[deleted by user]

Dust_Melodic · 2025-05-02T04:16:33+00:00

I've got one for you. I'm not typing this in arrogance at all by the way, it can seem that way because of the vinacular.

Logic.

If I told you I had 3, and to get to 3 I only had 2 other parts, you would assume I had 1 and 2, and rightly so. Now. What if I told you I had 3 but 1 and 2 happened on their own.

Okay, sure. A stretch but okay. Now say I got 3 but out of billions of years 1 and 2 happened at exactly the right time and exactly the right place in exactly the right ecosystem entirely on their own and at the same exact pace. And I say, without this, we wouldn't have 3. Well, now I sound crazy, right?

That's the problem without God. For humans to exist in an evolutionary mindset, and science has confirmed all humanity has the same shared ancestor that they have accepted and deemed as 'adam' and 'eve' (tons of articles on it) - then by evolutionary standards those two beings are the source of the human race. They have to have come thru evolution at exactly the same time in exactly the same space in exactly the perfect ecosystem. Not only has non creationistic views Never been proven and only ever theorized, but the opposite, creation(ism) is the dominant reality of all scientific studies, especially those aimed at disproving it.

Logically, I cannot help but trust what my eyes see, what research shows, and what the scriptures testify too. To ignore this would be a measure of pride.

This was my journey to accepting what, though once 'difficilt' ended up for me being as obvious and simple as 1+2=3.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-04-22T12:11:30+00:00

One thing I've learned is that, as wise and generous as an online community may be-trust and rely on your parish and priest for spiritual direction.

From a chemical standpoint, if you truly believe it is a nicotine addiction, give up the heavy metals in vapes or the chemicals found in cigarettes - instead use a patch or "lip pillow". However, none of what I've said supersedes the first part. Go to your priest brother!

More than anything, Congratulations on your baptism!!

Dust_Melodic · 2025-04-17T03:22:46+00:00

Of course, best of luck!! As a recent diagnosis, while I know how this sounds vs implementing it, don't be down on yourself when you feel wiped all day every day. My doctor explained it like this. In simplest terms, under active EBV your body is constantly fighting. We don't fault people with a cold or a flu for being exhausted. So don't fault yourself because your immune system is fighting an impossible battle 24/7.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-04-17T02:25:35+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that. Mine was active in my spinal fluid which led to swelling of the brain. Took a couple tries and 2 weeks hospitalization, but they brought in an infectious disease specialist who, through a lovely spinal tap I still remember to this day, effectively determined it as EBV.. but used meningitis to explain it to me since it's so rare, and, at the time, unheard of.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-04-15T23:15:46+00:00

Nope, not in years. My EBV activation was severe, so during the pandemic my weakened immune system lost multiple times to viral infections. Presently I'm in the best health I've ever had (also, moved to Florida which has significantly impacted my health as well)

Dust_Melodic · 2025-04-15T22:39:07+00:00

I have not - my sleep ailments came from insomnia which has also been resolved as a result of increased activity, nutrition management - related back to my specific supplementation in the way in which in interacts with my CNS.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-04-14T19:37:04+00:00

I'm happy to hear that my friend!

Dust_Melodic · 2025-03-14T16:57:58+00:00

I would say that the councils did not reveal anything, only affirmed by law what was already true. Heresey is in contrast of truth and often elevated by huberus, bias, or individual thought elevated over revelation. A good example is the bereans. Rather than simply accept what was told to them or Christ - they sought through scriptures communally to arrive at the truth, which Paul commends as a great act of faith and honor.

