Anglican Orthodox Church sm
Worldwide Communion
Second Sunday in Advent
December 7, 2025 – Sunday Report
Sunday Next before Advent Propers:
The propers are special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540’s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding.
The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament. The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the minister as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the ministers and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained minister.
The propers are the same each year, except if a Red-Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead, except in a White Season, where it is put off. Red Letter Feasts, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Most of the Red-Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saint’s instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent or Lent. The Propers for today are found in the Book of Common Prayer page 92-93.
The Collect for the First Sunday in Advent
This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day..
ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.
The Collect for the Second Sunday in Advent
BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Epistle for the Second Sunday in Advent. Romans xv. 4.
WHATSOEVER things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
The Gospel for the Second Sunday in Advent. St. Luke xxi. 21.
On Point
Someone asked, where do the quotes
come from? The answer is from the
people who uttered them. But, how did
you find them? Oh, that. Some from Bishop Jerry, others from Rev.
Geordie and many from Rev Bryan Dabney
and a
few from other places.
Rev. Geordie Menzies-Grierson – England (above)
Points to Ponder:
The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all
them that have pleasure therein.
Psalm 111:2
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when
they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 28:28
O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will
praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are
faithfulness and truth.
Isaiah 25:1
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart
bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth
forth evil things.
St. Matthew 12:35
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The
Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
I Corinthians 3:19-20
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4
What has happened to the old-fashioned, spiritual
Christmas? The cause is our disregard of Advent. The church set aside this
four-week pre-Christmas season as a time of spiritual preparation for Christ’s
coming. It is a time of quiet anticipation. If Christ is going to come again
into our hearts, there must be repentance. Without repentance, our hearts will
be so full of worldly things that there will be ‘no room in the inn’ for Christ
to be born again.…We have the joy not of celebration. Which is the joy of
Christmas, but the joy of anticipation.
John R. Brokhoff, Preaching the Parables
Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present.
An old abbot was fond of saying, ‘The devil is always the most active on the highest feast days.’
The supreme trick of Old Scratch is to have us so busy decorating, preparing food, practicing music and cleaning in preparation for the feast of Christmas that we actually miss the coming of Christ. Hurt feelings, anger, impatience, injured egos—the list of clouds that busyness creates to blind us to the birth can be long, but it is familiar to us all.
Edward Hays, A Pilgrim’s Almanac
Every
morning the light of God shines upon his children. But in order to enjoy the
light of God’s countenance, the soul must turn to God and trust him to let his
light shine upon it.
The Rev.
Andrew Murray, God’s Best Secrets
His coming was proclaimed by Light – the Light of the Star of Bethlehem and
the Light of the Angel of the Lord. He is the Light of the World (John 8:12) He
is the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2) And He tells us that we, too, are the
Light of the World (Matthew 5:14). Is that a contradiction? Not at all. We have
all seen the light of the moon, right? But the moon has no light. It only
reflects the light it receives from the sun. So do we have no light in
ourselves – only the light of Christ which we reflect in our lives? If anything
comes between us and our Sun of Righteousness, then our light is eclipsed and
we are in darkness. We dare not allow the world and its cheap allurements to
come between us and Christ!
Bishop Jerry Ogles – The People who Walk in Darkness, 2020
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We are fortunate to get copies of Bishop Jerry’s you tube links, devotions on the Prayer of the Collect and sermon notes.
Bishop Jerry creates videos on various subjects, they last just under ten minutes and this week’s videos are listed below:
Bishop Ogles
Blog:
https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com
Bishop Ogles
You Tube Channel
that is free to subscribe: all of his videos at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW3bgXBJFomPB5mZ4Oigxg
Monday Meditation: Temple of God
Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/12/temple-of-god.html
You Tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVUz7gG3Iwg&t=9s
Wednesday Meditation: Come Unto Me
Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-dog-in-charles-spurgeons-garden.html
You Tube: https: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/12/come-uynto-me.html
Sermon Notes for the Second Sunday in Advent
25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 29And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. (Luke 21:25-33)
We have an awe-inspiring account of the manner in which Christ shall once-and-for-all return in “power and great glory.”
