Do your duty – 27 April 2023, Anno Domini

 

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 ET us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

 

            One sterling character has my highest admiration, and still does, of any other of the annals of American history, and exemplifies all that is honorable and praiseworthy in the Christian gentleman - General Robert E. Lee. He was a man who placed duty above the goal of glory and, in the end, won both glory and duty well-performed.  He has written, Duty, then is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less. 

 

            Duty is a word which has lost popularity in our modern culture; however, the highest mark in Christian living is to perform our duty to God, family, and country.

 

            Duty is more than a sentiment – it requires ACTION. Used as it is used in Ecclesiastes above, it entails not only the knowledge of that which God has commanded of us, but the action of obedience thereto. Our WHOLE duty is to fear God, and keep His commandments. Fear of God is the beginning of knowledge, and love and obedience to God is the end.

 

            We have duties and obligations as parents to raise up our children in the fear of the Lord, to provide for our families, to serve our countries, and to serve our fellow man. But our greatest duty of all, which encompasses all others, is to perform our duty to God the Supreme Law Giver and Bishop of our Souls.

 

            The motto at the US Military Academy is Duty, Honor, Country, but omitting God from that equation renders it sterile. If we fear God, we shall first do our duty to Him; then, all else falls into place in remaining honorable in our professions as well as in performing our duty to our country. 

 

            Doing our duty to God and country should never evoke an attitude of pride, for that is the least expected of the Christians. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Going beyond the call of duty in our service to God and country is that which is commendable – but no less. The hidden character in man that results in extraordinary courage in a single moment of time elevates him above the common plane and calls him heroic. But to live above that common plane, day after day, is what real heroism is all about. We cannot all be heroes, but we can all be heroic on specific occasions in which simply doing our duty will not suffice. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not have a duty to lay down His life for us, but He did so out of love and self-sacrifice; and He calls each of us to that higher standard of character in following Him.

 

            The laws of God are not all positive, more than half are negative. The ‘shalls’ make up the first four Commandments, and the ‘shall nots’ the last six. But if we keep the first four in our love for God and our fellow man, the last six become routine in our daily living.

 

            The 1828 edition of the American Dictionary of the English language by Noah Webster provides a fuller description of DUTY than most of the more modern dictionaries. Webster divides our duty into the same two categories of the Ten Commandments, that is, those things which we ought to do, and those which we ought not to do:

 

            Duty of Action: That which a person owes to another; that which a person is bound by any legal, natural, moral or obligation to pay. Obedience to princes, magistrates and the laws is the duty of every citizen and subject; obedience, respect and kindness to parents are duties of children; fidelity to friends is a duty; reverence, obedience and prayers of GOD are indispensable duties, etc.

 

Passive Duty: Forbearance of that which is forbidden by morality, law and propriety. It is our duty to refrain from lewdness, intemperance, profaneness and injustice.

 

Perhaps Noah Webster’s definition of duty seems quaint to us today and even old-fashioned, but remember that our God is also quaint and old-fashioned. His Book, though the first and oldest ever published, is still the one by which our lives should be governed. It is sad to consider what duty meant to our forefathers, and that which it has come to mean to us today. The if it feels good, do it crowd’ will never know or understand the meaning of the word DUTY. But those who know and ACT on the meaning are blessed above all understanding.

 

Are you, my friend, a dutiful parent, son, daughter, citizen, or Christian?

My friend Isaac – 26 April 2023, Anno Domini

 

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 ONFESS your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.        (James 5:16-18)

 

            Many moons have passed over the sky since I was honored to share fellowship with one of the most honorable friends, and spiritually deep men of God, I have ever known. He was Isaac Mokoena, Bishop of South Africa, and co-consecrator at my consecration in October 2000. Though a graduate of Oxford University, Isaac was unpretentious and preached in such a simple manner as to be understood by all, including children – much as our Lord taught.

 

            Having arrived in Statesville, North Carolina, in the Autumn while the temperatures were still moderate, Isaac was always uncomfortably cold. I had to loan him a jacket to wear in 80 degree temperatures. He was a kind, compassionate, and considerate fellow who won the hearts of all our gathering at St Peter’s. 