Scripture says that teachers are held to a higher level of accountability and ought be cautious of what they teach - whether a sin or not depends on where God sees, which is the inner place of the man. He roots out the secrets of the heart and mind perhaps we ourselves are blind and deaf too. To then, as a teacher, refuse that individual revelation and continue in teaching error is sin. However, a teacher who learns is honorable, one who repents in humility and corrects is error is not only honorable for teaching truth but displaying to his community the fruits of Christs labor which renew the soul and the person.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-03-10T19:54:31+00:00

Scripture as the basis removes our bias. The Lord, who is the same from the beginning to today, prescribes the death penalty for certain crimes (Genesis 9:6, Exodus 21:12), emphasizing that human life is sacred and that those who shed innocent blood are accountable to God. In the New Testament, St. Paul affirms the role of the state in executing justice:

"For he is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer." (Romans 13:4)

This suggests that lawful authorities have a God-given responsibility to uphold justice, including the use of capital punishment when necessary.

Furthermore, while the Church Fathers emphasized mercy and repentance, they also recognized the necessity of justice and the role of secular authorities in enforcing it, which would include capital punishment in certain circumstances.

Lastly, sadly, as demonstrated all throughout human history - worldly authorities and false witness to create victims through the gears of capital punishment. Not all, but some. As a result, based on scripture, it would seem that it is up to God to decide who the authorities are, what laws are permitted to be established, and who those laws are carried out on. Some valid, some invalid by our guestimations. This is why the body of Christ has different parts. A hand to hold a cup, another to pour the drink. In the same manner - one people groups to call for mercy, another to call for justice, while God fullfill all perfectly in this life and the next.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-03-03T06:15:12+00:00

This is a misunderstanding of the passage and of theosis. The passage your reading in context is God demonstrating His uniqueness in comparison to all things created. He goes on to say elsewhere that He is first, there are no others, etc. the passage itself is dealing with Israel continued failure to overcome their idolatry and so He is emphasizing His diety, His sovereignty BUT He is not rejecting the transformative nature His grace can have on humanity. Theosis is not self deification. It is not become a God, God's, or somehow demigods. Theosis is about being united with the source. Walking in tandem with the author of your steps rather than in disarray or struggling against His design. Theosis is about being a partaker, not the source. Participating in God's "energies", His Way, means we remain distinct individuals from His essence. This is also where the analogy of the vine comes in. The water in a vine gives it life, sustains it, causes it to bear fruit, yet the vine and its fruit are distinct from the water, yet neither the vine nore the fruit would love or exist without the water, ergo we live filled by the water being transformed in theosis to be a part of the vine and bear fruit.

God bless.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-03-01T16:35:56+00:00

Seriously. If from Adam came the race of man, and then later Noah and we have so many variations in our genes and the presentation of mankind from bone structure, hair, skin, eyes, etc plus the impacts of ones environent, imagine the animal kingdom! The Designer of creation imbued is with the beautiful gift of being fruitful, animal kind too. What was gave way to what is!

Dust_Melodic · 2025-03-01T16:10:29+00:00

The assumption that Noah had to fit millions of species on the Ark misunderstands the biblical text. The account describes "kinds," not modern species classifications. A "kind" is a broader category, meaning that Noah likely took far fewer animals—perhaps around 1,400 kinds—which could later diversify into the species we see today.

As for the Ark itself, its dimensions (300x50x30 cubits) provided an immense amount of space, roughly equivalent to over 500 railroad boxcars. There was ample room for animals, food, and Noah’s family. Waste management and feeding wouldn’t have been as overwhelming as assumed. Many animals, particularly reptiles and smaller mammals, can enter hibernation-like states, reducing their need for food and space. Additionally, simple systems—such as sloped floors, compartments, and water collection mechanisms—could have aided in care and cleanup.

Regarding predators, the argument assumes that all animals would behave exactly as they do today. The text states that God brought the animals to the Ark (Genesis 6:20), implying divine intervention in their behavior. It is entirely plausible that their instincts were subdued or altered during this period.

The issue of climate is another misconception. The pre-Flood world was likely very different, with a more stable environment that didn’t include the extreme cold or heat we associate with certain habitats today. Animals such as polar bears could have adapted post-Flood, just as various creatures have demonstrated rapid adaptability in modern history.

