in our lives. In fact your emotions were the most important factor in your conversion experience. You gave your heart, not your Bible, to Jesus.
@@Logos-Nomos You do not understand the meaning of icons, pictures, etc. Your information is coming from the enemies of Orthodoxy rather than from Orthodoxy itself.
Who should I ask to find out about you.... ask your enemies or ask you?
@@kbblaze9371 The "enemies of Orthodoxy" would be Moses and the prophets who clearly commanded NOT to use anything God has not commanded in worship. I live in an Orthodox nation, debated Orthodox idolaters and listened to their arguments in videos like this one. It is idolatry that beaks the Second Commandment. It is mere sophistry to try to justify what God has CLEARLY COMMANDED YOU NOT TO DO!!!
I did not know that. I also must say I do not listen to a lot of his teachings. I have heard him from time to time and I do agree with him on at least a few topics. But I can easily see what you were saying about him
While I can understand frustration with Protestantism and evangelicalism, as I have I think its very sad that he has joined a "system" makes a mockery of previous teachings by him ...I would like to think he would understand that the tradition's and sacrament's can nullify the word of god because these things become the centre of worship ,our human nature will tend to follow the system easily Sacraments and traditions cannot save people , as he formerly taught .. Christ and Christ only
Hank is a pompous know it all that obviously doesn’t know it all. It’s amazing how he talks down to people from the lofty temporary doctrine that he believes in. didn’t have the answer until he turned a senior citizen? What will he be in 5 more years a Roman Catholic? That’s the trajectory based on this
Im gonna need some sort of evidence that this guy isnt a new A.I. robot.
Does he now pray to Mary? 😢 . Looking at family instead of scriptures for spiritual direction is concerning to me
Eastern Orthodoxy looks like they are sound doctrinally.
They are heretics and schismatics. They abandoned the Chair of Peter in the 11th century and have set up a renegade sect in complete defiance of God's Holy Catholic Church. They are nothing more than Palamite dualist heretics.
@Arch Stanton
*St Jerome*
“I follow no leader but Christ and join in communion with none but your blessedness [Pope Damasus I], that is, with the chair of Peter. I know that this is the rock on which the Church has been built. *Whoever eats the Lamb outside this house is profane. Anyone who is not in the ark of Noah will perish when the flood prevails* ” (Letters 15:2 [A.D. 396]).
Get ready to burn, heretic. The Lamb eaten outside the Body of Christ is rotten.
@@SAHOVNICU Don't you have some amazonian idol to go worship with your pope? You follow an apostate 'church' led by an apostate 'bishop'.
@@SAHOVNICU Wow... the ignorance... To claim that the oldest and true church of Christ is heretic, something must be off with you friend. And also, God's holy Catholic Church doesn't refer to the catholics. Catholic comes from Greek, oh yes, the greek church, (= καθολική in greek) and means universal. It's an adjective that characterizes Jesus' Church. Also Orthodox (=ορθοδοξία in greek) also comes from greek, again the greek church, and is another adjective which means correct, true glory. In the Orthodox church we pray for the one Catholic, Orthodox and Apostlic Church. These are all greek adjectives. It is just after the schism that the heretic west labeled itself "catholics". Read your story before fanatically trying to defend your heretic view.
@@lupinthe4th400
Your heretical sect that denies the Papacy is all but 1000 years old. Your schismatic forefathers of the 11th century severed themselves from the Chair of Peter, from the Body of Christ.
Allow Pope Boniface to put you in your place and shut that forked tongue of yours.
"The universal ordering of the Church at its birth took its origin from the office of blessed Peter, in which is found both its directing power and its supreme authority. From him, as from a source, at the time when our religion was in the stage of growth, all churches received their common order. This much is shown by the injunctions of the council of Nicaea, since it did not venture to make a decree in his regard, recognizing that nothing could be added to his dignity: in fact it knew that all had been assigned to him by the word of the Lord. So it is clear that this church is to all churches throughout the world as the head is to the members, *and that whoever separates himself from it becomes an exile from the Christian religion, since he ceases to belong to its fellowship”* (Pope St. Boniface, Epistle 14)
Did you get that, heretic? Whoever separates from the Apostolic See becomes exile to the Christian religion.
Is that picture at the end Jesus? Wow we’ve got an image of him now! 🤔🤨
Wow! This is very surprising now Hank believes there is in 79 books of the bible (Orthodox bible) which 11 are not canonical. This is very alarming. But I do love and pray for Hank, in which we have a obligation to pray for one another. Blessings
Who decided which books are canonical? You? Martin Luther?
Only the Catholic/Orthodox Church (the one Church of Jesus Christ that breathes with two lungs) can--and did--decide which books are canonical.
@Luis, I’m assuming you’re not much for History. The Fathers are the ones that compiled the canon and gave their lives defending the creeds of Christendom. The ‘extra’ books you mention do not hold the same weight as the canon, but are read for exhortation and often quoted by the people who decided on the canon. So, l don’t think they would’ve chosen heretical teaching to guide new converts. Read the Didache; it was used to instruct new believers.
@@Kirin2022 Well said Kirin, Orthodox and Catholics go back to the
Jesus and his apostles. We both have the fullest of Christianity. Now that doesn't mean protestant believers aren't Christians. They are Christians
both don't have the richness of apostolic Christianity.
I am a Catholic, former protestant believer.
Why didn't you become Catholic?
