AOC Sunday Report

 

 

Anglican Orthodox Church _sm

Worldwide Communion

Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
August 16, 2026

Sunday Report

Eleventh Sunday after Trinty

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 204-205.

 The Collect for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity.

O God, who declares thy almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity; Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we running the way of thy commandments may obtain thy gracious promises and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Epistle for Eleventh Sunday after  Trinity.   1 Corinthians. x. 1.

BRETHREN, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

 The Gospel for Eleventh Sunday after Trinity. St. Luke. xviii. 9.

Jesus spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

 

On Point: No Cross, No Crown

No Cross, No Crown!

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me!"     Matthew 16:24

The cross is to be taken up — not simply borne when laid upon the shoulder. This implies willing, cheerful suffering for Christ. Some people endure trials — but always with repining. The spirit of these words requires cheerfulness in suffering for Christ. Half the trial is gone — if we meet it in this glad spirit.

Notice again, it is his cross — and not some other man's — which each one is to take up. It is the particular cross that God lays at our own feet — which we are to bear. We are never to make crosses for ourselves — but we are always to accept those which are allotted to us. Each one's own cross — is the best for him. Sometimes we think our situation is peculiarly hard, and we compare it with the situation of this or that other person — and wish we had his cross instead of our own. But we do not know what other people's crosses really are. If we did — we might not want to exchange. The cross that seems woven of flowers, if we put it on our shoulders — we might find filled with sharp thorns under the flowers. The cross of gold that seems so bright — we would find so heavy that it would crush us. The easiest cross for each one to bear — is his own.

There is a way to get the crosses out of our life altogether. A father explained it thus to his child. Taking two pieces of wood, one longer than the other, he said: "Let the longer piece represent God's will, and the shorter piece your will. If I lay the two pieces side by side, parallel to each other, there is no cross; it is only when I lay the shorter piece across the longer that I can make a cross. So there can be a cross in my life only when my will falls athwart God's, when I cannot say, 'May Your will be done.' If my will sweetly acquiesces in His — there is no cross."

 

Jerry Ogles, Presiding Bishop
Metropolitan AOC Worldwide

 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

 

Video Sermon Summary: Cleansing of the Temple

 Bishop Ogles Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/08/youtube-video-player_0439326733.html

 You Tube Blog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt0dAkxRR4I

 

 Wednesday Video Devotion: Light of the World

 Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/08/youtube-video-player_0793584739.html

 You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRduoemPr0g

 

 Friday Video Devotional: The Secret Place

 Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/08/youtube-video-player_0723081226.html

 You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QKFl4ZTDDs

 

 Saturday Night Video Devotional: The Day Star

 Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/08/youtube-video-player_0777926005.html

 You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxogYKuMaQE

 

 11^th Sunday after Trinity, Sunday Sermon Summary Video

 Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/08/youtube-video-player_0218553140.html

 You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuA9eKscGYU

 

Sola Scriptura

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  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. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

 The previous chapter discussed Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) as a pillar of the Great English and Continental Reformation. The next few chapters will discuss Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Soli Deo Gloria (Glory of God Alone) and Solus Christus (Christ Alone) in succession; however, without Scripture Alone, none of the others are possible. But in a sense, each is both independent in value, and also essentially interdependent. Without Christ, the Word (Scripture) is no longer the Word; without faith, Grace is meaningless; Without Grace, it is not possible to know and glorify God; but the Scriptures serve as a foundation stone of Faith, of Grace, of knowledge of Christ, and of the glorious nature of God.  Without that Foundation, we would remain in darkness. It is by the agency of the Word of God whereby the Holy Ghost operates in our inner being to bring to our remembrance all things written of Christ in that Word.

 The reader is reminded that this is not intended to be an in depth study of the extensive meaning of Holy Scripture, but rather a summary to quicken the heart and open spiritual ears to understanding. Let us begin by an examination of how the Thirty Nine Articles of Religion frames the importance of Scripture:

Article VI: Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation.

“Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.”

