Double Edged Sword ♱ Assyrian Church Podcast

In this episode, we explore the profound connection between physical and spiritual health, challenging the popular saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Through scriptural insights and reflections, we delve into how self-examination and repentance can help us avoid the final judgment of our spiritual physician, Jesus Christ. Drawing from 1 Corinthians and the teachings of the early Churc...

In this episode, Father Genard addresses the recent turbulence faced by Christians, including the assassination attempt on a former president, controversial events at the 2024 Olympic Games, and broader attacks on Christian values. He emphasizes that rather than reacting defensively to such challenges, Christians should focus on embodying and promoting the virtues of love, mercy, and faith. Drawin...

In this enlightening episode recorded during a Central Valley worship night, Father Genard explores the profound meaning of being a Christian, tracing the journey from the early followers known as "people of the way" to the first being called Christians in Antioch, as documented in Acts 11:26. Father Genard emphasizes the importance of embodying Christlike qualities such as love, compassion, mercy...

  In this episode, Father Genard delves into the diverse interpretations of forgiveness of sins prevalent today, influenced by the multitude of Christian denominations worldwide. Despite this disparity, Orthodox and Catholic traditions share a unified understanding on the forgiveness of sins, attributing this authority ultimately to God alone. This concept is exemplified in Mark 2:7, where Jesus,...

Join us as Father Genard interviews Reverend Father Andrew Aziz, newly ordained on June 30, 2024, from the Western Diocese of the Assyrian Church of the East, and his wife, Nenwe Aziz. Father Andrew also serves as the Secretary of the North American Executive Committee (NEC) of the Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association. In this episode, we explore Father Andrew’s inspiring journey to pries...

In this episode, Father Genard presents the idea that while it may seem impossible for humans to change deeply ingrained behaviors or beliefs, divine intervention through Jesus Christ can lead to profound transformation. He illustrates this with two biblical examples: Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector, and the Samaritan woman at the well. Despite their sinful pasts and the seemingly insurmountabl...

In this episode Father Genard sits down with the 122nd Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Awa III. They discuss the importance of using modern-day instruments like social media for the proclamation of the Gospel. The conversation touches on the establishment of a patriarchal seminary, training clergy, and the challenges and blessings of s...

In this episode, Father Genard delves into the vivid imagery of "rubbing salt in the wound," likening it to kicking someone when they are already down. Both actions amplify pain and suffering. The sting of salt or alcohol on an open wound can be excruciating, but it also facilitates healing—a process Father Genard intimately understands from his own experiences with ulcers. Conversely, pouring col...

In this inspiring episode of The Double Edged Sword podcast, Father Genard sits down with newly ordained Deacon Colin Bethishou to discuss his journey to the diaconate. Join us as we delve into the profound spiritual experiences and the heartfelt calling that led Deacon Colin to dedicate his life to serving the Church and its community. Deacon Colin shares his insights on the transformative power...

In this episode, Father Genard revisits Ephesians 2:8-9, delving into the profound truth that salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not earned by works. However, this often-misunderstood passage is only part of the story. Join us as we explore Ephesians 2:10, where we learn that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to perform good works that God has preordained for us. Father Ge...

The podcast episode, led by Father Genard, explores the theological debate on salvation, emphasizing the balance between faith, grace, and good works. It begins with a prayer to the Holy Trinity, seeking wisdom and enlightenment through Christ. Father Genard critiques the Protestant belief in "faith alone," arguing that while Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes grace and faith as gifts from God,...

In this podcast episode, Father Genard delves into the responsibilities and qualities of a true, genuine Christian. He emphasizes the significance of baptism, where believers are buried with Christ and receive the Holy Spirit, sealed with holy oil. A key responsibility of a faithful believer is to engage deeply with the Holy Scriptures. Father Genard encourages listeners to read, study, and attend...

