Changed by God to Make a Difference for God: Recent Episodes
Fr. Kevin Maney and St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville OH
"Changed by God to make a difference for God" is St. Augustine Anglican Church's (Westerville, OH) mission statement. Check out our website at https://saa.church. These sermons from the priests at St. Augustine's are offered to help you do just that so that you can live your life fully as a human being created in God's image and to help equip you to be one of Jesus' kingdom builders.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Sermons from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH to help you live faithfully as Christians in these trying times.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon for Advent 2B delivered on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 40.1-11; Psalm 85.1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1.1-8.
Happy new year! Today is the beginning of Advent, the first Sunday of the Church's calendar year. Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Advent Sunday Year B delivered on November 29, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 64.1-9; Psalm 80.1-8, 18-20; 1 Corinthians 1.3-9; St. Mark 13.24-37.
Listen to Father Jonathon Wylie's sermon for Christ the King Sunday A delivered on November 22, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. The first five mins of the sermon are not recorded. Lectionary texts for today are Ezekiel 34.11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Ephesians 1.15-23; Matthew 25.31-46.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon for the second Sunday before Advent A, delivered on November 15, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Zephaniah 1.7, 12-18; Psalm 90; 1 Thessalonians 5.1-1; Matthew 25.14-30.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon preached at the funeral of Baby Dowell on Sunday, November 8, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Revelation 21.1-7; Psalm 23; 1 John 3.1-3; John 11.17-27.
Listen to Father Jonathon Wylie's sermon for the third Sunday before Advent A delivered on November 8, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Joshua 24.1-3a, 14-25; Psalm 78.1-7; 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18; Matthew 25.1-13.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon for All-Saints' Sunday, Year A delivered on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Revelation 7.9-17; Psalm 34.1-10, 22; 1 John 3.1-3; Matthew 5.1-12.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon for the last Sunday after Trinity A delivered at a baptism on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary text for today is Romans 6.1-11.
Listen to Father Jonathon Wylie's sermon for Trinity 18A delivered on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 32.1-14; Psalm 106.1-6, 19-23, Philippians 4.1-9; St. Matthew 22.1-14.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon delivered at the wedding of Michael and Monica on Friday, October 9, 2020. Lectionary texts: Genesis 2.18-29; Ephesians 5.21-33; John 15.1-8.
Listen to Father Maney's sermon for Trinity 16A delivered on Sunday, September 27, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 17.1-7; Psalm 78.1-4, 12-16; Philippians 2.1-13; Matthew 21.23-32.
Listen to Bishop Julian Dobbs' sermon for Trinity 15A delivered during confirmation on Sunday, September 20, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 16.2-15; Psalm 105.1-6, 37-45; Philippians 1.21-30; St. Matthew 20.1-16.
Listen to tonight’s sermon preached at Jonathon Wylie’s ordination to the sacred Priesthood. Sermon delivered on Friday evening, September 18, 2020 at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 6.1-8; Psalm 119.33-40; Ephesians 4.7-16; St. Luke 10.1-9.
Our preaching series on St. Paul's letter to the Romans concludes this morning. Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon for Trinity 14A delivered on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 14.19-31; Psalm 114; Romans 14.1-12; Matthew 18.21-35.
Our preaching series on St. Paul's letter to the Romans continues. Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Trinity 13A delivered on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 12.1-14; Psalm 149; Romans 13.8-14; St. Matthew 18.15-20.
Our preaching series on St. Paul's letter to the Romans continues today. Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Trinity 12A delivered on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 3.1-15; Psalm 105.1-6, 23-26; Romans 12.9-21; St. Matthew 16.21-28.
Our preaching series on St. Paul's letter to the Romans continues today. Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon for Trinity 11A delivered on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 1.8-2.10; Psalm 124; Romans 12.1-8; St. Matthew 16.13-20.
Our preaching series on St. Paul's letter to the Romans continues today. Listen to Dr. Jonathon Wylie's sermon for Trinity 10A delivered on Sunday, August 16, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 45.1-15; Psalm 133; Romans 11.1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15.10-28.
Our preaching series on St. Paul's letter to the Romans continues today. Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Trinity 9A delivered on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 37.1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105.1-6, 16-22; Romans 10.5-15; St. Matthew 14.22-33.
Our preaching series on St. Paul's letter to the Romans continues today. Listen to our guest preacher, Dr. Bethany Christiansen's sermon for Trinity 8A delivered on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 17.1-7, 16; Romans 9.1-5; Matthew 14.13-21.
Our preaching series on St. Paul's letter to the Romans continues today. Listen to Father Sang's sermon for Trinity 7A delivered on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105.1-11, 45b; Romans 8.26-39; St. Matthew 13.31-33, 44-52.
Our preaching series on St. Paul's letter to the Romans continues today. Listen to Father Sang's sermon for Trinity 6A delivered on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 28.10-19a; Psalm 139.1-11, 22-23; Romans 8.12-25; St. Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43.
Our preaching series on St. Paul's letter to the Romans continues today. Listen to Father Maney's sermon for Trinity 5A delivered on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 25.19-34; Psalm 119.105-112; Romans 8.1-11; St. Matthew 13.1-9, 18-23.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Trinity 4A delivered on Sunday, July 5, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 24:34–38, 42–49, 58–67; Psalm 45.10-17; Romans 7.15-25; St. Matthew 11.16-19, 25-30.
Listen to Deacon Jonathon Wylie's sermon for Trinity 3A delivered on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 22.1-14; Psalm 13; Romans 6.12-23; St. Matthew 10.40-42.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon for Trinity 2A preached on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 21.8-21; Psalm 86.1-10, 16-17; Romans 6.1b-11; St. Matthew 10.24-39.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon for Trinity 1A preached on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 18.1-15, 21.1-7; Psalm 116.1-2, 12-19; Romans 5.1-8; Matthew 9.35-10.23.
Listen to Deacon Jonathon Wylie's sermon for Trinity Sunday, Year A, delivered on June 7, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 1.1-2.4a; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13.11-13; Matthew 28.16-20.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Pentecost Sunday, Year A, delivered on May 31 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.1-21; Psalm 104.24-34, 35b; 1 Corinthians 12.3b-13; John 20.19-23.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for the Feast of the Ascension (transferred) delivered on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 1.1-11; Psalm 93; Ephesians 1.15-23; Luke 24.44-53.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon for Easter 6A delivered on Sunday May 17, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 17.22-31; Psalm 66.8-20; 1 Peter 3.13-22; St. John 14.15-21.
Listen to Father John Jorden's sermon for Easter 5A. Sermon delivered on Sunday, May 10, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 7.55-60; Psalm 31.1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2.2-10; St. John 14.1-14.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon for Easter 4A delivered Sunday, May 3, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.42-47; Psalm 23 (KJV); 1 Peter 2.19-25; St. John 10.1-10.
Listen to Deacon Jonathon Wylie's sermon for Easter 3A, Sunday, April 26, 2020 delivered online at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.14a, 36-41; Psalm 116.1-3, 10-17; 1 Peter 1.3-23; St. Luke 24.13-35.
Listen to Bishop Julian Dobbs' sermon for Easter 2A, Sunday, April 19, 2020 delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.14a, 22-32, Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1.3-9; St. John 20.19-31.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney's sermon for Easter Sunday, Year A, delivered on April 12, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 10.34-43; Easter Anthems; Colossians 3.1-4; St. Matthew 28.1-10.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's Good Friday meditation delivered on April 10, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 52.13-53.12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 4.14-16, 5.7-9; St. John 18.1-19.42.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Maundy Thursday. Sermon delivered on April 9, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for tonight are Exodus 12.1-14; Psalm 116.1, 10-17; 1 Corinthians 11.23-26; St. John 13.1-17, 31b-35.
Today we celebrate Palm Sunday. But what is there to celebrate in the midst of this plague? Hear Father Maney explore possible answers and resolve to give yourself to the One who has the power to rescue you from the deepest darkness, even death. Sermon delivered on Passion (Palm) Sunday A, April 5, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 50.4-9a; Psalm 31.9-16; Philippians 2.5-11; St. Matthew 26.14-27.66.
What is our destiny as Christians? Surprisingly, many Christians don't know the answer to this question. If you are one of those people (and even if you're not), listen to this sermon to learn the answer! Sermon delivered on Lent 5A, Sunday, March 29, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Ezekiel 37.1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8.6.11; St. John 11.1-45.
Last week we saw that we are to die for in Christ's eyes, that he while we were still God's enemies Christ died for us to spare us from God's judgment on all that is evil and break the power of Sin over us. Now what? Listen to Father Maney develop the New Testament's clear call to us to be the light of Christ to a sin darkened world. Given these desperate times, there never was a greater need for us to pay attention to God's loving call to us to be his forever! Sermon delivered on Lent 4A, Sunday, March 22, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Samuel 16.1-23; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5.8-14; John 9.1-41.
During the coronavirus pandemic that grips us it is easy to join with ancient Israel as they wandered through the wilderness. We too are tempted to ask, "Is the Lord among us or not?" But for those who claim to know the God made known supremely in and through Jesus Christ, this question is a question of doubt based on fear. We should not expect God to honor such complaints. Listen to Father Maney develop this idea and resolve not to put God to the test during these difficult times. After all, while you were still his enemy, God sent his Son willingly to die for you so that you could experience God's peace, the best peace of all. In other words, you are to die for in God's eyes. Sermon delivered on Lent 3A, Sunday, March 15, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 17.1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5.1-11; St. John 4.5-42.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Lent 2A delivered Sunday, March 8, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 12.1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4.1-5, 13-17; St. John 3.1-17.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Lent 1A. Sermon delivered on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 2.15-17, 3.1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5.12-19; St. Matthew 4.1-11.
Lent reminds us that something is amiss in God's world. As Christians we believe this stems from human sin and the alienation from God that results. But how to end our alienation from God? Repentance is not enough. More is needed and thankfully God has provided the conditions needed to reconcile us to him and restore order in his disordered world. Listen to Father Maney as he unpacks this story and then resolve to give your life to Christ who died to free you from your slavery to Sin and Death. Lectionary texts for tonight are Joel 2.1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51.1-18; 2 Corinthians 5.20b-6.10; St. Matthew 6.1-6, 16-21.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Transfiguration Sunday A delivered on February 23, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 24.12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1.16-21; St. Matthew 17.1-9.
Creation matters to God. Therefore it should matter to us. In fact, a case can be made that the entire story of Scripture is about how God is rescuing his good creation and creatures gone bad. Every Christian should therefore have a solid creational theology to help guide all of his/her thinking and actions. Listen to hear how Father Maney develops all this and resolve to live as a resurrection peep, one who has hope in its ultimate restoration along with your own. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 1.1-2.3; Psalm 136; Romans 8.18-25; St. Matthew 6.25-34.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for the third Sunday before Lent A, delivered on February 9, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 58.1-12; Psalm 112.1-10; 1 Corinthians 2.1-16; St. Matthew 5.13-20.
Eulogies are fine for what they are, but they cannot bring the dead back to life. Only Jesus Christ, crucified for our sake and raised from the dead, can and will do that. This is why Christian funerals are so important: they remind us that Death and Evil do not have the final say. Listen to Father Maney unpack the Christian hope of new creation and the resurrection of the dead and then resolve to give yourself to Christ, the author of life and first-born from the dead. Lectionary texts for today are Revelation 21.1-7; Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 15.1-26, 35-38, 42-44a, 53-58; John 11.17-27.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's Candlemas sermon delivered on Sunday, February 2, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Malachi 3.1-5; Psalm 24; Hebrews 2.14-18; Luke 2.22-40.
As Christians we believe that God's light has shined on the darkness of a sin-corrupted world and our lives in the person of Jesus Christ. But what does that mean? Because we live in the "already-not yet" things are not always so simple or straightforward as we would like them to be. Listen to Father Maney develop this idea so that you too might know the wisdom and power of God made known in the cross of Jesus Christ. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 9.1-4; Psalm 27.1, 4-12; 1 Corinthians 1.10-18; St. Matthew 4.12-23.
So who was the Servant in Isaiah? Israel? A third party? Someone else? The New Testament tells us all the above! Listen to Father Maney's sermon for Epiphany 2A and resolve to be Christ the Servant's servant. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 49.1-7; Psalm 40.1-11; 1 Corinthians 1.1-9; St. John 1.29-42.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for the Baptism of Christ A delivered on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 42.1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10.34-43; Matthew 3.13-17.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for the Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord (transferred). Sermon delivered on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72.1-15; Ephesians 3.1-12; St. Matthew 2.1-12.
Listen to Father Kevin Maney read select meditations from Church Fathers and Doctors on the Incarnation, including the first extant Christmas sermon preached in Antioch in AD 386 by St. John Chrysostom. Today's meditations were read on Christmas 1A, December 29, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Merry Christmas!
What did Saint John mean when he wrote in the prologue to his gospel that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it? Listen to Father Maney unpack the answer to this question, especially if you are one who struggles with the darkness at this time of the year, and be healed and refreshed by the power of God's word and promises. Merry Christmas! Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 52.7-10; The Song of God’s Chosen One (Isaiah 11); Hebrews 1.1-12; John 1.1-14.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Advent 4A delivered on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 7.10-16; Psalm 80.1-7, 18-20; Romans 1.1-7; Matthew 1.18-25.
The season of Advent is strange to those who do not know about it because it begins in the darkness and invites us to peer into the darkness as people who have hope. But what is our hope based on and why would we want to look at all that is wrong with our lives and this world? Listen to Father Maney lay out the basis of our hope and the reason for Advent, and then resolve to claim the promise in penitence and faith. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 35.1-10; Luke 1.46-55 (Magnificat); James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11.
Listen to Dr. Jonathon Wylie's sermon for Advent 2A delivered on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 11.1-10; Psalm 72.1-7, 18-19; Romans 15.4-13; Matthew 3.1-12.
Happy new year! Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Advent Sunday, Year A, delivered on December 1, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 2.1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13.11-14; Matthew 24.36-44.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Christ the King Sunday C delivered on November 24, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 23.1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1.11-20; Luke 23.33-43.
In case you hadn't noticed, we are at war. The dark powers are relentless in their effort to destroy God's good creation and creatures. We are up against forces far stronger than us. Is the situation hopeless? Not at all. Enter the cross of Christ and his resurrection from the dead. Listen to how Father Maney develops this and then give yourself to the One who loves you and gave himself for you so that you can live and fight the good fight. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 65.17-25; Song of Deliverance (Isaiah 12); 2 Thessalonians 3.6-13; Luke 21.5-19.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for the third Sunday before Advent C, November 10, 2019. Sermon preached at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Haggai 1.15b-2.9; Psalm 145.1-5, 18-22; 2 Thessalonians 2.1-5, 13-17; Luke 20.27-38.
All-Saints' Sunday is a day we remember our loved ones who have died in the faith of Christ. But All-Saints is so much more than eternal life, massively important as eternal life is. As all our readings attest, All-Saints points to a much greater reality and future. It is an appropriate day for the saints of God in the Church Militant (those still living in this mortal life) to anticipate the Great Reversal when the Kingdom of God comes in full on earth as in heaven as our Lord prayed in the prayer he gave to us, and good finally triumphs over evil. Hear Father Maney develop this idea and then give yourself or renew your commitment to the one who died for you so that you could have this hope. Lectionary texts for today are Daniel 7.1-3, 15-18; Psalm 149; Ephesians 1.11-23; Luke 6.20-31.
The Right Reverend Dr. Emmanuel Chemengich, bishop of the Diocese of Katali, Kenya is our guest preacher this morning. Listen to his sermon for the last Sunday after Trinity, Year C, preached on October 27, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Joel 2.23-32; Psalm 65; 2 Timothy 4.6-8, 16-18; Luke 18.9-14.
As Christians we long for God's justice and await Christ's return to usher in God's promised new world. But how long, Lord, how long? What are we to do in the interim so that we don't fall into despair and stop believing God's promises? Father Maney unpacks the biblical answers for us in today's sermon. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 31.27-34; Psalm 119.97-104; 2 Timothy 3.14-4.5; Luke 18.1-8.
As Christians we sometimes (often?) wonder where God is in the midst of the chaos in our lives that can be a dark game changer for us, and in the chaos going on around us. We wonder if God really is in charge? Each of our lessons answers yes to our question about God's sovereignty! Hear how Father Maney develops this affirmation and resolve to do as Scripture tells us to do. You won't be sorry! Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 29.1, 4-7; Psalm 66.1-11; 2 Timothy 2.8-15; Luke 17.11-19.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Sunday, Trinity 16C, October 6, 2019. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Lamentations 1.1-6; Psalm 137; 2 Timothy 1.1-14; Luke 17.5-10.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Trinity 15C. Sermon delivered on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 32.1-3a, 6-15; Psalm 91.1-6, 14-16; 1 Timothy 6.6-19; Luke 16.19-31.