 NOTE: Interestingly, this Article adds an important Caveat at the end of Article VI: “All the Books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive, and account them Canonical.” To which Scripture do you believe this makes reference? Beyond doubt, it references the only Scriptural evidence received and used by the Reformers – the Textus Receptus (Received Text) upon which all of the major Reformation Bibles were based. The Geneva Bible and the King James (Authorized Version) are examples of Received Text Bibles. They are based on that manuscript evidence as commonly received by the Reformers. Dr. Theodore Letis, in his extensive studies on the subject, refers to these as the Ecclesiastical Text.

  The Word of God is actually an exact painting of Christ written in textual form. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life; and the life was the light of  men.” (John 1:1-4)  It should be observed that the Word of God is Eternal having existed from before the Foundation of the World. It might be said that there is far more of the Word of God for us to discover beyond Jordan’s Stormy Banks since all of the mysteries of Creation and Eternity Past comprise the fullness of our Lord’s Personage. As St. Paul saith: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)   The written Word supplies all of our needs for salvation and faith; however, the Personification of that Word in Christ will be fully revealed when we awake with His likeness and behold Him face-to-face! “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” (Psalm 17:15)

 Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Word written and existing from Eternity Past: “I am Alpha . . .” [the beginning of all things]; “. . . and Omega, the beginning and the ending,” [Christ is the consummation of all things]; “saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)   He changes not being the same yesterday, today, and forever – the Great “I am”! His Word is Holy, and the only Holy resource we can access in this world in a physical and intellectual sense. It is not the whole cloth only that is Holy, but every single Word written as received in the ancient manuscripts which God has promised to preserve forever: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:18)  Even the tiny punctuation marks shall be preserved!

 “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” (Psalm 12:6-7)

 Please note that the very “words” are pure – not some dynamic equivalence as the corrupt new versions aver. Note also that God has declared His intention to preserve every word forever and ever. You would not get that impression from reading the NIV, NASB, ESV, etc. of that are based on the corrupt manuscript and textual evidence. They omit entire verses and change meaning of significant other verses.

 Unlike the Received Text (based on 95 percent of all manuscript evidence which, incidentally agrees with each other at every remunerable point); the NuText (or Westcott & Hort) are comprised of only 5 percent of the manuscript evidence, and, significantly, do not agree even with each other in many points. How could intelligent scholars place a greater reliance on this faulty evidence? I believe it is because they desire a Bible with which they can get along with the world in using. But we are not commanded to “get along with the world” but to obey God and His inerrant Word. In the Received Text, our Lord is identified by name in most passages that refer to Him; however, the new versions omit His Name and supplant it with the ambiguous pronoun, “he.”

Why do men tamper with God’s Word and the Person that it represents? It is because, in the big scheme of One world Government and Religion, the Lord Jesus Christ keeps getting in the way. He is not inclusive, but rather exclusive. There is only One Way, and that is Christ – not Mohammad; not Allah; not Buddha; and not Moon Sun Myung. It will not be possible to fulfill the world’s ardent dream of a One World Order (Tower of Babel) as long as the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ holds sway in the hearts and minds of large numbers of people. So that Name, and His Lordship, must be extinguished by hook or by crook. A number of the major denominations have fallen obediently in line with this deceitful strategy.

 But holding in our possession the inerrant, infallible Word of God is not enough. It must be eaten and digested in whole. It is food for our souls and nourishment for our spirits. It must be read and studied more intently than a love letter exchanged between young lovers. It is the meat of the Christian believer.

 “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (Psalm 119:18).  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. (Psalm 138:2)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  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.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

 All of my commentary that surrounds the Scripture texts above are simply filler material; but the very Words of God are your Compass, Chart, and Light of Navigation. They are the Crux, Fountainhead, and Essence upon which we build our faith and lives. Our mortar is made with unwashed hands, but the Stone Blocks of Holy Scripture are built with the very Hands of God.

There is one significant verse that is located in the very heart of God’s Word – the very center verse of the Bible – which reads: “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (Psalm 118:8)  This counsel is reinforced in the New Testament: “. . . We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)   It is well to remember that this counsel applies to every situation of life – our homes, our professions, our schools, our politics, and most especially, our church. We do not shed our Christian robes at the door of political office or even the voting booth. We will be wise to remember that it is God’s Holy Word that guides us and not some copyrighted and for-profit-work of the devious minds of men such as the new versions are sorrowful examples.