We are told in Acts 1:8-11 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
The illustration and physical representation of Christ returning in a cloud is quite wonderful when compared to other references to clouds in Scripture. The first was on the banks of the Red Sea as the children of Israel frantically contemplated their ruin at the hands of the Army of Pharoah. Do you remember that Cloud that both led, and followed, the Children of Israel in the crossing of the sea?
“And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.” (Exodus 14:19-20)
Remember the cloud that descended on the Mount of Transfiguration?
“While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.” (Matthew 17:5-8)
When we consider these three profound incidents of biblical history, we may gain a bit more respect for the Clouds of God. Though many things may not be clearly seen, by faith we can see beauty and purpose in the mysteries of God.
Today’s text is comprised of two parts: Firstly, a solemn prophecy of Christ as to those things which we shall see near the end of this world, and, Secondly, a Parable relating the signs accompanying the consummation of the space-time continuum in which we exist.
In the verses preceding our text, beginning at verse 20, we have an account of the destruction of Jerusalem and the utter ruin of her occupants:
“And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that thedesolation thereof is nigh. 21Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let notthem that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.”
“The ‘sign’ of her ‘desolation’ was to be the advance of the enemy to her walls. Armies had been many times encamped round her, and many times been scattered; but this siege was to end in capture, and no angel of the Lord would stalk by night through the sleeping host, to stiffen sleep into death, nor would any valour of the besieged avail.
Their cause was to be hopeless from the first. Flight was enjoined. Usually the inhabitants of the open country took refuge in the fortified capital when invasion harrowed their fields; but this time, for ‘them that are in the country’ to ‘enter therein’ was to throw away their last chance of safety.
The Christians obeyed, and fled, as we all know, across Jordan to Pella. The rest despised Jesus’ warning — if they knew it, — and perished.” Dr. Alexander MacLaren
This destruction will occur in recorded history only three or four decades after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
The Commander of the Roman Legions, General Titus, will encompass the city with numerically superior numbers of well-armed and well-trained, hardened soldiers. They will erect battlements and breachments against the walls of the city, and when this does not completely avail, he will demolish the walls with mighty catapults and rams until they crumble before him.
Amazingly and for unknown reasons (perhaps to engage another enemy threatening the Empire), Commander Titus withdraws his forces suddenly after the first year, but only for a short time of a few days after which he returns to the encirclement.
Such withdrawal affords the people of Jerusalem an opportunity to comply with the following warning of Christ, but many ignore the opportunity.
Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
This process requires approximately two years to effect. The inhabitants are starving and in their ravenous and mindless want, even eat their own babies after all livestock, dogs, and rats have been consumed.
23But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days ! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
There was never a comparable time of wanton deprivation in the history of Jerusalem. This destruction and fall was consummated in 71-72 A.D.
24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
The men and able-bodied boys were slaughtered. The women and children were taken into captivity as slaves. The population was dispersed and scattered among all the known nations of the world – and so it is even today. These are the same Jews and their children who, in the courtyard of Pontius Pilate, had cried for the crucifixion of our Lord.
Matthew 27:24-25: 24When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 2 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
This brings us to today’s sermon text. God gave signs of warning to the people of Jerusalem which they heeded not, to their own ruin. Next, He gives us signs and warnings of what to expect in the final days.
What is a sign? A sign is either a visible and physical structure which may inform or warn such as road signs. It could be a sign informing of a commercial product. Or a sign may be verbal or mental observation of events that may come if we continue to follow the same route we are presently on. It may say “Bridge out” which we must not ignore to our own benefit or demise.
Christ, in these first four (4) verses, is giving us in our time signs of His soon Return.
25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Our state of the art telescopes, such as the Hubbell, observe changes in our presumed security from spatial devastation. There exist large meteors which seem to be on course for a future collision with planet earth which could result in huge destruction of population centers.
Historical evidence suggests that there has never been a comparable time in which such destruction has been witnessed as today by tsunami floods, earthquakes, and generalized war.
26Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
We witness today a form of terror unknown to the world in previous centuries and from the Creation of the World. It even parades under that name “Terrorism”. It does not respect the lives of innocent men, women or children, but kills its victims viciously and in abandon of all mercy.
Seeing these things coming upon the earth should not lead to a lack of faith, but should be an encouragement to us to persist in faith for we only have a short distance further to endure. This is when the Lord has chosen to bring a final stop to the wickedness we observe in our modern day.