 

            Bishop Isaac had a dry sense of humor. On one occasion during his visit to St. Peter’s, Bishop Isaac and I drove down to Charlotte to meet Dr. James Phelps, a medical doctor and minister in our Church of St. Luke’s. As we neared Dr. Phelps’ home, we passed by an imposing structure that attracted Bishop Isaac’s attention. He asked, What is that, Bishop Ogles? I responded, That is the Presbyterian Hospital, Bishop Isaac. He sat for a few seconds in seeming deep thought and then replied, But still it doesn’t work? What do you mean ‘it doesn’t work’ I asked. He answered, More than 50% of the people who come out of that hospital are STILL Presbyterians.

 

Bishop Mokoena was a great man of prayer. Our bishop of Pakistan had recently deceased, and we needed to consecrate Ernest Jacob as bishop in his stead. But we had been unable to get approval of the embassy in Pakistan for his visa. We contacted our senior Senator Jesse Helms, Hillary Clinton, and several people in the US State Department to no avail. Bishop Ernest had been to the embassy several times and had been rejected each time for a visa. It was Wednesday afternoon and nearing the deadline for Ernest’s consecration on Friday. Ernest had just informed us that the Embassy had, that morning, rejected his request again. It looked hopeless. We were sitting in the fellowship hall of St. Peter’s lamenting our failure to get a visa for our elect Bishop of Pakistan.  Bishop Isaac very quietly asked who had contacted. When we told him, he said, Well, we have contacted every one who is unable to get the visa approval, so, now let us contact the One who is, indeed, able. What a quaint idea! So, we went into the sanctuary and prayed for God’s intervention.

 

Honestly, within thirty minutes of our prayers, we received a call from Pakistan. Bishop Ernest was all excited in telling us that the embassy had just called to inform him of the acceptance of his visa application.

 

Ernest said he was surprised at the call and could not understand the change of heart of the American Embassy – but we understood, thanks to Bishop Isaac.

 

Isaac was also a very humble fellow. He shared a church apartment with Bishop Thomas of India while in Statesville. Bishop Thomas could not cook, so, often at midnight, he would awaken Bishop Mokoena to cook his breakfast which he did.

 

Bishop Thomas wore an elaborate purple cassock with full sleeves. Once, while we were eating breakfast at Shoney’s, Bishop Thomas was reaching for something on the table unaware his sleeve was hanging down in a strawberry syrup. Bishop Isaac said, Bishop Thomas, your cassock is also drinking.

 

Bishop Isaac passed away a few years back at a good old age of 93. But his blessings of faith are still forefront in the minds of those of us who forgot to contact the One who is always able!

 

The world is less joyful at the passing of such men of God.

AOC Sunday Report – Second Sunday after Easter

 

Happy Second Sunday after Easter!

The AOC Sunday Report can be found RIGHT HERE!

This morning we have excellent sermons from Bishops jGerry and Roy, as well as Revs Jack and Bryan.  This being Good Shepherd Sunday, I think that you will find these sermons each quite different and quite enjoyable.  Rev Jack brings the Propers together today.    His sermon can be viewed on video HERE -> https://youtu.be/HvhpntdtFn4

In the Collect, we acknowledge God sent His Son to be both a sacrifice for our sins and a guide for our behavior.  In his General Epistle, Peter points out Christ serves as a perfect example for the conduct of our lives. Not only was He sent to sacrifice His Life for us that we might have eternal freedom, He was sent to provide a perfect example of us, to how we should live our lives. John’s Gospel reading this morning describes Jesus as the Good Shepherd, a role with many facets.  It all comes together, listen or read to understand how. 

Every week we have a full prayer list, today is no exception.  Please start with Tsurumi, Shamu, Tricia, Laurie and work out from there.

There is an Epic week ahead.  Having trouble visualizing it?  Open your heart to the advice from the Holy Ghost.

Godspeed,

Hap

Church of the Faithful Centurion

Descanso, California

United States of America

Second Sunday after Easter

Propers with explanation – Rev Jack’s Sermon – With Video

Rev Jack brings the Propers together today.    His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video HERE -> https://youtu.be/HvhpntdtFn4

 

In the Collect, we acknowledge God sent His Son to be both a sacrifice for our sins and a guide for our behavior.  In his General Epistle, Peter points out Christ serves as a perfect example for the conduct of our lives. Not only was He sent to sacrifice His Life for us that we might have eternal freedom, He was sent to provide a perfect example of us, to how we should live our lives. John’s Gospel reading this morning describes Jesus as the Good Shepherd, a role with many facets.  It all comes together, listen or read to understand how. 