In our OT and psalm lessons today we read more hard-to-hear material. Why the focus on God's judgment on human sin? And was Christ really telling us to cheat our enemies? Hear Father Maney's interpretation of these issues and then consider the wonder of God who imprisons all in disobedience so that he can have mercy on us (Romans 11.32). In your pondering you will find God's grace and love for you as well as true freedom. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 8.18-9.1; Psalm 79.1-9; 1 Timothy 2.1-7; Luke 16.1-13.
St. Augustine's held its quarterly healing service today. Listen to what Father Maney has to say about the basis for all healing. Sermon delivered on Trinity 13C, Sunday, September 15, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 4:11–28; Psalm 14; 1 Timothy 1.12-17; Luke 15.1-10.
The Christian hope of Resurrection and New Creation is the only hope that can fully satisfy our hunger for justice and life. That is why Christian funerals are so important. Listen to Father Maney unpack these ideas and resolve to give your life to Christ so that you too can have the only hope that is real and the only hope that fully satisfies. Lectionary texts for today are Revelation 21.1-7; Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 15.1-26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58; John 11.17-27.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Trinity 11C. Sermon delivered on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 2.4-13; Psalm 81.1, 10-16; Hebrews 13.1-8, 15-16; Luke 14.1, 7-14.
In one way or another, today’s lessons confront us with the enigma of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. If God is sovereign over us and the events of his world, how can God hold us responsible for our actions? God is in charge, right? Everything is fixed. We’re just doing what God predestined us to do so why bother? Why try? What’s the point? Listen to Father Maney's sermon and resolve to ask the Lord to make you a better disciple. Take responsibility for showing your love for the Lord in what you think, do, and say. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 8.1-11; Psalm 139.1-5, 12-18; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14.25-33.
St. Augustine's celebrates the 8th anniversary of its founding today. Listen to Father Maney explain why a celebration is necessary. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Chronicles 29.6-1; Psalm 122; Ephesians 2.19-22; John 2.13-22.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Trinity 9C. Sermon delivered on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 5.1-7; Psalm 80.1-2, 9-20; Hebrews 11.29-12.2; Luke 12.49-56.
Faith plays a critical role in the Christian theology of salvation. We use the term all the time, but do we use it correctly? Are we in line with the biblical notion of faith? Hear what Father Maney has to say about faith and then reflect on whether your own faith is vital or useless. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 1.1, 10-20; Psalm 50.1-8, 22-23; Hebrews 11.1-3, 8-16; Luke 12.32-40.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Trinity 7C delivered on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Hosea 11.1-11; Psalm 107.1-9,43; Colossians 3.1-11; Luke 12.13-21.
Listen to Bishop Julian Dobbs' sermon for Trinity 6C. Sermon delivered on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Hosea 1.2-10; Psalm 85; Hebrews 4.12-13; Luke 11.1-13.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Trinity 5C. Sermon delivered on Sunday, July 21 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Amos 8.1-12; Psalm 52; Colossians 1.15-28; Luke 10.38-42.
What happens to Christians when we are called to behave in ways that are not humanly possible but yet God still holds us accountable for our behavior? Listen to Father Maney unpack this seeming unjust contradiction and discover the surprising power of the gospel. Lectionary texts for today are Amos 7.7-17; Psalm 82; Colossians 1.1-14; Luke 10.25-37.
Listen to our guest preacher, Father John Jorden's, sermon for Trinity 3C, Sunday, July 7, 2019. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Kings 5.1-14; Psalm 30; Galatians 6.1-16; Luke 10.1-11, 16-20.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Trinity 2C, Sunday, June 30, 2019. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Kings 2.1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77.1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5.1, 13-25; Luke 9.51-62.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Trinity 1C, Sunday, June 23, 2019. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 19.1-15a; Psalms 42-43; Galatians 3.23-29; Luke 8.26-39.
How does one go about explaining God in three persons yet remaining one God? For most of us mere mortals, it is almost impossible. But with God all things are possible and it has pleased God to reveal himself to us as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This is more than just a mere exercise in intellectual activity. If we are going to worship the one true and living God, we need to know as best we can who we are worshiping. Listen to Father Maney unpack it all and then resolve to give yourself to our triune (God in three persons) God. It's a game changer. Lectionary texts for today are Proverbs 8.1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5.1-5; John 16.12-15.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Pentecost Sunday, Year C. Sermon delivered June 9, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church in Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.1-21; Romans 8.14-17; John 14.8-27.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Ascension Sunday, Easter 7C, June 2, 2019. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 16.16-24; Psalm 97; Revelation 22:12–14, 16–17, 20–21; John 17.20-26.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Easter 6C, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 16.6-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21.10, 22-22.5; John 14.23-29.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Easter 5C, Sunday, May 19, 2019. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 11.1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21.1-6; John 13.31-35.
Lectionary texts for today are Acts 9.36-43; Psalm 23; Revelation 7.9-17; John 10.22-30. Today is Good Shepherd Sunday, which always falls on the fourth Sunday of Eastertide. What comes to mind when you think of Jesus as the Good Shepherd? Chances are whatever it is, it won't sustain through life's darkest hours. It is therefore time for us to grow up and develop an understanding of Christ that will give us real hope and sustain us when we need it most.
What are we to learn from this third resurrection appearance by our Lord to his disciples? What does this story have in common with Christ's intervention with St. Paul on the road to Damascus, or the glimpse St. John gives us of the heavenly throng, or with us for that matter? Listen to how Father Maney develops these ideas and then give thanks and your life to the risen Lord who loves you and lives with you now and for all eternity in the new creation. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 9.1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5.11-15; John 21.1-19.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Easter 2C, Sunday, April 28, 2019. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 5.27-32; Psalm 150; Revelation 1.4-8; John 20.19-31.
These days the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a fashionable thing to believe, mainly because many of us can't imagine it being possible, and there lies the problem. The Resurrection is not about human power or imagination, it is about the power of God, and it is the only thing that answers all our hopes and fears and sorrows. Hear what Father Maney has to say about the resurrection of the body and then ask God to give you the grace to be changed by his power, not your own efforts. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 10.34-43; Easter Anthems; 1 Corinthians 15.19-26; Luke 24.1-12.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Good Friday, April 19, 2019. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 52-13-53.12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 4.14-16, 5.7-9; John 18-19.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Maundy Thursday, April 18, 2019. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for tonight are Exodus 12.1-14; Psalm 116.1, 10-17; 1 Corinthians 11.23-26; John 13.1-17, 31b-35.
Many seek God. But would we recognize God when we encounter him? Jesus lamented that we wouldn't, and being the Son of God, he ought to know. Listen to Father Maney's sermon and check your ability to recognize. It's the only thing that matters in this world and beyond. Lectionary texts for today are Luke 19.28-40; Psalm 118.1-2, 19-29; Isaiah 50.4-9a; Psalm 31. 9-16; Philippians 2.5-11; Luke 22.14-23.56.
Listen to Dr. Jonathon Wylie's sermon for Lent 5C. Sermon delivered Sunday, April 7, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 43.16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3.4b-14; John 12.1-8.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Lent 5C, delivered Sunday, March 31, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Joshua 5.9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5.16-21; Luke 15.1-3, 11b-32.
Today's lessons point us to the seriousness of sin and our predicament before God without outside help. What to do? Listen to Father Maney's sermon and then examine yourself before Almighty God, confident that with repentance comes mercy. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 55.1-9; Psalm 63.1-8; 1 Corinthians 10.1-13; Luke 13.1-9.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Sunday, Lent 2C, March 17, 2019. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 15.1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3.17-4.1; Luke 13.31-35.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Transfiguration Sunday C, March 3, 2019 delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 34.29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3.12-4.2; Luke 9.28b-43.
Today we conclude our three part series on St. Paul's theology of the resurrection. What did St. Paul mean when he spoke of the resurrection of the body? Why should we care? What implications does the resurrection have for the living of our days. Hear what Father Maney has to say about it and choose to give your life to Christ if you have not done so already. You will find that you enter God's rich stream of eternal life. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 45.3-11,15; Psalm 37.1-11, 39-40; 1 Corinthians 15.35-38, 42-50; Luke 6.27-38.
Do you know what the Good News is that the original apostles proclaimed? If you do, is your faith useful or useless. Every three years in between the Epiphany and Lenten seasons, provided Easter falls late enough like it does this year, the lectionary allows us to read St. Paul’s theology on the resurrection found in 1 Corinthians 15. Given the shoddy teaching about the resurrection, and in some cases the outright dismissal of it, this is an appropriate time to talk about our resurrection hope, even though it isn’t Eastertide. So today we begin a three-part sermon series on St. Paul’s teaching about the resurrection. May you find healing, refreshment, and encouragement from Christ's death and resurrection. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 6.1-13; Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 15.1-11; Luke 5.1-11.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for the feast of Candlemas (transferred) delivered Sunday, February 3, 2019 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Malachi 3.1-5; Psalm 24; Hebrews 2.14-18; Luke 2.22-40.
What did St. John want us to learn when he related the story of Jesus turning water into the equivalent of between 600-900 bottles of the finest wine at the wedding in Cana? One of the things is surely for us to ponder the generous and extravagant love and grace of God. Listen to how Father Maney develops this and then resolve to follow Christ in a manner where you don't turn his extravagant and generous wine into water. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 62.1-5; Psalm 36.5-10; 1 Corinthians 12.1-11; John 2.1-11.
Each year we celebrate the baptism of Christ (and our own) on the first Sunday after the feast of the Epiphany. But why? What's the big deal? It's in the phrase "But now" from our OT lesson that proclaims the power of God to rescue us from our slavery to Sin and Death, and that's a Big Deal. Listen to how Father Maney develops this idea and then commit or recommit yourself to the one who loves you and calls you by name. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 43.1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8.14-17; Luke 3.15-17, 21-22.
Listen to select sermons, including the first known Christmas sermon preached by St. John Chrysostom, and Christmas meditations from Church Fathers and Doctors for Christmas 1C, Sunday, December 30, 2018, read at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Then come join us for worship!
The prophet Isaiah spoke of a people who lived in great darkness and we know something about that, even today. We all must deal with various forms of darkness that afflicts us, from death to illness, to alienation, to addiction. To add insult to injury, try as we might, we are powerless to overcome the darkness on our own. The best we can do is apply window dressing to it. But tonight we celebrate the birth of the Savior with God's promise to overcome the darkness through him. Listen to Father Maney's sermon and then savor the light of Christ that overcomes the darkness of Sin and Death and all that flows from it. Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 9.2-7; The Song of God's Chosen One; Titus 2.11-14; Luke 2.1-20.
We live in a world that is both beautiful and dark, a world where can death strike at any moment and not even Christmas coming can stop it. We cry out to God and ask why but aren’t given an answer. So what is the solution? Where is God? Where is God’s justice? Listen to Father Maney’s funeral sermon to find out and then hold on to the hope of new creation with all your might. Only then will you find the answers you seek Lectionary texts for today are Revelation 21.1-7; Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 15.1-26, 35-38, 42-44a, 53-58; John 11.17-27.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for the third Sunday of Advent C, delivered on December 16, 2018 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Zephaniah 3.14-20; Isaiah 12.2-6; Philippians 4.4-7; Luke 3.7-18.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for the second Sunday of Advent C, delivered on December 9, 2018 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Malachi 3.1-4; Luke 1.68-79; Philippians 1.3-11; Luke 3.1-6.
Advent begins in the dark. It is a time for us to take stock of the reality of Evil, Sin, and Death in God's good world, and so Advent is a time to consider the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell. Today we reflect on Death in the light of God's judgment and mercy. Hear what Father Maney has to say and have your faith and hope renewed. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 33.14-16; Psalm 25.1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3.9-13; Luke 21.25-36.
Listen to Father Santosh Madanu's sermon for Christ the King Sunday B delivered on November 25, 2018 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14; Psalm 93; Revelation 1.4-8; John 18.33-37.
We live in a world that seems to have come unhinged. Mass murders, natural disasters, political chaos, rancor, bitterness, terrorism, personal crises and setbacks of all kinds, to name just a few. The world's brokenness and madness can cause all kinds of spiritual, mental, and physical illnesses. Enter our lesson from the letter to the Hebrews with its talk about the perfect sacrifice of Christ made for us once and for all. Why is this the beginning of real health and healing? Listen to how Father Maney connects the dots and then resolve to give yourself to the One who loves you and has the power to heal you now and forever. Lectionary texts for today are Daniel 12.1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10.11-25; Mark 13.1-8.
What are we to make of our epistle lesson from Hebrews with its strange claims of blood sacrifice to remove sin and Christ entering into heaven to stand in God's presence on our behalf? How is that relevant to our lives? To answer these questions, we need start with the problem of Sin (with a capital S). Hear what Father Maney has to say and then commit to giving your life to the One who loves you and gave himself for you to rescue you from the power of Evil and darkness. Lectionary texts for today are Ruth 3.1-5, 4.13-17; Psalm 127; Hebrews 9.24-28; Mark 12.38-44.
Today we celebrate All Saints' Sunday and the communion of saints. But other than remembering our dead loved ones, those who have died in Christ, why do we do this? Because in remembering the saints, we remember our ultimate hope in Jesus Christ. Nothing less will ever do. Hear what Father Maney has to say about it all and then resolve to keep your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer of our faith and the author of new creation. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 25.6-9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21.1-6a; John 11.32-44.
Listen to Father Madanu's sermon for the last Sunday after Trinity B, October 28, 2018. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Job 42.1-6, 10-1; Psalm 34.1-8, 19-22; Hebrews 7.23-28; Mark 10.46-52.
We continue our preaching series on the letter to the Hebrews today. What are we to make of that strange claim that Jesus pled and prayed and cried out to God to save him, and through it all he learned obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5.7-8)? Pay attention, because in this claim your salvation is near and only a fool would reject the promise. Lectionary texts for today are Job 38.1-7, 34-41; Psalm 104.1-10, 26, 37; Hebrews 5.1-10; Mark 10.35-45.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Trinity 20B, Sunday, October 14, 2018, delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Job 23.1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22.1-15; Hebrews 4.12-16; Mark 10.17-31.
Scripture tells us that God created his creation and creatures to be good. So why is there so much evil in the world and why are good folks sometimes afflicted by evil and suffering? What's going on here? The book of Job and the letter to the Hebrews begin to address our questions. We aren't told why God allows Evil to exist in his good world. Instead, the New Testament tells us what God has done about the problem of Evil, and ultimately that's a more satisfactory answer for our anxious questions. Hear Father Maney develop this idea and resolve to set your sight squarely on Jesus, the Son of God. He is our only hope and future. Lectionary texts for today are Job 1.1, 2.1-10; Psalm 26; Hebrews 1.1-4, 2.5-12; Mark 10.2-16.
We live in a world afflicted by the forces of Evil and their human minions. This tempts us to believe either that God does not exist or that he has abandoned us, not really caring what happens to us or our lives. This is not the God of the Bible as our lessons attest in their various ways! Listen to how Father Maney develops this idea and ask God for grace to see him at work in his world and your life. Then give your life to this God who loves you and gave himself for you in Jesus Christ. Lectionary texts for today are Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22; Psalm 124; James 5.13-20; Mark 9.38-50.
As the psalmist warns, there are two paths we can go down in this life: The way of the world or the way of God. One leads to destruction, the other leads to blessings and life and demonstrates we are truly wiseguys. Check out how Father Maney develops all this and then choose your path wisely. Lectionary texts for today are Proverbs 31.10-31; Psalm 1; James 3.13-4.3, 7-8a; Mark 9.30-37.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Trinity 16B. Sermon delivered on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Proverbs 1.20-33; Psalm 19; James 3.1-12; Mark 8.27-38.
Listen to Father Terry Gatwood's farewell sermon for Trinity 14B. Sermon delivered on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Psalm 125; James 2.1-17; Mark 7.24-37.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Trinity 14B, Sunday, September 2, 2018, delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Song of Solomon 2.8-13; Psalm 45.1-2, 7-10; James 1.17-27; Mark 7.1-8, 14-15, 21-23.
Listen to Bishop Roger Ames' sermon preached at St. Augustine Anglican Church's parish dedication festival, Sunday, August 26, 2018 in Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Revelation 21.9-14; Psalm 122; 1 Peter 2.1-10; John 10.22-29.
Listen to Father Terry Gatwood's sermon for Trinity 12B, Sunday, August 19, 2018 delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 2.10-12; 3.3-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5.15-20; John 6.51-58.
We all know what it's like to be in the depths of despair, to be overwhelmed by events and people in our lives. So what's the solution? It starts by crying out to the One who has the power to rescue us, Jesus Christ. Listen to what Father Maney has to say about it all and then in faith ask the Lord Jesus to make his healing love and forgiveness known to you, trusting that he will do so. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Samuel 18.5-9, 15, 31-33; Psalm 130; Ephesians 4.25-5.2; John 6.35, 41-51.