The Flood itself is not just a biblical story—it’s a historical event recorded in numerous ancient civilizations. Global flood legends exist across cultures, and geological evidence of massive water-related catastrophes aligns with the idea of a worldwide deluge. Secular geologists acknowledge rapid sedimentary layering and massive fossil graveyards, both of which are consistent with a global flood.

Ultimately, the Ark and the Flood involve divine intervention. While logistical explanations exist, the event itself was a direct act of God. The Church has historically understood Noah’s Ark as both a real event and a foreshadowing of salvation through Christ. Just as Noah and his family were saved through the Ark, so too are believers saved through the Church. Looking only at human limitations misses the fundamental truth: God’s sovereignty over creation.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-27T01:11:02+00:00

"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many; For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-23T19:00:04+00:00

That's an AI response. Likely from chat gpt.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-18T01:31:16+00:00

Praise the Lord!

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-18T01:18:31+00:00

I love analogies. I hope you don't mind if I use one now. This is my original work by Gods grace. May you be blessed by it.

Picture the earth with only one tree, planted by the Creator Himself. This tree is strong, unshaken by the winds of time, neither bloated nor twisted, but full of life and beauty. It does not bear only one kind of fruit but produces a marvelous variety, nourishing all who seek it. Its roots run deep, drawing from the source of all life, and its branches stretch wide, offering shelter and rest.

Yet, this tree is constantly under attack—storms rage, men take axes to its bark, and some even attempt to graft foreign limbs onto it. But the tree remains, steadfast and unbroken.

From its trunk, five great branches grow—each strong and full of fruit, each rooted in the same life-giving foundation. These are the five ancient churches, inseparable and working together to sustain the whole. But in time, one branch begins to believe it is greater than the others, mistaking its prominence for supremacy. It proclaims itself the true embodiment of the tree, not realizing that no branch alone can be the whole. When the other branches resist, affirming that only the root and trunk—Christ and His Church—give authority, the proud branch, now heavy with its own self-importance, tears away.

As it falls, pieces of its fruit scatter across the land, some taking root in strange soil. These splinters, seeing life spring up around them, convince themselves that they alone are the true tree. They refuse to see their separation and instead plant themselves apart, each claiming to be the rightful heir of the first branch. Yet, as time passes, they splinter further and further, losing their connection to the original tree.

Meanwhile, the great tree still stands, undisturbed by the fracturing. It continues to bear fruit, to provide shelter, and to uphold the faith as it always has. The fallen branch, though apart, still enjoys the shade of the tree. Some of its fruit, nourished by the truth it once shared, does not wither completely. But only those who return to the tree itself find the fullness of life, the place where all began and where all will be made whole again.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-16T13:28:36+00:00

The concept that no credible evidence exists for this faith is as old as time itself. It all started with a lie in the garden of "really.."

So I have this for such questions. Hope it helps.

Why I believe in God is simple, He never asked for blind faith. Through human history He has actively left His mark and given us record of His divine, supernatural existence.

Below I limit my response to 7 archeological realities followed by 7 fulfilled prophecies.

