Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity

Rev Jack brings the propers together today.  His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on videoHERE -> https://youtu.be/8RQkg1Vlj8w

 

First we learn a new meaning for a common word ‘prevent’.  Then when the Collect talks changing our direction, we tend to think we know ourselves better, however that is simply false. God designed and built each and every one of us. Do we truly think we know more than our Creator? That is the foolishness of our natural inclination talking. If we stop to think, we realize, with the help of the Holy Ghost, God truly knows what is best for us and it will be a lot better for us if we listen to Him.   Paul calls usto a new life, different from our old life. He is calling us to reform and to turn a new leaf so to speak. He is calling us to reject the Old Man and accept the Holy Ghost into our hearts so we can be upgraded to the New Man 2.0.  When Luke relates the parable of the feast, it is more than just a seating diagram  It all comes together, read or listen and find out how.  I hope you find it useful. 

The Propers for today are found on Page 214-215, with the Collect first:

 

The Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

L

ORD, we pray thee that thy grace may always prevent[1] and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

The Epistle for today came from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians beginning at the First Verse of the Fourth Chapter.  Once again, Paul calls us to a new life, different from our old life.  A life in which we act in a manner worthy of the better life to which we have been called by Christ and for which He gave His life.  Paul, of all people, knows the importance of setting aside your old life, as Saul did, so that as Paul he asks us to put God first in our lives, to put ourselves last.  He reminds us, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”  The key to a successful life is to put the important things at the top of your To Do List. And, notice it is a To Do List, not a To Think About or To Wait a While List.   What is more important than God?

 

I

 THEREFORE, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, for-bearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all[2].

 

Today’s Holy Gospel came from the Gospel of Saint Luke, the Fourteenth Chapter, beginning at the First Verse.  The Gospel starts out reminding us the Law was designed to be flexible.  The goal is to do God’s will, not to “follow the letter of the law” as the Pharisees were so keen on.  They brought before Him a man in need of healing as they sat to eat on the Sabbath Day.  They watched to see what He would do.  Putting the monkey on their back, He asked, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath Day?”  Wishing to  be in a position to criticize rather than answer, “they held their peace.”  He healed the man, then asked them, “Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the Sabbath Day?”  They would not respond; for the answer was obvious.

 

Then “He put forth a parable to those” who had been invited to dine with him, after He had seen them joust for the seats of honor.  “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest seat; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest place; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”  Do we put God first and let others raise us up, or do we put ourselves first and let others put us down?

 

I

T came came to pass, as Jesus went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; and answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?And they could not answer him again to these things. And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief seats; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest seat; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest place; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

---

[1]                 Prevent is a word that has many uses, and at least one has fallen out of general usage as time has gone on.  This is one of them.  In this case the word prevent means to go before.  Before you object to archaic words, consider this is a current word, it just has a use you may not have been aware of and now you are!  What a bonus for this week!

[2]                 “you all”, normally pronounced “ya’ll”, is clear proof Paul was from the South.

Rev Jack Arnold

Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California

Rev Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video RIGHT HERE.

https://youtu.be/8RQkg1Vlj8w

 

Today’s sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and talked, as is oft the case, of the need for action, not simply diction.

 

Consider the words of the Collect, … thy grace may always prevent and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works …

 

The first thing to consider when you look at today’s Collect is a word: prevent.  Prevent is a word that has many meanings, and at least one has fallen out of general usage as time has gone on.  This is one of them.  In this case the word prevent means to go before.  Before you object to archaic words, consider this is a current word, it just has a use you may not have been aware of and now you are!  What a bonus for this week!

 

So, we ask God that His Grace, His Love, His Power, His Help may go before and after us to protect us and guide us that we might desire to do what He wants us to do.  Why do we need that? Well it is because we have the same failings week after week, thus the same need of God’s help and guidance week after week. 