With all due respect to Hank, his representation that evangelicals had fundamentalist teach “I say a prayer I get a card and I get out of hell “ is dubious and disingenuous and he knows that’s not what it’s taught.
Now he does have a point about Church life. I will grant him that. However, evangelicals are not without assemblies, or institutions where church. Life is promoted maybe not the same way, but people are brought into the church and the church life.
Wow...2nd clip I've heard of you on this. Second time I'm stunned at your weak answers. I was baptized Greek orthodox as an infant. Wheat and tares will grow together everywhere but I think you're striking the rock twice when you talk transubstantion...right off the bat at that. Jesus was standing next to them when he said this is my body, then interprets himself immediately saying do this in remembrance of me. I ve tried to go back but it's an absurdity to cal thel eastern church orthodox as far as Biblical doctrine is concerned. Rome lite. Most parishioners illiterate and uninterested in The Word. "I am the way..." Let's start with that.
Is the holy mass practiced in the Roman Catholic church also practiced in the Eastern Orthodox Church?Do you have a website?
It is different. For one, the RC has changed things and, I believe, might have been slightly different even in the beginning. The Eastern Orthodox Church uses the DIvine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Sadly, he is almost unknown in the West. Thankfully, we have over 2000 of his homilies preserved. The hardest thing for RC's is that the OC 'looks' so similar but isn't because of a different foundation. A different platform, if you will. You just have to relax and realize it takes time...(I have found) at least 3 years to really begin to understand this. Blessed day.
It's very similar to that used by the Eastern Catholic Churches, but these differ substantially from the Roman Rite. Some of the older western rites, like the Ambrosian Rite, are a bit closer to the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is also used on certain feast days, but it's really just a longer version of the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom), but there are some notable differences. There used to be some western rites that were quite close to the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, but during the Council of Trent the Roman Mass was standardized and many of the more ancient rites were lost around that time.
There are western rite orthodox churches in canonical jurisdictions (ROCOR, Antiochian) that would celebrate a western liturgy.
Orthodox is the right one ☝️
Also is way more spiritual than the other types and out traditions are way deeper than the Evangelicals or just Christianity ..
Do I detect pride?
Sorry, to say this, but your not different than others.
the problem is that certain parts of the church deny that the supernatural power of God is for today just as Hank did, he has now found it in the eastern orthodox who I would say are not necessarily getting their power from Jesus.
Transubstantiation seems like idolatory to me...
I came into a supernatural experience of God from being an agnostic, just through wholehearted prayer and repentance. Influenced by a couple of book, Prayer and contemplation by mark gibbard which is about meditating on Gods love for us so we can be filled with the HS and a little book called the CAlvery Rd, Roy Hession that came out of revival in africa in the 1930's. Its more about having the fruit of the Spirit through dieing to self...
Interestingly I think Hank Hannegraaff would not have agreed with the first book. Or a book that really helped me later called Listening to God by Joyce Huggett. This has an emphasis on submitting everything to Christ to come into intamacy with Him....
there is no need to go to the eastern orthodox church, Jesus is right here with me now..
Mr. Hanegraaff is famous because there was strong demand for what he was offering. He has now changed product, for which there is no demand. I think it hurt his credibility. The Evangelical is "Scripture only" and the more he learns of orthodoxy the more errors he will discover.
Liturgy was a fundamental article that the reformers rejected. 1 Cor. 12, 14, describes the free format that the early church used. We think church should be the fellowship getting together to praise the Lord and get into the Word, often also featuring, the Lord's supper and prayer, as the Spirit leads.
By means of his reputation, Mr. Hanegraaff chooses to promote error, and Christian mysticism, but I think he mostly just causes Evangelicals to say, "Am I ever glad I'm an Evangelical."
No, the Evangelical is not "Scripture only". The Evangelical is Evangelical only.
We are catechumens! Walked away from Calvinism and the fractured Protestant church
Salvation is transactional. It is not a process achieved through works in the church but a moment when one is passed from death unto life. The thief on the cross is in heaven today with only faith in Jesus. It is the same for us. We are saved by faith apart from the works of the law. It is not of works lest any man should boast. Jesus said “he that believes and is baptized shall be saved but he that believes not shall be damned” Mark 16:16.
If Hank is trusting in the “graces” given to him in his “church” then he has fallen from grace and is no longer saved. One cannot trust in Christ and trust in anything else at the same time. He either atoned for our sins or he didn’t.
God loves you and blesses you. I am a Baptist pastor, but I am coming from a Greek Catholic church. I loved the ceremonies. I agree western religion is too much intellectual effort. I am not seeing faith alone or grace alone. these alone are added. there is no historical tie to the first church or their teaching.
Whatsoever a man sows that Shall he also reap
Something that I was listening for but did not hear is that you have found Orthodoxy the right place for you because God has called you to that place. What I heard is how Orthodoxy does church the right way ... and that is why you, having discovered this fact, are there. Such logic means that if God had his way, all church-goers, genuine and nominal, would join the Orthodox Church and all other churches/denominations would think about closing up shop. I think greater humility on your part and greater praise for God's part in your arriving in Orthodoxy are in order. It would also help alleviate some of the "Our church is the True Church" nonsense that has bedeviled the Church for centuries. I for my part am very glad to hear that you love the church you are now in. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. But let the adoration for this happy situation go to the God who knows where YOU need to be. The hundreds of thousands who have left the Orthodox Church in the past 50 years have a different experience of Orthodoxy. Ask Eric Metaxas.
a fascinating man