What are we to make of David's great sin and the Lord's reaction to it? Where was the forgiveness in light of what happened in David's life afterwards? How could the man after God's own heart callously commit adultery and murder in the first place? Vexing questions, these. Hear what Father Maney has to say about it and then commit to spending some quality time at the foot of our Lord's cross. You won't regret it. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Samuel 11.26-12.13a; Psalm 51.1-13; Ephesians 4.1-16; John 6.24-35.
Listen to Father Terry Gatwood's sermon for Trinity 9B. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH on Sunday, July 29, 2018. Lectionary texts: 2 Samuel 11.1-25; Psalm 14; Ephesians 3.14-21; John 6.1-21.
Listen to Father Sang's sermon for Trinity 8B. Delivered Sunday, July 22, 2018 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts: 2 Samuel 7:1-14; Psalm 89:20-37; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.
Listen to Father Terry Gatwood's sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH for Trinity 7B, Sunday, July 15, 2018. Lectionary texts: 2 Samuel 6.1-5, 12b-19; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1.3-14; Mark 6.14-29.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Trinity 6B. Sermon delivered on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church in Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13.
Listen to Bishop Boniface Kwangu's sermon for Sunday, Trinity 5B, July 1, 2018. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts: 2 Samuel 1.1, 17-27; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 8.7-15; Mark 5.21-43.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Trinity 4B, Sunday, June 24, 2018. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Samuel 17.1a, 4-11, 19-49; Psalm 9.9-20; 2 Corinthians 6.1-13; Mark 4.35-41.
Listen to Father Terry Gatwood’s sermon for Trinity 3B, Sunday, June 17, 2018, delivered at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts: 1 Samuel 15.34-16.13; Psalm 20; 2 Corinthians 5.6-17; Mark 4.26-34.
What are we to make of all those exorcisms Jesus is doing? Then there's St. Paul, talking about not losing heart, even in the midst of terrible suffering. What's that all about? In a word: Rescue, God's rescue of God's good creation and its people from the malevolent powers of Sin and Evil. But how? Listen to what Father Maney has to say about it all and resolve to put your hope and trust in the one who loves you and wants to claim you as his own—Jesus, our crucified and risen Lord and Savior. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Samuel 8.4-20, 11.14-15; Psalm 138; 2 Corinthians 4.13-5.5; Mark 3.20-35.
The word of the Lord was scarce in the days of Samuel. Why was that? What's this story about? Does it apply to us? Is there any Good News to be had? Listen to Father Maney's sermon and consider the wisdom and hope of God. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Samuel 3.1-20; Psalm 139.1-6, 13-18; 2 Corinthians 4.5-12; Mark 2.23-3.6.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Trinity Sunday B, May 27, 2018, delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 6.1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8.12-17; John 3.1-17.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's Pentecost Sunday sermon delivered on May 20, 2018 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.1-21; Romans 8.22-27; John 15.26-27, 16.4b-15.
What are we to make of the Ascension of Jesus? Is this our first glimpse of a cosmic astronaut or is there more to be learned here? Check out what Father Maney has to say about it all and be encouraged in your faith. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 1.1-11; Psalm 93; Ephesians 1.15-23; Luke 24.44-53.
Listen to Father Terry Gatwood's sermon for Easter 6B delivered on Sunday, May 6, 2018, at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 10.44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5.1-6; John 15.9-17.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon delivered on Sunday, Easter 5B, April 29, 2018, at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 8.26-40; Psalm 22.24-30; 1 John 4.7-21; John 15.1-8.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Sunday, Easter 4B, delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 4.1-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3.16-24; John 10.11-18.
Listen to Father Terry Gatwood's sermon for Sunday, Easter 3B, April 15, 2018, delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 3.12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3.1-7; Luke 24.36b-48.
Following up on last week's sermon on the Resurrection, Fr. Maney looks at how our resurrection hope impacts the living of our days. How do Easter people live out their faith in God's good but broken world as they await the return of their Lord and the coming of God's new creation in full that was launched at Jesus' resurrection? Lectionary texts for today are Acts 4.32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1.1-2.2; John 20.19-31.
Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and with it the beginning of God's new creation. Why, then, do so many people, some Christians included, deny that the Resurrection took place? Hear what Father Maney has to say about it all and then resolve to give your life to Christ, the Resurrection and the Life. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 10.34-43; Psalm 118.1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15.1-11; John 20.1-18.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Good Friday. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Columbus, OH. Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 52.13-53.12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 4.14-16, 5.7-9. The Passion narrative is from St. John's gospel, John 18.1-19.42.
Listen to Father Terry Gatwood's sermon for Maundy Thursday, year B. Sermon delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Columbus, OH. Lectionary texts for tonight are Exodus 12.1-14; Psalm 116.1, 10-17; 1 Corinthians 11.23-26; John 13.1-17, 31b-35. Gospel of the Watch: Matthew 26.30-75.
Palm Sunday. What a strange day! We start off with a celebration and end with a catastrophe. Most of us would like to avoid the catastrophic part of the story but the ancient liturgical wisdom of the Church will not let us do that. To get to Easter Sunday we must go to the foot of the cross on Good Friday and reflect on its meaning because here we see God rescuing us from our slavery to Sin and Death. So what does that look like for us today who live in a world gone increasingly mad? Check out what Father Maney has to say about it all and then be ready to contemplate the love of God poured out for you on the cross and give your life to him in willing, humble obedience, despite the uncertainties and darkness of life. Lectionary texts for the liturgy of the Palms are Mark 11.1-11; Psalm 118.1-2, 19-29. Lectionary texts for the liturgy of the Word are Isaiah 50.4-9a; Psalm 31.9-16; Philippians 2.5-11. The Passion narrative is from Mark 14.1-15.47.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for the fifth Sunday of Lent, year B, delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Columbus, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 31.31-34; Psalm 51.1-13; Hebrews 5.5-10; John 12. 20-33.
For God so loved the world that God sent his only begotten Son… Can a loving God also be a wrathful God? What about the existence of Evil in the world? And the cross of Jesus Christ? What's that all about? Listen to what Father Maney has to say about it all and then dare to think the unthinkable: that this is the way God shows us how much God loves the world. Because by the cross of Christ, and ONLY by the cross of Christ, do we find eternal life and avoid destruction. Lectionary texts for today are Numbers 21.4-9; Psalm 107.1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2.1-10; John 3.14-21.
Why do so many people look at the cross as foolishness? How does it represent God's wisdom and power? These are crucial questions for anyone interested in finding the heart of God and experiencing the transformative power of God found in the cross of Christ. Check it out. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 20.1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1.18-25; John 2.13-22.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for the second Sunday of Lent, February 25, 2018 delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Columbus, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 17.1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22.23-31; Romans 4.13-25; Mark 8.31.38.
Listen to Father Terry Gatwood's sermon for the first Sunday of Lent, February 18.2018, delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Come check us out. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 9.8-17; Psalm 25.1-9; 1 Peter 3.18-22; Mark 1.9-15.
Today marks the beginning of the 40 day period of Lent with its call to repentance, self-denial, prayer, fasting, study, and self-examination. But many Christians today do not understand the function of repentance because they do not understand the power of Sin. Understanding the two makes all the difference in the world between believing the gospel of Jesus Christ or believing the gospel of self-esteem and self-help. The former leads to life, the latter leads to death. Hear how Father Maney develops this and resolve to embrace the Good News of Jesus Christ during this Lenten season and beyond. Lectionary texts for today are Joel 2.1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5.20b-6.10; Matthew 6.1-6, 16-21.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon delivered on Transfiguration Sunday, year B, at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Kings 2.1-12; Psalm 50.1-6; 2 Corinthians 4.3-6; Mark 9.2-9.
Do you think God has the willingness and ability to heal? Does God love you enough to heal you? Are you worthy to be healed? Are those healed favored by God while those who don't experience healing not? How should we look at healing? Father Maney explores answers to these questions in today's sermon. Check him out. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 40.21-31; Psalm 147.1-12, 21; 1 Corinthians 9.16-23; Mark 1.29-39.
Listen to Bishop Ron Jackson's sermon for Sunday, Epiphany 3B, January 21, 2018, delivered at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH.
Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 3.19-4.4; Psalm 130; 1 Corinthians 7.17.24; Mark 1.14-20.
Listen to Father Philip Sang’s sermon for the second Sunday of Epiphany B, January 14, 2018, delivered at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51.
Today will be the last day we publish podcasts of our sermons for the near future. If you enjoy listening to our sermons and you are in the Columbus, OH metro area, come worship with us and listen to them in the context of the greater liturgy.
We see the power of God at work in our Lord's baptism and our own. But what do we see and why should we bother looking? Listen to how Father Maney answers these questions and start tapping the power of God available to you in your own baptism. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 1.1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19.1-7; Mark 1.4-11.
This is possibly the first Christmas sermon ever preached. Whether or not it is, Chrysostom's sermon is the first extant Christmas sermon we have. Preached in Antioch in 386AD, the year St. Augustine of Hippo converted to Christianity, and recited to St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Westerville, OH on Christmas 1B, Sunday, December 31, 2017. Enjoy.
As you listen to this sermon, notice its theological richness and depth. It is clear that the early Church had done a tremendous amount of theological reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation and the nature and person of Jesus Christ.
In a world that appears to be going increasingly mad, what is the good news of great joy the angels announced to the shepherds out watching their flock by night? How can we possibly believe the birth of a baby is good news for the entire world? Where's the results? We can believe the Good News of Jesus's birth because it comes from God and our Lord's birth is an integral part of God's plan to rescue us from the darkness of our sin and the Evil that infects and corrupts our world and lives. Hear how Father Maney develops this idea and then rejoice over the greatest gift of all given to each one of us. Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 9.2-7; Canticle (from Isaiah 11); Titus 2.11-14; Luke 2.1-20.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for the third Sunday of Advent, year B. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 61.1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24; John 1.6-8, 19-28.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for the second Sunday of Advent, Year B. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 40.1-11; Psalm 85.1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3.8-15a; Mark 1.1-8.
Today begins the season of Advent, a season of waiting and anticipation for God to finish his work of putting to rights all that is wrong with God's world. This, of course, will involve God's judgment on all forms of evil and it should give us reason to pause and reflect on what that means for us and our lives. Check out what Father Maney has to say about it all and resolve to use this season of Advent to ponder the mighty acts and judgment of God. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 64.1-9; Psalm 80.1-8, 18-20; 1 Corinthians 1.3-9; Mark 13.24-37.
Sheep or goats? Who are we? In today's Gospel reading we hear Jesus telling us about those who served others, and those who did not. In loving service to others, especially in the most simple things, there is great blessedness. In ignoring the needs of others there is none. Christ has called his sheep, who know his voice, to take their part in the ministry in the world. What do you hear him calling you to do? Lectionary texts for today are Ezekiel 34.11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Ephesians 1.15-23; Matthew 25.31-46.
Listen to Father Sang's sermon for the second Sunday before Advent A, November 19, 2017, at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Zephaniah 1.7,12-18; Psalm 90; 1 Thessalonians 5.1-11; Matthew 25.14-30.
Listen to Fr. Terry Gatwood's sermon for the third Sunday before Advent A, November 12, 2017, preached at St. Augustine's Anglican Church in Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Joshua 24.1-3a, 14-25; Psalm 78.1-7; 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18; Matthew 25.1-13.
Today we celebrate All-Saints’ Sunday, with its focus on the communion of saints. But why is this so important for Christians to do? If you’ve ever wondered what happens to your Christian dead or their final destiny, not to mention our current marching orders, you’ve answered the question of importance. Check out what Father Maney has to say about it all and be renewed by the hope of resurrection and new creation that is uniquely Christian. Lectionary texts for today are Revelation 7.9-17; Psalm 34.1-10, 22; 1 John 3.1-3; Matthew 5.1-12.
Listen to today's sermon from St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Fr. Philip Sang is preaching. Lectionary texts for the last Sunday after Trinity Sunday, year A, are Deuteronomy 34.1-12; Psalm 90.1-6, 13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2.1-8; Matthew 22.34-46.
Who or what do you worship? What kind of fruit does that worship bear in your life? Why should you care? Scripture is concerned that we worship the one true and living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. To worship any other (false) god than this God means we are setting ourselves up for failure and ultimately death, rather than life as God intends us to live as his image-bearing creatures. Whom will you choose? Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 33.12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1.1-10; Matthew 22.15-22.
What are we to make of the Ten Commandments? Are they God's attempt to rain on our parade and spoil our fun or do they point to something quite different? The answer to this question lies in our crucified and risen Lord. Hear how Fr. Maney develops this and then resolve to abandon any false gospels you might be clinging to and embrace the real one, the gospel of Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Lord. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 20.1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3.4b-14; Matthew 21.33-46.
What happens when people perceive (mistakenly) that God is absent in their midst? All hell breaks loose! Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and be encouraged that the God who loves you is never far away. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 32.1-14; Psalm 106.1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4.1-9; Matthew 22.1-14.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Trinity 16A, Sunday, October 1, 2017, preached at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Westerville, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 20.1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3.4b-14; Matthew 21.33-46.
God has blessed his people. He has called them to act in certain
ways, to journey to certain places, and to do this trusting that what is
needed will be provided. God pours out his blessing upon his people not
because they stand deserving of it, but rather because it is what he has
determined is right. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 16.2-15; Psalm 105.1-6, 37-45; Philippians 1.21-30; Matthew 20.1-6.
Listen to Bishop Stephen Kewasis Nyorsok's sermon for Sunday, Trinity 14A. Bishop Stephen serves in the Anglican Church of Kenya. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 14.19-31; Psalm 114; Romans 14.1-12; Matthew 18.21-35.
As God's people in Jesus, we are called to do business in a fundamentally different way than the world does. This includes how we handle conflict with other members of the body of Christ, the Church. Check out what Father Maney has to say and then be prepared to resolve your conflicts with other Christians in a holy and right manner that is pleasing to God. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 12.1-14; Psalm 149; Romans 13.8-14; Matthew 18.15-20.
Must is a hard word. It states unequivocally that what is being said has to happen. Not often do we hear this word, but when we do we can find ourselves wondering "why?" What is the purpose, and what if the must isn't carried out? This week's Gospel defines a must for both the Messiah, Jesus, and those who would be his disciples. Because of Jesus' doing of his "must" we find ourselves capable of doing that which we "must" also do. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 3.1-15; Psalm 105.1-6, 23-26; Romans 12.9-21; Matthew 16.21-28.
Today St. Augustine's Anglican Church celebrates the sixth anniversary of our founding here in Westerville, OH. But who or what is the church? The short answer is that the church is the people of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. But what does that mean and why should we care? Check out what Father Maney has to say about it all and hear the Good News that really is the only game-changer in life. Lectionary texts for today are Revelation 21.9-14; Psalm 122; Hebrews 12.18-24; Matthew 21.12-16.
Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Trinity 10A, August 20, 2016. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 45.1-15; Psalm 133; Romans 11.1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15.10-28.
The world in which we live grows increasingly chaotic and we look around and wonder where God is in the midst of it all. Our skepticism is fueled, in part, by the lie that posits God is nothing more than an absentee and uncaring landlord. The end result? We are in it on our own. That isn't good news, folks. Human solutions to the problems of our world and our lives will at best be incomplete and at worst be utter failures. There is much that is out of our control, much as we want to believe otherwise. We search in vain for solutions, any solution. But there is only one solution available. Check out what Father Maney has to say about it all and then resolve to get know know better the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has conquered the evil of Sin and Death on our behalf, even while we were still God's enemies, so that we have the hope of real life and new creation starting right now, not the fear of death and destruction. Lectionary texts for today are 37.1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105.1-6, 16-22; Romans 10.5-15; Matthew 14:22-33.
Jacob the heel grabber. Jacob the swindler. Jacob the swindled. Jacob the fearful. Jacob, now Israel, the limping blessed. Jesus feeding 5000 people with just five loaves and two fish. What does it mean to have enough and to be blessed? The Lord works mighty acts in unusual ways to prepare the hearts of his people to lived a blessed life. Check out the rest of what Father Gatwood has to say about this and be refreshed and renewed. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 32.22-31; Psalm 17.1-7, 16; Romans 9.1-5; Matthew 14.13-21.
St. Paul makes the astonishing claim that Christians or more than conquerors through Christ who love us. But we look at our world and the lives of many Christians, not to mention our own lives, and see something quite different. What's going on? Check out what Father Maney has to say about this and then resolve to give your life to the One who can and does make you more than a conqueror through his crucified and loving power. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105.1-11; Romans 8.26-39; Matthew 13.31-33, 44-52.
