Alive in Christ

This is Father Gabriel's first sermon leading up to the Consecration of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Boulder Colorado

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 16:13–24, Fr. Gabriel reflects on Paul’s closing words to the Corinthians—words filled with encouragement, gratitude, and love. Paul urges the Church to stand firm in the faith, be brave and strong, and to do everything in love . He names faithful servants like Stephanas and Aquila and Priscilla, reminding the community to honor those who labor for the Church....

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 16:1–12, Fr. Gabriel shifts from deep theology to practical matters. He explains Paul’s instructions for a collection to support the struggling Christians in Jerusalem, encouraging weekly giving in advance so it’s not tied to his visit. Paul outlines his tentative travel plans and emphasizes that his mission is guided by where the Lord opens doors—even amid adv...

This is the Bible Study by Father Gabriel on 1 Corinthians 15:56-58

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 15:50–55, Fr. Gabriel unpacks Paul’s teaching that our current, mortal bodies cannot inherit the kingdom of God. At Christ’s return, we will all be transformed—our corruptible nature replaced with incorruption, our mortality with immortality. This sudden change marks the final triumph over death, as foretold in Scripture: “O death, where is your sting? O Hades,...

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 15:39–45, Fr. Gabriel unpacks Paul’s rich theological reflection on the resurrection and the transformation of the body. Paul emphasizes that there are many kinds of bodies—plants, animals, humans, and even celestial bodies like stars—all with different glories. Likewise, the human body will be changed in the resurrection. Just as a seed must die to bring forth...

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 15:33–38, Fr. Gabriel reflects on Paul’s continued teaching about the resurrection and its deep implications for Christian life. Paul warns that “bad company corrupts good habits,” urging believers to surround themselves with godly influences and live according to their belief in the resurrection. He emphasizes that true belief in eternal life must shape our pr...

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 15:27-32, Fr. Gabriel continues exploring Paul’s teaching on resurrection and its implications for Christian life. Paul emphasizes that Christ reigns until all enemies, including death, are fully defeated. He points to his own struggles and sacrifices, affirming that belief in the resurrection gives meaning to suffering and self-denial. Without resurrection, li...

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 15:23-26, Fr. Gabriel continues discussing Paul’s vision of resurrection and the final victory of Christ. Paul lays out the order of events: Christ, the first to rise, followed by those who belong to Him at His coming. Then comes the end, when Christ delivers the kingdom to the Father, having destroyed all opposing powers. The last enemy to be defeated is death...

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, Fr. Gabriel explains how Paul connects Adam’s fall to Christ’s victory over death. Through Adam, death entered the world, affecting all humanity. But through Christ, the resurrection and eternal life are made possible for all. Paul presents Christ as the new Adam, reversing the effects of the fall and restoring what was lost. This passage highlights t...

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 15:20, Fr. Gabriel discusses Christ as the “first fruits” of those who have fallen asleep. He explains that Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of our own future resurrection, using Old Testament sacrificial imagery to highlight that just as the first offering signifies more to come, Christ’s rising assures the resurrection of all. This hope in the resurrect...

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 15:12-19, Fr. Gabriel continues discussing the resurrection, a central tenet of Christian faith. Paul confronts those in Corinth who deny the resurrection of the dead, emphasizing that without Christ’s resurrection, the Gospel loses its power, faith is futile, and believers remain in their sins. Fr. Gabriel explains that the resurrection is not merely about lif...

(Part 2) In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Fr. Gabriel continues discussing Paul’s proclamation of the Gospel and the resurrection. He emphasizes that the “good news” is not just Christ’s death and resurrection but His victory over death and the demonic powers that enslaved humanity. Paul describes the resurrection as the heart of the Gospel, recounting Christ’s appearances to Peter, t...

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Fr. Gabriel explores the Apostle Paul’s reminder of the Gospel message and the foundation of Christian faith. The discussion focuses on the resurrection, its theological significance, and how it connects believers to Christ’s victory over death. Paul emphasizes the core message: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day, fulfillin...

