AOC Sunday Report

The AOC Sunday Report is RIGHT HERE!

Happy Third Sunday after Easter!

The AOC Sunday Report is RIGHT HERE!

Bishop Jerry is traveling back from his granddaughter's wedding, so we have superb sermons from Bishops Roy and Dennis, as well as Revs Jack and Bryan.  As is pretty much always the case, they are great and different.  Like every time, the come with a money back guarantee!

There are a lot of people who need your prayer, please start with Shamu and Bruce and work out from there.

Have a really great week.  There is one out there for you, you just need God's guidance to find it!  One of the sermons talks about that, figure out which one!

Godspeed,

Hap
Church of the Faithful Centurion
Descanso, CA

Third Sunday after Easter

If you enjoy this, the entire AOC Sunday Report is RIGHT HERE!

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold - Time and Action

Church of the Faithful Centurion

Descanso, California

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

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

Consider these words from the Collect:

… who showest to them that are in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; Grant unto all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s Religion, that they may avoid those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same…

God is a Triune God; Father, Son, Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost’s job is to open our souls, hearts and minds to God’s Will.  It is to help us see where we are in error and how to fix those errors.  Thus, to open our “ears” to His Voice so we can listen and make our improvements based on His Words..   As is oft the case, the Collect really asks us to let the Holy Ghost in so He can change us.    Consider this quote from Jack Lewis out of Mere Christianity:

“When He said, ‘Be perfect,’He meant it. He meant that we must go in for the full treatment. It is hard; but the sort of compromise we are all hankering after is harder—in fact, it is impossible. It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.”

It does not matter if it is hard for us to listen to the Holy Ghost, we must do it.  If we will listen to Him, God will always provide the light to show us where “We have erred, and strayed from His ways like lost sheep. Wherewe have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. Wherewe have offended against His holy laws. Where we have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done[1]…”   He will shine His Light onto the dark areas in our heart and souls so we can focus on eliminating that darkness from within us. He does this so that we can turn to the path which brings us to His World.  For without that guiding light, we will be forever lost on the path to darkness.

Then we can shine that Light for others to see, to lead them to that Light, that they might pick up their torches and bring His Light into the darkness of the world, be it the Western Civilized Word or the Eastern World. First, we have to let His Light into our hearts before we can shine it to others that they may see the works of His Light. We cannot lead others to a Light we do not have within us. So, we must first make sure we have the Light of the Holy Ghost within us before we can think of leadings others to that Light.

We can start in our own little corner of the world and work our way outward. We are always striving to work towards total transformation of our area to the light. However, we will always find opposition from evil. If evil is thwarting our efforts then we all must put in 110% to stop evil and combat it across the world wherever it is. We must never, never, never, ever give up on this fight.  

We must fight evil wherever and whenever we run across it. Evil anywhere is Evil everywhere to paraphrase one of my favorite books, Lord of the Rings. We must not let the little and big evils in this life get us down or defeat us. We must rely on the guiding power of the Holy Ghost and God’s unlimited grace to save the day. His Grace can help you out of any horrific situation; only if you ask for and accept His help, which is a universal theme in our sermons here, because it is a truth and one that Jesus preached, that is that we have to accept Him into our hearts, if we are to become truly Christians. 

A couple years ago, I met a Navy SEAL in Guam, who gave an excellent sermon to the point we must be on the offense in the battle against Satan, never defense. The SEAL noted Paul did not describe any sort of back armor whatsoever, showing us Christianity was an offense based, not defense based religion.  We must never our back towards the enemy, but rather face forward and attack. The best defense is a good offense as in every case. We must never cease our fight against Satan, for he is powerful here on earth, tricking many. We are often outnumbered in the fight.  Numbers matter not.  We must always fight with all we have every time.  We must carry on; we must storm the beaches of Hell itself and keep on persevering in good times and in bad.

Peter tells us our actions need to be consistent with the principles of Scripture and of Jesus’ message. In short, we need to be good citizens, be good neighbors, take particular care of our Christian family. In short, do what Christ would do, as far as it is in us. We need to cling to the good and reject the evil thoughts and actions of our old sinful selves.  Let us do our best to think, in hard and trying times, what would Jesus do in our situation, and then act in a manner most like Him. In order to make the world a better place, we first have to start with our selves then work out word, applying the principles of Christ to our lives. God does not ask us to be perfect; He does ask us to do our best to try to be perfect, to follow Jesus’ lead to the extent we have it in us.  Each of us is different, some are in truth less bad than others.  God holds us each to the same standard, that is to do our best.  Not to be better than any other particular person, but to do our best to follow His Instructions.  Being better than someone else is of no account, what is of account is following His Instructions to the best of YOUR ability.  