27And then shall
they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And
when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads;
for your redemption draweth nigh.
The Lord then provides us a Parable full
of signs for our spiritual edification:
Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Christ gives us a natural sign for our wisdom and warning. It is a sign from Nature itself. His Parable is based upon common sense and observation. When we see the fig tree and others put forth green shoots, we can be assured that it is not the beginning of Winter, but a promise of the soon approach of Summer. Note this is a sign of approaching events and not the complete fulfillment of them.
The evils of this world are multiplying. We are identified, not only by our own works, but also those people with whom we associate. If our friends are vulgar and without ambition, so shall we become. If they take a dim view on moral behavior and language, so will we. Even our ambition to succeed in education or profession is dictated by the friends we keep.
The Christian occupants of Jerusalem, when they saw the signs of Christ’s prophecy being fulfilled, they immediately separated themselves from the people of the city and fled to the wilderness.
Perhaps, we are being warned by signs in our own lives that we must separate from tour evil associations and flee to safety. Can you read the signs?
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
† Jerry Ogles
Yves M. Méra
Presiding
Bishop – AOC
France Anglican Orthodox Church
Worldwide
We are fortunate to have a sermon from the Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Orthodox Church of France and the Administrative Coordinator of Europe and Africa. As you will read, he is an excellent writer. The sermon is easy to read and provides much insight.
BIBLE AND TRADITION?
Rome accuses Protestants (those who profess the biblical faith) of rejecting Catholic Tradition. Christ responds to Rome: thus "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." (Mark 7:13). In fact, Rome nullifies the second of the Ten Commandments by removing it from its Catholic catechism (Exodus 20:4-5: "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything in the sight of God... You shall not bow down to them or serve them..."). And to obtain number Ten, Rome duplicates the last Commandment (You shall not covet – You shall not be envious), but it is essentially the same commandment twice. The result is that Rome has only nine Commandments; this church has therefore effectively nullified a significant portion of the Word of God to satisfy its Tradition, whose pagan origins are undeniable.
This habit of supplementing Holy Scripture with a supposed oral tradition is an Israelite atavism; Judaism is known to possess two Talmuds—or explanations of the Torah of Moses. The first Talmud is written, while the second is a contradictory and inherently unverifiable oral Talmud. It is in this latter tradition that we find the 613 commandments that the Israelites impose upon themselves, without any biblical basis. Rome perpetuates this Judaic tradition while rejecting the Judaism it nevertheless imitates... Find the flaw in this logic!
SOLA SCRIPTURA!
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Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s AOC Vicksburg, Mississippi
We are fortunate to have Bryan’s Sunday Sermon. If you want people to come to The Truth, you have to speak the truth, espouse the truth and live the truth. This is really a good piece and I commend it to your careful reading.
Second Sunday in Advent
The apostle Paul warned the early churches of a coming time of apostasy as noted in our epistle lesson for today (II St. Timothy 3:1-17). As Dr. Henry Halley explained in his Bible Handbook, that such a time of trouble would come about on account of, “the determined effort of mankind to corrupt the Gospel and thwart the work of Christ...” He further noted that “the terrible picture” of humanity as found in verses 2-5 of our lesson, “with the exception of temporary periods of reform, is a fairly correct picture of the Visible Church as a whole to this present time.”
Let us now examine the particulars of our epistle lesson: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away (vv.1-5). The expression perilous times is the perfect preface for the apostle’s message as it sets the stage for the evils which are being unfolded before our very eyes.
Continuing, the apostle then stated that, men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy (v.2). When people are concerned only with themselves, there is a tendency to satisfy their desires without regard for how it will impact those around them. It does not matter who they are and this includes the very God of creation. Additionally, those who blaspheme God will also persecute the faithful because their master is opposed to anyone who has been born again of the Spirit.
But the apostle was not done. He further noted that the wicked are, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good (v.3). These are behaviors which reveal the untrustworthiness of evil men. If they are without natural affection, they will possess no human feelings for others. If they are trucebreakers, they will not seek peaceful relations with those around them. If they are false accusers, they will knowingly bring erroneous accusations against others. If they are incontinent, they will have no self-control. Given that last point, they are referred to as being fierce, in that they are filled with excessive anger and rage. Such persons are difficult to deal with because they are prone to vent their feelings against anyone who might be a convenient target. And by their wicked natures, they will be, despisers of those that are good. As Satan hates our Lord and all who follow him, so it follows that anyone who is in the camp of the Devil— by default or by intention— will hate all who have been regenerated by the Holy Ghost and will work against them at every turn in this life.