The Propers for today are found on Page 171-172, with the Collect first:

 

The Second Sunday after Easter.

The Collect.

 

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LMIGHTY God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

This morning’s Epistle came from the First General Epistle of St. Peter, beginning at the Nineteenth Verse of the Second Chapter. The Epistle reminds us that Christ, who was completely without sin or guile, not only died for our sins, but suffered humiliation and torture without complaint for us.  Thus, if we, because we believe in God and our Lord Jesus, are subjected to unfavorable comment, criticism or even persecution, we should bear this gladly, as our Lord gave us his example.  If we want to benefit from the Lord’s sacrifice, then we need to try to follow in his footsteps.  We need to look to His example to live our lives.

 

We are as sheep going astray who have been returned to the flock by our Lord, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.

 

We were asked the question, who is this man Jesus?  We answered, he is the Son of God; are we following him?  In this Epistle again, we are admonished to follow our Lord.

 

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HIS is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

 

Today’s Gospel came from the Tenth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. John beginning at the Eleventh Verse. Using the words that give this Sunday its name, Jesus said: I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.  He goes on to say He is not a hireling who cares not for the flock, but rather the shepherd himself.  He understands his job and puts it first, before his desires.  Jesus knows each of His sheep and they know Him, even as He knows His Father and His Father knows Him.  Because we are His sheep, He willingly laid down His life that we might live.  Jesus also points out He is not here to shepherd only the Jews, but all men, And there are other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.

 

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ESUS said, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and know my sheep, and am known of mine, even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.

 

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold - Time and Action

Church of the Faithful Centurion

Descanso, California

You can view Rev Jack's sermon on video RIGHT HERE!

https://youtu.be/HvhpntdtFn4

 

Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and is partly contained in the forewords above. 

 

We are in the Easter Season which consists of Easter and the following four Sundays, through Rogation Sunday.  This is a time we should work on centering our lives on the central figure in our religion, Jesus Christ.  

 

Consider these words from the Collect:

 

… who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life …

 

To understand the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice, it is critical to understand He is the only begotten Son (John 3:16) of God.  He is also referred to in places as The Word, the means by which God is given to the world.  But, more than that, 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.   (John 1:1-3)  Though the corrupted versions of the Bible (NIV, NKJV, RSV, etc) have attempted to erase His Divine Status and the role He plays in our salvation, that does not change the reality of Who He is. He is in simplest terms, the great I AM.  He was the one who brought light into this World. He has been there since before the beginning of time, before the beginning of what we know as our Universe. He created this world, it is by rights His. It is not the true possession of the Prince of this World, otherwise known as Satan. When Satan tempted Christ in the wilderness, he offered Christ something that was not his to give away. This shows how he truly does not understand God or Christ. Christ is the one who created this world and truly is the rightful owner of it and not Satan.  God values us so highly that He sent His only begotten son that all who believe on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

This brings us to Peter’s point in the Epistle, Christ serves as a perfect example for the conduct of our lives. Not only was He sent to sacrifice His Life for us that we might have eternal freedom, He was sent to provide a perfect example of us, to how we should live our lives. There again the Epistle and the Collect tie together amazingly well. Very fittingly, His Ministry acts as the pattern we should look to emulate in our trials and tribulations here on Earth. His Ministry was based upon action. It then follows that we should we in our earthly attempt to follow Him center our words on action.  We need to not just speak nice words but back them up with nice actions as well. As our friend KT pointed out recently, our actions show who we truly are and what we truly believe.  This also connects with the Bible verse from Matthew (6:21) that says “For where your treasure is, your heart will be also.” If we treasure and believe upon Him, our actions will show that we do indeed believe and value Him highly.