In last week's epistle lesson, St. Paul spoke boldly and declared that those who have a relationship with Christ, and only those who have a relationship with Christ, no longer need fear God's just condemnation. God himself in the form of God's Son has taken on God's own punishment on their behalf. Now what? What should we expect? Paul answers us in today's lesson. You are heirs of God by virtue of Christ's cross. And as God's heirs your inheritance will be that of suffering and redemption. Say what, Paul? Check out how Father Maney develops Paul's thinking and find real hope in the process. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 28.10-19a; Psalm 139.1-12, 23-24; Romans 8.12-25; Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43.
Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Trinity 4A, Sunday, July 9, 2017, at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Columbus, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 24:34–38, 42–49, 58–67; Psalm 45.10-17; Romans 7.15-25a; Matthew 11.16-19, 25-30.
Since we are saved by grace, and not of our own deeds, can we carry on living as we ourselves see fit? Can we do whatever we want? If Grace abounds more where sin is present does this give to us a license to do whatever we would choose to do? St. Paul says, "No way!" This week we look to what the new reality is in and through our salvation in Jesus Christ, and what life in a new kingdom looks like. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 21.8-21; Psalm 86.1-10, 16-17; Romans 6.1b-11; Matthew 10.24-39.
Carl L. is our guest preacher this morning and tackles the thorny question of how God sees us. Check it out and count on being edified. Lectionary texts are Genesis 18.1-5, 21.1-7; Psalm 116.1, 10-17; Romans 5.1-8; Matthew 9.25-10.23.
Today is Trinity Sunday where we look at the nature of God in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Say what? Despite the deep mystery of the Trinity there are some very practical things about God in three persons that can help Christians and those who seek the one true and living God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, better understand the heart of God and to live according to God's purposes. Check out what Father Maney has to say and let your understanding of our triune God help make a difference in your life. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 1.1-2.4a; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13.11-13; Matthew 28.16-20.
Listen to Fr. Ric Bowser's Pentecost Sunday sermon. Lectionary texts are Acts 2.1-21; 1 Corinthians 12.3b-13; John 20.19-23.
Listen to Father Gatwood's sermon for Ascension Sunday, May 28, 2017, at St, Augustine's Anglican Church, Columbus, OH. Lectionary texts: Acts 1.6-14; Psalm 68.1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 4.12-14; 5.6-11; John 17.1-11.
Listen to Father Sang's sermon for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 17.22-31; Psalm 66.7-18; 1 Peter 3.13-22; John 14.15-21.
In our gospel lesson today, Jesus talks about troubled hearts, our present, and our future. He offers wonderfully comforting words to those who have ears to hear and hearts to believe. But to what end? Why does God offer the gift of salvation to those who put their real hope and trust in Jesus? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and then resolve to let Jesus bring peace to your troubled heart by believing in him. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 7.55-60; Psalm 31.1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2.2-10; John 14.1-14.
Listen to Bishop Roger Ames' sermon for Christ the Good Shepherd Sunday, Easter 4A. Lectionary texts are Acts 2.42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2.19-25; John 10.1-10.
Listen to Fr. Sang's sermon about encountering the risen Lord. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.14a,36-41; Psalm 116.1-3,10-17; 1 Peter 1.17-23; Luke 24.13-35.
In our epistle lesson today, St. Peter tells us we have a living hope. But what does that mean and how are we to live out that hope? Is it just pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking? Hardly! Our living hope is the risen and living Lord with whom we are united in baptism. Check out what Father Maney has to say about it all and resolve to live your life for Christ in the power of the Spirit. It's not always easy or straightforward, but it is the only Way to real life. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1.3-9; John 20.19-31.
Today we celebrate the turning point of history, the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah! Alleluia! He is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia! But why is Easter the turning point in history and why does it call for fifty days of celebration? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and then resolve (or begin to) live out your Easter hope, both during the next 50 days of Easter and for every day thereafter. Lectionary texts for Easter Sunday are Acts 10.34-43; Psalm 118.1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3.1-4; John 20.1-18.
Dying, Jesus brings the dead to life. In his final great act of loving-kindness prior to his resurrection, Jesus accepts the cross, taking on himself the burden of the sins of the world. God loves so deeply he was willing to die a criminals death to satisfy the justice a sinful humanity could never satisfy. Our salvation comes through faith in his blood, the evidence of a God who loves. Lectionary texts for this evening are Isaiah 52.13-53.12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 4.14-16, 5.7-9; John 18-19.
Fr. Sang looks at what was mandated on Maundy Thursday. Lectionary texts for tonight's sermon are Exodus 12.1-14; Psalm 116.1, 10-17; 1 Corinthians 11.23-26; John 13.1-17, 31b-35.
On Sunday, our Lord rides into Jerusalem with the people proclaiming him to be God's Man. On the following Friday, the crowds are howling for his execution. What's going on here? This is the challenge of Palm Sunday and Holy Week for us as well. Can we worship and follow a God and his Christ who constantly violate our expectations in how they should act to rescue us from the chaos and evil in God’s world, our lives, and ourselves? Will we let God’s word to us, spoken through an unfolding story, a story that reached its climax with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the subsequent events of Holy Week, be sufficient to relieve and sustain us in our weariness? Check out how Fr. Maney develops this and resolve to proclaim Jesus to be your Messiah and King. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 50.4-9a; Psalm 31.9-16; Philippians 2.5-11; Matthew 21.1-11. The passion narrative is Matthew 26.14-27.66.
Can these bones yet live? This is the question posed by God to the prophet Ezekiel in today's Old Testament reading. This question is explored in this sermon. Only through the resurrection of Jesus Christ will they live. Lectionary texts for today are Ezekiel 37.1-14; Psalm 130.1-7; Romans 8. 6-11; John 11.1-45.
Today is Laetare Sunday, meaning we are to rejoice. But rejoice in what? We look around and see that there is something fundamentally wrong with this world and our lives. We wonder where God is in it all and if God is ever going to do anything to right all the wrongs that we know to exist. So again, what is there about which to rejoice? The NT is quite clear in its answer. We are to rejoice in the power of God demonstrated in the death and resurrection of Jesus to break the power of sin, evil, and death in our world and lives. Check out how Fr. Maney develops this idea and rejoice in the Good News of Jesus Christ that follows. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Samuel 16.1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5.8-14; John 9.1-41.
All of us hunger and thirst for that which truly satisfies. But all too often we seek to slake our thirst on things that never can satisfy our true needs. Whether it's gender identity, political identity, sports team identity, or something else, nothing in this world will ultimately satisfy us. We will always hunger and thirst for something more, something greater. If you are one of those folks who are thirsting for more, Fr. Sang invites you to meet Jesus, the only true thirst quencher. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 17.1-7; Psalm 95.1-11; Romans 5.1-11; John 4.5-42.
Do you want to be a member of God's family first formed when God called Abraham and later expanded in and through Jesus to include the whole world? Membership into God's life-giving family is not automatic, even if it is open to the entire human race. It requires a response on our part, a response of trust. But what does that look like and why does God's reconstituted family in Jesus look and act so messy more often than not? Paul's answer, not to mention Jesus's, is the same. Despite the ambiguity and difficulty of living a faithful life to God, God's promise to bless and heal the world and his people will not fail. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and ask God for the grace to show you his love for you so that you too may claim your place in God's family if you haven't already. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 12.1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4.1-5, 13-17; John 3.1-17.
What happened to the human race when we got kicked out of paradise? Did God kick us out to punish us or to set in motion the conditions needed to heal us? How you answer these questions are likely a product of our Fall. The Good News is that God loves us too much to leave us where we are. God wants us back in paradise! Check out what Fr. Bowser has to say about it all and be encouraged in your relationship with God. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 2.15-17, 3.1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5.12-19; Matthew 4.1-11.
So why all the fuss about sin on this Ash Wednesday and throughout the 40 days of Lent? Don't our sins amount to little more than us breaking the rules on occasion? What's the problem? Can't God wave his hand and forgive us our sins? Why this talk about the cross? Would that Sin be that simple! Alas it's not. Sin (not our individual sins, but the power of Sin) uses its power to enslave us and dehumanize us. It prevents us from fixing the problem even as it prevents us from living justly as God wants us to live. We are in need of a radical solution, of outside help! Hear what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and then resolve to consider the deadly seriousness of Sin. Lectionary texts for tonight are Joel 2.1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51.1-17; 2 Corinthians 5.20b-6.10; Matthew 6.1-6, 16-21.
Standing on the mountain with Jesus are Peter, James, and John. These three disciples didn't know the amazing thing they were about to witness. With Jesus, shining as bright as the sun as he is transfigured, appeared Moses and Elijah. A bright cloud appears and overshadows them, with a voice coming from it: "This is my son...listen to him." Terrified, the three disciples fall on their faces. But Jesus touches them, and tells them to rise, and do not fear. The glory of the Lord has appeared, and lives are changed forever. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 24.12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1.16-21; Matthew 17.1-9.
It is easy to look at the Beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5 and think to ourselves in a panic, "oh, boy. I don't square up to this." But Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, is not giving to his people a burden to carry around like a heavy stone between the shoulders, but a gracious promise of an ultimate reality only possible through him. These things shall be for those who know Christ and his saving grace.
In the beginning, God… Let us be clear on that. In the beginning, God. God created the heavens and the earth. OK. So what? Why should we care about the creation narratives contained in Genesis 1-2? Why should we read them for all they're worth (and they are worth quite a lot!)? The short answer is that God created this world and all that exists because God loves creation, especially us, his image-bearing creatures. Creation matters to God. Humans matter to God. And God intends to restore his good creation gone bad, corrupted by human sin and the evil it unleashed. Check out how Fr. Maney develops this truth because it has massive and comprehensive implications for how we live our lives. And then resolve to embrace the entire biblical story of creation, fall, and redemption. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 1.1-2.3; Psalm 136; Romans 8.18-25; Matthew 6.25-34.
How may we as a nation find common ground in the midst of our differences? How may we, even during challenging and uncertain times, create spaces for dialogue and reconciliation? Jesus came to this world to reconcile us with God. It is that ministry of reconciliation that encourages us to create spaces for healthy and productive dialogue. It is that ministry of reconciliation that urges us to remain faithful to our vocation of love where we reject sin while embracing the sinner. Check out what else Fr. Sang has to say about the Christian's ministry of reconciliation and be changed by the word of God as you do. Lectionary texts for today are Deuteronomy 30.15-20; Psalm 119.1-8; 1 Corinthians 3.1-9; Matthew 5.21-37.
In our OT lesson from Isaiah today, the Lord takes his people to task over their worship. Apparently they seek after the Lord and his ways and delight in drawing near to him. They seek God's righteous judgments and humble themselves before God. In response, God calls them rebels and sinners. Wait. What? What's going on here? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and be challenged to become true worshipers of the one true and living God: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 58.1-12; Psalm 112.1-10; 1 Corinthians 2.1-16; Matthew 5.13-20.
Today we celebrate the presentation of Christ at the Temple in Jerusalem. But what's that all about and why should we care? It's about being wise. Check out what Fr. Sang has to say and let it help transform you. Lectionary texts for today are Malachi 3.1-5; Psalm 24.1-10; Hebrews 2.14-18; Luke 2.22-40.
The apostle Paul tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12.2). But what does that mean and how do we let that happen? Check out what Fr. Bowser has to say about it all, especially his thoughts on the "Sacred Way," and then let the Spirit begin to transform you by the renewing of your mind. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 9.1-4; Psalm 27.1, 4-12; 1 Corinthians 1.10-18; Matthew 4.12-23.
Who is the Servant in our OT lesson from Isaiah? Is he Israel? The prophet? Someone else? Why should we care? Christians would answer, of course, that Jesus is the Servant, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. That's the good news. But it's not the whole story because we who follow Jesus are called to be servants as well, in the manner of Jesus. But we protest. How can we possibly do that being the ragamuffins and losers we are? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and decide to be part of a new year's resolution that really matters, and not just for 2017! Lectionary texts for today Isaiah 49.1-7; Psalm 40.1-11; 1 Corinthians 1.1-9; John 1.29-42.
This week's sermon considers what it means to find something precious and of immeasurable worth, even if we didn't purposely go looking for that thing. The revelation of God put before our eyes changes our perception of ultimate reality, and causes us to joyfully wonder what exactly we have seen and have come to know. Check out what else Deacon Gatwood has to say and be enriched. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72.1-15; Ephesians 3.1-12; Matthew 2.1-12.
St. John tells us that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1.5). But our experience often claims otherwise. We live in the darkness of the threat of terrorism, of loneliness, of addiction, of fear, of alienation. So what do the NT writers have in mind when they make claims like this and what does it have to do with the celebration of Christmas? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and take hope. Your God reigns and is with you. Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 52.7-10; OT Canticle—from Isaiah 11; Hebrews 1.1-12; John 1.1-14.
As we near the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus, we are reminded that we are a people who must wait. We wait for good things and sometimes we wait anxiously for other things. Like Joseph, when he was confronted with the reality of a pregnant fiancee, we are sometimes afraid. But fear not, for we are promised Emmanuel, God with us. Check out how Fr. Sang develops this theme and take hope. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-8, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25.
Waiting patiently isn't always our biggest strength, especially when we know there is a good gift waiting just ahead. Advent is a time of waiting, but it's the one for whom we wait that brings the real joy. Seek after him who gives joy in abundance. Check out what else Deacon Gatwood has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 35.1-10; The Magnificat (Luke 1.46-55), James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11.
Advent is a season of hope and anticipation for all Christians. But why? What is the nature of our Advent hope and how do we know that our hope is not just some human invention designed to pacify us in the living of our days? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 11.1-10; Psalm 72.1-7, 18-19; Romans 15.4-13; Matthew 3.1-12.
Today we begin the season of Advent and a new calendar year for the Church. Why should we care about Advent, let alone observe it? What's it all about? Check out what Fr. Sang has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44.
Today we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, where we acknowledge Jesus as Lord and King over all creation. But what kind of kingdom did Jesus bring in and how did he do it? What does that mean for those of us today who want to follow Jesus and acknowledge his kingship over our lives? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 23.1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1.11-20; Luke 23.33-43.
In our OT lesson we find the breathtaking promise of transformative healing and the re-creation of everything, ourselves included. This tells us, among other things, that God really is in charge of his world, unlikely as it seems to us at times. And the NT writers unanimously proclaim that God has appointed Jesus to rule over his creation to assert God's rule. Jesus is Lord, not the dark powers and principalities! But how does that work? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 65.17-25; Isaiah 12; 2 Thessalonians 3.6-13; Luke 21.5-19.
Haggai prophesied to God's people to be strong, and build his Temple. In the shadow of the formerly immaculate Temple built by Solomon this new Temple would look in the people's eyes to be a shabby thing. But God promised that he would be with them, just as he was when they fled Egypt. He would aid them in their building and doing. How does this passage speak to us today now that the Temple is gone and we have Jesus? Check out what Deacon Gatwood has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Haggai 1.15b-2.9; Psalm 145.1-5, 18-22; 2 Thessalonians 2.1-5, 13-17; Luke 20.27-38.
Today is All Saints' Sunday, where we celebrate the communion of saints, both living and dead. But our lessons focus on the hope and task of the Church Militant, Christ's Body here on earth. As God's holy people in Jesus, what are we called to be and do? Living faithful lives is hard enough on its own. It's extra hard when we are confronted by the forces of evil and chaos! But we are not in this life alone. We are a people of real power. What does that look like? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Daniel 7.1-3, 15-18; Psalm 149; Ephesians 1.11-23; Luke 6.20-31.
As Christians, many of us tend to look at God's justice and mercy as being antithetical. But is that really the case? Not if we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts and minds open to God's truth. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Joel 2.23-32; Psalm 65; 2 Timothy 4.6-8, 16-18; Luke 18.9-14.
Scripture is clear in its promises that God will heal and redeem his good but broken creation and human creatures. But can we believe those promises? Of course! But it is not as straightforward as most of us would prefer. The result? Tension and uncertainty at times. But there is reason to hope and his name is Jesus. Check out what Fr. Sang has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 31.27-34; Psalm 119.97-104; 2 Timothy 3.14-4.5; Luke 18.1-8.
What does Babylonian exile have to do with our circumstances? Jeremiah 29:11 may be one of the most-taken-out-of-context verses in all of scripture. Jeremiah's response to false prophecy tells us more about the nature of God than our individual plans. In this sermon, Alex Shaver explores Jeremiah 29 and its implications for the church today. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 29.1, 4-7; Psalm 66.1-11; 2 Timothy 2.8-15; Luke 17.11-19.
Can we have more faith? Is it something that we should be begging Jesus for along with his apostles in Luke 17? How do we know it if we do have it? And will it sustain us for the long haul? In this sermon Deacon Terry tries to answer these kinds of questions with the assurance we are given in Jesus Christ. Check him out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Lamentations 1.1-6; Psalm 137; 2 Timothy 1.1-14; Luke 17.5-10.