These wicked folk may also be described as being, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (v.4 ). And on that account they will betray our Lord and his people much as Judas Iscariot did his the days of our Lord’s earthly ministry. Those who are considered to be heady and highminded are so consumed with their own self-importance that they do not see the need to exercise due care in their duties to others and to God. Those who love the things of this life that please them more than they love God have no real faith and will only pretend to possess such as long as they are getting their needs met. But comes the time when they are no longer satisfied with what God supplies, or perhaps believe they’ve gotten enough, then they will seek to slake their lusts elsewhere with those who have a better offer, and need I say that the Devil is ever ready to deceive them on that score.
If ever one needed a sign that we are living in perilous times, the last portion of II St. Timothy 3 hits the proverbial “nail on the head” with, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away (v.5). Look about at what Christianity has become. At every turn you will witness churches whose congregations are led by individuals who, if pressed, will deny the divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ should they believe that he existed at all. They will preach a social gospel of man and his earthly needs which the Devil’s cult of Political Correctness demands be accepted and tolerated without criticism. And further, they will either consciously avoid any doctrine of the Christian faith which speaks against their errant beliefs, or they will re-interpret the scriptures to mean something that God did not intend.
So what should the faithful do? The apostle’s command is clear: from such turn away. We are not to follow any doctrine, tenet or teaching that denies the truth of God’s word written neither are we to be in agreement with any pastor, teacher or church leader who approves of such things (see II St. John 7-11). And let this next warning sink in. You cannot reason with apostates as they have tasted of Christ and have rejected him without becoming regenerated beings. To speak plainly, they may be a member of a church body but they were never, ever saved. Though they were once acquainted with the truth, they nevertheless turned from it. As St. Peter has written concerning apostates in his second epistle in chapter 2, These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever (v.17). And, For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them (vv.20-21).
Apostates, as we have seen, pose a serious threat to all who are born again in Christ Jesus because they are within the church— much as tares are among the wheat— and this will make them problematic, particularly for those who are novices in the faith. Apostates will often mask their true natures as they attempt to spread their compromised and corrupted teachings about Christ amongst the unsuspecting. We ought to heed the warning which the apostle Paul gave in his second letter to the Corinthians when he described apostates as being, false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ, and no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works (11:13-15). And St. Paul also noted in our epistle lesson (II St. Timothy 3) that, evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived (v.13). All the more reason for us to avoid them. The apostle’s prescription calls for us to study, the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (v.15). He also affirmed the truth of the Bible when he wrote, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (vv.16-17).
Perilous times are indeed coming, my friends. We cannot turn them away. We are expected to do our best as we labor in our Lord’s harvest till he calls us home. Our job then is to avoid any person or group that will inhibit our efforts to serve God as he has commanded. We must keep to the strait gate and the narrow way. Do not be deceived by those who have only an appearance of faith and not a true and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Do not accept within your fellowship any person who does not hold to the sound doctrines as found in the Holy Bible (preferably the King James Version). St. John in his first epistle warned us to, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (4:1). Be like the Bereans of old who searched the scriptures daily to verify what the apostle Paul had told them (Acts 17:10-11). For the blessings of God are reserved for the faithful not the infidel.
If you are a member of a church body that has apostates in positions of leadership, you would be wise to leave that fellowship (see II Corinthians 6:14- 18). Such bodies are like the church of Laodicea as they believe everything is fine and they are in need of nothing (see Revelation 3:14-22). How do you then convince a self-satisfied person that he is in need of any remediation? Unless such a one sees the need, he or she will not change. It would be best to reason with such folk from without rather than from within. Even Noah and Lot served as witnesses to the wicked in their localities, but God removed and spared them from his wrath (II St. Peter 2:1-9).