 

We tend to sometimes think we know ourselves better, however that is simply false. God designed and built each and every one of us. Do we truly think we know more than our Creator? That is the foolishness of our natural inclination talking.  If we stop to think, we realize, with the help of the Holy Ghost, God truly knows what is best for us and it will be a lot better for us if we listen to him.  If we follow what He wants for us, we are guaranteed to have good results in the long run. It does not mean we will not suffer in the short term; however it means if we follow God's will for us, then we will come out ahead in the end, in our eternal life. Which in the end is what matters in eternal life. Whatever suffering we go through in this life is only temporary, in the eternal life we will not suffer but have everlasting joy. The question we have to ask ourselves is in the end will it be our will that is followed or God’s will? 

 

As a matter of course, we will make mischief and or trouble, some of us more than others. God is the ever patient father who has to gently warn us and allow us to experience the consequences of our inclination to sin, in order to learn not to do it. This is His form of correction. He seldom corrects us directly, but allows us to be corrected by our consequences of our bad decisions. Contrary to what some people think he rarely punishes us directly, but lets the consequences of our bad choices do that for Him. He expects that we will learn from the consequences of our bad decisions and move on and do our best not to do it again. If we never got to experience the natural results of our mistakes, we would never learn. We have to experience these results of our mistakes in order to learn and do better next time. It is impossible to learn without  making mistakes. Making mistakes is how we learn. We have to learn from our mistakes of course, but we cannot truly learn if we don’t make mistakes. When bad things happen as a result of our doing, it is not His fault that's it happened, but our fault for not having done what we were supposed to do because it was too difficult. 

 

The other part of the collect talks about asking God to make us be continually given to do good works. This means to put His Will into our heart and give us a desire to continually do good works for others, by given, the collect means to put a desire into our hearts to do God’s Will here on Earth and part of doing His Will on Earth is performing good actions, otherwise known as good works. Naturally we are not given to do good works, so we are in need of his help and guidance in order to perform the said good works. If we are followers of Christ, as a matter of course, we will perform such good works as those of which we are capable. However, we cannot perform these good works of our own accord; we need His guiding spirit, so we ask Him to shine and come into our hearts and help us have the mindset to do those good works for Him. 

 

Through consequences of our sinful actions, we know that we shouldn’t do it again.  We know, often very clearly, what we want; God knows, always very clearly, what we need.  There is almost always a distinct difference between what we want and what we need. God knows what we want is usually not good for us. But what we need is always good for us. 

 

But we do not often know what God wants for us, so we have to first pray to Him to find out what He wants, then the most critical step of the communications is we have to listen to what He says and once we listen, then act upon what He says.  They key part here is we have to act upon what He says, not just listen and go off and do whatever we want to do. He is there, like the rubrics to guide us along our paths in our daily life.  So, we need to ask God every day, every time, for help to do our duty. Every day, every time, He will answer our questions, we just need to open our hearts, souls, minds and ears to Him, and after hearing His Answer, act upon it

 

So, what does Paul tell us in his letter to us? He is callings to a new life, different from our old life.  He is calling us to reform and to turn a new leaf so to speak. He is calling us to reject the Old Man and accept the Holy Ghost into our hearts so we can be upgraded to the New Man 2.0. He calls us to leave the old sinful live behind and live anew as one of God’s family members. It is not the easiest thing in the world to do, but as the saying goes, nothing worth doing is ever easy. With the help of the Holy Ghost we can live this new life and turn our back on our old sinful lives. 

 

This is made possible by the Holy Ghost, who is our lifeline to God our Father. Paul, of all people, knows the importance of setting aside your old life, as Saul did; as Paul he asks us to put God first in our lives, to put ourselves last.  He even changed his name to reflect his state as a new man under Our Lord’s leadership. He reminds us, There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  The key to a successful life is to put the important things at the top of your To Do List. And, notice it is a To Do List, not a To Think About or To Wait a While List.  It is not a I’ll Get a Round To It List, or What I Don’t Want to Do List.  What is more important than God? It is all about prioritization, putting God ahead of your wants and desires. 