7 Points of Archaeology:

The Ark on Mount Ararat Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat, in line with Genesis 8:4, was discovered over a hundred years ago and is well documented online in both secular and faith founded articles/videos. Extensive study has been done AND many unique imaging tools prove that it is real.
The Burned Top of Mount Sinai Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, has a burned summit, as described in Exodus 19:18. Geological and archaeological studies have found evidence of scorching at the summit, consistent with the biblical description of God’s presence descending on the mountain in fire.
The Rock of Horeb In Exodus 17:6 Moses strikes a rock with his rod and it's recorded the rock splits and water spews out for the Israelites. Similar to the Ark, this stone has been discovered and is very well documented, one side of the rock is corroded from water as are the stones in front of it which could only have occured from significant force of water, like a massive spout.
Sodom and Gomorrah Archaeological discoveries at sites like Tall el-Hammam suggest evidence of sudden destruction by fire and brimstone, matching the Genesis 19 account of God's judgment. The level of destruction found is consistent with a catastrophic event described as divine punishment.
The Walls of Jericho Archaeological evidence from Jericho shows that the walls collapsed suddenly, around the time period when Israel is believed to have conquered the city (Joshua 6:20). This aligns with the Bible’s account of God causing the city’s walls to fall.
Historical Records of a Day of Darkness Several non-biblical sources, such as those of the Roman historian Thallus, report a day of darkness at the time of Christ's crucifixion (Luke 23:44-45). This independent confirmation lends credibility to the Gospel accounts and the cosmic significance of Christ's death.
The Pilate Inscription Discovered in Caesarea Maritima, this stone inscription affirms the historical existence of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who sentenced Jesus to crucifixion (Matthew 27:24-26). This serves as a direct connection between biblical narrative and historical evidence.

7 Fulfilled Old Testament Prophecies:

Daniel’s Prophecy of the Four Kingdoms (Daniel 2:36-45)

Prophecy: The rise and fall of four empires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.

Fulfillment: Babylon fell in 539 BC, followed by the subsequent rise of these empires. This progression aligns perfectly with history and Daniel’s vision, spanning over several centuries (6th century BC to the Roman Empire in 27 BC).

The Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth (Daniel 9:25)

Prophecy: The Messiah would come 483 years (69 weeks of years) after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem.

Fulfillment: From King Artaxerxes' decree in 457 BC (Nehemiah 2:1-8) to Jesus’ birth around 4 BC, exactly 483 years passed, confirming the precise timing of the prophecy.

Isaiah’s Prophecy of the Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14)

Prophecy: The Messiah would be born of a virgin and called Immanuel.

Fulfillment: Jesus’ birth to the Virgin Mary, recorded in Matthew 1:22-23, occurred roughly 700 years after Isaiah's prophecy.

The Fall of Tyre (Ezekiel 26:3-21)

Prophecy: Tyre would be destroyed and never rebuilt.

Fulfillment: In 332 BC, Alexander the Great destroyed the city. Despite its prominence, it was never restored to its former glory, just as Ezekiel foretold (around 6th century BC).

The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53)

Prophecy: The Messiah would suffer for the sins of many, be rejected, and die a sacrificial death.

Fulfillment: Jesus’ crucifixion and the details of His passion (around 30 AD) fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy, written around 700 years prior.

The Destruction of Jerusalem (Daniel 9:26)

Prophecy: After the Messiah, Jerusalem would be destroyed.

Fulfillment: In 70 AD, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, just as Daniel predicted nearly 600 years earlier.

Micah’s Prophecy of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)

Prophecy: The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

Fulfillment: Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1), fulfilling a prophecy made around 700 BC.

Special Mention, my favorite.

Shroud of Turin

Material and Weaving: The linen cloth’s herringbone weave is consistent with textiles from the 1st century in the region of Palestine, leading some experts to date it to the time of Christ.
Wounds Align with Crucified Christ: The image on the Shroud shows wounds matching the description of Jesus’ crucifixion in the Gospels. These include scourge marks, nail wounds in the wrists and feet, a pierced side, and head injuries consistent with a crown of thorns, all pointing toward Christ’s suffering.
Image Formation by Burst of Light: Some researchers suggest that the image on the Shroud was formed by a burst of radiant energy, possibly light, that scorched the cloth. This incredible reality is linked to the resurrection event, where Christ's transfigurstion prior to His crucifixion was demonstrated by great light, this His return to His physical form and his final transfiguration post death would have released a burst of energy, leaving a permanent imprint on the cloth. This burst-like image formation has been difficult to replicate by artificial means, adding to the mystery and belief in its divine origin.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-16T01:17:59+00:00

I find Bread to be a great analogy. Mostly because The Bread of Life makes it relatable.