 “And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12-14)            

 The watch word is this: Scripture Alone – nothing added, and nothing taken away! “ For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19)   

 

    Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor

Saint Paul's Anglican Church - Diocese of the Midwest Anglican Orthodox Church -Suffragan Bishop of the AOC

 

Morning Prayer – Eleventh Sunday after trinity

Psalms 124,125; First Lesson: Isaiah 26:12-16, 19 ; Second Lesson: Romans 8:26-39

 God, who declares thy almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity; Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we running the way of thy commandments may obtain thy gracious promises and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Romans 8:26-39

 V 26–27: COMFORT

 In our groanings and problems within, we have the help of God’s Spirit in our weakness, who intercedes for us ‘according to the will of God.’ Can we find comfort in the fact that the Holy Spirit will intercede for us when we don’t even know the purpose? He who searches the hearts of mankind knows what is the mind of the Spirit. He knows what is right for us at any given time, because he intercedes for us according to the will of God. When we ponder our next move during times of crisis and infirmities, the Spirit makes intercession for us in a language we don’t know. “groanings which cannot be uttered.” We must seek that comfort that God has provided for us through the Holy Spirit.*

 

V 28–30: CALLED 

²⁸And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ²⁹For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ oreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Those whom God has called can be absolutely certain that, in God’s sovereign purpose, everything will work together for their good. Their salvation is not an accident. God planned it in eternity, performed it in time, works it out in time, and will eventually perfect it in eternity. Our standing in Christ is absolutely watertight because of who He is and because He has chosen us and planned our way. For many, the previous three verses, are tough ones to get our human mind around. We always want to be in control.  We don’t like it when someone, especially God takes control.  This passage erases that concept. He is in control, has been since the beginning, and will be to the end. It is God’s purpose, not ours, He is our Creator, He is our Lord, it is His plan that does control the universe, not us. This certainty of salvation should bring comfort to us, especially when we are alone and lost in our doubts.*  “... ¹according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;  ³But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;...” (Titus 1:1b-3)

 If you take time to study the Word of God and focus on such terms as God’s sovereignty, salvation, security of faith/salvation, you will read over and over again, God’s plan for us, not our plan for God.

Very humbling, to say the least.

V 31–39: CONQUERORS 

A whole range of problems, trials, disappointments, and suffering will come against the child of God. In all this he is to remember that God ‘did not spare His own Son’ but freely gave Him for us, and freely gives us all other things that we need. With God on our side as our Justifier, our Intercessor, our Lover, and our Keeper, we are more than conquerors ‘through Him who loved us’. Once saved by Christ, nothing at all in the past, present or future, and nothing on this earth or anywhere else is able to ‘separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord’. We conquer because we have the Conqueror living within and working for us.  Now let the Word of God show us the plan...*

“... ³¹What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?...³⁸For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  ³⁹Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31, 38-39)

 And if God is there in the worst of it, He is there through all of it. “...³⁷Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

St. Paul reminds us again of the great sacrifice that God the Father gave... “³²He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? ³³Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.  ³⁴Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8: 32-34)

And now the final surety of it all, our eternal Salvation:. “³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Some days we seem to be lost as far as what we think we are supposed to be doing with our lives. Today, being the last Sunday before school starts for many of you, here are some thoughts to consider. The time and energy that you spend in the “trenches” never seems to pay back. There are days, weeks, and months of frustration, lack of progress, pressure from above, test scores, state scores, etc. And yet each year, yes each day, we have to opportunity to shape the minds and lives of those young people we are charged with teaching. It may seem like a thankless task at times, and at times an endless task, but one day, it should pay off.  The most important aspect of your job is that you execute it with honesty, faithfulness, and integrity. “If God be for us, who can be against us?”.   

   I trust that this year will be a successful year, that you are kept from harm, and that you will know that God is with you in all that you do.

Let us pray:

ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee, with thy gracious favour, to behold our universities, colleges, and schools, that knowledge may be increased among us, and all good learning flourish and abound; bless all who teach and all who learn; and grant that in humility of heart they may ever look unto thee, who art the fountain of all wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 O GOD, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive; Receive our humble petitions; and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us; for the honour of Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate. Amen. 