Our Lord expects us to daily live that victory which he won for us on Calvary’s cross. Do not shun his word and commandment. Avoid errant beliefs and behaviors as well as those who participate in them. Seek to be filled daily with the Holy Ghost. Do not be slack in your prayer life. And finally, in these last days, remember that as things begin to unwind and fall apart, there is a place which God has prepared for all who love him that is beyond our comprehension in beauty, joy and peace. Perilous times means that our Lord’s appearing is nearer than ever. Perhaps tomorrow we shall see the Lord, or perhaps today. Watch for him for we know not the day nor the hour of his coming.
Let us pray,
Father, strengthen us for the work before us in these last days; and keep us from being sore distressed as we witness the evils of these perilous times; for these things we ask in the name of him who will come again for us, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Have a Blessed Week,
Bryan+
Rev.
David McMillan
AOC Minister at Large
Alabama
We are Fortunate today to have a sermon from Rev. David McMillian
An Advent Reading about the Rain
"2In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. 3And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: 4When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. 5And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. 6And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain." (Isaiah 4:2-6)
This is the First Sunday in Advent, Morning Prayer, Thursday reading from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Often we forget that we are not alone. In this reading, especially v. 6, I felt a deep comfort. Have you ever needed a cover for the rain? The covert or covering is a protection in Hebrew. There shall be a "place of refuge, and for a covert for storm and from rain."
I remember marching with a group of Soldiers on a road march to let them know that the Chaplain was there. I hope it showed that I cared. I had my ruck sack on my back, and marched in my Army black boots. We went 20 miles in total if I remember. Then it began to rain. We got very wet. I thought much about needing comfort from the rain and for the march to end in a warm dry place.
I do not know if the Soldiers felt my presence, but I think they did. Too often we are out in the weather with soggy feet and wonder if anyone really cares. The LORD, here Yahweh, (Hebrew) I am that I am, makes a place of refuge for us. When we go through disappointment and loss, we need to remember He made this place for us to go to for a refuge. Often we are tested and tempted in our lives. We feel that we are alone, but the LORD is there.
In Advent we have an opportunity to change our course and direction. It should involve the reading of the Exhortation before Holy Communion , "Amend your lives and be in perfect charity with all men" pg. 86 . We are reminded to "diligently examine ourselves before we presume to eat of that bread and drink of that cup." We are to hear these words as well, "Judge therefore yourselves brethren that ye be not judged of the Lord...; and repent truly for your sins past; have a lively and stedfast faith in Christ our Saviour"
Imagine making a recipe from your cookbook and skipping the directions? That is what many do in Advent. This is a time and opportunity to review our thoughts, desires and actions. It is not yet a time of celebration of Christmas.
To be totally frank, I did not know about Advent for years. I went to the Reformed Episcopal Seminary. There I learned about the Church Year, and the reasons for the discipline.
Where can you learn more? There are several places to find out. Your pastor ( priest) can be very instructive about the things that can help with your Christian growth in Christ.
Advent may consist of focusing on things that get in the way of the preparation for Christmas. Take time to be quiet and listen to God. Use Scripture and the lessons especially in the 1928 BCP.
We can't jump into anything without thought and preparation. Advent which means coming gives us a reason to reflect and renew in this season of pre-Christmas.
The LORD is a cover for us in so many ways. He is present to us always. Seek His face and His kingdom in personal confession of sin and singing the delightful hymns of Advent in the 1940 Hymnal.
Advent. Morning Prayer is a good place to begin in the Prayer Book as well. Here are opening sentences of Scripture to be read in Advent.
Repent ye, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. St. Matt. iii. 2.
Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah xl. 3.
Rev. David McMillan+
The Rev. Don Fultz
Rector of St. Peter’s AOC located in the AOC National Office
We are grateful to have this Sermon today from the Rev. Don Fultz from St. Peter's AOC,
Statesville, NC
Second Sunday in Advent – Holy Communion
Sermon Luke 21, 25-33
In this 21st chapter of St. Luke, Jesus is having a conversation with his disciples about things that will happen in the future. Similar passages are also found in St. Matthew chapter 24 and St. Mark chapter 13. This discussion takes place on the Mount of Olives, near the great Temple of Jerusalem, and thus has become known as the Olivet Discourse. In the first part of this chapter, Jesus prophesized that all of Jerusalem including its great Temple would be completely destroyed. This actually happened about 38 years later in 70 AD when it was destroyed by the Roman Army. In the Gospel reading this morning, Jesus speaks about his second coming and the signs given by Him to his disciples.