How to explain Jeremiah's crazy land acquisition in the midst of utter destruction and chaos? How to explain William Wilberforce's relentless pursuit of abolishing slavery in England at terrible personal cost? How to explain many Christians' joyful response to persecution and death? It's all just cray-cray! Or is it? The secret is in what you hope for and the God you worship. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 32.1-15; Psalm 91.1-6, 14-16; 1 Timothy 6.6-19; Luke 16.19-31.
How do you read Scripture? Are you reading it for all its worth? Check out what our guest preacher, Daniel Semelsberger, has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 4:11–12, 22–28; Psalm 14; 1 Timothy 1.12-17; Luke 15.1-10.
In this week's sermon, Dcn Terry makes a prayerful confession through the Gospel text of Luke 14:25-33. What does the cost of discipleship begin to look like when we stop counting the assets of the Kingdom of God and start looking at the liabilities? It is important to understand before setting out to do the work Christ has called us to do to count the cost of doing so. May this confession be a help in your praying through the text this week. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 18.1-11; Psalm 139.1-5, 12-18; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14.25-33.
What is "the church" and why should Christians (or anyone else for that matter) care? As the NT writers astonishingly claim, church is nothing less than God's Spirit-empowered people living out their faith in Jesus Christ, imperfect as that can be at times. Simply put, without the Church there can be no Christianity. What a remarkable challenge! Are we up for it? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today's parish dedication festival of St. Augustine's Anglican Church in Westerville, OH are 1 Chronicles 29.6-19; Psalm 122; Ephesians 2.19-22; John 2.13-22.
Jesus calls us to freedom, but what kind of freedom? What does that look like on the ground? What does being free mean for his body, the Church? Check out what Fr. Sang has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 1.4-10; Psalm 71.1-6; Hebrews 12.18-29; Luke 13.10-17.
Life is hard. There's no way of getting around the hard stuff and having it resolve without actually engaging it and going through the process of difficulty. But we don't have to do it alone. God, our brothers and sisters, the Church, are all with us as we persevere through in faith, armed with the hope of joy found in the resurrected life. There will always be struggles in this life, but through them we may find healing, hope, and a stronger faith as we celebrate overcoming in joy. Check out what Deacon Gatwood has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 5.1-7; Psalm 80.1-2, 9-20; Hebrews 11.29-12.2; Luke 12.49-56.
What is the nature of biblical faith? Are we asked to believe in God blindly, to ignore facts and reality, to whistle through the graveyard? Or is it something quite different than any of this? Why, for example, does the NT consistently talk about hope, not as optimism, but as a sure and certain expectation of the current reality and things to come? These are important questions because without faith, we are simply not able to please God or have any real basis for hope. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 1.1, 10-20; Psalm 50.1-8, 22-23; Hebrews 11.1-3, 8-16; Luke 12.32-40.
Who is the God you worship? This is more than just an interesting question or intellectual exercise because how we answer this question impacts how we interact with God, with others, and how we see ourselves. Sadly, many of us have constructed false and destructive gods in our own image that we worship, Christians included, so it is important that we get our thinking straight about this. Each of our lessons today have something to say about who God is. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Hosea 11.1-11; Psalm 107.1-9,43; Colossians 3.1-11; Luke 12.13-21.
Prayer is an essential part of a person's spiritual life. Without a regular prayer life a person becomes a dry well, or an arid desert. Spiritual life can little survive without the necessary prayer that brings to life our response to God's goodness and faithfulness, and our sharing with God our brokenness and hopes and wishes. Following the Lord's Prayer found in Luke, this sermon breaks apart some of the petitions of the prayer in order to show that everyone can pray as Jesus has taught us. Check out what Deacon Gatwood has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Hosea 1.2-10; Psalm 85; Colossians 2.6-19; Luke 11.1-13.
When Paul talks about Christ being in us, the hope of glory, what does he have in mind? It's more than being just about Jesus and me, although that's part of it. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Amos 8.1-12; Psalm 52; Colossians 1.15-28; Luke 10.38-42.
What does obedience to God look like on the ground? Does it conjure up for you a list of interminable rules to follow that suck the joy out of living? For many, sadly this is the case. But as Fr. Sang explains, this is not the essence of obedience. How well we follow the rules really doesn't matter that much, important as rules can sometimes be. Check out what Fr. Sang has to say about this topic of obedience and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Amos 7.7.-17; Psalm 82; Colossians 1.1-14; Luke 10.25-37.
Paul wrote the following to the churches in Galatia, "For freedom Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5.1). But what kind of freedom is Paul talking about? Freedom to sin? Freedom to do something else, or freedom from something else? And what does any of this have to do with the stern demands of Jesus found in our gospel lesson today? To understand the answer, you have to understand why God created his image-bearing creatures and became human on our behalf. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Kings 2.1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77.1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5.1, 13-25; Luke 9.51-62.
How does one reconcile the requirements of the Law with the grace of Jesus Christ? Do the requirements for circumcision and other practices prescribed by the Law require our following if we are to truly be a part of God's covenant? What is it that we must do to be saved in Christ? This sermon explores what it means to be saved by grace, and what we can make of the Law after the Christ-event. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 19.1-15a; Psalms 42-43; Galatians 3.23-29; Luke 8.26-39.
In our epistle lesson, Paul talks about being justified by faith in Christ. But what does that mean? More importantly, what does that look like as we live out our lives? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 21.1-21a; Psalm 5.1-8; Galatians 2.15-21; Luke 7.36-8.3.
What are we to make of the so-called miracles in our OT and gospel lessons this morning? Why are they there? Did they really happen? Are they there to remind us that only the favored in God's eyes get special treatment while the rest of us are are on our own? Not so fast, my anxious friends. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 17.8-24; Psalm 146; Galatians 1.11-24; Luke 7.11-17.
What things are worth remembering and honoring? This is the time of the year when we remember those who have fallen in battles on behalf of our nation. They have made a sacrifice with their lives. Jesus, too, has made a sacrifice, but it is more unlike our human sacrifices than it is alike. Jesus' sacrifice was THE ultimate sacrifice for all people, everywhere, at any time. He gives to us freedom that is so much higher than what we will ever know apart from a life spent with Jesus. Check out what Deacon Gatwood has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 18.20-39; Psalm 96; Galatians 1.1-12; Luke 7.1-10.
Christians are the only ones who worship the one holy and undivided God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. No other religion worships this the one true and living God. But what does that mean? What does it mean for us on the ground who try to live out our days faithfully? Check out what Fr. Sang has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Proverbs 8.1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5.1-5; John 16.12-15.
Today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, the promised coming of God's Spirit on his people. But many churches pay no attention to this fantastic promise and event. Why is that? Why should Pentecost be a big deal to every Christian? One word: Power. Check out what Fr. Bowser has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.1-21; Romans 8.14-17; John 14.8-27.
Today is Ascension Sunday, the day the Church celebrates Jesus' ascension into heaven. But what's that really all about? We celebrate the Ascension because it proclaims and affirms that Jesus is Lord and nobody else is. But what kind of Lord? Let's be honest. If Jesus is Lord he is a different kind of Lord we expect or want. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 16.16-24; Psalm 97; Revelation 22:12–14, 16–17, 20–21; John 17.20-26.
Bishop Roger Ames is our guest preacher this morning. We worship a God who makes himself known to us and who is always active in our lives and his world. But sometimes we don't believe that or miss God's presence and activities all around us and in us. Check out what Bishop Ames has to say about it all and see what you think. It's a game changer when you realize we worship a God who comes. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 16.6-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21.10, 21.22-22.5; John 14.23-29.
This morning we baptize a new person into Christ's body, the Church, and we will pour water over her. As with any sacrament, there is more than meets the eye than just the splashing water. In fact, the water itself is changed and at least one scientist has demonstrated this! Listen to what else Fr. Bowser has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 11.1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21.1-6; John 13.31-35.
The New Testament makes clear that after Easter, everything has changed, and for the good. But how? If we don't know what to look for, it will be hard for us to believe this. But it's true if we have ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts and minds to believe. So pay careful attention to the stories and visions that announce the Easter Effect. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 9.1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5.11-15; John 21.1-19.
So what's the point of the resurrection? That God is capable of some pretty strange one off things while ignoring the rest of the world? Is it to give us an excuse to look down at our noses at non-Christians? Or is there something deeper going on in the resurrection narratives? And what about Jesus' strange command to forgive and retain sins, not to mention him breathing on people? What's that all about? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 5.27-32; Psalm 150; Revelation 1.4-8; John 20.19-31.
Easter is the turning point in all history. What an audacious claim we make as Christians! But it is true, precisely because the claim is rooted in history so that our faith has a real basis to it. But to make such a claim also requires that we know the broader story of God's plan to heal and restore his good but sin-corrupted creation. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say in this Easter Day sermon and be changed forever by the Good News of Jesus' resurrection. Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia! Lectionary texts for today are Acts 10.34-43; 1 Corinthians 15.19-26; John 20.1-18.
Why is Good Friday called "good" when a man is unjustly crucified? Check out what Fr. Sang has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 52.13-53.12; Psalm 22.1-31; Hebrews 4.14-16, 5.7-9; John 18.1-19.42.
Tonight we have begun the Triduum, the three day liturgy of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil. The Lord Jesus has shown us the way of his true disciples by lowering himself to the position of a servant, cleaning the dirty feet of his disciples, and calling his people to do likewise for others. People will know we are Jesus' disciples by our love and care for one another. This is the good life that Christ has called us into on the night in which he knows he is to be betrayed. Check out the rest of what Deacon Gatwood has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for tonight are Exodus 12.1-14; Psalm 116.1, 10-17; 1 Corinthians 11,23-26; John 13.1-7, 31b-35.
Today is Passion (Palm) Sunday, the day we observe God's return to his people as their king and Messiah. But are his people ready for Jesus's brand of Messiahship? Like today, some were, some weren't. Why? Because Jesus wasn't and isn't the Messiah we want or expected. His path to glory is through suffering obedience, not power and status. By his wounds we are healed and restored and our Lord calls us to follow him in his suffering obedience as well. Uh-oh. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 50.4-9a; Psalm 31.9-16; Philippians 2.5-11; Luke 19.28-40. Passion gospel: Luke 22.14-23.56.
Jesus and his friends sit down for dinner on this night. The company he is keeping on this particular night is filled with some interesting people. A few of his disciples are present; Martha is serving, Mary is pouring expensive perfume on Jesus' feet, Lazarus is alive and eating with them, and Judas is scheming for his personal benefit. A vision of what life looks like in God's Kingdom is before us, showing us that even those who walked with Jesus during his earthly ministry aren't that different from the people who walk with him now. Confusion, questions, and answers present themselves in this passage from the Gospel, and they paint for us the vision of Jesus Christ of what the Kingdom of God will look like as it is present in the world before his coming. Christ is truly present in his Church on earth, and an encounter with him is life changing. Check out what Deacon Gatwood has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 43.15-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3.4b-14; John 12.1-8.
The Bible offers many interesting before and after portraits of the human condition and life in general, three of which we find in our lessons today. But why should we care? Do these portraits really matter? They do indeed, especially if Jesus' parable of the lost and found is any indication! Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Joshua 5.9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5.16-21; Luke 15.1-3, 11b-32.
A strange thing, this invitation of God to come feast at his table. We are to eat the richest foods and drink the finest wines, all at no cost! How can that be? And what are we to make of the warnings contained in our NT lessons? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 55.1-9; Psalm 63.1-8; 1 Corinthians 10.1-13; Luke 13.1-9.
In our OT lesson today, we see God promising Abram (Abraham) once again that he will enjoy numerous offspring. So what's the big deal? Why is this promise so important? Let's face it. We've all grown skeptical of promises, even God's promises, because we've all been burned more than a few times and have broken a few promises ourselves. And what's this got to do with Lent with its emphasis on self-examination, confession, repentance, and self-denial? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 15.1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3.17-4.1; Luke 13.31-35.
Death under any circumstance is hard, isn’t it? But it is especially hard when we are dealing with cancer, a disease that can only charitably be called pure evil. In this case it has struck down a mother in the prime of her life, robbed her of her human dignity as God’s image-bearer, and took her against her will from her husband and young son, along with the rest of her family and friends. There is no good way we can spin this, nor should we try. Her death from cancer is just wrong. There is no justice to be found in it, no goodness. Cancer is truly a wicked disease and Sarah’s death makes us angry and indignant, the way Jesus was when he snorted at his friend Lazarus’ tomb just before he raised him to life (John 11.38) because death is our ultimate enemy, the last enemy to be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15.26). And like Martha in today’s gospel lesson we want to throw our hands up in the air and ask in desperation why God allows this to happen. In other words, we need to hear a word of real hope today. Listen to the gospel Fr. Maney has to preach and embrace it. Lectionary texts for today are Revelation 21.1-7; Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 15.1-26, 35-38, 42-44a, 53-58; John 11.17-27.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40 days of Lent with its focus on self-examination, confession, and repentance. In our Old Testament lesson the prophet Joel warns about the fierce and terrible Day of the Lord, the day when God judges all our sins. Does this mean we worship a God bent on our destruction and punishing us? Not so fast, my friends. It's always dangerous to pull a passage from Scripture out of its context. Listen to what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for this evening are Joel 2.1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51.1-17; 2 Corinthians 5.20b-6.10; Matthew 6.1-6, 16-21.
The Transfiguration is one of those "wow" moments in the Gospel witness. But sometimes we can miss the most important message in this particular passage from Luke's Gospel. Jesus is shown in glory, and is surrounded by the glory of his Father in the cloud. From that cloud comes a voice from his Father: "This is my Son, My Chosen; Listen to Him!" Both of what Jesus says and does are of benefit to us as we realize he is the true Son of God, and is literally God among us. It is our hope that we can find our true and ultimate healing in this Transfigured One, the Word made flesh, by just his simple words. There is no darkness that can ever contain the magnificent light of his glory, and he delights in glorifying himself in his people. Check out what else Terry has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 34.29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3.12-4.2; Luke 9.28b-43.
Daniel Semelsberger is our guest preacher today. A meditation for the Church on why the Church matters, particularly with respect to the problem (or question) of suffering that is often raised as an objection to the existence of God and/or the truth Christianity. Or, put another way, it's about the Church as an apologetic, and how God intends the Church to be part of his response to the reality of suffering and evil. Lectionary texts for today are Nehemiah 8.1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12.12-31a; Luke 4.14-21.
We worship and love an extravagant and generous God who loves us and gave himself for us in Jesus. Don't believe this? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about the story of Jesus at the wedding at Cana and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 62.1-5; Psalm 36.5-10; 1 Corinthians 12.1-11; John 2.1-11.
Today we celebrate the baptism of Christ by John the baptizer. But what was that all about and how does our own baptism fit into Jesus'? Check out what Terry has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 43.1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8.14-17; Luke 3.15-17, 21-22.
We have all sung the Christmas carol, We Three Kings. But if we strip away our sentimentality associated with this song, we are in a position to see, with the help of the Spirit, some of what St. Matthew has to say about the magi's visit to the baby Jesus (almost surely not on the night Jesus was born). So what is it that Matthew wants us to see about God and us in this story? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for the feast of the Epiphany (transferred) are Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72.1-15; Ephesians 3.1-12; Matthew 2.1-12.
Have you ever meditated on meditating? What's it all about? If meditation involves sustained attention to a topic, what better topic than to mediate on the Word made flesh, Jesus the Messiah. Check out what Fr. Bowser has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary text for today is John 1.1-14.
Is it possible to have a merry Christmas when you are enveloped in darkness? Astonishingly, both OT and NT writers insist that it is! But how? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Then go and have a Merry Christmas in the power of the Spirit! Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 9.2-7; Song of God’s Chosen One (from Isaiah 11); Titus 2.11-14; Luke 2.1-20. Merry Christmas from the saints at St. Augustine's Anglican Church in Westerville, OH.
Whether in your car, the shower, at a ballgame, or in a church, singing is a part of the storytelling culture that we live in. We are all prone to singing out songs that have some sort of meaning to us; the ones we sing the most are those that have become part of us in some way. We’ve found them to resonate with us, and in turn they form us even more in some way. In the Gospel of Luke we find a beautiful song from Mary. She sings a song from her heart that is of great significance for all humanity. But to her, it is quite intimate, for she is carrying within her womb the promise given from the one true God; He is Jesus, the Messiah. Do you have a song from a deep rooted sense of peace worth singing with your whole heart and voice? Do you know your story well enough to do so? Jesus Christ is our Lord, the one who was promised, and he is our story worth singing. Check out today’s sermon and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Micah 5.2-5a; Psalm 80.1-7; Hebrews 5.5-10; Luke 1.39-55.
