The Full Armor of God

What is faith? How does the Christian live in a society hostile to our faith? This podcast takes us on a journey of understanding the world and heavenly places around us and how the Orthodox Christian tradition calls us to put on the Full Armor of God daily.

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Episodes

2 days ago

In the latest edition of the Full Armor of God Podcast, Father Deacon Don Purdum illuminates the fundamental yet frequently overlooked role of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea who played a remarkable part in reshaping Judaism and paving the way for Christianity.
Unearthing archaeological findings and examining historical accounts from renowned historians such as Philo and Josephus, this episode presents an engrossing study of Pontius Pilate beyond the Gospel narratives. Don introduces an innovative viewpoint, challenging ingrained beliefs while considering the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's bestowment of sainthood upon Pilate. Furthermore, he delves into the motives that might have driven Pilate's decisions and sheds light on the significant political clout held by Pontius Pilate and Judea, including the power to perform crucifixions.
The audience is taken on a journey through the multifaceted narratives of Pontius Pilate, including his political dynamics with Rome, his relationship with other influential figures in the Gospels, and a look into his personal character. By the end of the episode, listeners will be encouraged to reevaluate their understanding of this critical figure in both scriptural and historical contexts.
With reference to various Greek and Latin accounts, including those of Jewish philosopher Philo and  historian Josephus, this episode illustrates a detailed portrait of Pontius Pilate's life and deeds. It probes into contrasting declarations of Pilate as a procurator versus a prefect and underscores the implications and significance these designations carry.
Encompassing a comprehensive analysis of historic events, archaeological proof, and literary sources, the conversation further explores Pilate’s dealings amid distinct clashes and circumstances. Key points of discussions include interactions with the Jewish high priest Caiaphas, reactions to potential uprisings, and Pilate's final downfall post his incident with a throng of Samaritans.
The episode concludes by discussing the wider ramifications of Pilate’s actions and leadership style, particularly his relationship with Jesus, the impact on the Jewish populace, and the alignment of these elements within the broader biblical narrative.

4 days ago

In this compelling episode, host Don Purdum takes us on an intriguing journey to explore the Torah's significance beyond a mere law book. He argues that the Torah, comprising the first five books of the Bible, is not just a set of rules but a narrative that underscores the essence of Christianity.
This enlightening discussion illuminates the complexities of the Torah, delving into its narratives, laws, stories, and covenant. It highlights the Torah's historic context and its vital role in shaping Christianity. This exploration of the Torah debunks common misconceptions while offering enriched insights to its nuanced reality and its place in understanding our faith.
Going beyond the law-book perspective, Don underlines the Torah as a historical account of the Jewish people's relationship with God. Important narratives, such as Abraham's story and the covenant with Israel, are scrutinized, shedding light on how the Torah's commandments, far from being merely restrictive, were aimed at fostering love amid adversities.
Additionally, the Torah's commandments are explored from the perspective of the laws mentioned in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, ultimately guiding us towards an understanding of God's moral standards, which transition from a set of external laws to principles of grace, love, and compassion. These laws serve as pointers to curb societal ills rather than representing God's ultimate moral standards.
The episode concludes with a captivating analysis of Jesus’ teachings, showcasing how God's redemptive plan was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Discover how Jesus embodied and completed the Torah, and why understanding the Torah can deepen our comprehension and love for God.
Ready for a transformative Bible study session? Tune in and widen your understanding of God’s teachings in this thought-provoking exploration of the Torah’s significance in Christian faith.

Thursday Mar 07, 2024

In this fascinating episode of the Armor of God podcast, host Father Deacon Don Purdum dissects the complex nature of sin and salvation as detailed in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. With a special focus on Hebrew vocabulary and the concept of atonement through offerings, listeners are provided with a comprehensive exploration of the early books of the Old Testament's views on sin and redemption.
The episode offers a meticulous walkthrough of the context and history that underpins these books, covering topics from the role of the Levite priests to the experiences of the Israelites in the desert. It delves into their rebellion against God and Moses's human failures, offering a thorough understanding of the challenges encountered by the people of Israel in their early history.
The podcast goes on to dissect the various forms of sacrifices detailed in Genesis and Leviticus, starting from that first act of sacrifice made by God for Adam and Eve. It examines the personal cost and significance of burnt, grain, peace, sin and guilt offerings in the management of sin and the fostering of a relationship with God. The concept of atonement and its implications within the Torah are also discussed in earnest.
Transitioning seamlessly to an evaluation of righteousness, the episode contemplates the Abrahamic Covenant and the Apostle Paul's imperatives about mutual love and burden sharing. It ends with a stark reminder: defiance or rebellion against God's orders can lead to spiritual degradation and bind one to the devil.
Don't miss this immersive study episode that enriches your understanding of sin, sacrifice, and salvation as outlined in early books of the Old Testament.