We can learn several things about the coming of Christ in this passage. First, Verses 25-27 tells us how terrible will be the circumstances of the Second Advent of Christ. Jesus tells his disciples that “there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud.”
This is a singularly awful picture, especially for non-believers. We can literally interpret it as told. Especially, when we look at the Prophecy given by God to St. John in Rev. 6: 12-14 which says: “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;”(12)
“And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” (13) “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.” (14)
It may not be easy to interpret an exact meaning to every part of it. However, one thing is abundantly plain. The second coming of Christ will be attended by everything which can make it alarming to the senses and heart of man.
If the hardy Roman soldiers “became as dead men, “when an angel rolled the stone away and Christ rose again, how much greater will the terror be when Christ shall return to judge the world. No wonder that St. Paul said, in 2 Cor. Verse 11: “Knowing the terrors of the Lord we persuade men.”
The thoughtless and unbelieving man may well tremble when he hears of this second advent of Christ. What will he do when worldly business is suddenly stopped. What will he do when the graves on every side are opening and the trumpet is summoning men to judgment? What will he do when that same Jesus whose Gospel he has so shamefully neglected shall appear in the clouds of heaven, and put down every enemy under his feet? Surely, he will try to hide himself like many other nonbelievers in the rocks of the mountains and say: As Rev. 6:16 tells us: “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.” However, his call for help will be in vain, if he has never accepted Christ before.
Secondly, we see in this passage, how complete will be the security of true believers at the second advent of Christ.
We read in verse 28, the Lord said to His disciples, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
However terrible the signs of Christ’s second coming may be to the unbeliever, they need not strike terror into the heart of the true believer. They ought rather to fill him with joy. They ought to remind him that his complete deliverance from sin, the world, and the devil, is close at hand, and that he shall soon bid an eternal farewell to sickness, sorrow, death, and temptation. The very day when the unconverted shall lose everything, shall be the day when the believer shall enter on his eternal reward, Just as St. Paul tells us in 2nd Timothy, 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
The servant of God should often look forward to Christ’s Second Advent. He will find the thought of that day very heartwarming which should sustain him under all the trials and persecutions of this present life. The words of Isaiah shall be fulfilled, “The Lord God shall wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall be taken away from off all the earth.” (Isaiah 25:8).
We see, thirdly, in this passage, how needful it is to watch the signs of the times in the prospect of the second advent of Christ. Our Lord teaches this lesson by a parable: in v 29 &30: “Behold the fig-tree and all the trees: when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.” This is a simple parable which I believe means: Just as new leaves and new growth on a fig or other tree is a sign that we know that summer is close at hand; then, in the same way when we see the signs as described in verses 25-26 taking place, we will know the coming of Christ is nigh at hand.
No one on earth knows the time and day that our Lord Jesus will return. Even Jesus, while he walked in human form on this earth was dependent on God the Father for knowledge (John 8:38) and was not able to determine when this time would be. Just as St. Mark tells us in 13:32-33 “But that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” We are not to be concerned as to the day or the hour, but as believing Christians should be aware of the signs that point to the soon coming of our Lord.
The disciples assumed that the Messiah’s kingdom would be ushered in by universal peace. However, our Lord, tells them that the signs which shall immediately precede it shall be wars, confusions, perplexity, and distress.
Are there any signs in our own day? Are there any circumstances in the world around us which specially demand the believer’s attention? Beyond doubt there are very many. The devastating earthquakes in Haiti, Japan and other countries.
The rise of Radical Islam and ISIS, threats against Israel and the United States from Hamas, Iran and North Korea. The Russian and Ukraine war, and other disturbances in the Middle east, the general interest of the state of the Jews, the universal shaking of governments and established institutions, all are signs peculiar to our day.
Next, let us make special note of what Jesus said in verse 32 “This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.” There seems to be various differing Bible Scholar opinions on what “This generation” means.
According to JC Ryle (Expository thoughts on Luke, vol. 2. Page 381), The soundest and most satisfactory opinion in his mind is that “This generation “refers to the Jewish nation. His position is supported by 5 other named bible scholars. Mr. Ryle, tells us “The Jewish nation had been spoken of by our Lord in this prophecy. Their captivity and scattering around the world had been plainly predicted. The disciples might naturally wonder how such a prediction could be reconciled with the many promises of glory to Israel in the Old Testament Prophets. Our Lord answers their thoughts by declaring that this nation, the Jewish people, as a separate people, shall not pass away. Though cast down, they were not to be destroyed, though scattered, they were yet to be gathered again (return to their homeland) before all things were fulfilled.”