Don’t think of trying to be better than your neighbor, think of being better than you are. We are not competing against anyone. We are just striving to be better than we were yesterday. If we do this, then we will improve day by day, year by year.

In the Gospel according to Saint John, Jesus tells of His impending bodily death and resurrection.    He reminds us if we have eternal life, sorrow, even the sorrow of death is transient, for He has conquered death. It is a very minor thing in the long term view the sorrow of a temporary parting of a loved one. For that is all that is, if we put our trust and hope in God and do our very best to follow Him.  have to keep this in mind throughout our travel along the straight and narrow upward path. His One Sacrifice, made One Time, for All Mankind, for All Time is that joy that no man can take from us.  But, if we want to share in that eternal life, we need to see the error of our ways in the Light of His Light and take actions to follow Him.

Often it seems much easier to take the path of least resistance, to quit our work at the first sign of effort, to goof off when “no one” is looking.  But in the end, the right thing to do is always the easiest, the most profitable. The one that will result in happiness. It might seem hard, but it will not be as hard as doing the “easy” thing.

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

It is by our actions we are known.

As we go off on our business, please recall this quote from GK Chesterton:

Christianity has not been tried and found wanting;  it has been found difficult and not tried.

Be of God - Live of God - Act of God

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[1]General Confession – BCP Page 6

Father of Eternity - a Devotion for 20 April 2018, Anno Domin

If you prefer, there is an easy to read and print READER version RIGHT HERE!

F

ORunto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.   (Isaiah 9:6)

The Third Sunday after Easter.

The Collect.

A

LMIGHTYGod, who showest to them that are in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; Grant unto all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s Religion, that they may avoid those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Christ is the light of the world, and all who believe in Him, shall' not abide in darkness, but shall have the light of life. The light of truth is given to the faithful, and enjoyed only by those who are born of the incorruptible word of truth, which abideth for ever, and as "the path  of  the just is like the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day," we daily sup­plicate the grace and guidance of the Spirit of truth, that we may be delivered from every de­scription of error, and follow those things which are consistent with our high and heavenly calling.  Reflections on the COLLECTS of the Church of England (1854)

            My favorite of all hymns (forgive me Army comrades) is the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father Strong to Save. It is the most powerful to me spiritually of all hymns both in lyrics and in the sense of the accompanying tune. It reinforces the supreme doctrinal truth that God is our Father in Eternity, and His arm is not shortened to save us in becoming His sons and daughters. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Cor 6:17-18)

            You will note the Fatherhood of God is not universally granted. There is that stipulation that we must come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing. From whom should we come out? We depart from the eternally dark night of the children of perdition whose father is the devil and . . . . lead a new life following the Commandments of God and walking from thenceforth in His Holy Ways.” Invitation to the Lord’s Table, 1928 Book of Common Prayer.

            Like every family since Eden, all children have a Father – even the children of perdition have a father. Remember that there are only two families on earth, and every person born of woman belongs to one or the other.

            In His harsh, and not politically correct, admonition of the Jews, Christ said:  If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of yourfather the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.  (John 8:42-45) And at another time, He again condemned the Jewish rulers: Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matt 23:33)Can you imagine the outrage at CNN if that were a Trump Tweet!

            My father was an amateur musician who used to sing to me with his guitar at night when I was experiencing, what our physician labeled, ‘growing pains’ in my shins. It reminds me now of the Eternal Father who also gives us songs to endure the dark hours of our lives: “Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?” (Job 35:10-11)  Our God is a Father who will never leave or forsake us. He is forever a strong defense for us against the world. And He is with us through the darkness hours of the night.

            We are children of Light and we are to walk in the Light of our Father’s countenance: “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.” (Psalm 89:15)But the children of darkness hate the light as the snail hates the sun. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)That LIGHT is Christ! “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:4-5)“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:9)

            It should not seem strange that we are the reflected Light of Christ in this world,. (Matt 5:14)because Jesus is the Source-Light of the World. (John 8:12)If our God is the Father of Lights, and we are His Children, surely we must be light-bearers of Christ while in the world.“ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the FATHER OF LIGHTS, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) 

            Before the first beam of light, or the first atomic particle, there was God. He brooded over the expanse of darkness that covered what would become, at His Word, the earth. His first Creation in the world that was then standing in darkness was not rocks or sand or mud which are all tangible; but He created Light as His first Creative work of art. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.  And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.”  (Gen 1:1-5)

            From that first creative act until today, God has been creating light where darkness has pervasively haunted the hearts of men since Adam’s shameful Fall. 