THE LORD bless us, and keep us. The LORD make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The LORD lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, both now and evermore. Amen. 

 * Matthew Henry: Commentary on the Bible 1710

   IN Christ alone during Trinity
                                                                                                                  +Roy

                                                                                                                           

Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s AOC Vicksburg, Mississippi  

We are always grateful to get these wonderful sermons from Rev. Bryan, they keep us on our toes!

Sermon Text for Eleventh Sunday after Trinity:

In our gospel lesson for today, our Lord rebuked those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others (St. Luke 18:9). In his parable of the Pharisee and the publican, our Lord made plain God’s disdain for those who lack humility in the presence of God. The particulars of this parable are these: two men entered the temple to pray. The former was a Pharisee and the latter was a publican, or tax collector. The Pharisee stood before God and recited a litany of supposed good things he had done for the LORD; while the latter stood afar off, having judged himself a sinner, and smote his chest as he sought God’s pardon. Our Lord then closed the parable with his appraisal of these men and identified the publican as having left the temple justified because he had humbled himself before God while the Pharisee had not.

Article XII of our Articles of Religion states in part: “. . .that good works, which are the fruits of faith and follow after justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God’s judgment. . . “ And Article XIV states: “Voluntary works besides over and above, God’s commandments ... cannot be taught without arrogancy ... for by them men do declare, that they do more for [God’s] sake than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly ‘when ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants.’ “

Our Lord was often chided by the scribes and Pharisees for his teachings because they conflicted with their understanding of God’s word written. These gatekeepers of the truth had insulated themselves  from the very thing they were supposed to protect and espouse before men, and they did so via the traditions of their fathers (see St. Matthew 23:1-39). Proverbs 16:5 states, Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD. Also Proverbs 20:6 says, Most men will proclaim every one his  own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? And again in Proverbs 22:4 we learn that, By humility and fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. And our Lord said (St. Matthew 18:4),  Whosoever therefore will humble himself ... the same is the greatest in the in the kingdom of heaven. And where was their humility? Clearly, they had none.

Today, we find that the plague of pharisaism has infected many souls who claim to follow our Lord. These modernists may come to church thinking that simple participation is enough. They may even offer up to God their so-to-speak “accomplishments” never once realizing that all their works are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

By contrast, the proper Bible Christian when presented with such thoughts of self-sufficiency and self-aggrandizement will fall to his or her knees in humble reverence acknowledging the very God who made such wealth possible. Sadly, the numbers of those who might be termed “proper Bible Christians” are dwindling daily.

Many Christians today hold that entertainment is more important than humbleness in the presence of the Almighty. Truth be told, their worship is more an elevation of themselves. So it should not be surprising that they are too busy taking care of themselves to give God what he desires most: their undivided attention. The Devil’s plan all along has been to utilize man’s senses to lure as many souls as he can from a wholesome and true worship of the Godhead into a state of sensuality and carnality. Just as God is not honored in the worship of any pagan deity, so he is not honored by worship practices that do not give him all glory, laud and honor he rightly deserves.

Without a doubt, the aforementioned points will have a direct impact on the modern-day churchgoer’s understanding of the Christian doctrine. How can they know the truth of the gospel when it is being withheld by ministers whose primary purpose has been to lure the unsuspecting into their  slaughterhouses of falsehood and deceit? Their capacity for godly discernment has been rendered of no effect and making them little different from the Pharisee who stood up and extolled himself before God.

 Juxtaposed to the Pharisee in our parable for today was the publican. He sought and received forgiveness because he humbled himself before the LORD. It is only when we come before God’s throne of grace pleading with him to take away our sins that we are made fit to experience his love for us. As with the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, so will our heavenly Father graciously receive and pardon all who come to him if, and only if, they come with a heart seeking his forgiveness in the name of Christ. For only those who truly seek after God will be  made right with him through private confession and amendment of life. Only those who offer him the true sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart will be forgiven. Only those who worship him in spirit and in truth and without pretension or assumption will have their prayers received and their worship accepted.

And so two men entered the temple to pray. The Pharisee came with pride, while the publican came in humility and regret for his past actions. The Pharisee came and extolled himself, while the publican came downtrodden and abased himself before God. The Pharisee sought to justify himself, while the publican sought justification. The Pharisee treated God as if he had done him a favor, while the publican sought God’s favor through his act of self-judgment.