In this episode, Father Genard presents the moral dilemma of balancing compassion with justice within his parish community. He grapples with uncovering unsettling truths about some parishioners while upholding principles of forgiveness and redemption. Genard reflects on the weight of his responsibilities as a shepherd, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining moral integrity in the face of advers...

In this episode, Father Genard delves into the profound question of whether suffering and death are justified. He emphasizes that while suffering is not justified in its essence, it is to be tolerated as a consequence of the fall and accepted joyfully for Christ's sake. He explores the origins of suffering, attributing it to disobedience and sin against God, but underscores that Christ suffered so...

In this episode, Father Genard reminisces about the early days of the internet, recalling a chilly evening spent surfing the web in his cousins' basement in Chicago. Amidst the chaos of his aunt and cousins needing the phone, he engaged in a profound conversation with a stranger about the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit. Exploring the biblical context and interpretations, he emphasizes th...

In this episode, Father Genard emphasizes the importance of being extra cautious during fasting, viewing it as a process of disciplining the body to resist temptations. He highlights scriptures that illustrate Christ's sacrifice and the seriousness of obedience to God's commandments. Father Genard urges believers to examine their motives, intentions, and purposes behind fasting, stressing the sign...

In this episode, Father Genard passionately discusses the profound significance of forgiveness, emphasizing its ability to heal wounds and restore relationships. With a compassionate tone, he shares personal anecdotes and reflections, illustrating the transformative impact of forgiveness in real-life situations. Through his words, Father Genard inspires listeners to embrace forgiveness as a pathwa...

In this episode Father Genarf discusses the concept of offering our bodies as living sacrifices to God. It emphasizes the need for a continual, daily offering of ourselves, not just during church services. Father Genard encourages you to examine how they are offering their bodies as sacrifices and to seek discernment in aligning their actions with the will of God. The message also touches on the i...

This episode discusses the importance of confession and repentance in the Christian faith. Father Genard emphasizes that God does not simply dismiss sins, but calls for accountability and offers the gift of confession and repentance. The example of the parable of the man who owed a debt is used to illustrate the need for genuine remorse and supplication when seeking forgiveness. He also highlights...

In today's episode with Father Genard, he emphasizes the concept of "do unto Christ by doing unto others," drawing parallels between athletes representing their countries in the Olympics and Christians embodying Christ's teachings. Just as athletes' actions reflect on their countries, our actions reflect on Christ. Father Genard references Matthew 25:40, where Christ equates caring for others with...

In this episode, Father Genard discusses the process of becoming an acolyte, clergyman, or prelate in the Church. It starts with a sincere desire from the heart, not just influenced by emotions or fleeting moments of inspiration. Proverbs 16:9 highlights how the Lord guides our steps when our intentions are genuine. Everything should be done for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, in line...

In this episode, Father Genard explores the challenges of taking action in our relationship with God. By drawing parallels with the daring act of jumping into water from a platform, the discussion delves into the motivations, courage, and fears involved. The personal anecdote of descending from a platform becomes a metaphor for overcoming spiritual difficulties. The conversation then shifts to the...

In this episode, Father Genard discusses the importance of cherishing and protecting the valuable gifts we receive, drawing parallels between safeguarding precious possessions and preserving our identity as children of God through Holy Baptism. Father Genard refers to Matthew 7:6, cautioning against sharing holy things with those who may not appreciate them. He likens unbelievers to dogs and belie...

Father Genard wishes a Happy New Year and urges aligning resolutions with God's will. He emphasizes our limitations in understanding God's plan but encourages transforming our mindset. Reading the Bible daily is crucial for discerning God's will. He reminds the importance of accepting God's perfect will, even if it differs from personal desires. The message revolves around seeking,...

Father Genard sends Christmas wishes and talks about the true meaning of Christmas. He reflects on how the essence of Christmas seems to fade as years pass, emphasizing that it's more than just a festive season. Father Genard highlights Jesus Christ as the Creator and explains that Christmas is not merely about celebration, but about continuous giving, sharing, and experiencing the love of Chr...