            You are aware, I am sure, that the Triune God was present at the beginning (and end) of Creation! God the Father spoke, and the Word responded with action. The Holy Spirit moved upon the face of the waters, and The Word brought the Light of the World to rule over Creation (our Lord). There is much more, such as the meaning of the word for God (Elohim) used in verse one which is a Hebrew peculiarity that means ‘more than one, in One’. 

            Christ did not come into existence at Bethlehem, or earlier in Nazareth at conception. This was the outward expression of His incarnation; however, the Lord Jesus Christ has existed with the Father throughout the aeons of eternity past. He is the Alpha and Omega – the first and the last of the Greek alphabet (and every word in between). But He is also Alpha to Zulu (A to Z) in the English alphabet, and every other of the tongues of men. “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.” (Matt 23:34-35)

            Our Lord is the Ancient of Days, and created Day itself. He created all things by the power of His Word – and He is the WORD! (John 1:4)He is the Ancient Landmark which must not be moved at all else every property line becomes corrupt. Being the WORD Incarnate, every feeble and wicked attempt to translate the Lord as the only Begotten Son of God out of the specious and salacious new versions is a direct attack upon the Person and Divinity of Christ. Amazingly, these new versions are based on the same errant manuscript evidence as the Christ-denying New World Translation of the Jehovah Witnesses. “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” (Prov 22:28)

            The Fatherhood of God existed in eternity past before the worlds were made. If our faith and religion is not primitive, it is not of God, for God is eternal in past, present, and future. Our ways must be the ‘Old Ways.’ Our paths must be the ‘Old Paths”.

            Our Beloved Father has a message for our nation today, and to every nation upon the face of the earth: “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” And how do we respond? I am afraid we have responded in the same vane as Israel of old: “But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jer 6:16)

            Most days of the week, I endeavor to write devotions based on God’s Word.  I do not write to advance my own intents and purposes, but believe I am led by the Holy Spirit in writing. Yet many could care less for God’s Word. The pot is too busy to hold the nourishing water of the Potter who has so gloriously molded the pot. We are hurtling through space at light speed, and our time on earth is comparable to our speed. Soon, there will be no more time for those who chance to read this devotion. Remember, friends, this solemn counsel of God: “All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:6-8)

Sweet Dreams of Sleep - a Devotion for 19 April 2018, Anno Domini

If you prefer, there is an easy to read and print READER version RIGHT HERE!

I

Tis vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.   (Psalms 127:2)

B

UTI would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thess 4:13-18)

            It is a great challenge to imagine the sweet dreams of our beloved kin and friends who have fallen asleep in Christ. They are kept in perfect peace, and, if they do dream, those dreams would fill a lifetime of joys. Of course, for every head-side of the coin, there is a tail-side. I do not even wish to imagine the nightmares that must pervade the restless sleep of those who have died without the grace and mercy of the Redeemer.

            Sound sleep is a blessing, and so are many wonderful dreams which can only accompany such sleep. Sleep is a state of lack of consciousness and awareness of present circumstances; however, there is often a beautiful consciousness beyond the veil of wakefulness that is hidden from the world and known only to the dreamer.

            There are some interesting dreams recorded in history by remarkable fellows. One such dream was reported by John Wesley – I know not if a real event, or simply an illustration: Mr. Wesley wrote, “I dreamed I died and went to Hell. Standing without the ominous, iron-bound gate, I inquired of the gateman: Do you have any Methodist down here, to which the gatemen responded, Yes, many. I ventured to ask if there were any Presbyterians? Yes, many, was the answer. How about Church of England men? Oh, yes, many.” He then cited another dream that followed on the heels of the first. “I dreamed I died and went to Heaven. At Heaven’s gate I asked St. Peter: Are there any Methodist up here? Sorry, no Methodist here, responded St. Peter. What about Presbyterians? No, was the response. Are there any Church of England men here? No Church of England souls here, he replied. Then who do you have here, I asked? Only Christians, was the response.”