 

When Luke relates the parable of the feast, it is more than just a seating diagram. I liken it to the tale of the publican and the Pharisee. When Christ talks about the man who exalts himself and sits too high at the wedding and thus must be abased, that would be the Pharisee. When Christ then talks about the man who sits low, and is raised to the higher station, I think of the publican, who smote his breast and would not even raise up his eyes to heaven. We have to be the publican in our dealings with not only God, but all people, rather than our natural tendency of being the Pharisee. We should not be one of those selfish individuals who always causes grief for others because he is blind to his own faults and only thinks of himself. Again, as with the ceasing from sin, this is one of the harder things we have to do. But it must be done, no matter how we feel about it. So, let us turn to our Lord to help with it, because He alone can help us. He can only help us if we are truly willing with our hearts, souls and minds. We have to be willing to act and do actions, and not just say it.  

 

It is very possible to do good deeds and have fun doing them. The time we spent in worship with the other ministers and their wives at the AOC Conventions in the past proves this. Doing good things for other people and being with other believers gives me some of the greatest happiness I have ever felt. This comes from the Holy Ghost, from being inspired by Him, around other believers. Wherever two or three or gathered, Christ is there also. It is a wonderful feeling wherever He is.

 

Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail.  The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.

 

The time is now, not tomorrow.  The time has come, indeed.  How will you ACT?

 

It is by our actions we are known.

 

Be of God - Live of God - Act of God

Soldier’s Heart – 29 September 2023, Anno Domini

 

F

IGHT the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.   (1 Timothy 6:12)

 

            This devotion is not directed to the American Soldier, or those military soldiers of other freedom-loving nations, for they need no accolades from me. I will direct my thoughts to the qualities intrinsic to the Christian soldier who courageously stands on truth even if he stands alone. He or she realizes that standing with God is always the right decision and not subject to debate or compromise.

 

            In committing one’s life to Christ, one must understand this is not a lightly taken commission, but one that will make demands of self-sacrifice and self-denial much like the military soldier of the line. Such a commitment may not lead to the necessity of physically dying for the faith, but the commitment to do so if necessary is just as real as that of the line soldier. In a spiritual sense, every Christian dies to self and lives for Christ. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

 

            Just as in the military service, the Christian soldier (all Christians are soldiers in the Army of God) must abandon selfish desires and turn his labors to the defense of moral virtues and the benefit of others.  As the military soldier, the Christian soldier often must abandon the comforts of home, and often even family, to serve in places not convenient or pleasing. The upside of such sacrifice is the satisfaction and comfort of one’s duty to God and man faithfully performed. If we are the salt of the earth, though applied sparingly to the spiritual fare, the souls of others are lifted on the high tides of God’s love. 

             

The element of courageous conviction is the mark of both a good military soldier as well as a Christian soldier. It is the love of Liberty that has compelled the American soldier to heights of courageous grandeur in our past battles, and it is the same love of Liberty in Christ – the very Author of Liberty – that compels the Christian missionary to leave hearth and home to go into the jungles and deserts of the world to proclaim the Gospel that makes all men and women free. 

 

            Another salient quality of the good soldier is sound discipline and a high regard for obedience to the Higher Authority which, to the Christian, is almighty God. It is God who has issued our marching orders as Christian soldiers – it is from Him that we have received our commissions to march to the front and engage the enemy of the soul of man. We must be obedient soldiers in executing our duties and responsibilities under God to press the battle forward to areas hostile to our faith. We march under the banner of love and not hate  . . . his banner over me was love.  Song of Solomon 2:4 We must look to the goal across the field of battle. It is designated by our Ensign that leads far ahead of his maneuver elements of the church in battle.

 

            Loyalty to the nation and cause of country stands foremost in the distinction of the soldier, a veteran of many battles. So, is it a supreme characteristic that distinguishes the Christian soldier from the worldly Christian that typifies the rag-tag army of the modern church.

 

            The soldier of Christ constantly guards his heart against treasonous, or heretical, issues that arise in the execution of his duties. Temptation is always before every Christian just as with every unbeliever. The difference is how we are firm to reject the inclinations to darkness in our search for light and truth.