The apostle Paul tells us today to rejoice always. But how can we possibly do that? We live in a world gone mad with all its attendant hurts, heartaches, failures, and loss. Furthermore, we believe that God's awful judgment will one day rightfully fall in full on all the sin and evil in his world, and we remember we are part of the problem! So what's there to rejoice about? Since today we focus on John the Baptist, perhaps he is a good place for us to start. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Zephaniah 3.14-20; Isaiah 12.2-6; Philippians 4.4-7; Luke 3.7-18.
Advent is a season of waiting and watching. But for what are we waiting and watching? How we answer that question will determine in large part how happy or unhappy we are in this current mortal life. That is why it is so important to discover and/or embrace our Christian hope. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Malachi 3.1-4 ; Luke 1.68-79 (Benedictus); Philippians 1.3-11; Luke 3.1-6.
Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation, a time when we celebrate our Lord's first coming at his birth and his second coming in great power and glory to consummate his saving and restorative work won for us in his death and resurrection. But how should we spent this time of waiting? For what end? Check out what Fr. Sang has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 33.14-16; Psalm 25.1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3.9-13; Luke 21.25-36.
Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. But what kind of king is Jesus? For starters, he is a crucified king. What's that all about? And what does he demand of us? Why should we follow him? Can he really protect us from all that is bad in this world? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14; Psalm 93; Revelation 1.4-8; John 18.33-37.
During the Sundays between All Saints and Advent, we celebrate the rule of Christ the King. But why would we want to celebrate his rule? If Jesus really is King, isn't he doing a lousy job? Look at all that's wrong with the world and our lives! And what about all the talk of sacrifices in our epistle lesson today? Is God really an angry, capricious God who is bent on punishing us for our sins? Sadly, even many Christians think this about God. But our lessons tell a different story and describe a different God as revealed in the cross of Jesus. If we can wrap our minds around who God is and why we should love him it means we are people with things to do and places to go. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Daniel 12.1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10.11-25; Mark 13.1-8.
Terry Gatwood is our seminarian in residence. He attends Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA.
God has chosen you to be a part of his family in the Church. All throughout the pages of Scripture you will find God’s working on your behalf to bring you into perfect fellowship with him and others because of his great love toward his creation. Even those things which sometimes surprise us in our quest to accomplish things have been designed for our benefit, to woo us into God’s kingdom, and to live out renewed lives in Jesus Christ. Check out what Terry has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Ruth 3.1-5, 4.13-17; Psalm 127; Hebrews 9.24-28; Mark 12.38-44.
Today we celebrate the Communion of Saints. But what does that mean? What is the Christian hope that serves as the basis for real joy, even in the midst of sorrow and loss? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for All Saints' Day are Isaiah 25.6-9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21.1-6a; John 11.32-44.
Imagine you are a blind beggar who somehow knows that the guy who is passing you by can heal and and give you sight. What would you do? Now imagine you call out to him and he answers you. What would be going on inside you? He tells you your faith has made you well and you rejoice and follow him on his journey. But what about those of us who cry out to Jesus for healing and the answer is apparently no? Does this mean we don't have the needed faith? Not so fast, my friends. Better check out what Job has to say about this! Lectionary readings for today are Job 42.1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34.1-8 19-22; Hebrews 7.23-28; Mark 10.46-52.
When we are confronted with the enigma of evil rattling our world, we want answers. But the Bible is not so forthcoming. Yet Scripture is not entirely silent about what God is doing about evil in his world. Do we have ears to hear and faith to believe? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Job 38.1-7, 34-41; Psalm 104.1-9, 24, 35c; Hebrews 5.1-10; Mark 10.35-45.
The author of Hebrews tells us that the word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword, living and active. But what does that mean and why should we care? We should care because we can run but we cannot hide from God's reality. The stakes are high: life and death. So what should we do? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Job 23.1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22.1-15; Hebrews 4.12-16; Mark 10.17-31.
God's created order is the only reality. It is what it is. We are free to accept God's reality or oppose it it. We can ignore it, but that doesn't change the fact that God's created order is what it is. And one of the realities within God's created order is that it is not good for man to be alone. When we ignore this reality all kinds of nasty stuff starts happening to us. Check out what Fr. Bowser has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 2.18-24; Psalm 8; Hebrews 1.1-4, 2.5-12; Mark 10.2-16.
How should Christians respond when they see evildoers get their just desserts? Celebrate that the bad guys got theirs? It's a natural inclination, after all. Think of the celebration in this country that occurred when bin Laden was killed. Of course, not everyone celebrating was a Christian, but you get the point. What about Jesus' inconvenient little command to love our enemies and forgive them? Where does that come into play? What are we to do? Must we simply deny our desire for justice to be served? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Esther 7.1-6, 9-10, 9.20-22; Psalm 124; James 5.13-20; Mark 9.38-50.
The Nones have spoken. They stay away from becoming part of Christ's body, the Church, because they see an inconsistency in Christians' speech and behavior. James was familiar with this problem too. Is there a solution? Glad you asked. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Proverbs 31.10-31; Psalm 1; James 3.13-4.10; Mark 9.30-37.
Have you ever wondered who Lady Wisdom is and what the commodity she peddles is all about? Why is the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? Doesn't sound like much fun there. Why would we want to act and speak wisely? Part of the answer can be found in the fact that God is our Creator. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Your reaction to it will tell you a lot about how humble or proud you are! Lectionary texts for today are Proverbs 1.20-33; Psalm 19.1-14; James 3.1-12; Mark 8.27-38.
In today's sermon, Fr. Feister talks about why there is nothing too great for Jesus to overcome. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Psalm 125; James 2.1-17; Mark 7.24-37.
Listen to your heart, we are told, and be true to yourself. Careful what you wish for, Jesus replies, you will certainly get it and the results will be disastrous, not just for you but for others. Why? Listen to what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and prayerfully consider it. Your ultimate happiness will be found in how well you listen to Jesus' teaching here. Lectionary texts for today are Song of Solomon 2.8-13; Psalm 45.1-2, 7-10; James 1.17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23.
Jesus had words of eternal life, but they were hard words for the crowds of his day to hear. They still are for us as well. What to do? Listen to what Fr. Sang has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 8.1, 6, 10-11, 22-30, 41-43; Psalm 84; Ephesians 6.10-20; John 6.56-69.
Paul tells us not to get drunk but to be filled with the Spirit. What? More rules to follow? More rain on our parade of pursuing happiness? No indeed. What our lessons address today is the art of being wise. But in whose wisdom? This isn't an exercise in theological speculation. The wisdom we live by determines the extent to which we find contentment, peace, and purpose for living. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 2.10-12; 3.3-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5.15-20; John 6.51-58.
Paul has told us that as Jesus' body, the Church, we are given the task to proclaim the gospel to even the heavenly powers. Now in today's epistle lesson, he begins to lay out what that looks like on the ground, and it starts with how we treat each other as members of Jesus' body. But what is the basis for Paul's claim? Well, for starters Paul is not talking about our old fallen and selfish patterns of living. He's got something else in mind. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Samuel 18.5-9, 15, 31-33; Psalm 130; Ephesians 4.25-5.2; John 6.35, 41-51.
Paul tells us that we must grow up in Christ. In the aftermath of his sordid affair with another man's wife, King David would probably agree. But why? Isn't it perfectly fine if we grow old but stay immature indefinitely? Not if we want to be part of something much bigger than us, namely Christ's body, the Church! Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Samuel 11.26-12.13a; Psalm 51.1-13; Ephesians 4.1-16; John 6.24-35.
We see King David, God's anointed king and the man after God's own heart, committing adultery and murder. If that happens to him, how can we ever possibly hope to live a life pleasing to God? We hear Paul's prayer for the Church to proclaim God's wisdom to the powers and authorities in the heavenly places and then we look at our own hearts. How can we possibly live up to that assignment? Talk about Mission Impossible! But there's more to the story than meets the eye. There's the breadth, height, length, and depth of God's love for us and our union with our Risen Savior. See what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Samuel 11.1-25; Psalm 14; Ephesians 3.14-21; John 6.1-21.
Why the biblical emphasis on sheep and shepherds? It's got more to do with the biblical writers living in an agrarian society. Sheep are natural flockers and subject to predators. Sheep therefore need a shepherd. But what kind of shepherd? See what Fr. Bowser has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Samuel 7.1-14a; Psalm 89.20-37; Ephesians 2.11-22; Mark 6.30-34, 53-56.
What are we to make of the sad story of John the Baptizer's beheading in our gospel lesson? Did the bad guys win once again? Where is the justice? Where was God in it all? John's faithfulness got him beheaded. What about us, especially those of us who want to follow Jesus faithfully? Is there any Good News to be had? There is more to the story than meets the eye. Just ask Paul in our epistle lesson! Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Samuel 6.1-5, 12b-19; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1.3-14; Mark 6.14-29.
In today's readings we have a contrast between two crowds and it's all about power. Why did Israel flock after David and generally reject Jesus? The short answer is that it's all about our perception of power. Hear what Fr. Sang has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Samuel 5.1-5, 9-10; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12.2-10; Mark 6.1-13.
Many of us wonder about the Kingdom of God. Where is it? Why doesn't it come? If God is so all-powerful, why doesn't God do something about all that is wrong in his world? We ask these questions, in part, because we use conventional power as the basis for our questioning. But the Kingdom of God operates on a different kind of power. To be sure, God's power can manifest itself in spectacular ways. But there's more to the kingdom than just the spectacular. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Samuel 17.1a,4-11,19-49; Psalm 9.9-20; 2 Corinthians 6.1-13; Mark 4.35-41.
Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is within us. But what does that mean? If God's kingdom is within us, why do we feel like isn't so much of the time? The short answer is this. Sometimes things aren't always as they seem! Check out what Fr. Bowser has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Samuel 15.34-16.13; Psalm 20; 2 Corinthians 5.6-17; Mark 4.26-34.
We live in a deeply ambiguous and uncertain world. Each day seems to bring new madness. How are we to live, especially those of us who call ourselves God's people in Jesus? What are we to do with the ambiguities and complexity of our lives and world? How can we be certain that God has not checked out on us? Is there any help in Scripture? Take hope and heart because the Bible offers a surprising and rich narrative to help us live faithfully. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today 1 Samuel 8.4-20; Psalm 138; 2 Corinthians 4.13-5.5; Mark 3.20-35.
Today we celebrate our one undivided God in three persons. Say what? God in three persons, better known as the Trinity, defies human explanation. Yet as Christians we believe in and worship God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. So how to explain this? What difference does the Trinity make to us who are trying to live our lives faithfully? We can't just ignore the truth! Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 6.1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8.12-17; John 3.1-17.
Today we celebrate Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit on God's people in Jesus. But what does that mean for us who live today? What difference does it make if we have the Holy Spirit? Plenty. Check out what Fr. Feister has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Ezekiel 37.1-14, Acts 2.1-21; John 15.26-27, 16.4b-15.
Today we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus into God's space or heaven. But what is that all about? Why should we care? Why couldn't Jesus just continue to hang around like he did when he appeared to his disciples after God raised him from the dead? After all, wouldn't that be much more comforting to his followers then and now? All very good questions and worth some serious answers! Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 1.15-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5.9-13; John 17.6-19.
John tells us that keeping God's commands is not a burden and we want to yell, "Say what? Are you kidding, John?" But there is more to it than meets the eye because as God's people we never act solely on our own power. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about obeying God and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 10.44-48; Psalm 98.1-10; 1 John 5.1-6; John 15.9-17.
What's up with Jesus' parable of the vine? Are we really supposed to bear fruit for God and his kingdom? Check out what Fr. Feister has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 8.26-40; Psalm 22.24-30; 1 John 4.7-21; John 15.1-8.
Roger Ames, our bishop from the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes, is our guest preacher today. So what's the big deal about the resurrection? Why should we care that Jesus is the Good Shepherd? Check out what Bishop Ames has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 4.1-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3.16-24; John 10.11-18.
What was and is Jesus' resurrection all about? Why should we care if God raised him to life? What are we to make of his transformed body and his command to proclaim repentance and the forgiveness of sins? Is there a reason for us to really care, other than the fact these are interesting stories? Indeed their is as our lessons today all indicate! Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 3.12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3.1-7; Luke 24.36b-48.
The risen Jesus tells us that, "As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Receive the Holy Spirit." And we want to reply, "Say WHAT, Jesus?? And, uh, oh yeh. What do you mean by that?" Easter is all about the new and redeemed life of God bought in and through the blood of Jesus breaking in old this old hurting world of God's. That means we have a job to do as God's Easter people. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today Acts 4.32-35; Psalm 133.1-5; 1 John 1.1-2.2; John 20.19-31.
What's the big fuss about Easter among Christians? What does it matter for us as we attempt to live our lives in a world so badly broken and hurting? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about all this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 25.6-9; Acts 10.34-43; 1 Corinthians 15.1-11; John 20.1-18.
Truth. Is there universal truth or do we get to make up our own? It seems that all of the above is the correct answer. Check out what Fr. Feister has to say about truth in the context of Good Friday and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 52.13-53.12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 4.14-16, 5.7-9; John 18-19.
Lots of competing claims for truth. But is there an ultimate truth? Could it be that truth is contained in Jesus? On this day, the beginning of the Sacred Triduum (or three days), when we see Jesus giving us a meal that explains his death and watch as he is betrayed and denied, is there truth to be had in all this? Is there truth to be found on Golgotha? Please listen to what Fr. Bowser has to say in this powerful sermon and see what you think. Lectionary texts for this evening are Exodus 12.1-14; Psalm 116.10-17; 1 Corinthians 11.23-26; John 13.1-17, 31b-35.
Today is Passion or Palm Sunday, the day we celebrate our Lord's entry into Jerusalem as Israel's Messiah and King. But what kind of king? Jesus rejected the worldly notions of kings with their self-aggrandizing agendas and policies. Instead, he would come as a humble servant, following the will of his Father to accomplish our ultimate Exodus, and therein lies the rub for us because we want no part of that kind of king. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for Palm Sunday are Isaiah 50.4-9a; Psalm 31.9-16; Philippians 2.5-11; Mark 11.1-11.
Have you thought considered having a relationship with Christ? Perhaps you already have one. But what does that look like to you? What do you expect from Jesus and what do you think Jesus expects from you? As we enter the season of Passiontide today with its focus on the cross of Jesus, it is wise to stop and ask these questions, making sure that our idea of relationship is the same as our Lord's. Check out what Fr. Sang has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 31.31-34; Psalm 51.1-13; Hebrews 5.5-10; John 12.20-33.
What are we to make of God's strange command to Moses to craft a serpent and put it on a pole so that God's people might look upon it and live? What does the serpent, a powerful biblical symbol for evil, possibly have to do with that other pole on Calvary? As we draw closer to Holy Week during this Lenten season, it is worth our time to pause and reflect on where we've been and where we are going. As John points out in our gospel lesson, each one of us is confronted with an immediate and urgent choice regarding these questions. How we answer them is literally a matter of life and death. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Numbers 21.4-9; Psalm 107.1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2.1-10; John 3.14-21.
Ever wondered what the 10 Words (Commandments) are all about? God just wanting to rain on our parade again? And what, if anything, do the 10 Words have to do with the cross? Two words: Power and Wisdom. Everyone in his or her lifetime will be confronted with a choice about what to do with the cross. Will you think like a moron or be wise? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 20.1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1.18-25; John 2.13-22.
Do you want to know what faith on the ground looks like? Look no further than the stories of Abraham as he wrestled with the promise of God to provide him offspring and Peter right after he confessed Jesus to be the Messiah. One developed a personal hope and trust in God who calls into existence things that are not and who gives life to the dead. The other did not. Lent, with its disciplines of confession, repentance, and self-denial, will make absolutely no sense to you if you don't understand the underlying dynamic of faith that is illustrated in these two stories. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 17.1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22.22-30; Romans 4.13-25; Mark 8.31-38.
It's a jungle out there, both in the material and spiritual worlds, and it is to our detriment if we ignore the former. Lent is a season of confession, repentance, and self-denial. These things are hard enough as it is. But they are even harder when there are forces out there who want us to fail. So what to do? Look for Good News, of course! Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 9.8-17; Psalm 25.1-9; 1 Peter 3.18-22; Mark 1.9-15.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of a 40 day season we call Lent. It is a time for self-examination, confession, repentance, and self-denial. But why do we do these things? What’s the point? Is it to make us feel as badly about ourselves as we possibly can because that’s the way God feels about us? Sadly, some Christians really believe this. To be sure, our sin and rebellion against God should make us remorseful, but to focus on that alone misses the broader context for Lent with its somber reflection on our sin and brokenness. God surely wants us to repent, but for the right reasons. So what are those reasons? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Joel 2.1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51.1-17; 2 Corinthians 5.20b-6.10; Matthew 6.1-6, 16-21.
