EP 197 | Eastern Orthodoxy vs. the Bible | What Every Christian Should Know | Redeeming Truth

Why are thousands of young Protestants converting to Eastern Orthodoxy? Is Eastern Orthodoxy really the "one true church," or are many Christians being drawn to tradition without carefully examining what Scripture actually teaches? In this episode of Redeeming Truth, Pastor Jon Benzinger sits down with former Oriental Orthodox insider and now Baptist pastor, Samuel Farag, for a thoughtful, Bible-centered conversation about one of the fastest-growing movements among young evangelicals. Rather than relying on assumptions or internet debates, this episode examines Orthodoxy through its own official teachings and compares them with the authority of God's Word. 📖 Topics Covered • Eastern Orthodoxy • Oriental Orthodoxy • Sola Scriptura • Salvation by Grace Alone • Church Tradition • Assurance of Salvation • Mary and the Saints • Icons • Baptism • The Gospel Navigation: 00:00 – Why Sam compares Orthodoxy to modern Pharisees and Laodicea 00:44 – Why Eastern Orthodoxy is growing in America 01:58 – Samuel Farag's story: growing up Orthodox 04:07 – Eastern vs. Oriental Orthodoxy explained 05:20 – New book: Eastern Orthodoxy Through the Lens of Sola Scriptura 06:17 – Tradition vs. Scripture 07:35 – Growing up Orthodox 09:30 – Fear, works, and assurance 11:11 – Hearing the true Gospel 12:09 – "The one true church" 13:31 – Asceticism and searching for assurance 15:01 – Why Protestants convert to Orthodoxy 16:43 – Is the Gospel too simple? 17:43 – Testing Orthodoxy by Scripture 21:04 – A transformed life through Christ 22:39 – Scripture under Holy Tradition 24:26 – Councils and authority 25:15 – Reading the Bible in Orthodoxy 25:26 – Mary, Jesus, and intercession 27:24 – Is the Gospel different? 29:00 – Icons and salvation 29:25 – Advice for parents 31:17 – What happens when Orthodox hear the Gospel? 34:55 – Monasticism and asceticism 36:44 – How Orthodoxy views Protestants 38:32 – Toll houses explained 39:34 – Samuel Farag's resources 40:26 – Why Scripture—not tradition—must remain our final authority #EasternOrthodoxy #Christianity #Bible #SolaScriptura #Gospel #ChurchHistory #Apologetics #RedeemingTruth #JonBenzinger #SamuelFarag GIVE TO THE MINISTRY: https://redeemeraz.org/give Click here to Subscribe to our channel:    / @redeemerbiblechurchgilbert   REDEEMING TRUTH MEDIA: http://redeemingtruthmedia.org/ Follow us on Instagram   / redeemerbibleaz   For more information about Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert, Arizona, or to help support this ministry, please visit us at https://www.redeemeraz.org Join our Facebook Group:   / redeemeraz   Follow us on Facebook   / redeemeraz   Never miss a sermon, find our Redeeming Truth Podcast in your favorite player, and subscribe!