             In the Holy Scriptures, dreams were often employed to reveal scriptural truth to a chosen prophet or prophetess. The Canon of Scripture being complete in our time, dreams are no longer sent as enhancements of God’s Word. It is possible that God may visit a believer, or even an unbeliever, in a dream to call attention to truth once and for all revealed previously in Scripture; but none can say ‘amen’ to the dreams of another since they cannot be confirmed in Holy Scripture. The Bible is sufficient for us in faith. The same is true of random babblings and guttural outburst in churches from what some call ‘speaking in tongues.’ God is not the author of confusion, and His clarion call is forever clear and devoid of misunderstanding to the believer.

            The nature of sleep to the believer is identical to that of a blessed passage from earthly life into heavenly bliss. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Cor 15:51-52)I do not know the precise meaning of death at the moment of passage, but I do know that our Lord referred to the death of Jairus’ daughter and of Lazarus as a sleep. I remember those sound sleeps of youth following an evening of running and playing. I did not want to give up on the day, but my mother was stern in her counsel, “It is time for bed!” Spoken in this manner, there was no recourse. But I was usually more exhausted than I realized. Within seconds of getting to bed, I often fell into a blissful and happy sleep. But, almost immediately, I would open my eyes and the sun would be rising on a new day! The sleep was so very sound that it seemed that I had only blinked my eyes and morning had arrived. In actuality, several hours had passed. That may define the sleep of death to the child of God, but the soul does not sleep in a body of clay. It is carried at once by the angels to Paradise. There is joy always in Paradise.

            Some believers sleep before their time due to some besetting sin or unfaithful walk. Paul tells us: 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of thatcup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.  (1 Cor 11:28-30)

            Unfortunately, many Christian are spiritually asleep, especially in our modern day. They are either oblivious to the counsel of God in Scripture, or they have ceased to care, believing that modern social mores have replaced the biblical morality commanded by God. These will be awakened by alarming horror and guilt when the last Trump sounds. 

            10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.   (Romans 13:10-13)

            There is a time to sleep and a time to work. We work while it is yet light, and sleep in the dark solitude of the night when no man can work. “6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”    (1 Thess 5:6-8)

            Who are the literal DEAD? Why, it is those who die in their sins. There are living dead; and there are those who are dead and buried eternally. The living dead are those who walk, talk, speak, and act while their souls are dead. These are Satan’s favorite ZOMBIES. 1 And you hath he quickened, who were DEAD in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were DEAD in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made ussit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  (Eph 2:1-7)

            I would rather be a dead corpse who lives, then a living soul who is dead. We must be alert to the call of the Holy Ghost just as Lazarus was dead and alert to the voice of our Lord in the tomb at Bethany. “14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”  (Eph 5:14)

            Are you alive in Christ, or dead in sin? Wake up before the long sleep!

High Priest - a Devotion for 18 April 2018, Anno Domin

If you prefer, there is an easy to read and print READER version RIGHT HERE!

S

O also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. (Heb 5:5-10)

T

HOU art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.  (Psalm 110:4)

            We have the perfect example of the High Priest given in Genesis 14 of a mysterious figure named Melchizedek to whom even Abraham paid tithes and offerings, and who blessed Abraham. We are told in Hebrews Seven Melchizedek was greater even than Abraham: 1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. 7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. (Heb 7:1-7)This High Priest was compared to the Son of God – he had neither beginning nor end. He was a High Priest that abideth forever.

            The central theme of this devotion is not about Melchizedek, but about the Personage whom Melchizedek represented as a forerunner thereof – our Lord Jesus Christ. He has become our High Priest forever. In the days of the Temple, the High Priest interceded for the people before the Most Holy in the Temple. He offered, first intercession for his own sins; and then the sins of the people. But our Lord as High Priest intercedes directly with the Father on our behalf and is guiltless Himself of any sin.

            You will recall the then-High Priest of Israel, Caiaphas, spoke unwittingly and yet prophetically (because he WAS High Priest) of our Lord before the Passion of Christ. After the raising of Lazarus at Bethany, the Jewish rulers were distraught to find an answer to their dilemma. It was obvious to them that only the Messiah could have done the miracles that Jesus did; however, they did not wish for a Messiah who would take their power and place: 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. 49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. (John 11:47-52)

            It is also noteworthy our Lord was accused of vile sins and blasphemy before the High Priest, Caiaphas. One who was blameless stood before one who sinned overtly before His very face: 65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. (Matt 26:64-65)Why was the renting of his garment a sin for the high priest? Read, 10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;  (Lev 21:10)Of course, Caiaphas was guilty of far greater sins than simply renting his garment. He was complicit in the pitched lies of a trial before which even Pilate pronounced Jesus innocent. He would have better rent his heart rather than his garment.