Ever wonder why God's good and beautiful world and its peoples are so out of whack? Ever wonder why your life is so out of whack sometimes? There are a million remedies for health and healing out there but only one is the real deal. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about what it takes for real healing to occur in your life and the life of the world and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Proverbs 8.1, 22-31; Psalm 104.26-37; Colossians 1.15-20; John 1.1-14.
So what’s the big deal about the Presentation of Christ at the Temple? Every firstborn male Jew was presented to the Lord at his Temple just like Jesus was. And what relevance could this possibly have for us today who face all kinds of evil in our world? More than you think. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Malachi 3.1-5; Psalm 24.1-10; Hebrews 2.14-18; Luke 2.22-40.
What's up with Jesus changing all that water into wine? Why would John bother telling us this story in the first place? And what's this got to do with the ultimate party of the cosmos that we read about in Revelation? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 14.17-20; Psalm 128; Revelation 19.6-10; John 2.1-11.
Today Fr. Bowser talks about what is true and what is false in God's world. Things that are true generally lead to health and well-being. Things that are false generally lead to disease, disorder, dysfunction, and ultimately death. But why is that? Check out what Fr. Bowser has to say in this insightful sermon and see what you think. The answer may surprise you. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Samuel 3.1-20; Psalm 139.1-5, 12-17; 1 Corinthians 6.12-20; John 1.43-51.
Today we celebrate the baptism of Christ. What's up with all this baptism stuff and Spirit talk? What about God’s Word? What can it possibly mean for us in our day? A whole lot more than most of us think. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about these things (and more) and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today Genesis 1.1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19.1-7; Mark 1.4-11.
Epiphany means manifestation. Have you ever wondered what manifestation we celebrate on the Feast of the Epiphany? What's all the fuss about the wise men that brought gifts to baby Jesus? Why should we care? Check out what Fr. Feister has to say about these things (and more) and see what you think. Lectionary texts for the Feast of the Epiphany (transferred to this Sunday) are Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72.1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3.1-12; Matthew 2.1-12.
What is Christmas all about? How can we celebrate when we are hurting or have lost loved ones? The short answer is that the people walking in darkness have seen a great light. But what does that mean? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 9.2-7; The Song of God's Chosen One; Titus 2.11-14; Luke 2.1-20.
So what are you hoping for this Christmas? A new iPhone? Clothes? New wheels? Other gadgets? While these things are nice to have, how will they help you find your way when life smacks you in the face and you find yourself walking in a dark valley? Check out what Fr. Feister has to say about hope and joy and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Samuel 7.1-11,16; The Song of Mary; Romans 16.25-27; Luke 1.26-38.
In our epistle lesson, the apostle Paul commands us to rejoice and give thanks always. Really Paul? Really? What is the basis for this seemingly ludicrous command? But once we reorient our worldview to bring it back in line with reality, Paul's commands are not as ludicrous as they appear. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 61.1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24; John 1.6-8, 19-28.
We are all called to be witnesses to the Good News of Jesus Christ and to live that Good News out in our daily lives. But how do we do that? In our own strength or by something (or someone) else? Check out what Fr. Bowser has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 40.1-11; Psalm 85.1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3.8-15a; Mark 1.1-8.
The season of Advent is upon us, a time for us to reflect on our Lord's gracious coming to live in our midst in the birth of Jesus and to anticipate his final coming at the end of time to right all the world's wrongs. During this Advent season we have a choice. We can buy into the consumerism of our age (no pun intended) and play the Christmas game as our culture has chosen to play it or we can use these four weeks before Christmas to help us get our minds right about what it means to live in a good world badly corrupted by sin and evil. Which will you choose and why does it matter? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about all this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 64.1-9; Psalm 80.1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1.3-9; Mark 13.24-37.
Have you ever had any concerns or anxiety about what will happen to you when the Lord returns to finally put to rights all that is wrong in his creation? After all, Scripture is full references about God's wrath and his promise to judge his good world and its peoples gone bad. So why wouldn't we have some anxieties about our eternal destiny? But in our epistle reading, the apostle Paul has some surprising answers for us and it makes all the difference in the world. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Zephaniah 1.7, 12-18; Psalm 90; 1 Thessalonians 5.1-11; Matthew 25.14-30.
In our epistle lesson this morning, Paul talks about what will happen to the living and dead in Christ when he returns. Based on what he says about the living faithful being caught up in the clouds with Jesus so that we can meet him in the air and be with him forever, is Paul telling us our destiny is heaven? Not so fast, my friends! There's a lot more to this than meets the eye! Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Joshua 24.1-3a, 14-25; Psalm 78.1-7; 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18; Matthew 25.1-13.
Is there anything we can learn from John the Elder's surreal vision of the heavenly throne room that we read in our NT lesson today? There most certainly is and if we ignore texts like these we impoverish ourselves terribly. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for All Saints Sunday are Revelation 7.9-17; Psalm 34.1-10, 22; 1 John 3.1-3; Matthew 5.1-12.
What kind of gospel do you have (if any)? Do you think and behave as one who really does have Good News? Or do you think and behave as one who grimly goes through life trying to live up to a standard that is basically out of your reach but which you try to achieve anyway because you are terrified of what might happen to you if you don’t? These are important questions to us, not only for our psychological well-being but also because each of us is called by our Lord to proclaim his gospel to the world, i.e., to the folks around us with whom we live and interact. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about all this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Deuteronomy 34.1-12; Psalm 90.1-6, 13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2.1-8; Matthew 22.34-46.
In today's sermon, Fr. Feister steps out of his role as priest and into the role as expert commentator to help guide us through our lessons for today. Check him out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 33.12-23; Psalm 99.1-9; 1 Thessalonians 1.1-10; Matthew 22.15-22.
Have you ever struggled to make sense of Jesus' parable about the son's wedding banquet? What's with the guy getting thrown out because he was not dressed properly? Doesn't Jesus accept us just as we are? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Today's lectionary texts are Exodus 32.1-14; Psalm 106.1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4.1-9; Matthew 22.1-14.
Try reading our epistle lesson and substituting the things that are most important to you where Paul talks about the things most important to him (pedigree, blamelessness, etc.) and see what you get. Ask yourself which one of those things on your list can give you life or raise you from the dead. Doing so will help you understand where Paul was going in his letter to the Philippians and where you are going. Then check out what Fr. Sang has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 20.1-20; Psalm 19.1-14; Philippians 3.4b-14; Matthew 21.33-46.
Here's a question for you. Do you regularly try to gain a new relationship with God yourself (including having the promise eternal life) or do you believe that God has freed you from your slavery to sin and death and forgiven you thoroughly in the death and resurrection of Jesus? If you are like most, you probably answer with the former. But is that what Paul means when he tells us to work out our salvation in fear and trembling? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 17.1-7; Psalm 78.1-4 12-16; Philippians 2.1-13; Matthew 21.23-32.
Life is not all fun and games. To the contrary, each of us must navigate through the various trials and tribulations of life. But how can we best do that? How can God use even our own suffering to draw us closer to him so that we have the power to face our trials with real hope? This stuff is certainly not for the faint of heart but it is something we must grapple with if we do not wish to fall into utter hopelessness and despair. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 16.2-15; Psalm 105.1-6, 37-45; Philippians 1.21-30; Matthew 20.1-16.
How easy do you find it to forgive others? The answer, as Jesus reminds us in the parable of the wicked servant, depends on how you see yourself in God's holy economy. If we reduce God to some doting old grandparent who doesn't really give a fig about how we think, speak, and behave, we probably won't take the seriousness of our sin in God's eyes very seriously and we will in turn treat others who offend us accordingly, seeing no reason to forgive them. But that all changes if we listen to Jesus' parable in our gospel lesson. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 14.19-31; Psalm 114.1-8; Romans 14.1-12; Matthew 18.21-35.
Have you ever looked at the Bible as a resource to help you navigate and understand your spiritual map so that you can better be the human being and family member God calls you to be? What might that entail? What might it look like? Check out what Fr. Feister has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 12.1-14; Psalm 149; Romans 13.8-14; Matthew 18.15-20.
What does it mean to be changed by God to make a difference for God? The possibilities are limitless. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Chronicles 29.6-19; Psalm 122; Ephesians 2.19-22; Matthew 21.12-16.
How do we live in a world gone mad? How do we escape our present slavery to this evil age, especially as it pertains to healing of all kinds? The short answer is to live in the the light of God's promised future. This is the only real remedy to our fears, sorrows, loss, and suffering. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 1.8-2.10; Psalm 124; Romans 12.1-8; Matthew 16.13-20.
What are we to make of the strange story of Joseph and his brothers that we read in part in today's OT lesson? Why should we care about God's providence? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Hopefully you will find hope and encouragement from the fact that God is indeed sovereign and present and not an absent landlord. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 45.1-15; Psalm 133; Romans 11.1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15.10-28.
Today our guest preacher is Bishop Stephen Kewasis Nyorsok from the Diocese of Kitale, Kenya. Bishop Stephen is Fr. Philip’s bishop and we are honored and delighted to have the bishop preach today. Welcome Bishop Stephen! Lectionary texts for today Genesis 37.1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105.1-6, 16-22; Romans 10.5-15; Matthew 14.22-33.
In each of our lessons this morning, we see someone wrestling with God. Jacob is wrestling with God over God’s promises to his ancestors and him. The psalmist is wrestling with God over some apparent injustice that afflicts him. Paul is wrestling with God over the fate of his people, the Jews. Jesus is wrestling with the loss of his cousin and co-worker, John the Baptist. And of course, many of us are wrestling with serious problems and issues in our lives. What are we to make of all this wrestling? What can we learn from today's lessons? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 32.22-31; Psalm 17.1-6, 16; Romans 9.1-5; Matthew 14.13-21.
Today Fr. Bowser preaches the final part of his three-part sermon series on marriage, sex, and money. In today's sermon, Fr. Bowser focuses on money, especially as it impacts our relationships within family systems. Check out what Fr. Bowser has to say and see what you think. There is no text for today's sermon. Please note that due to a technical glitch, the sermon recording ends before Fr. Bowser does. We apologize for the inconvenience. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 29.15-28; Psalm 105.1-11; Romans 8.26-39; Matthew 13.31-33, 44-52.
Whether we are aware of it, we all have been infected to one degree or another by the Enlightenment bug with its deist teachings. Deism is the modern variation of an ancient teaching that God (if there is a God) is in his heaven and we are on earth and never the two shall meet. In this particular lie, God is portrayed at best as a distant (and by implication, an uncaring) cosmic landlord who only occasionally checks in on his tenants and then usually just to collect his payment and/or harass us by zapping us with some new catastrophe or affliction. And of course this notion of an absent and uncaring God gets reinforced almost every time we read about some new disaster or experience something bad in our lives or world. If God really were all powerful and loving, he’d intervene to stop all this stuff, we cry out indignantly. Let’s face it. When evil strikes and nothing seemingly is done about it, we are tempted to think the deists have probably gotten it about right concerning the nature of God. But are we asking the right questions of the Bible, questions it was never written to answer? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 28.10-19a; Psalm 139.1-11, 22-23; Romans 8.12-25; Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43.
In our culture a battle is raging to define what marriage is and unfortunately the voice of the Church is rarely heard because frankly the mind of the Church is rather fuzzy on this matter, at least in some quarters. Fr. Bowser ends a two-part sermon series on marriage, money, and sex today, focusing on sex (everybody's favorite). In today's sermon, Fr. Bowser lays out God's original and good intention for sex and how we have distorted and perverted God's good gift to us. The results have not been pretty. Check out this lively and provocative sermon and see what you think. Lectionary texts for this week are Genesis 25.19-34; Psalm 119.105-112; Romans 8.1-11; Matthew 13.1-9, 18-23.
In our culture a battle is raging to define what marriage is and unfortunately the voice of the Church is rarely heard because frankly the mind of the Church is rather fuzzy on this matter, at least in some quarters. Today, therefore, Fr. Bowser begins a two-part sermon series on marriage, money, and sex. In today's sermon, Fr. Bowser lays out the history of Judeo-Christian marriage and reminds us of God's original intent—to bring a man and woman together in marriage for their mutual joy (BCP). Fr. Bowser then outlines the fundamentals of what it takes for a marriage to be a marriage. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for this week are Genesis 24:34–38, 42–49, 58–67; Psalm 45.10-17; Romans 7.15-25a; Matthew 11.16-19, 25-30.
Have you ever wondered what all those sacrifices are about in the Bible? Is there any continuity between the sacrifices offered to God in the OT and the sacrifice Jesus offered to God on the cross in the NT? If you have, check out what Fr. Feister has to say and see what you think. You may just learn something new. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 22.1-14; Psalm 13.1-6; Romans 6.12-23; Matthew 10.40-42.
Do you know what the most common command is in the Bible? To clean up our act? To get rid of our idols? To pray and trust God more? None of the above. It's to not be afraid. But there's a LOT that makes us afraid. So why did Jesus command his followers to not be afraid? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Don't be afraid. It's really not a long sermon. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 21.8-21; Psalm 86.1-10,16-17; Romans 6.1b-11; Matthew 10.24-39.
Today is Trinity Sunday where we reflect on the holy mystery of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Have you ever wondered how we as Christians can claim that we only worship one God, but yet claim that this one God really exists in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? What does that mean? How can God be one in three and three in one? The Trinity is an effable mystery and so perhaps it is helpful to look at how God has chosen to reveal himself in the narrative of scripture and in the context of human history. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about our triune God (God in three persons) and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 1.1-2.4a; Psalm 8.1-10; 2 Corinthians 13.11-13; Matthew 28.16-20.
Today as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday when the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on all of God's people in Jesus the Messiah so that he could be personally present with them, Fr. Feister talks about what it means to be part of the charismatic stream within the Anglican Communion and shares his own experiences as a charismatic. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.1-21; Canticle based on Ezekiel 36.24-26, 28b; 1 Corinthians 12.3b-13; John 20.19-23.
So what's the big deal about the Ascension of Jesus that we celebrated on Thursday? Do you even know what the Ascension is? Why should Christians care? Why bother having an Ascension Sunday? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this important event in the life of the Church and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 1.6-14; Psalm 68.1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 4.12-14; 5.6-11; John 17.1-11.
As Christians, at our core we are fundamentally resurrection people. We have real hope because we believe Christ is risen and evil and death are ultimately defeated. But our resurrection hope must be more than about us and our future. It should motivate us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with a world fundamentally hostile to God's truth but which is paradoxically starved for the truth. How else can we explain the plethora of false, man-made gods? But how do we proclaim the Good News to those who may not want to hear it? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 17.22-31; Psalm 66.8-20; 1 Peter 3.13-22; John 14.15-21.
Fr. Maney concludes his two-part sermon on why we can trust that the resurrection of Jesus really did happen in history. This week, Fr. Maney concentrates on the positive evidence that God really did raise Jesus from the dead. Check it out and see what you think. May your resurrection faith be strengthened in the process. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.42-47; Psalm 23.1-6; 1 Peter 2.19-25; John 10.1-10.
The resurrection of Jesus is more than an oddity of history. It signals a turning point in history in which God has launched his new creation to reclaim is old fallen one from the grip of the dark powers and principalities. Jesus' resurrection is such a fantastic and mind-blowing event that from the very beginning many, including Jesus' own followers, have struggled to believe it's actually true. Today Fr. Maney begins a two-part series designed to show why we can believe that Jesus' resurrection really did occur and that God's promised new creation really has been launched. In this first part, Fr. Maney addresses common objections to the resurrection that have appeared in the form of competing theories. Next week he will present reasons why the NT teaching on the resurrection is trustworthy. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today Acts 2.14a, 36-41; Psalm 116.1-3, 10-17; 1 Peter 1.17-23; Luke 24.13-35, with an emphasis on Luke's passage.
Bishop Ames is our guest preacher today. What did Jesus mean when he told his disciples that he was sending them out into the world in his name as the Father had sent Jesus? Check out what Bishop Ames has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1.3-9; John 20.19-31.
Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But what does that mean? What is resurrection all about? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about Easter. It may not be what you think or expect. Lectionary texts: Jeremiah 31.1-6; Acts 10.34-43; Colossians 3.1-4; John 1.1-18.
On this Good Friday, Fr. Feister invites you to put yourself at Jesus' crucifixion. While there, ask yourself some hard questions to see if you fit in with the rest of the crowd. Check out this powerful and thought-provoking sermon and see what you think. Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 52.13-53.11; Psalm 22; Hebrews 4.14-16, 5.7-9; John 18.1-19.42.
Tonight Fr. Sang talks about the importance and implications of Maundy Thursday. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for tonight are Exodus 12.1-14; Psalm 116.1, 10-17; 1 Corinthians 11.23-26; John 13.1-17, 31b-35.