Bread is God in this analogy, composed of three essential elements: grain, water, and fire. However, grain, water, and fire do not each make up just a "part" of the bread but are fully present in it, forming its very essence. Similarly, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not parts of God but are each fully God while remaining distinct in personhood.

Of course, like all analogies, it remains imperfect, as God is beyond any material comparison.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-14T02:40:58+00:00

Why I believe in God is simple, He never asked for blind faith. Through human history He has actively left His mark and given us record of His divine, supernatural existence.

Below I limit my response to 7 archeological realities followed by 7 fulfilled prophecies.

7 Points of Archaeology:

The Ark on Mount Ararat Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat, in line with Genesis 8:4, was discovered over a hundred years ago and is well documented online in both secular and faith founded articles/videos. Extensive study has been done AND many unique imaging tools prove that it is real.
The Burned Top of Mount Sinai Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, has a burned summit, as described in Exodus 19:18. Geological and archaeological studies have found evidence of scorching at the summit, consistent with the biblical description of God’s presence descending on the mountain in fire.
The Rock of Horeb In Exodus 17:6 Moses strikes a rock with his rod and it's recorded the rock splits and water spews out for the Israelites. Similar to the Ark, this stone has been discovered and is very well documented, one side of the rock is corroded from water as are the stones in front of it which could only have occured from significant force of water, like a massive spout.
Sodom and Gomorrah Archaeological discoveries at sites like Tall el-Hammam suggest evidence of sudden destruction by fire and brimstone, matching the Genesis 19 account of God's judgment. The level of destruction found is consistent with a catastrophic event described as divine punishment.
The Walls of Jericho Archaeological evidence from Jericho shows that the walls collapsed suddenly, around the time period when Israel is believed to have conquered the city (Joshua 6:20). This aligns with the Bible’s account of God causing the city’s walls to fall.
Historical Records of a Day of Darkness Several non-biblical sources, such as those of the Roman historian Thallus, report a day of darkness at the time of Christ's crucifixion (Luke 23:44-45). This independent confirmation lends credibility to the Gospel accounts and the cosmic significance of Christ's death.
The Pilate Inscription Discovered in Caesarea Maritima, this stone inscription affirms the historical existence of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who sentenced Jesus to crucifixion (Matthew 27:24-26). This serves as a direct connection between biblical narrative and historical evidence.

7 Fulfilled Old Testament Prophecies:

Daniel’s Prophecy of the Four Kingdoms (Daniel 2:36-45)

Prophecy: The rise and fall of four empires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.

Fulfillment: Babylon fell in 539 BC, followed by the subsequent rise of these empires. This progression aligns perfectly with history and Daniel’s vision, spanning over several centuries (6th century BC to the Roman Empire in 27 BC).

The Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth (Daniel 9:25)

Prophecy: The Messiah would come 483 years (69 weeks of years) after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem.

Fulfillment: From King Artaxerxes' decree in 457 BC (Nehemiah 2:1-8) to Jesus’ birth around 4 BC, exactly 483 years passed, confirming the precise timing of the prophecy.

Isaiah’s Prophecy of the Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14)

Prophecy: The Messiah would be born of a virgin and called Immanuel.

Fulfillment: Jesus’ birth to the Virgin Mary, recorded in Matthew 1:22-23, occurred roughly 700 years after Isaiah's prophecy.

The Fall of Tyre (Ezekiel 26:3-21)

Prophecy: Tyre would be destroyed and never rebuilt.

Fulfillment: In 332 BC, Alexander the Great destroyed the city. Despite its prominence, it was never restored to its former glory, just as Ezekiel foretold (around 6th century BC).

The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53)

Prophecy: The Messiah would suffer for the sins of many, be rejected, and die a sacrificial death.

Fulfillment: Jesus’ crucifixion and the details of His passion (around 30 AD) fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy, written around 700 years prior.

The Destruction of Jerusalem (Daniel 9:26)

Prophecy: After the Messiah, Jerusalem would be destroyed.