It is my prayer that each of you will seek a closer walk with the Godhead. That you will ask the LORD to forgive you of your sins and trespasses. That you will come before his throne of grace seeking his pardon with humble and contrite hearts. There is no reason to lay before him in pridefulness those things we have done in his service . So let us draw near desiring his forgiveness, and then seek his guidance. Only afterward, are we to stand and rejoice for we know that he is just and faithful to cleanse us in the name of his only begotten Son. May our good and gracious God be pleased to send his most holy Spirit to comfort, guide and keep you in Christ Jesus this day and forever more.

Let us pray,

Father, grant to us grace sufficient to bring ourselves: our souls and bodies, into humble submission to thy will and pleasure; that we might have a more perfect fellowship with thee in this life as well as for the life to come; for this we ask in the name of 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

 Esther illustrates the Providence of God

Esther -- "A Study for our Time"

"During World War II a delightful Christian English lady kept a personal diary. It tells of her husband's death in the war effort. It tells of food rationing and the horrible bombing of London. It tells of her children's evacuation to the countryside. One night during the bombings the woman confessed that she woke up and could not get back to sleep. She kept thinking of Hitler, invasion, and the S.S. troops. She trembled until she suddenly thought, "Where is Alexander the Great who gobbled up the world? Where is Caesar's dogmatic rule upheld on the tips of spears? Where is Napoleon? They are all in their graves and come to naught," she wrote. "And that is where Hitler will be, too. The same God reigns!" And she rolled over, laughed, and went back to sleep! The Mid-East, terrorism, crime, abortion -- is this what your eyes are upon? Are you gazing at the world, and glancing at Christ? Rise above it! Lift up your eyes and see! The same God still reigns. Be assured!" (in Stephen M. Crotts, Sermons for Sundays after Pentecost, CSS Publishing in sermons.com )

And this is the story for all of God's Children who live by trust and faith in Him. In 444 BC Nehemiah rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem. Esther was Queen in Persia 30 years before the wall was rebuilt.

Some say, such as Halley in his Bible Handbook, that without Esther, a Jew who became queen and was very influential in Persia, that the wall would not have been rebuilt. Because of her actions along with others the Jewish people (her adopted uncle---Mordecai is one) there would not have been God's plan of the coming of Christ.

In other words, all the stuff we see as trivial has a meaning. God is providentially working out His purposes among the jigsaw puzzle we don't see coming together. Esther is such a book that without even mentioning God's name we see a Divine presence working out the purposes through the stuff we call unimportant. (Perhaps we should call this new series stories of the characters in the Bible by looking at the Bible characters and their stories?)

1. Esther replaces Queen Vashti because of the Persian queen's conduct. Queen Vashti would not come at the King's command to his banquet. In ch. 1 it was said she was a beautiful woman and he wished to show Esther' beauty at his banquet.

Here although He is not mentioned, God sets a train of actions in motion that will cause Haddasah (myrtle in Hebrew), Esther (Star in Persian) to be the instrument of salvation for the Jews living in Persia at that time)

Application---what are we doing and going through in our life that we had not planned but we end up following because it is God's will for us? Here too we trust in an unseen Providence. Just like Esther this is where we have to trust God in the big things that are made up of a lot of little things we don't understand.  

2.  Esther is thrust into the queenship by a series of events. Her uncle, Mordecai plays a part. Esther follows his instructions and wisdom. "Esther charms all who saw her." 2:15. "And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her." (KJV) It was more than her outward beauty. Peter in his letter mentions this as well ch 3 of I Peter.  In talking of women who have disbelieving husbands, they may be won over, without a word being said, by observing the chaste and reverent behaviour of their wives. ...." Your beauty should reside, not in outward adornment ---the braiding of the hair, or jewelry or dress--but in the inmost centre of your being, with its imperishable ornament, a gentle, quiet spirit, which is of high value in the sight of God." 3:4 in I Peter

A royal crown was put on her head and she became queen in place of Vashti. Here as well we here of something good that Mordecai did for Ahasuerus  the king. He stopped two of the king's servants from carrying out a plot to kill the king. He told Queen Esther of it, and "she told the king, mentioning Mordecai by name."  2:22

Application---We should listen to those of wisdom around us who follow God, and not be in such a hurry to do what we think is right. There is good, and there is better. We need to choose, the better path even though we did not plan it.  Our patient following of God's will is the more acceptable path we should take as well.