 

            Are we good and faithful soldiers of Christ? What have we sacrificed of our comfort and association in serving Christ? Have we stood up for righteousness even in times that may seem to be disadvantageous to us? Finally, have we remained faithful to our commission granted to us by the Lord Jesus Christ? 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  (Matthew 28:19-20)

Handel's Messiah - 29 September 2023

 

Today Bishop Jerry discusses Handel's Messiah is one of the greatest musical masterpieces of the Baroque Period. It lyrics are taken directly from the King James Bible and the Coverdale Psaltery. It was composed to raise money for the orphans hospital in 1741. This is a wonderful presentation, I hope you take the time to listen,

LISTEN HERE! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-g0czrZiPo

Prayer for Pakistan and India – 27 September 2023, Anno Domini

 

 

R

EMEMBER them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.   (Hebrews 13:3)

 

We mourn the deaths of many of our brothers and sisters in Pakistan and India, and pray for God's deliverance of His people in those places. We have just received news of the latest violence against our Christian brethren of churches and people in both Pakistan and India.:

 

The reason is the same as always: hate and ignorance for the Godly and just of the land. 

 

Y

EA, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. (Psalm 44:22)

 

God has never willed the murder of innocents, but Adam, in his deliberate choice in the Garden at Eden, chose the way of sin instead of the way of Grace and Love. As a result, sin and death have entered into the world. We all suffer from this sorry choice of Adam, but God provides a remedy in His Son Jesus. Though the good Christian people of Pakistan and India, and other parts of the world, suffer persecution, they shall be given a glorious redemption in Christ.

 

A

ND I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.  (Rev 14:13)

 

Let us pray:

 

M

OST gracious heavenly Father, we are hurt and and shaken by the needless cruelty and evil intent against our fellow Christians in Pakistan. Though many were killed and many more made homeless by senseless persecution, we know that thou shalt neither slumber nor sleep in bringing justice and righteousness to reign in your Kingdom. Thou shalt lift the unbecoming yoke from the shoulders of thy people everywhere, and bring the Water of Life to the desert places. Not a hair shall fall from the heads of your children without your knowledge, and your Hand shalt restore the loss of thy people in the fullness of time. May the peace of God reign in the hearts of those facing the snares and dangers of satanic powers which seem to rule unabated in the world. As the Ark was a'building, all the people of the earth jeered and sneered until the day that the Lord shut the door to salvation, and the rains came, and the flood carried the all away, and the earth was cleansed and baptized by the mighty Hand of God. so shall it be in our day for thou hast written it. 

 

‘And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.  Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. (Rev 18:4-6)

 

Father of Lights, comfort and sustain those in Pakistan who trust in thee and have received thy salvation. Make us also mindful that our lives are as a vapor, and our green branches wither as a desert flower in this life. Keep us from allowing the growth of evil amongst us. Cause us to stand against the sinful ways that ravage the old and infirm, as well as the young and innocent among us. Bring comfort and joy to those in harm's way, especially this day in Pakistan...show them thy Face and thy power to redeem. And, in the end, may they find an eternal abode with thee." In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Hymns of the Church – Because Thou Hast Said – 26 September 2023, Anno Domini

 

A

ND he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.  (Luke 22:19-20)

 

            I discovered this Communion hymn in an old Methodist hymn book. The author is Charles Wesley (1748), and the tune is, Paderborn. I could not find the composer of this tune. The Communion Service is a call to the Lord’s Table for Supper. I remember the warmest and happiest moments of my youth were at the family table at supper time. The Lord’s Table is the table of our Great God and Father, and we are the family who are called to partake of it.

 

Because Thou Hast Said

 

Because Thou hast said: Do this for my sake,

The mystical bread we gladly partake;

We thirst for the Spirit that flows from above,

And long to inherent the fullness of love.

 

‘Tis here we look up and grasp at thy mind.

‘tis here that we hope thine image to find;

the means of bestowing thy gifts we embrace;

but all things are owing to Jesus’ grace.

