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The Gospel of John, Part 6
John 3
Introduction / Historical Context
Talk by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)
June 29, 2025

Description: 
Metropolitan Jonah discusses the Gospel of John chapter 3. 
Topics include: (1) On being born again (Gk. "from above") of water and the Spirit in Baptism and Chrismation; 
(2) On "Acquiring the Holy Spirit" (St. Seraphim). Our baptism is indelible. The Spirit is always with us. We cannot completely lose the Holy Spirit. The earnest/pledge has still been given. Our Baptism and Chrismation is the beginning in which we acquire synergy with the Grace of God. But to reach our potential we must walk in repentance (metanoia), being continually transformed by the renewal of our minds/nous. This is a process. The more one cooperates with the Holy Spirit (through Communion and Confession/Repentance, thereby purifying oneself from egocentrism and sin and the many distractions from walking with God) the more one can be said to have "Acquired the Holy Spirit". In other words, allowing God to sanctify our life (mind and nous); 
(3) John 3:16-17: God's great love for sinful man; 
(4) "Doing the truth". It's about how we live, not just what we believe. Those who practise evil hate the Light. We will recognise the Son of God when we live our faith; 
(5) Discussion of Chrismation and Protestant's lack thereof; 
(6) John the Baptist rejoices with the Bridegroom vs. personality cults; 
(7) Grace is the energy / power of God. All grace is the same. But the more we cooperate with God, the more we actualize His will. John the Baptist was given an extraordinary gift of grace so he could be obedient to God and reveal to people the Son of God and bring them to Him; 
(8) On baptising infants and a child's catechism; 
(9) On Catechumens who die prior to baptism: they are given a full Orthodox funeral. God's mercy rules!