----I wish to close this by quoting from one of the books my great-grandfather Dr. G Campbell Morgan of Westminster Chapel at Buckingham Gate, London wrote " Living Messages of the Books of the Bible. "God stands ' within the shadow, keeping watch above His own'.  He stands there today just as much as He did in the olden days.  ...We may make God a blasting force, or a healing one according to our attitude toward Him. That is providence. Providence is not a sweet sensational method, by which God juggles to take care of a few...I cannot escape His influence. He is touching my life at every point."

 This is certainly the thrust of the 39 articles and in particular the one that talks about God and His plan for us and the world. (Article 17)  No, we are not left alone but all of the workings of our lives come together in Christ for our good and His glory.

O Heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty; Open, we beseech Thee, our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that rejoicing in thy whole creation,we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of Him by whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer Book p. 596, in 1928 BCP

 David D. Mc Millan ,  Pastor, & Chaplain (Major) US Army, ret.

 

 

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 Rev. Don Fultz from

St. Peter’s AOC, Statesville NC

Sermon Luke 18: 9-14 Parable

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is telling a parable about two men who go up to the temple and pray. One was a Pharisee and one was a Publican. (tax collector) Matter of fact, one kept the law scrupulously, or thought he did. The other was in a profession in which extortion and dishonesty was expected. The Pharisee had everything, except the one essential thing. The publican had nothing but the one essential quality, which is a sense of his own unworthiness and his need for God's grace.

The parable is about the honest prayer of a sinner verses the self-justifying prayer of the self­righteous.  The main focus is humility prayer out of a realization that righteousness can not be reached by means of our own efforts. Prayers are heard and answered because of God's mercy not because of our self-justifying merits. (v. 14) Jesus therefore rebukes the self-righteous and demonstrates the kind of attitude necessary for God's acceptance which is justification by faith. 

 The purposes of this Parable of the Prayers given in verse 9 are that one cannot trust in himself for righteousness and should not view others with contempt. “And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.”   

A great danger of pride is noted right at the start. First, we come to trust our own abilities rather that trusting God. Second we come to regard other people with contempt and disrespect rather that seeing others as being created in the image of God  Pride of self and contempt for others go hand in hand.  Those who trust in themselves that they are righteous refers to those who view their righteousness or acceptance by God as stemming from their personal goodness or their adherence to the law or religious rituals.

Jesus' will show that they are self-deceived and then give an example of a disrespected person who is justified in God's sight. 

In verse 10 we find two personalities taking  center stage. “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a Publican.” We are introduced to two attenders of religious services  who are on opposite ends of the religious and social spectrum. The first personality we are introduced to is a Pharisee or a religious man who knew all the rules. Pharisees were revered religious figures in Jesus' day.

However, at several points throughout His ministry, Jesus criticizes some of the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. The other personality is a tax collector (Mt 5:46). Publicans were despised as traitors who had sold themselves out to the Roman captors for the privilege of collecting taxes from their own people. They were regarded as corrupt and sinful men. A normal practice was that the tax collectors would add to the required tax their own cut and by doing so many became quite wealthy.

  Jesus in some of his parables, has a tendency for using the marginalized and ostracized people groups (such as Samaritans) and professions (such as tax collectors and shepherds) for the sake of contrasting genuine faith with Jewish unbelief and self-righteousness. This serves as a not-so-subtle rebuke on certain Jews and Jewish concepts of His day.

The content of the Pharisee’s prayer is given in verses 11 & 12. Verse 11 gives us the Pharisee’s way to approach God in prayer. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself. “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican.”

Notice the content of heart that leads him to say “I am not like other people.” His estimation of his own righteousness is greatly exaggerated for he assumes that he is acceptable to God. Self­ righteousness is really self-delusion according to Luke 11:39-54. Our opinion of ourselves reflects much about who we think God is. The Pharisee thought himself superior to others, especially this tax collector.  He groups the tax collector with robbers, swindlers, the unethical, and adulterers. 