Tuesday Mar 05, 2024

Welcome back to another stimulating episode of the Full Armor of God podcast with your host, Fr. Deacon Don Purdum. In this episode, we delve into the challenges plaguing modern churches and trace their roots to an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. We highlight the significant impact of Gnostic philosophy on the church's fragmentation.
Take a deep dive into the key teachings of Gnosticism, which advocates the supremacy of knowledge above virtue and reserves understanding scripture to an exclusive group. These doctrines outrightly negate the New Testament teachings which uphold balance in knowledge and virtuous living. Through a comprehensive exploration of 1 John, we establish the reality of Jesus's incarnation—a concept rejected by the Gnostics.
Join us as we dispel the darkness symbolizing sin and embrace the light which represents God's holiness and goodness. Dive into the potent significance of Jesus' blood in cleansing sin and grasp why the new covenant in Christ far outweighs the old. Understand the crucial role of repentance and confession for spiritual growth and closeness to God.
This episode scrutinizes our faith and challenges the fundamental aspects of our Christian walk. Realize that confession of sins and humility are integral to accepting that we truly belong to Him. John's teachings in Chapter 2 emphasize the importance of maturity in faith—the means to discern truth from deceit.
We also discuss propitiation—a Roman law term that denotes satisfying the requirements for forgiveness. Be reminded that the fulfilment of His commandments testifies to our allegiance. The overarching commandments of God: to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. Yet, what does that mean? 
Join Don as he probes these crucial questions in our faith journey, and much more. This episode is designed to motivate, edify, and assure you of your position in the body of Christ.

Tuesday Feb 27, 2024

In this episode of Full Armor of God, host Father Don Purdum takes a deep dive into the profound, often misunderstood Christian doctrine that 'God is Love.' He shares why this concept is crucial to faith, how it affects our relationship with God, and its significant implications.
The show gives a detailed review of the nouns attached to God and the need to comprehend other descriptions such as 'God is Spirit,' 'God is One,' and especially 'God is Love.' Disentangling this concept entails exploring the Greek understanding of love and its four types: Eros, Philia, Storge, and Agape. When referred to God, 'Agape' appropriately depicts God's love as self-sacrificing.
Concepts of God's sovereignty and human free will are also discussed. God's love is seen as so profound that He offers human beings the freedom to choose to reciprocate His love voluntarily, emphasizing love's authenticity. God's love is also further explored from the perspective of a sin-laden world, disproving the untrue assertion that God is narcissistic.
From the episodes of self-sacrifice recorded in the Bible to God's enduring love that dispels fear as iterated in 1 John 4, the discussion culminates in the importance of practicing the sacrificial love Christ demonstrated for us. It concludes with the reminder that practicing this form of love transforms us, cultivating us into individuals more in the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Join this enlightening journey that seeks to deepen your knowledge of God's love and its significance in your spiritual walk.

Thursday Feb 22, 2024

Do you feel disheartened, afraid, or broken? Are you suffering through a painful experience of some kind? In this episode, Father Don talks about the complex concept of 'suffering' and why we go  through hard times that lead us to feel as if we might not ever find peace or happiness again.
This episode embarks on a journey into understanding why Christians encounter struggles and hardships. It confronts and scrutinizes the prevalent misconception that Christianity automatically absolves one of life's troubles, a misleading ideology Don describes as the 'prosperity gospel'.
How do we get through these times?
How do we find hope when we need it the most?
Father Don will also underlines the Biblical value of support and compassion within Church, emphasizing the communal effort in carrying each other’s burdens.
Lastly, don’t miss out on our profound discussion of enlightened biblical figures like Job, underlining that our suffering is fleeting compared to the infinite expanse of time. Tune in for an enlightening dissection of faith, hope, and resilience, in this immersive exploration of suffering and trial from a Christian perspective.

Tuesday Feb 20, 2024

What does it mean when you say you are blessed or acknowledge when others are blessed? Perhaps being "blessed" isn't what you think it is?
When we unmask the true biblical meaning of being blessed, far detached from the material wealth and success that society often associates with blessings, we discover that being "blessed" isn't all it's cracked up to be.
In this episode, we journey through a revision of the common narrative of blessings and present a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to be blessed according to the Bible. Father Don will uncover the meaning of Jesus' blessing the Beatitudes of Matthew chapter 5. He explores how real blessings are felt through the experience of God's indwelling spirit, rather than being dependent on outward conditions and circumstances.
Father Don will also dive into Hebrews 11, illuminating how faith shapes beliefs through the experiences of Old Testament saints. We encourage you to deeply consider your own faith journey - is it in sync with Christ's teachings? Have you calculated the cost of following Jesus of Nazareth?
Join me as I overturn misconceptions about being "blessed," painting a vivid image of how true blessings emerge from suffering and an unwavering faith in Christ.