            Many misconstrue the duties and function of a priest in our day. They think back to the duties of the priest in Old Testament times. Worship underwent a change, not of purpose, but in means, at the coming of Christ. We still have priests and a High Priest, but the roles have changed owing to the fulfillment of prophecies. No longer does the priests offer up living sacrifices for the redemption of sin – they were never sufficient but merely a foreshadow of the perfect sacrifice to come in Christ. Instead of offering daily and annual sacrifices, the priest now offers only the Lord Jesus Christ as the Perfect and Complete sacrifice through both Word and Sacrament. 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (Heb 7:24-28)

            Here is an explanation of George Herbert on the duties of the priest: A PASTOR is the deputy of Christ for the reducing of man to the obedience of God. This definition is evident. And contains the direct steps of pastoral duty and authority. For first, man fell from God by disobedience. Secondly, Christ is the glorious instrument of God for the redemption of man. Thirdly, Christ being not to continue on earth, but, after he had fulfilled the work of reconciliation, to be received up into heaven, he constituted deputies in his place, and these are priests. And therefore St. Paul, in the beginning of his Epistles, professeth this ; and, in the first to the Colossians, plainly avoucheth that he fills up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in his flesh, for his body s sake, which is the church : wherein is contained the complete definition of a minister. Out of this charter of the priesthood may be plainly gathered both the dignity thereof and the duty; the dignity, in that a priest may do that which Christ did, and by his authority, and as his vicegerent. The duty, in that a priest is to do that which Christ did, and after his manner, both for doctrine and life. A Priest to the Temple; .  George Herbert (1908)

            Every professing and believing Christian has some duty deriving from the priesthood: 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:2-5)The priest in the church is the figure that directs worship according to biblical standards and not the free-license lack of standards of the modern church.

            The Lord Jesus Christ, as our High Priest, commissions and appoints subordinate duties to his priests and ministers. If a man is not called of God to preach, he can in no wise do the work of the Lord. An officer in the military is not a self-made officer – he must be commissioned by Presidential authority. The same is true of the priest or minister in the church.

            The Lord Jesus Christ, being our High Priest, must find a Bride that is virtuous and without spot or blemish. Where shall He find such a Bride. The Church is to be the Bride of Christ, but how shall she appear spotless and virtuous when she presently condones the most vilest of sins and abominations? The Book of Leviticus clearly tells us of the High Priest: 13 And he shall take a wife in her virginity. 14 A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.(Lev 21:13-14  Today’s church scarcely fits that demand. Our High Priest is worthy of much better than we offer in both worship and faith today. A drastic and epic change is necessary either through an awakening conscience, or through harsh tribulation. The Marriage Supper is being prepared as I write. Should the Bride not be preparing herself as well? 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Rev 21:1-2)

The adornment of the modern church is as filthy rags. Best assume the White Robe of Christ to cover our sins – and very SOON!

Hymns of the Church - Wonderful Peace– 17 April 2018, Anno Domini(In the Year of our Lord)

If you prefer, an easy to read and print READER version is RIGHT HERE!

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.

(Psalm 29:11)

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

Wonderful Peaceis a hymn more characteristic of soulful meditation than communal worship. Lyrics were written by Warren D. Cornell in 1889 and the musical score, by same title, was written specifically for the hymn during the same year of 1889. It is not included in the 1940 Hymnalperhaps for its tone of solitude rather than of public worship; but the hymn evokes deep spiritual emotion and a drawing of the soul into the deep and silent waters of the Holy Spirit. The hymn was first sung at a Methodist Camp meeting in West Bend, Wisconsin.

Wonderful Peace

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight

Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;

In celestial strains it unceasingly falls

O’er my soul like an infinite calm.

Refrain

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,

Coming down from the Father above!

Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray

In fathomless billows of love!

What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,

Buried deep in the heart of my soul,

So secure that no power can mine it away,

While the years of eternity roll!

Refrain

I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,

Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;

For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,

And His glory is flooding my soul!

Refrain

And I think when I rise to that city of peace,

Where the Anchor of peace I shall see,

That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing

In that heavenly kingdom will be:

Refrain

Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest,

Marching down the rough pathway of time?

Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark;

O accept of this peace so sublime!

Refrain

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm; In celestial strains it unceasingly falls O’er my soul like an infinite calm.When we are fully submerged in the Spirit, we are absent from the world and present with the Lord as Paul says. That is a tremendous distance from the world to the place of God in the Spirit. The only way to fully taste the delectable flavors of the spirit is to become fully submerged therein. The depths of the spirit that is devoted to God cannot be fathomed. The beauty of this melody of the Spirit is that it transcends words – even Psalms since it is simply the words of the Psalmist set to music. Like a blanket of golden fleece, the Spirit of God often covers us with gentle love and sweet caresses and speaks to our soul, Be Still and Know!

What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace, Buried deep in the heart of my soul, So secure that no power can mine it away, While the years of eternity roll!The depths of our converted spirits is safely ensconced in the heart of God – a secure resting place indeed. Now, it is quite logical that if our heart is in Christ, that we are in possession of our great treasures which are on deposit in Heaven. No evil can enter even the most remote perimeters of the Spirit. Only those things pleasing to God will be found there. The deep into which our spirits rest in Christ has no limit, and is more secure than any known safe. In his Christmas message to the English people in 1939 as the specter of world war lay before the nation, King George VI quoted from Minnie Haskins poem, The Gate of the Year, thusly: I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year,‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be better than light, and safer than a known way.’

I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace, Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control; For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day, And His glory is flooding my soul!There is no sweeter rest than that which resides in a heart of Jesus. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28 (KJV) The Godly soul works during the daylight hours, and sleeps during the hours of darkness. It is during those moments that the Lord keeps a particular watch of protection over us. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4 (KJV) There is no danger in sleep when the night is pitch black, but there is danger in carousing about the streets in a drunken stupor when one should be home sleeping with his family. There are moments for the Christian when the vessel of his soul cannot contain the joy and glory of the Lord’s fellowship. In a manner of speaking, we were beside ourselvesas Mark tells us of Jesus. It is better to be beside Jesus, and without ourselves, than the other way around, friends.

And I think when I rise to that city of peace, Where the Anchor of peace I shall see, That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing In that heavenly kingdom will be:I am reminded of the hope and faith we have in the power unseen which shall be realized in broad sight at the Last Day. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil. Heb 6:19 (KJV) Were you ever ransomed? Was your soul ever before held hostage by the power of sin and the devil?  Yes, most certainly; and the Lord Jesus Christ redeemed the hostage and set you free. If you think the Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral sings beautifully, just wait until your ears are graced with the glorious singing of the angels!

Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest, Marching down the rough pathway of time? Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark; O accept of this peace so sublime! Make sure that your pathway is the pathway of our Lord for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The pathway to the abyss is not always strewn with stones. It may not be so rough, and it leads always DOWN! Instead of stones and debri, it may be strewn with fleshly delights that ruin the soul. But if our Lord is our Friend, Brother, and Savior, we need not worry about the Broad Way that leads to destruction; because traveling with Him, His feet will never tread that path. In this life, the shadows invariably lengthen as we approach the sunset of life. But in Christ, those shadows are merely variances of the beams of light that emanate from Heaven. Shadows have no force or substance. That is why we can say, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4)To the redeemed in Christ, death is only a shadow without power or substance. 

Refrain
Peace, peace, wonderful peace, Coming down from the Father above! Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray In fathomless billows of love! Just as the unseen dews condense to form visible droplets on the morning rose, so shall the peace of God gently surround His favored Child. The Manna of God will be formed in that peace that passeth all understanding. The persistent tides sweep the sands of the ocean seas, but never cease in their waxing and waning. The tides of God’s peace never wane, rather grow with steady intensity as the soul is drawn into the deep of His Love which is bottomless. As we have sung that glorious old verse of the Love of God: Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky.

AOC Sunday Report

The entire AOC Sunday Report is RIGHT HERE!

Happy Second Sunday after Trinity!

The AOC Sunday Report is RIGHT HERE! 

There are really good sermons from Bishops Jerry and Roy, as well as Revs Jack and Bryan.  Each is different, but each is really really great.  You will enjoy them.

There are a lot of people who need your prayers, please take a little time to pray for them.  Start with Shamu, Bob and Doug and work out from there.

Have a great week ahead.  It can be, you know.  All you have to do is accept the wonder God offers.

Godspeed,

Hap

Church of the Faithful Centurion

Descanso, CA