 

            Because Thou hast said: Do this for my sake, The mystical bread we gladly partake; We thirst for the Spirit that flows from above, And long to inherent the fullness of love. Just as a mother calls her children from the fields to come to supper, so does the Lord call His people to come to His table to commune with Him and with each other over the elements of Bread and Wine which represent His Body and Blood shed for us. The cup of which we partake is the one of joy, not the cup of sacrifice from which our Lord drank. He drank from that cup that we might be spared the death of eternal darkness. We must come to the Table gayly but in solemn contemplation of its deep reverence and meaning. Though Christ is with the believer always, He is especially spiritually present in the Lord’s supper. Not only do we nourish of souls with His Bread, but we also are endowed with a greater measure of His Spirit by way of the Cup of blessing He offers. We remember His counsel that we partake of His Supper in remembrance of Him. That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.  (1 Cor 11:23-26)

 

            ‘Tis here we look up and grasp at thy mind. ‘tis here that we hope thine image to find; the means of bestowing thy gifts we embrace; but all things are owing to Jesus’ grace. Our spirits are elevated as we partake of the Communion. If we have prepared our hearts properly prior to the occasion, we fill an exaltation in our hearts of love and reverence for that shed Blood and Broken Body symbolized by the elements. It is not simply His Person that we feel near, but also a family kinship as we are made more like Him. Our outward observance of the supper lifts our souls to a higher plane that is evidenced in our inward hearts. It is our love and devotion to our Lord in the hidden chambers of our hearts that results in an outward manifestation of that love for God and our fellow man.

 

AOC Sunday Report – Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity

Happy Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity!

The AOC Sunday Report can be downloaded RIGHT HERE!

We have excellent sermon this Sunday from Bishops Jerry and Roy, as well as from Revs Jack and Bryan. The sermons are very very good. I think you will enjoy each of them.  Rev Jack brings the propers together today.  His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video HERE -> https://youtu.be/6sf1JXGK3JE. When the Collect talks about the church, just like last week, it is not talking about buildings; it is talking about us. Each of us; all of us and together. We need God’s help (pity) to keep the group of us together following His Will, for without His Help (Holy Ghost) we are doomed to utter failure. Saint Paul points out if we will open our hearts to God, He will send the Holy Ghost to fill our hearts with Love, Courage, Inspiration, Tenacity and Confidence, all of the good traits that will help our character development. When Saint Luke relates the story of the Widow of Nain, it is more than just a simple miracle. In those days, a widow with only one son had little, a widow with no son was in deep trouble. Jesus took compassion on her and also took the opportunity to make His power evident.  It all comes together, read or listen and find out how.  I hope you find it useful. 

We have a number of people who desire your prayer, I beg you to take a little time to pray for them.  Please start with Shamu, Mr. Kim, Tricia, Laurie and work out from there.

There seems to be a pretty good week ahead, I know things are trying to weasel spit in the world, all we can do is do our best to follow our Lord. If you're having trouble with this, please consider opening your heart further to that Third God Guy, the Holy Ghost.

Have an epic week,

Godspeed,

Hap

Church of the Faithful Centurion

Descanso, California

United States of America

Sermon Notes - Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity - Dead or Alive - Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide - 24 September 2023, Anno Domini

The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

O

 LORD, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

A

ND it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. ¹² Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. ¹³ And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. ¹⁴ And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. ¹⁵ And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. ¹⁶ And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and,

That God hath visited his people. ¹⁷ And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. ¹⁸ And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. (Luke 7:11-18)

 

Who are the dead?   &  Who are the living?

 

¹¹ And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. ¹² Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

 

The Dead

Those who reject Christ as Lord and Savior. Those who have no forgiveness for their sins… for whom there has been no redemption for sins. That includes all the world which dwells in utter darkness.

 

ALL were dead in trespasses and sins before being made alive in Christ by the Holy Spirit: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience (Eph 2:1-2)

 

The dead hear not. Who stopped their ears? Not God. Not even Satan. They themselves have chosen to be dumb to the reality of God.