The Pharisee gave all the credit for his good life to himself and gave none to God.

He praised himself even in the place built for the praise of God. Pharisee was praying to himself instead of to God. He was proud of his life and of his accomplishments, especially his religious ones. He wasn't bad like other men; he had fulfilled the requirements of the law. He experienced no conviction of any wrong in his life. He was self­satisfied with his own righteousness and looked down on others. When he thanked God it was only for his own goodness, not for God's grace and mercy toward him.

How easy it is to compare ourselves favorably with others, for we almost always look at others from our view point instead of from God's point of view.  God's ideal, though in his behavior and action remains His Son, not us nor our contemporaries nor our works. We will not see others clearly until we have developed Christ-like eyes and character.  When we do we will understand how far short of the perfect glory of God we fall.  Since salvation is by grace we should not feel superior to another. Grace doesn’t express itself in or by despising others.

The religious routines of the Pharisee continue in verse 12.  “I fast twice a week, I give tithe of all that I Possess.” Not only would a religious Jew pray three times a day, but he would fast twice a week.   Fasting twice a week went beyond that which was prescribed in the law (see Lev.16:29, 31; 23:27, 29, 32; Num 29:7). The Jewish law prescribed only one absolutely required fast on the day of Atonement.

But those who wished to gain special merit fasted also on Mondays and Thursdays.  It is noteworthy that these were the market days when Jerusalem was full of country people. Those who fasted whitened their faces and appeared in disheveled clothes, and those days gave their piety the biggest possible audience. Fasting should be done as an act of contrition, brokenness, humility or sorrow instead it became another point of pride for the Pharisee.

The Pharisee's prayer was concerned with telling God what a good man he was, for not only did he keep the Law by fasting and tithing (v. 12), but also he considered himself better than other people (v. 11). He was using other people as his standard for measuring righteousness.

Jesus next teaches us the correct way to approach God in prayer.  In verse 13 the tax collector prays a completely different kind of prayer than the previous prayer. "And the Publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” The publican respected the holiness of God and therefore saw himself as sinful and in need of grace and forgiveness. He even “smote upon his breast" as a sign of mourning and contrition. In such contrition the acknowledged sinner throws Himself upon the mercy of God.  He then cries out "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." His location, posture, and speech reveal his humility and a proper understanding of his sinfulness, in sharp contrast to  the self-righteous Pharisee.

The difference seems to be that the Publican used God as his standard for measuring righteousness. The prayer of the tax collector therefore expresses humility, dependence and desperation. The Pharisee was proud and boastful, the Publican grieved over his own sinful condition. The Pharisee described his righteousness, the tax collector begged for mercy to escape the judgment his sin deserved.

Evangelist D. L. Moody once visited a prison called “The Tombs” to preach to the inmates. After he had finished speaking, Rev. Moody talked with a number of men in their cells.  He asked each prisoner this question, “What brought you here?”  Again and again he received replies like these: I don't deserve to be here.”  “I was framed.” “I was falsely accused.”  “The judge or a witness took a bribe.”  Not one of these inmates would admit he was guilty.   Rev. Moody finally found a man with his face buried in his hands, weeping. “What's wrong, my friend?”  The prisoner responded, “My sins are more than I can bear.” Relieved to find at least one man who would recognize his guilt and need of forgiveness, the evangelist exclaimed, "Thank God for that!” Rev. Moody then joyfully led him to a saving knowledge of Christ.  A knowledge that released him from the shackles of his sin.

As long as the sinner claims innocence and denies his sin before the Lord, he cannot receive the blessings of redemption. But when he pleads guilty and cries out, “God, be merciful to me a sinner,” he is forgiven. In order to find salvation, one must first recognize that he or she are lost, just like the Younger son did in the parable of the Prodigal Son.

When we confess to being a sinner and cast ourselves upon God's mercy, we are traveling the road to true righteousness.   We deserve justice but need mercy. That need will only be met in response to humble confession and earnest petition. Jesus said the publican, not the Pharisee, went home justified.