 

If we do wrong actions and suffer for it, there is little honor; for we were wrong.  But, if we do right actions, that is follow God’s Will, and suffer for it, there is in fact glory, laud and honor there.  Jesus went to His death on the Cross that we might be accounted as perfect at our final accounting rather than being held accountable for our failures.  He who is, was and always will be perfect suffered great pain that we might live life eternal.  If He did that for us, should we not follow that example and follow His Direction, counting the cost only after the work is done? We can be assured that no matter how bad our sufferings and tribulations here are on Earth, Jesus had it far worse. Not only did He die a painful death, but then He had to descend into Hell and fight the Devil. I think we have it better than He did as far as suffering goes. Just something to think about next time we think our sufferings are so awful. 

 

We are, after all, much like sheep, following the lead of those around us, somewhat like lemmings, it seems.  We have great need of a shepherd to lead us back from the edge of The Pit and to life, back to those verdant pastures and still waters. This Shepherd never will fail to lead us back to the pastures, we just have to pick up the guidance from the Holy Ghost and follow the path He has set for us. 

 

 

In order to follow His Directions to the path He has set for us, we have to let go of our pride, vanity and arrogance and accept His Guidance and teachings of humbleness and humility into our hearts. We have to realize we cannot do this on our own; we cannot save ourselves and we need God’s influence in our lives.   We have to allow the Holy Ghost to enter into our hearts and once He is in accept His Direction and Guidance and then act upon that guidance. It is not good enough just to say we believe, we must actually believe. Actually, believing means if we truly believe on Him, we have no choice but act in a manner consistent with Scripture.  

 

Acting is the key word here, not just talking about it, but acting. It isn’t good enough just to read Scriptures and go on our merry way and act like we did before we read them. We have to apply the key principles of Scripture in our lives and shine the light of Christ to those around us.

 

The Gospel notes the difference of ownership.  Our true owner will, and I might add, has, given His Life so we might be protected from the ravening wolves of this world, the Prince of this World.  We are cautioned to 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:(1 Peter 5:8) But, sobriety only gets you so far; sheep do poorly against wolves and lions. We alone cannot defend ourselves against this great spiritual threat. We need one who is experienced in protecting our souls against the spiritual wolves and lions of this world. Jesus is that experienced protector we need.  Make no mistake, we need the help of that Good Shepherd.  That Good Shepherd calls to each of us, we need the Holy Ghost in our hearts to hear the call.  Regardless of what you have been told by those of this world, there is only One God, One Lord, One Savior.  Thus, there is only One Flock; there are many ways to follow Scripture, but they must all have the same general plan.  That is the reason for the creeds, the reason we tell all to compare what is preached against what is in Scripture.  We need to daily work towards doing a better job of following God’s Will.

 

We need help, He provides it, we need to accept it.

 

The key is action, in this case our action.  We need to actually accept the offered help; like the life ring thrown to a drowning person, we must grab God’s proffered help, else we profit nothing.

 

Be of God - Live of God - Act of God

Sermon Notes - The Good Shepherd - Second Sunday after Easter - 23 April 2023, Anno Domini

 

The Second Sunday after Easter.

The Collect.

 

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LMIGHTY God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

The Epistle.

1 St. Peter 2. 19.

 

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HIS is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

 

The Gospel.

John 10:11-18

 

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 AM the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, andone shepherd.17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

            

            As so fully expressed in the Collect for today, though salvation to eternal life is the greatest benefit we may enjoy in Christ, the many additional benefits of His treasury that redound[1] to the believer are boundless. Peace, Joy, Love, Satisfaction, Comfort, etc. are plainly the blessings of a loving God to His Elect people. 

         Because of those riches in glory which the believer possesses, we are enabled to travel the hard road of life in joy and perseverance. This is elaborated in the Epistle of Peter in today’s lesson. The world is amazed at the resilience of the Christian who suffers loss, humiliation, and deprivation but maintains a glad heart and a happy disposition. The Epistle reveals our Lord as the Plumb Line of Amos 7:7 – Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall madeby a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand. And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more. Jesus Christ is our Plumbline. We measure the Law of Righteousness by that perfectly vertical line which He is. In reality, there is no such office as bishop except as an episcopal division of authority. There are under-bishops (or under-shepherds) but our Lord is the true Bishop of our Souls and the Good Shepherd of the Flock. If you are not familiar with the instrument called a Plumb Bob, ask someone over forty years of age. 