 

This son of the widow is dead, but death cannot exist in the presence of the Fountain of Life.

 

Jesus knows the importance of a son or daughter to a widow. The boy is all his mother has.

 

The widow made no audible request of Christ, but Christ knew her abject sorrow and took compassion on her as He always does with those who face calamity.

 

¹³ And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

 

Jesus never desires our sorrow, but our joy in life.  He neither wants us to ‘fear’ or to ‘weep’. Fear not, I am with thee always, even unto the end of the world. Or Hagar, why weepest thou?

 

The desire of Christ is always for our extreme joy in Him. And Christ knows there is no real joy, or life, apart from that which He offers.

 

He sends no one to Hell. The lost, due to their rejection of Him, send themselves to Hell.

 

¹⁴ And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. When God is at work, we had best stand still and see the marvelous works that His hands perform. Stillness is a vanishing quality in a world bent on technology and pragmaticism.  As God said to Job in Job 37:14 “Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God”

 

 Or  –Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.  (Psalm 46:10)

 

So those who bore the body remained motionless while God worked.

 

And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

 

Though the ears of the Rabbi’s maiden were closed in the lock of death, the young girl heard the voice of Christ. Though Lazarus lay long dead in a stone cold tomb, the voice of Christ, his friend, penetrated the bars of death and were heard in newness of life. So with this young man.

 

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

 

Was dead! No longer dead because he had heard and responded to the voice of Christ. He sat up and began to speak. Once you have heard the voice of Christ whisper in your ear a personal message, you cannot fail to speak out. You do not keep it a secret.

 

Have you heard that voice? Have your dead ears responded in life?

 

When were you dead, and have you been called to life? Have you listened? Did you respond by unashamedly speaking out?

 

We were ALL dead prior to responding in faith to the grace of Christ. All lost. All dead.

 

How many are righteous?

 

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: ¹¹ There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. ¹² They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Romans 23)

 

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)

 

ALL? Does that include you and me?

 

Yes, ALL!

 

What is the condemnation to those who sin such as you and I have done?

 

For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. ²¹ What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. ²² But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. ²³ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 6)

 

What remedy is there for all of us who are born under the condemnation of sin?

 

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; ⁹ That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ¹¹ For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

 

Christ is the great Creator and Giver of Life. Death will not exist in His presence. So we must insure our salvation that we may be present with him.

 

How?

 

Know that the wages of sin is death

 

Admit that we are dreadful sinners and cannot save ourselves through any good works

Repent of our sins and turn away from the desires of the flesh.

 

Receive Christ as you Lord and Savior – not simply Savior, but Lord of your life as well.

 

How many of us present today have taken a ‘dry’ shower, or a ‘dry’ swim, or walked in a ‘dry’ rain?

 

Is it possible to get into the water, or to come into contact with a fountain of water, and remain dry?

 

There is a River of Life which makes all alive who bathe therein and drink from its fountain:

 

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: ¹⁴ But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4)

 

When we are IN Christ, all our sins are covered by His blood. When we are IN the River of Life, we are wet with that water of life all over. We are baptized in newness of life.

 

Your eternal destiny depends upon which choice you make at the crossroads of life – will you be fearful and unbelieving? Or will you partake of the Tree of Life and Fountain of Living Waters?

 

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. ⁶ And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. ⁷ He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ⁸ But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.  (Rev 21)

 

Simple decision –That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  (John 3:15)

 

Have you, too, believed unto salvation? For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor 6:2)

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity - 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/6sf1JXGK3JE

 

When the Collect talks about the church, just like last week, it is not talking about buildings; it is talking about us. Each of us; all of us and together. We need God’s help (pity) to keep the group of us together following His Will, for without His Help (Holy Ghost) we are doomed to utter failure. Saint Paul points out if we will open our hearts to God, He will send the Holy Ghost to fill our hearts with Love, Courage, Inspiration, Tenacity and Confidence, all of the good traits that will help our character development. When Saint Luke relates the story of the Widow of Nain, it is more than just a simple miracle. In those days, a widow with only one son had little, a widow with no son was in deep trouble. Jesus took compassion on her and also took the opportunity to make His power evident.  It all comes together, read or listen and find out how.  I hope you find it useful. 