St Paul tells us in Romans 11:26: “And so all Israel shall be saved; as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. “This doesn’t necessarily mean every individual Jew will convert to Christianity before the end of the world, but Israel as an overall nation will accept Christ. The rejection of Christ by the Jews had opened salvation to the Gentiles. St. Paul Tells us this was part of God’s plan (Romans 11: 28-36) and this “Blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.” (Romans 11:25).
The church in the end will include both converted Jews and Gentiles just as John 10:16 tells us “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, and one shepherd.”
Lastly, we see in this passage, how certain it is that all our Lord’s predictions about the Second Advent will be fulfilled.
He knew people would probably say
“Improbable! Impossible! The world will always go on as it has
done. He warns His disciples against
this skeptical spirit by telling them in verse 33: “Heaven
and earth shall pass away: but my words
shall not pass away.” Here Jesus is declaring the certainty of the whole
prophesy being fulfilled. Christ is God.
The 2nd person of the Trinity. Here is what He told the Jews “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30) His words
will never pass away, they are eternal, unchanging, and trustworthy. He is telling us this
Heaven and earth are only temporary and “shall pass away” in the future. In
Christ’s second coming, St Peter tells in 2 Peter 3:10 “But the day of the Lord will come
as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great
noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the
works that are therein shall be burned up.” St John makes reference to a “new Heaven and Earth in Revelation 21.
Also, Isaiah prophesizes about God creating a new Heaven and Earth in Isaiah
65:17: “For behold I create new Heavens and a new Earth; and the former shall
not be remembered, nor come into mind”.
That Christ should come again in power to judge the world and reign, is more probably than it was when Christ came to suffer and die. If He came the first time, couldn’t we expect Him the come the second time as He has promised in the scriptures? (John 14:3) If He came to be nailed to the cross, much more may we expect that He will come in glory and wear the crown? He has said it, and He will do it. “His words shall not pass away.”
In closing, let us always remember that the second advent of Christ is one of the leading truths of Christianity.
Let us also remember the Christ in whom we believe, who suffered and died on Calvary for our sins is also the same Christ who is coming again in person to judge the earth.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
AOC Worldwide Prayer List –
I have received updates from a few and those will be the first added to the list. Please send all prayer requests and updates to aocworldwide@gmail.com for future reports. If you would like to be removed from list just respond with remove in the subject line.
Prayer Needed:
Sandy – broken Femur
Ophelia – crippling arthritis pain
Bobby - Cancer
Effie – recent discharge from hospital following pneumonia and possible CHF
Kamil – pray for successful – Chemotherapy
Paul Meier – throat cancer- radiation treatment successful
Richard Bailey – Brain Cancer
Joyce Barnes – Skin Cancer – all went well, pray for continued recovery
Marilee – Mastectomy Update – radiation Treatment
Donna – ongoing radiation and Chemotherapy. Pray for successful remission
Roy – Bulging disc – upcoming surgery
Michelle – metasisized lung cancer
Jim – Dec. 11th Heart and Pulmonary Vein Ablation
Extended Issues need continued prayer;
Laurie with long Covid Symptoms - Extreme exhaustion, heart palpitations, breathing problems and unstable blood pressures are constant worries causing depression to settle in.
Malcom Allred – Cancer Treatment
Betsey – Lane – Betsy onset of Dementia- Marianne her daughter
South Korea – pray to defeat the communists trying to take over; protection for the South Korean people.
Church of the Redeemer – changes in leadership, mourning loss of a wonderful Minister and Friend
Keep Praying for the following:
Shamu-health issues, Jan Jessup-neuro dementia, AOC USA, AOC Missions, Harper-IBS ,
Jim Sevier- God’s
Peace, Linda –
multiple myeloma, Marianne, Betsey - Dementia, Alicia-caregiver, Sophie, Colin and Lori Beall –
cancer, Toni – cancer, Malou –
cancer, Archie, Eloise, Janice, Dakota, Katie, Finley, Mike & Gayle,