            

            I lived more than five years on the high desert of Iran. My responsibilities included the management and training of military pilots. In flying eastward from our base at 5,000 ft. elevation, we encountered the rocky slopes of mountains towering well above 10,000 ft. We sometimes unintentionally flew over a ridgeline at low level and disturbed the shepherd and his flock feeding on the greener slopes of the desert mountains. Once we discovered the corpse of a shepherd lying dead near the remains and remnants of several sheep. He had apparently been killed by a pack of wolves (the high desert is populated with many such packs) and he seemingly died trying to defend his sheep. Though there were several sheep that suffered death, you can be sure that the shepherd was the first to die. That is the nature of a shepherd who loves his sheep and even names each individually. The sheep KNOW him as he KNOWS them in the same way that we should KNOW the Lord as He knows us. It is not enough to know ABOUT the Lord, we must know Him in a heart relationship. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry themin his bosom, andshall gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40:11) Jesus is our Good shepherd! “11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”Note the emphatic nature of this statement! He is THE Good shepherd – there are no others! 

            

Just as the shepherd of the high deserts of Iran gave his life to defend the sheep, so does Christ!

            

Why did the death of Jesus signify the Shepherd giving His life for His sheep? Because the shepherd is so much above the sheep in knowledge, wisdom, and love. Our Good Shepherd is GOOD (sinless) and the only shepherd that is without sin. He is the only One qualified to pay our wage for sin. All others born of woman are guilty of sin and unrighteousness. “²³  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) The penalty for even ONE sin is death. There is no living human being that has not sinned in some manner or another. “²³  For the wages of sin isdeath; but the gift of God iseternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) The sinless one died to pay the sin-debt of the sinful.

            

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, andbecome the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man camedeath, by man camealso the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (1 Cor 15:20-23) Not only did our Lord die on the cross to redeem us of our sins, but He also rose from the dead so that we, too, may have that privilege in glory.

            

            It is true that the disciples were scattered and fearfully hunkered down in secret places over the three days of Christ lying in the Garden Tomb. 7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that ismy fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones  (Zech 13:7)  They were, for a time, scattered. But once the realization dawned on them that the Lord had arisen from the grave and walked among them, there was never another incident of their cowering in fear. They died bravely in propagating the Gospel all over the known world. 

            

Do you know the mystery of life, or death? He knows, and He has prepared a way for us to respond to His call to life!

            

The Lord has many different flocks. He is the great Shepherd. But regularly, all flocks are gathered into one under the overall owner and shepherd. Whether you are German, Irish, English, French, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, you have become part of the flock of our Lord if you are called and chosen as His sheep. 

            

            Many of varying character and intentions are attracted to the Good Shepherd and His flock. Not all are sheep – some are self-willed goats, and many are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They may be attracted to the wealth of the Great Shepherd, or covet those green pastures to which He leads His sheep. They covet His riches but not His Authority. So these are called ‘hirelings’ who preach for money and not out of love.12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

            

The hireling is found in most churches of today, especially the larger churches. They emphasize money in their sermons and not love. They do not care for the sheep. They USE them. They preach far more frequently on tithing and less on compassion and love.  

            

            Once you have belonged to the Good Shepherd, the devil cannot pull you from His care.11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (John 17:11-16)

            

Once you have loved the Lord with a pure heart, you cannot fall from His hands.14 I am the good shepherd, and knowmy sheep, and am known of mine.15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. Do you KNOW Jesus Christ? Or do you just know SOME things about Him? I have many FB friends whose name I know, where they live, their jobs – but I do not KNOW them. I only know ABOUT them.  Too many in churches today know about Jesus, but do not have a heart knowledge sealed with the virtue of LOVE sufficient to truly LOVE Him.

            

To know Jesus Christ is to love Him. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:1)

            

A

LL things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and heto whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (Matt 11:27)

            

Do you know God the Father? You do not unless you know His Son for He is the one who reveals the Father.

            

Are you feeding in a Presbyterian, a Baptist, an Anglican, or some other fold? You may be part of those other folds the Lord has in other places and churches. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, andone shepherd.