The Propers for today are found on Page 212-213, with the Collect first:

 

The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

O

 LORD, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

Today’s Epistle came from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, the Third Chapter beginning at the Thirteenth Verse.  Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, prays that the people might “be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.”   More simply put, Paul asks that we open our hearts to God and to Christ, that they might work in our hearts the miracle of love.

 

I

 DESIRE that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

 

Today’s Holy Gospel started in the Seventh Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke, beginning at the Eleventh Verse.  Jesus was going into the city of Nain with his disciples and many followers.  “When he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.”  In those days, a widow with only one son had little, a widow with no son was in deep trouble.  Taking compassion on her and also the opportunity to make His power evident, He came to the bier, and touch it said, “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.”  The young man arose and began to speak; whereupon Jesus brought him to his mother.  Not surprisingly, news of this event was spread “forth throughout all Judæa, and throughout all the region round about.”  Like the young man, we are dead to eternity until we hear the command “… Arise.”  If we hear and act on that command, we have eternal life, just like the young man, it starts right then!

 

A

ND it came to pass the day after, that Jesus went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judæa, and throughout all the region round about.

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold - Time and Action

Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California

Rev Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video RIGHT HERE.

 

Today’s sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and talked, as is oft the case, of the need for action, not simply diction.

Consider the words of the Collect, “…let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness …”

 

When the Collect talks about the church, just like last week, it is not talking about buildings; it is talking about us.   Each of us; all of us and together.  We need God’s help (pity) to keep the group of us together following His Will, for without His Help (Holy Ghost) we are doomed to utter failure.  We can see this in the church today. The collect says we need His pity to cleanse our church of error and keep it on the straight and narrow. It is clear that we ourselves alone cannot cleanse the church of error and keep it on the narrow path towards heaven without major help. Luckily for us we have the Holy Ghost and God and Jesus to assist us in this massive taking. Without God’s influence in the church, we find that the church tends to let worldly doctrine creep into the church and spoil the message of Scriptures.

 

We can see this today with many churches leaving the established doctrine of 2 millennia to try to be cool and attract more people. Their efforts are in vain as we are called to be separated from this world and not a part of it, to be holy. They are becoming un-holy and it shows in their more paganistic doctrines. We are called to not to join forces with this world but to be set aside from it. You can barely distinguish some of these churches doctrines from what more worldly or other religions believe and they can hardly be considered a Christian church.  The Episcopal Church is a leading example from this with their paganistic doctrines overriding that of the Gospel and the Scripture. They cannot be truly called a Christian church anymore sadly. God is about quality of believers and not about quantity! These churches covet quantity over quality and are willing do compromise on non comprisable beliefs in order to do so. They gain the world but they lose their souls to do so. It does not sound like a good trade off to me. We must not compromise on the core beliefs of the Gospel. We must seek quality over quantity in our churches to avoid the race to the Pit that so many of the mainstream churches seem to be engaged in.

 

The problem for many people is Heaven is at the end of a hard and narrow uphill trail; the easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.  That seemingly easy way leads to The Pit. This easy downhill trail snares a lot of people and there will be sadly some that never realize this. It can ensnare anybody so we have to be on our guard lest we start down that path ourselves. This proves the truth of this collect, that without His help, we are doomed. With His help, we are set for success for evermore.  He offers; do we accept?

 

Saint Paul points out if we will open our hearts to God, He will send the Holy Ghost to fill our hearts with Love, Courage, Inspiration, Tenacity and Confidence, all of the good traits that will help our character development. Once the Holy Ghost enters into us, we will know the full dimensions of Christ, the height, width and depth of His love for us, and this fullness will fill us to our content, and we will want to spread that Good News and Love of Him to others.  Without the Holy Ghost, we are doomed. But with the Holy Ghost acting in us, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish for Him. We have to recognize this and make the decision to allow Him into our hearts. The key is that we have to make that decision. God can’t make that decision for us, only we can. It is up to us to open our hearts to Him and allow Him in. Only then can we get all those positive character traits mentioned earlier.