 In verse 14, Jesus unequivocally states which one was justified before God. “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Jesus' closing declaration and pronouncement uplifts the publican as an example to us. The application of the parable is that it is necessary for people to humble themselves before God to gain forgiveness. The bible tells us “God resisteth the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). St. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2;8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”

The Pharisee left the temple confident he had fulfilled his religious duties but still bearing his sin and guilt before God. He had not sought forgiveness through confession and repentance, thus he had not found forgiveness.

That God justified the tax collector and not the Pharisee is a shocking role reversal. The Pharisee, who was perceived as righteous in the eyes of the people, was not accepted by God; whereas the hated but truly penitent tax collector was. No doubt this enraged the Pharisees in His audience (v. 9) and gave them further cause to seek Jesus' death in Jerusalem a short time later.

With His closing advice in the last part of verse 14, Jesus once again warns us not to exalt ourselves above others. “Everyone who exalts himself will be abased.” Those who are proud and are exalting themselves will one day be brought low (humbled) by God. s we fill ourselves with the true knowledge of God we should always humble ourselves before Him. Then if we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, He will lift us up when, where, and as He desires which may well be when He examines us at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor.  5:10). In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

The Rev. Don Fultz+

 

 

  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:

Philippine Island – Mud slide survivors

Colombia, SA – Earthquake survivors

Donny Clark – hospitalized for stroke – Anne – overseeing his care

Kathy – new tests regarding her eye and the ability to keep one or both – severe anxiety

Baby Baelin – Baelin is successfully off the ventilator, Chelsea has had the opportunity to hold her child, she is still attached by two tubes they hope to take out this week and possible able to leave the NICU unit. Keep praying, Praise God for answered prayer.

Donny – hospitalized due to multiple strokes and inability to speak, pray for David and Anne, family who are helping him in recovery

Ben Hancock – treatment for colon cancer

Rev. Geordie:  needs prayer for medical issues

Debbie Grimes: colon cancer – surgery

Man, who is a friend of many – Brain Cancer

Bobby Effinger – recovery from heart surgery and ongoing heart issues

Joseph Broddie – recurring throat cancer

David Williams – serious cardiac issues – pray for David and wife Sherie for coping with changes

Colby Landry – cancer. Please pray for his wife, Leah and their family at this time of trial.

Persecuted Christians – subject to persecution and imprisonment for their faith.

Bobby Bryan – suffering with cancer and cardiac issues.

For an increase in the true faith in Jesus Christ here and across the globe.

USA – Leaders, citizens, military, first responders – President Trump & all Cabinet Members Safety

Ophelia – crippling arthritis pain

Dave – COPD – new diagnosis of Diabetes type 2 – Gastritis episode

Mary Lou – strength for downsizing life-long home and moving

 

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

 Keep Praying for the following:

Shamu-health issues,  AOC USA, AOC Missions,  Harper-IBS,  Jim Sevier- God’s Peace,  Linda – fall this week multiple buises, Alicia-caregiver, Sophie, Colin and Lori Beall – cancer,
Malou – cancer, Janice, Katie, Bobby, Myra Cox, Faye Miller, Diane, Alice, Yves Mera, Lucile, Ryan, Steven, Rency, Jack & Karen, David,Brannon,  Kristen, Joyce, Camella, Charlie, Dennis, Beverly and Howard, Betty, Deborah

  Points to Ponder:

An unforgiving spirit is not only Satan’s widest door into our hearts, but also his strongest invitation and warmest welcome.
The Rev. E. M. Bounds

Safety and salvation are of the LORD; he can save without armies, but armies cannot save without him.
The Rev. Matthew Henry

Today, we find that the plague of pharisaism has infected many souls who claim to follow our Lord. These modernists may come to church thinking that simple participation is enough. They may even offer up to God their so-to-speak “accomplishments” never once realizing that all their works are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). By contrast, the proper Bible Christian when presented with such thoughts of self-sufficiency and self-aggrandizement will fall to his or her knees in humble reverence acknowledging the very God who made such wealth possible. Sadly, the numbers of those who might be termed “proper Bible Christians” are dwindling daily.
The Rev. Bryan Dabney, 11^th Sunday after Trinity 2026

 

Repetition aids Retention
Bishop Jerry Ogles