            

Suppose you are arrested for murder. You were caught red-handed in the act.  The Judge in the case is a great man of compassion and love, but He has no choice but to abide by the letter of the law. He sentences you to death by hanging on the next morning. Can you imagine the anguish of that long night before you meet your fate? You are full of fear and regret. What will your family think? How long will it take to suffocate at the end of that strong rope? Will I be courageous, or cry out in fear at the last minute………

            

But during the night, the guards come and open the prison doors and invite you to go free, just as they did with Barabbas! How did this happen, you ask? The guard explains, the Son of the Judge, who is a man of pure character and compassionate heart, volunteered to die on the gallows in your place! He has known of your plight and knows your heart that it is feeble and weak to commit such a horrendous crime, so He will die in your place – and, nevertheless, He loves you!

            

If such a friend dies for you to save you from such a death, how could you not love Him. Well, that friend is Jesus.

            

Do you have friends? How did you get them? How do we make friends? The Lord knows. He became our friend while we were yet His enemy. He has proven His friendship to His elect. 24 A man that hathfriends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend thatsticketh closer than a brother.  (Prov 18:24)

            

Have you reciprocated that friendship to the One who first loved you, my friends?

---

[1] Redound – verb – accrue or contribute greatly to (a person's credit or honor). 

Found, but not sought – 18 April 2023, Anno Domini

 

I

 AM sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. (Isaiah 65:1)

 

            It is often the case the unbeliever is drawn to Christ without seeking Him out. It is the irresistible draw of the Holy Ghost that may bring the sinner fighting and screaming to the Mercy Seat of God. This may seem illogical to the reasoning mind of man, but, of course, all miracles are illogical – and they happen every day.

 

            When our Lord came into His earthly ministry, there were, in fact, two Israels – one national, the other spiritual. These were in complete contradiction to each other. National Israel considered only the material and visible blessings to be evidence of the coming Messiah. They looked forward to a messiah who would defeat every enemy of national Israel and vanquish the Roman Empire from their land. They expected national Israel to be exalted above all nations – politically, militarily, and even racially. Our Lord was welcomed into Jerusalem on the 10^th of Nisan (4 days before His crucifixion) by the multitudes of Jerusalem who entreated Him as King in the line of David. This was the Israel that had forsaken faith in the promise made to Abraham and had added law upon law to the Laws and commandments of God. The heavy spiritual burdens they placed upon the people were too grievous to bear though they themselves did not bear them. Four days later, the same scoundrels were calling for the crucifixion of our Lord.

 

            Spiritual Israel was a different matter. Those who had believed in the promised Seed made to Abraham were a remnant of the greater number who were either perpetrators of error (Scribes, Pharisees, rulers), or else were in darkness to know what to expect and how to discern the true Son of God at His coming. In the fulness of time, all who believed in that Promise – both jew and Gentile – would be considered the children of Abraham and, likewise, Children of the Promise:

 

A

RE ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (Galatians 3:3-9)

 

Spiritual Israel is today, and always has been, the spiritual nation to which God refers. Both Gentiles and professing Jews are citizens of that Spiritual Israel. It is a sin to contemplate with joyful eagerness the rebuilding of the Temple made with hands and in which animal sacrifices, in rejection of that once-and-for-all sacrifice made by Christ, are resumed. I am weary of hearing protestant professors promoting the resumption of those animal sacrifices as well as the gnostic twists they place on Holy Scripture.

 

The Gentile races, just as the Jewish race, is determined by blood lines; but the spiritual Israel for which our Lord suffered and died, is determined by faith alone. The believing Gentiles are no less part of Israel than the believing Jews. The unbelieving Jew who rejects Christ also rejects His part in the Kingdom of God in Israel.

 

W

HEREFORE remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:11-13)

 

It is in Isaac the Promise was given evidence. He came by miraculous birth through Sarah at an advanced age because he was promised. It is through Isaac that the Seed (our Lords Jesus Christ) was foreshadowed – and we believe by faith that this is the self-same Seed to which God made promise, therefore: 6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.    

 

We are all made One in Christ if we have come into that salvation of grace through faith.

AOC Sunday Report – First Sunday after Easter

 

Happy First Sunday after Easter!