 

Allowing His love for us to enter into our hearts is part of the Good News. The Good News is that He died for us so we might have eternal life, a happier life here and a happier life after our life here.  But the key is we have to first open our hearts to God. We cannot have any of these positive characteristics if we do not allow Him in. We have to be humble and realize we cannot get through life without these characteristics, which means we cannot have a good and successful life without His Help. 

 

He offers all of these things for our benefit, so we will be successful for Him. We have to accept this offer by opening our hearts to Him.  If we will open our hearts to Him, our ears will hear the command “… Arise.” When we rise, we rise with the confidence of immortals and can conquer any obstacle. We will have died in our old sinful ways and be resurrected like our Lord in a new spirit and a new birth of everlasting freedom. But, without an open heart, our ears will never hear the command directed to our soul, “… Arise.”  We will be dead to eternity. There are none so deaf as those who will not hear. 

 

All Jesus asks is that we follow Him.  That is all follow Him.  But, words mean something; the word follow is very important.  We have to trust God is like a perfect CFI[1] and if we follow his instructions at the right time, we will keep ourselves from physical and spiritual harm. Like the CFI he is here to keep us from mentally and spiritually harming ourselves. If we will listen to His instructions, we will keep our mental and spiritual selves intact and be a lot happier for it. 

 

We need recognize who has the ability, the power, the perfection in leadership and have that trust to say, "You lead; I'll follow." I believe that is what Jesus expects from us in regard to our entire life. We may get out of position or even go lost wingman on the odd occasion, but he expects us to Our very best to follow His lead and stay in position.  Hard to do if your eye is not padlocked on Him.

 

As ministers of our Lord, we have a similar responsibility to those who would follow us here on earth.  And we have to work even harder, for created by a perfect God, we are imperfect creatures with free will.  A problematic combination.  We have to strive to do better than most as we are in a position where people will be watching our actions more carefully than other people. We must strive for a correct attitude, heading, stability and predictability in our path so we can be followed towards that final destination marking a successful mission. We must always be checking our navigational instruments of the Holy Scriptures and our navigator, the Holy Ghost, to ensure we are on the right heading. We have to be willing to act for Him to show that we truly do have faith and not just say that we have faith. It is a lot easier to say than do, that is for sure. 

 

When Saint Luke relates the story of the Widow of Nain, it is more than just a simple miracle.  

 

In those days, a widow with only one son had little, a widow with no son was in deep trouble.  Jesus took compassion on her and also took the opportunity to make His power evident.  He came to the bier, and touched it saying, “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.”  The young man arose and began to speak; whereupon Jesus brought him to his mother.  Not surprisingly, news of this event was spread “forth throughout all Judæa, and throughout all the region round about.”  Like the young man, we are dead to eternity until we hear the command “… Arise.”  If we hear and act on that command, we have eternal life, just like the young man, it starts right then! Eternal life doesn't start when you take your last breath, it starts when you take your first breath! Think through your life like it will be eternity and plan your actions accordingly.

 

Also, please take note Jesus ACTED.  He did not just tell the widow He was sorry, so very sorry; He actually did what He could to help her.  He can do more than we can, but we can do more than we do and we can certainly do more than just talk.  Words are very nice, but do not mean a whole lot unless they are backed by actions.

 

If we truly have faith, then we must follow Jesus’s example and live our life like He lived His, with action! We must have good actions that will follow with that faith. If we only speak with our lips and do not have good actions, then we do not have any faith. However, if we do truly have faith, then we will speak the right things and do the right things.

 

Action, not diction, is what counts in the end.

 

Heaven is at the end of a hard and narrow uphill trail.  The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.

 

The time is now, not tomorrow.  The time has come, indeed.  How will you ACT?

 

It is by our actions we are known.

 

Be of God - Live of God - Act of God

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[1] Certified Flight Instructor