Wednesday Feb 14, 2024

In this new Bible study series on the meaning of salvation, Father Don Purdum delves deep into the Word of God, challenging commonly held beliefs and transforming your understanding of sin and salvation.
Get ready for an in-depth study of sin, tracing its impact from Genesis 3 through David. Don will introduce you to seven crucial Hebrew words essential for grasping the different perspectives of sin portrayed in the Old Testament. Prepare for a groundbreaking interpretation of salvation as God's restorative plan, no longer tied strictly to legalism but woven intricately with relationships, love, grace, anger and consequences. 
In this episode, uncover the shocking story of King David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) as we break down its cultural and religious implications of the time. We'll dive into Psalm 51 for a unique perspective on David's pleas for mercy and an analysis of the Bible's varied definitions of "sin" for a nuanced understanding of salvation. This podcast delivers a comprehensive discussion about individual sin, mercy, grace, God's judgment, and societal norms in ancient Jerusalem, further enriching your biblical knowledge.
Stay tuned for our next episode where we venture into the era of Solomon and the unfolding prophecies about the Messiah. Don's ultimate goal is not just to educate but inspire insightful dialogue amongst listeners, delving into the historical contexts, cultural nuances, and spiritual insights of ancient scriptures.

Thursday Feb 08, 2024

Have we gotten the Parable of the Talents all wrong? After a study of the culture in Jesus' time I believe we do. The villains are really the two slaves who profited immorally off of others and were praised for it, not the one who saved and returned the single coin. Jesus is actually talking about the economic exploitation of the people by its leaders.
To understand this better, we have to realize how the ancient first-century people understood money, morality, the Torah, and rabbinical law. When we do, it completely changes our understanding of economic morals. 
This leads one to question. Is our economic system deeply corrupted and does it take advantage of people without them even knowing it's happening?
Have you ever thought about the modern economic system in America? 
Does it empower or enslave us? If it's the latter, how should we wisely and shrewdly interact within our economic system?
In Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:11-27, Jesus tells us the Parable of Talents. For as long as I can remember, churches have taught that this passage is about two slaves who used money wisely for their master and were rewarded and one who didn't and was rebuked.
Yet, was this really what Jesus was teaching?
A closer look at the first century reveals that this is not what this parable was about. Instead, Jesus is talking about the exploitation of people. The real hero of the story is the slave who made his master no money. Yet, Americans have castigated this man for decades or centuries. After much study, I examine the moral controversies of profiteering and paint a picture of how honor and morality were perceived in Jesus’ time compared to our understandings and contrast it more appropriately with our modern lives in America.
I hope listeners are compelled to reconsider what they depend upon––money or God. Concluding with Jesus' teachings on shrewdness and wisdom from the gospels, as well as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, this episode pushes us to reflect upon our role in the current economic system, promoting a critical understanding of biblical texts and their historical, and cultural context.

Tuesday Feb 06, 2024

In the latest episode of 'The Full Armor of God' podcast, host Father Don Purdum explores the church's crucial role in an American society plagued by crises. Father Purdum delves into the impacts of recent events, from pandemics to social upheavals, on the nation's job market, economy, and mental health. He discusses the alarming increase in mental health disorders and suggests a correlation with the decline in faith and church attendance.
Through biblical references, he emphasizes the importance of communing in the house of God for maintaining mental wellness. Challenging the common narrative of prosperity leading to happiness, he asserts that true contentment stems from the pursuit of God. The episode also explores spiritual warfare and the church's role as a sanctuary amidst unseen conflicts.
Remarking on existential questions of faith and spirituality, Father Purdum optimistically discusses the promising future for believers. With scripture assuring resurrection and everlasting life, he invites listeners to explore the tangible benefits of faith and church attendance amidst modern-day societal challenges.
Sharing personal insights, Don provides a deep analysis of the importance of attending church. He candidly shares his spiritual journey, acknowledging initial disillusionment with the church before realizing that his faith waned as he drifted away. He discusses the transformative role of artifacts such as icons and sacraments in the Orthodox Church and refutes common misconceptions about these vital spiritual tools, highlighting their role in sharing the New Testament story.
Addressing the declining church attendance, Don sees a silver lining; the sifting out of those attending out of obligation. Quoting a Pew study, he cites valid motivations to attend church, such as seeking proximity to God, moral foundation, personal growth, and comfort in challenging times. The podcast concludes with a call to action - using the Church as an enduring source of faith, strength, and resilience, promising profound spiritual rewards.

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