The AOC Sunday Report can be downloaded RIGHT HERE!

We are back to our full compliment of sermons. There are excellent sermons from Bishops Jerry and Roy, as well as Revs Jack and Bryan.  Each is quite different, and each is very enjoyable.   Rev Jack brings the Propers together today.    His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video HERE -> https://youtu.be/Zxv3HAzTsck

 

In the Collect, we acknowledge God sent His Son to be both our Savior and Sacrifice.  The Collect goes on to acknowledge it takes only a small ‘leaven’ of malice and wickedness to contaminate out entire being.  In his General Epistle, John tells us that if we truly follow Jesus, we will by our very nature overcome the world.  He goes on to describe the composition of the Triune God.  John’s Gospel portion this morning describes Jesus sending the Holy Ghost to the disciples and more.  It all comes together, listen or read to understand how. 

There are always a lot of people who need your prayer.  It is safe to say today is not the exception.  Please start with the family of George Gunn, in particular his wife Becky, then Tricia, Laurie, Shamu and work out from there.

There is a lot going on this coming week, some good, some not so good.  If you see only the not so good or worse, ask for a little help from that Third God Guy, the Holy Ghost.  He will bring you comfort and strength, as well as clarity and a whole bunch more.

Have an EPIC week.

Godspeed,

Hap

Church of the Faithful Centurion

Descanso, California

United States of America

Sermon Notes - How far from Him? - First Sunday after Easter - 16 April 2023, Anno Domini

 

The First Sunday after Easter.

The Collect.

 

A

LMIGHTY Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

T

HE same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (John 20:19-23)

The Sermon

            Then the same day at evening that is, the first day of the week, the same day when the women had gone early to find the vacant tomb. The time was a time of growing darkness (evening). The disciples, though they had hearsay evidence of Christ’s resurrection, it was not as certain to them as a first hand witness. When the hour grows dark, the LORD may surprise us with Light! Those wicked of this world seek to separate themselves from the reality of a Living God. But the day will come when that separation will become real and eternal. At that day they will run to the mountains and plead for the mountains to fall on them to relieve them of their misery of separation from God, for to be separated from God is no less than Hell itself. A kind and consoling word will never be uttered in Hell. 

 

            Since there is a separation from God, there is no mercy. To the reprobate sinner, there remains only a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Heb 10:27-29) I speak often with men, women, and young people who argue for a different kind of mercy than God offers – a mercy that ignores the Law of God and attempts to adjudicate intentional sin by false claims of love and mercy. Yes, God forgives, but He does not condone habitual and intentional sin that goes without repentance.

 

                Willful sin is an affront to a Holy God. If God condemns adultery (and He does in the most explicit terms), it is an offense to the Holy Spirit for a professing Christian to indulge in that sin. If God condemns homosexuality (and He does in the most explicit terms), it is an affront to the Holy Spirit to persist in the sin after forgiveness of the same by God. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Peter 2:22) I do not say these warnings out of any malicious umbrage to the sinner, but out of warm affection and regard for their souls that may yet be saved by a solemn warning believed. The heart of man desires, continually, to sin; and he will invent many and varied justifications for his sin, but God will not honor those gossamer and flimsy veils for unmitigated sin at the Judgment Seat. It is God’s Law, or Mercy, by which we shall be judged. If we choose Law, we perish. If we choose mercy, we will be changed into souls with a humble regard for God’s Sovereignty, and a heart of contrition for all sin.

 

            What has this to do with our Easter message today? It is germane in many points. We may presume, erroneously, that God is not privy to either our outward sins, or those of the thoughts of our hearts; but He has constant access to every single act and thought of every person born of woman. 

 

                When the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, there comes an unexpected joy! Men tend to gather around common fears in time of trouble. These men were fearful of the same evil men as those who crucified our Lord. They were in reclusive retreat. Do not judge them harshly for we would, beyond doubt, be of the same frame of mind under similar conditions. But here they had gathered quietly and inconspicuously. There was no singing and no praising. Despair was in the air. They had shut and secured the door against ALL comers.