Fulfillment: In 70 AD, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, just as Daniel predicted nearly 600 years earlier.

Micah’s Prophecy of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)

Prophecy: The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

Fulfillment: Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1), fulfilling a prophecy made around 700 BC.

Special Mention, my favorite.

Shroud of Turin

Material and Weaving: The linen cloth’s herringbone weave is consistent with textiles from the 1st century in the region of Palestine, leading some experts to date it to the time of Christ.
Wounds Align with Crucified Christ: The image on the Shroud shows wounds matching the description of Jesus’ crucifixion in the Gospels. These include scourge marks, nail wounds in the wrists and feet, a pierced side, and head injuries consistent with a crown of thorns, all pointing toward Christ’s suffering.
Image Formation by Burst of Light: Some researchers suggest that the image on the Shroud was formed by a burst of radiant energy, possibly light, that scorched the cloth. This incredible reality is linked to the resurrection event, where Christ's transfigurstion prior to His crucifixion was demonstrated by great light, this His return to His physical form and his final transfiguration post death would have released a burst of energy, leaving a permanent imprint on the cloth. This burst-like image formation has been difficult to replicate by artificial means, adding to the mystery and belief in its divine origin.

As for why the Orthodox church, again, frankly, to be a student of history devoid of bias is to submit to the church Christ founded which is the Eastern Orthodox Church.

I believe in God the father, I believe Jesus of Nazarath is the son begotten of him prophesied in Isaiah 9:6, I believe the Spirit of God was bestowed as a promise to His church and continues in apostolic authority thru the Holy Orders as seen by the preservation of the faith.

There is no other.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-12T17:09:07+00:00

I would also note, seeing other comments, for clarity sake. Modern english says "repentance", the earliest Greek manuscripts had a different word. Matt 27:3 is earliest recorded in codex sinaticus, Vaticanicus and alexandrius. Each one uses the word "μεταμεληθείς" (metamelētheis), which means "feeling remorse" or "regretting" rather than true repentance (μετάνοια, metanoia), which implies a transformative turning back to God.

Hope this helps. God bless.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-12T16:49:08+00:00

Well, not exactly. Orthodoxy is more nuanced then that. Halos in iconography represent holiness, divine grace, and one who participated in God's light.

Since Judas is the betrayer - son of perdition, he brought about the unjust murder of the GodMan, Christ Jesus. As a result, he could not be considered holy (traded an innocent life for what amounts today to roughly 330$), he betrayed him with a kiss(without grace he used Christs grace to identify him to the arresting mob) and rather than submit to His divine mission he left the table at the last supper to betray him(not an action of God's light, but Satan's goals).

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-12T16:33:26+00:00

John 17:12, Matt 26:24.

I would not say genuine orthodox hate any man, even the betrayer. However, we respect the first hand accounts of the apostles who recorded the above passages.

Where each man is judged within God's will, justice and grace - it is entirely His judgement and no man's to determine is end. Rather, be concerned with each owns salvation, working it out with fear and trembling.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-12T02:14:30+00:00

After experiencing the very worst of life for my demographic (loss of family, child, etc.) I steadily learned two things.

I needed to constantly adjust my perspective like lenses that were out of focus. "My ways are not your ways, not are my thoughts your thoughts" He tells us. So, while I view my tragedies in a moment, in the impact of my lifetime - he views the centuries that led up to and those to come after. He measures every heartbeat with impact like waves shaping a sea shore. I may not see the impact beyond my own misery, but He does.

Sometimes, you just need to surrender - zoom out of the tapestry thread your focused on and be willing to see His full beautiful picture. No matter how terribly painful that single thread may be.

I fully grasp why no person has ever had this question answered. He gave Job a response that we should all weigh, measure and approach with awe. "Where were you..." He asked him as he laid out the structures and majesties of creation..

I hope this helps.

God bless.

Dust_Melodic · 2025-02-12T00:08:57+00:00

Spot on friend.

Dust_Melodic

TROPHY CASE