In this Bible study session on 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, Fr. Gabriel explores Paul’s instructions to the early Christian community in Corinth. The main focus is on the importance of order, peace, and edification in worship. He emphasizes that all spiritual gifts—whether speaking in tongues, prophecy, or teaching—must serve the common good and avoid chaos or self-glorification. The ultimate goal of w...

In this seventh session on prayer, Fr. Gabriel reflects on insights from The Beginnings of a Life of Prayer by Bishop Irenei, emphasizing that prayer is not simply a daily activity but a way of life that unites us with God. He reminds us that the Christian life is marked by a constant desire for communion with God—a thirst that underlies all human longing, whether for rest, love, or fulfillment. F...

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 14:1-25, Fr. Gabriel reflects on St. Paul’s teaching regarding spiritual gifts, particularly the contrast between speaking in tongues and the gift of prophecy. St. Paul urges the Corinthians to prioritize prophecy, as it builds up the church, convicts the heart, and brings understanding to both believers and unbelievers. Speaking in tongues, on the other hand,...

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, Fr. Gabriel reflects on St. Paul’s teaching about the enduring nature of love compared to the temporary nature of all other gifts. Prophecy, knowledge, and tongues will pass away, but love, or agape, is eternal. This selfless, unconditional love reflects God’s very nature and surpasses all other virtues. Fr. Gabriel explains that our current understand...

In this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, Fr. Gabriel explores St. Paul’s message to the Corinthians about spiritual gifts and the essential role of love in Christian life. Paul describes various gifts within the church, such as teaching, prophecy, and administration, noting that these gifts are intended to build up the body of Christ. However, Paul emphasizes that love is the greatest gift,...

In this episode, Fr. Gabriel leads a Bible study on 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, exploring St. Paul’s message to the Christians of Corinth about their role as members of the body of Christ. Fr. Gabriel emphasizes how each person in the Church has a unique spiritual gift, from apostleship to prophecy, teaching, helping, and more. He explains that these gifts work together to build up the Church, with ea...

In this fifth session on prayer, Fr. Gabriel continues exploring how a life of prayer reorients every aspect of our lives towards God. Drawing from Archimandrite Ioannikios’ book, The Beginnings of a Life of Prayer, he emphasizes that prayer isn’t only a time-bound activity but an ongoing process that permeates daily life, guiding us to seek communion with God rather than being overly attached to...

In this episode, Fr. Gabriel leads a Bible study on 1 Corinthians 12:15-26, focusing on the metaphor of the Church as the body of Christ. He explains how St. Paul emphasizes the interconnectedness of believers, each playing a unique and vital role within the body. Fr. Gabriel reflects on the spiritual gifts that God gives to each member, underscoring that no gift is more important than another and...

In this episode, Fr. Gabriel leads a Bible study on 1 Corinthians chapter 12, focusing on the spiritual gifts given to members of the body of Christ. He explains how St. Paul emphasizes that each believer receives unique gifts from the Holy Spirit, which serve to build up the Church as a unified body. Fr. Gabriel also reflects on the profound idea that the human body is a temple of the Holy Spirit...

In this episode, Fr. Gabriel leads a Bible study on October 9, guiding the group through a deep exploration of 1 Corinthians 12. We dive into St. Paul’s profound teachings to the church of Corinth, addressing the challenges of forming a Christian community amidst cultural and linguistic divisions. Fr. Gabriel emphasizes the importance of spiritual gifts and the role of the Holy Spirit in uniting a...

In this fourth episode of the prayer lecture series, Fr. Gabriel guides the group through a reflection on the spiritual journey of prayer, focusing on the concept of passions and their role in spiritual life. He begins by reviewing the previous classes, which covered becoming aware of our spiritual struggles, refocusing on the kingdom of God, and understanding the challenges we face in our prayer...