 

            Came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. The disciples had certainly not expected this ‘intruder.’ Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them! (Matt 18:20). Jesus always provides that which is most needful. These men feared for their lives and yearned, beyond measure, for peace. At just such a time, Christ the Sun of Righteousness arises with healing in His wings. (Mal 4:2)He stood in the very midst of them so that all could equally view His presence and know it to be Him. No doors will separate Him from His people for He, Himself, is the Door to the Sheepfold!

 

            And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Though we may hide ourselves from man and God, He will not hide Himself from us when we gather in His name. He never comes in a doubtful fashion, or as an imposter.. He proves Himself by the terrible wounds of His crucifixion. This could leave no doubt in the minds of the disciples as to His identity. They were well aware of the cruel ten inch nails driven through His Hands and Feet, and of the terrible pierce made into His side which made an opening in His heart for those of us of later ages to enter therein. They were glad when they saw the LORD. Should we not be glad also? We may be made glad by seeing Him through His Word, for He is the Word. And the Comforter will always point to Him if we seek Him.

 

            Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. Do not believe that I come bringing more fears and trouble than you presently have had. Jesus reinforces His greeting of peace by reiterating it. Anything which comes to us, the believers, from the Father will always be for our good. The Father has sent Christ to us! We often reflect on the great love of Christ in suffering for us on the cross – and that love is, indeed, beyond any which we can imagine. But how often do we consider the immeasurable love of the Father in sending us His Well-Beloved and Only-Begotten Son to suffer the insults, offences, and torture of the cross for us. You may take it as a given that the Father suffered every whit as much as the Son (and maybe even more). The Father, in His abundant Love, sent His Son Jesus, to die for us - but not to die only, also to rise as well from the Tomb for us. Jesus was the perfectly obedient and loving Son. He did all that His Father had required. And He, too, acted out of an abundance of love which mortals cannot comprehend! His dying paid the price for our redemption. His resurrection assures us of a home in Heaven!

 

But we must know that love is the great power which drew Christ to the Cross. That love gift from the Father in sending His Son is now to be our own model in being sent by Christ into the whole world to preach the Gospel to all nations, tribes, and tongues.

 

            And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. This act was to impart the breath of God (inspiration) to the Apostles to carry forth the evangelizing Gospel and, in so doing, act with heavenly authority. 

 

            Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. What meaning do we associate with this counsel of Christ? Does the priest or minister possess power to forgive, or forego forgiveness of sins? Not at all. But having received the breath and inspiration Christ, we may clearly act in accordance with His Word to declare the forgiveness of sins which God has assured all who forsake and repent of sin. The best explanation I have seen is that of the great Bible scholar and teacher, Matthew Henry:

 

            He said, Receive ye the Holy Ghost, thus showing that their spiritual life, as well as all their ability for their work, would be derived from him, and depended upon him. Every word of Christ which is received in the heart by faith, comes accompanied by this Divine breathing; and without this there is neither light nor life. Nothing is seen, known, discerned, or felt of God, but through this. After this, Christ directed the apostles to declare the only method by which sin would be forgiven. This power did not exist at all in the apostles as a power to give judgment, but only as a power to declare the character of those whom God would accept or reject in the day of judgment. They have clearly laid down the marks whereby a child of God may be discerned and be distinguished from a false professor; and according to what they have declared shall every case be decided in the day of judgment.

 

            Jesus does not mean to grant a sacerdotal mystery in this last sentence. No man, or priest, can forgive sins – or even grant forgiveness of sins on behalf of God. We are to preach and teach the Gospel – precisely the same Gospel that we have heard and read in the Words of Christ. Those who hear, believe, and repent of sin, shall be saved by our preaching and teaching. Their sins have been remitted by our preaching of that sound doctrine and truth of the Gospel. Many will not receive the truth. In fact, their hearts may be hardened against that truth. What hardened their sinful hearts? Our preaching of truth hardened their hearts so that they will have no excuse at the Judgment. They will not be able to proclaim, No one ever told us! The Word of God is a two-edged sword. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Heb 4:12-13) Being a discerner of the intents of the hearts and thoughts of men, it has a dual purpose – either to convict of sin, or to condemn in sin. It most often, unfortunately, condemns of sin since the greater numbers of mankind will always choose the broad road that leads down to destruction. BEWARE that easy and downward sloping path. Choose the Narrow Way that leads up to God. AMEN.