Today we celebrate Palm (Passion) Sunday, the day when Jesus rode into Jerusalem as Israel's Messiah. But what kind of Messiah did he intend to be? If we do not ponder long and hard on this so that we hear clearly what Matthew and the other evangelists are telling us, we are likely to miss how the kingdom comes on earth as in heaven. Listen to what Fr. Maney has to say about all this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 50.4-9a; Psalm 31.9-16; Philippians 2.5-11; Matthew 21.1-11.
Lent is a season for self-examination, confession, repentance, and self-denial. So why do we have these texts with their theme of resurrection for our lectionary readings today on this fifth Sunday in Lent? The short answer is that there is a good reason Christians engage in Lenten disciplines and it’s not necessarily about us and our needs. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Ezekiel 37.1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8.6-11; John 11.1-45.
Why do bad things happen to people? Is this God's justice being executed on sinful humanity? Should we start trying to stockpile good deeds as a kind of insurance policy to protect us from God's wrath? Since Scripture generally refuses to answer our "why" questions, they tend to serve only to distract us and prevent us from seeing what we can really learn from stories like today's gospel lesson about God's response to the world's darkness. Not only that, but the answer we learn may not be what we expect or even want. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about all this and see what you think. Today's Lectionary texts are 1 Samuel 16.1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5.8-14; John 9.1-41.
As we enter the 3rd full week of Lent, have you ever wondered if the Lord is among you and your loved ones? Most of us have, especially when times are tough, and it is a telltale sign that the answer we expect to hear is, "he is not!" Many of us don't really believe God is available to his people or cares for us or has the power to really help us. But that is a false god and not the God of the Bible. It is not the God Paul talks about in our epistle lesson today with its wondrous Good News of life, healing, redemption, hope, and power. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about all this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 17.1-7; Psalm 95.1-11; Romans 5.1-11; John 4.5-42.
This morning Fr. Ric Bowser introduces himself and talks about the primary importance of the family, both for society and for the Christian faith. These days we don't like to use the term patriarchal because many see it as an oppressive form of control. But is patriarchal the same as being a patriarch? Is that how the writer of Genesis used it? More importantly, is that how God meant it when he called Abraham and blessed him so that his family would be a blessing to the nations? Hear what Fr. Bowser has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 12.1-4; Psalm 121; Romans 4.1-5, 13-17; John 3.1-17.
Today we enter the season of Lent, a season of self-examination, repentance, and self-denial. But why do we do all this stuff? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say and see what you think. Tonight's lectionary texts are Joel 2.1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51.1-17; 2 Corinthians 5.20b-6.10; Matthew 6.1-6, 16-21.
What are we to make of the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ appearance changed dramatically and God himself affirmed Jesus as his beloved Son? Could something like this really have happened? To many who live in the 21st century, the Transfiguration is simply a myth. Not so fast, my friend. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say before you draw premature conclusions and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 24.12-18; Psalm 2.1-12; 2 Peter 1.16-21; Matthew 17.1-9.
God calls his people to be holy. But what does that mean? Are we consigned to a life of joylessness? Must we give up everything we like? Must we retire to a convent or monastery? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this subject and see what you think. Maybe holiness is not what you imagined! Lectionary texts: Leviticus 19.1-2, 9-18; Psalm 119.33-40; 1 Corinthians 3.10-23; Matthew 5.38-48.
In a startling passage from the OT, God lays out two choices for his people. They must choose the path that will lead to blessings and life or the path that leads to curses and death. And while a lot of things have changed since then, we are still confronted with the same stark choice today, much as we had to admit it (and do we ever hate to admit it!). What is the solution? As always the solution is Jesus. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Deuteronomy 30.15-20; Psalm 119.1-8; 1 Corinthians 3.1-9; Matthew 5.21-37.
Jesus calls his followers to be light and salt for the world—his light, his salt. Today Fr. Sang asks what your light looks like and how are you being salt to God's broken and hurting world? The Christian faith has been likened to an infectious disease, something its critics would surely agree with. But the contagiousness of the Christian faith is for the healing of the nations. Are you doing your part? Check out today's sermon and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 58.1-12; Psalm 112.1-10; 1 Corinthians 2.1-16; Matthew 5.13-20.
Are you afraid to die? Do you wonder how it will go for you when you meet God face-to-face? Have you ever wondered why God returned to his people in the person of Jesus? If you've ever asked any of these (or related) questions, this sermon from Fr. Maney is for you. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for the Feast of Candlemas are Malachi 3.1-5; Psalm 24.1-10; Hebrews 2.14-18; Luke 2.22-40.
Have you ever wondered how Jesus can be called the light of the world, especially in the face of all the world's darkness? Have you considered how Jesus is calling you to be his light to a world desperate to see it? What might that look like? If you've ever reflected on these (and similar) questions, check out what Fr. Ron Feister has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 9.1-4; Psalm 27.1, 4-10; 1 Corinthians 1.10-18; Matthew 4.12-23.
In this season of the Epiphany with its emphasis on bringing God's light to the nations, why should we care? Don't we have enough problems of our own that weigh us down? Why would we possibly want to proclaim the Good News of God's healing love in and through Jesus to those who still live in the darkness? If you've ever had those kinds of questions or concerns, this sermon is for you. Lectionary texts for today's sermon are Isaiah 49.1-7; Psalm 40.1-11; 1 Corinthians 1.1-9; John 1.29-42.
Have you ever wondered why the evangelists talk about Jesus' baptism in all four gospels? What's the big deal? Have you ever stopped to reflect on your own baptism? What's it all about? Or have you ever wondered why people should get baptized? Today Fr. Maney explores answers to these questions. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 42.1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10.34-43; Matthew 3.13-17.
Have you ever wondered what the Epiphany is all about? Do you even know what epiphany means? Why should you care? What’s up with those wise men who follow the star and their strange gifts to the child Jesus? Well, for starters its about light and darkness and what God is doing to sort it all out. As we enter a new year, what better time than now to think about the nature of our human condition, the nature of the reality of living in God’s good but broken world, and the nature of God so that we can better understand what God is doing to rescue and heal us. Fr. Maney addresses these issues in his sermon today. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72.1-14; Ephesians 3.1-12; Matthew 2.1-12.
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Christmas? Have you ever pondered John's gracious words that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1.5)? What does it all mean? Why should you care? If you've asked questions like that, this sermon's for you. Check it out and see what you think. This evening's lectionary texts are Isaiah 52.7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1.1-12; John 1.1-14. Merry Christmas to you and yours from St. Augustine's Anglican Church!
Have you ever wondered how the Christian celebration of the Christmas feast came to be associated with gift-giving, good food, and merriment? If you have, then Fr. Feister’s sermon is for you. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 7.10-16; Psalm 80.1-7, 18-20; Romans 1.1-7; Matthew 1.18-25.
Have you ever thought it strange that the man who baptized Jesus and declared him to be God’s Messiah (see John 1.29-34) now sends messengers to Jesus from prison asking him if he really is the Messiah? What’s going on here? How are we to deal with John’s doubt about Jesus and our own, especially during this season of Advent with its focus on the Lord’s second coming? This is a question everyone must answer, believers and unbelievers alike, because it is precisely our doubt about Jesus that keeps many from following him. But is our doubt based on solid ground? Check out what Father Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 35.1-10; Psalm 146.5-10; James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11.
In our lessons today, we read some of the wonderful promises of God to heal and restore his broken and disordered world through Jesus, his promised Messiah. But as we look around, we have a hard time seeing any of these promises coming to fruition. Wolves still eat lambs, poisonous snakes still bite, and evil and injustice still seem to run rampant. What are we to make of these wonderful but as yet unfulfilled promises? Check out what Fr. Kevin Maney has to say about these vexing questions and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 11.1-10; Psalm 72.1-7, 17-18; Romans 15.4-13; Matthew 3.1-12.
The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. Today Fr. Philip Sang explores what that means for us who live in the 21st century. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 2.1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13.11-14; Matthew 24.36-44.
In today's epistle reading the apostle Paul declares unequivocally that Jesus is God's promised Messiah. But Paul also states boldly that Jesus is much more than God's Messiah. He is the very image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation, and the first-born from the dead. You can't get a much more exalted and clearer description of Jesus the king than this! Yet most of his own people rejected Jesus and many continue to do so today, failing to recognize him as God's appointed ruler over the cosmos, both now and forever. Why is that? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 23.1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1.11-20; Luke 23.33-43.
Jesus warns his disciples that the destruction of the Temple is coming. But what does that have to do with us? What are we to do with Jesus' warnings that there will be wars, famine, and natural disasters, not to mention persecution from even family and close friends for those who follow him? Are we to look and long for the end of history so we can flee from this world? Not so fast, my friend! Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about what today’s lessons have to say to us and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 65.17-25; Canticle—A Song of Deliverance (Isaiah 12); 2 Thessalonians 3.6-13; Luke 21.5-19.
Today's lessons, with their theme of resurrection, can speak to us in the midst of our despair and alarm. But How? Fr. Kevin Maney seeks to answer this question and if you have ever been afflicted by despair and/or anxiety this sermon will give you food for thought and power to stand firm in the midst of life's trials. Check it out and see what you think. Today's lectionary readings are Haggai 1.15b-2.9; Psalm 145.1-5, 18-22; 2 Thessalonians 2.1-5, 13-17; Luke 20.27-38.
Death under any circumstance is hard, isn’t it? While we as Christians should not fear death, neither should we be complacent about it or try to whitewash it. When death strikes, it makes us angry and indignant, the way Jesus was at Lazarus’ tomb (cf. John 11.38) because death is our enemy. As Paul reminds us, it is the last enemy to be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15.26). Death robs us of our human dignity and it separates us from our loved ones, at least for a season. But O how long that season can be! Not only that, it is doubly hard to stand by and watch those we love grow increasingly infirm to the point of death. It sucks the energy right out of us and like Martha in today’s gospel lesson we want to throw our hands up in the air and ask in desperation why God allows this to happen. But Jesus has a better answer to our “why” questions than we could ever hope and imagine—bodily resurrection and new creation. Check it out and see what you think. Then take real hope. Lectionary texts are Isaiah 25.6-9; Psalm 139.1-11; Revelation 21.1-7; Psalm 23; John 11.17-27.
Do you really believe that God is sovereign? Evil is rampant throughout God’s good world. So how can God be sovereign over it? Today is All Saints’ Sunday, where we celebrate the communion of saints, both those saints who are alive and in Christ as part of his body, the Church (the Church Militant), and those saints who have died in Christ and are enjoying their rest in the presence of their Lord as they await the resurrection of the dead and the culmination of God’s promise to sweep away evil, sin, and death and usher in his promised new creation (the Church Triumphant). We normally focus on the Church Triumphant on All Saints’ Sunday, but our readings today speak primarily to us as the Church Militant and they remind us without equivocation that God really is sovereign and in control, despite the persistence of evil and the impression that this gives to the contrary. So check out today’s sermon and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Daniel 7.1-3, 15-18; Psalm 149; Ephesians 1.11-23; Luke 6.20-31.
This morning Fr. Kevin reminds us what are our marching orders as Christians. Living faithfully to God's call for us to be his kingdom workers is the secret to living a purpose-filled life. It's not about living well so that we get to go to heaven when we die. Check it out and see what you think. Todays' lectionary texts are Jeremiah 31.27-34; Psalm 119.97-104; 2 Timothy 3.14-4.5; Luke 18.1-8.
In our lessons this morning we are confronted with apparently contradictory messages about God's sovereignty and faithfulness, especially in the face of the massive suffering that goes on in the world. How can a sovereign and faithful God allow suffering to happen? What are we to do with unanswered prayer that seeks the relief of suffering? Does God care for us or not? Is God really sovereign or not? Fr. Kevin looks at these issues to find a biblical response to these questions. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary readings for today are Jeremiah 29.1, 4-7; Psalm 66.1-11; 2 Timothy 2.8-15; Luke 17.11-19.
When your life gets turned upside down, do you still believe in God's faithfulness? Can you sing the words to that great hymn, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and believe them or will you be like God's people in exile who lamented that they could not sing God's songs in a foreign land? Today Fr. Philip Sang addresses these questions in a powerful sermon complete with personal examples. Check it out and see what you think. You won't be disappointed. Readings from today's lectionary are Lamentations 1.1-6; Psalm 137; 2 Timothy 1.1-14; Luke 17.5-10.
We live in a world created good but corrupted by human sin, evil, and death. Consequently each of us must live with trials and afflictions, Christians included, because God's rescue plan for his creation and us is not yet complete. So how are we to have a modicum of hope in the midst of our trials? It is this question Fr. Kevin addresses this morning. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 32.1-3a, 6-15; Psalm 91.1-6, 14-16; 1 Timothy 6.6-19; Luke 16.19-31.
Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant when he told his disciples to use dishonest wealth? What in the world is he talking about? He's talking, in part, about doing the things and being the people God calls us to do and be in Jesus to bring God's healing love and light to the world. But we cannot do that very well if we say and do things to people that will alienate them and make them think God hates them for who they are. So what's the solution? Check out today's sermon and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 8.18-9.1; Psalm 79.1-9; 1 Timothy 2.1-7; Luke 16.1-13.
Today Fr. Kevin Maney looks at the apparently contradictory messages contained in our OT, epistle, and gospel lessons. Which God are we talking about? The God who pronounces fearsome judgment on his people through his prophet or the God about whom Jesus and Paul speak? The key to understanding the heart and mind of God, of course, is to keep our eyes focused squarely on Jesus. Doing so will help us see the astonishing Good News of God's love for us contained in the parables of the lost sheep and coin and experienced first-hand by Paul. If you suffer from a broken heart or spirit, or wonder what is your purpose in life, this sermon is for you. Check it and and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 4:11–12, 22–28; Psalm 14; 1 Timothy 1.12-17; Luke 15.1-10.
Today Fr. Kevin explores the mystery of God's sovereignty and human freedom. What do our seemingly unrelated texts for today have to say about how the two interact? The key is to understand the biblical story of God's eternal plan to rescue his creation and creatures from the ravages of evil, sin, and death. Check out today's sermon and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Jeremiah 18.1-11; Psalm 139.1-5, 12-18; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14.25-33.
Today Fr. Philip Sang talks about what God's freedom looks like and how Christians are to offer our sacrifices to God. When God liberates us, God frees us from our slavery to our sin so that we are free to live as truly human beings, the image-bearing people God created us to be, so that we can share God's healing and saving love with God's world that desperately needs to hear the Good News of Jesus and be healed. In living faithfully to God, we also offer God our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving even as God uses us to bring in his kingdom on earth as in heaven. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts today are Jeremiah 2.4-13; Psalm 81.1, 10-16; Hebrews 13.1-8, 15-16; Luke 14.1, 7-14.
Today at our first annual dedication festival celebrating the founding of St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Fr. Ron Feister helps us look at how the Temple, its building, nature and practices can reflect on us as individuals and as a church community. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Chronicles 29.6-19; Psalm 122; Ephesians 2.19-22; John 2.13-22.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus would tell us he came to bring division, even among families? Don't we call Jesus the Prince of Peace? What's up with that? And what's this baptism Jesus is talking about? What could it possibly have to do with anyone today who wants to follow Jesus? Then there's the whole issue of God's judgment on his people that we read in our lesson from Isaiah. What about that? Isn't God the God of love? Fr. Kevin Maney speaks to these issues and much more in today's sermon. Check it out and see what you think so that in the process you can be changed by God to make a difference for God. Lectionary texts today are Isaiah 5.1-7; Psalm 80.1-2, 9-20; Hebrews 11.29-12.2; Luke 12.49-56.
Have you ever wondered about how God is portrayed in the Bible? Have you ever had difficulty in making sense of some of the stories contained in Scripture? If you've had these kinds of questions or concerns, you surely aren't alone! So today, Fr. Kevin looks at excerpts from the OT lessons from the last three weeks to demonstrate how to read Scripture in a way that will help you to discover a wonderful consistency in it. And it all starts with understanding the Big Picture of God's rescue plan for his good but fallen creation and creatures. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts are Isaiah 1.1,10-20; Psalm 50.1-8, 22-23; Hebrews 11.1-3, 8-16; Luke 12.32-40. Visit our website and then come join us for worship every Sunday at 10am. NE Conference Center, 4140 Executive Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43081, Room 215.
Have you ever looked at your Christian faith as essentially your ability to "follow the rules"? If so, you likely aren't finding much joy in being a Christian. But Paul has a radically different view of what the Christian life looks like and today Fr. Kevin Maney addresses this issue. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts are Hosea 11.1-11; Psalm 107.1-9, 43; Colossians 3.1-11; Luke 12.13-21. Visit our website and then come join us for worship every Sunday at 10am. NE Conference Center, 4140 Executive Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43081, Room 215.
Fr. Kevin Maney explores the apparent enigma of God in today's texts. How can God go from telling his people in vivid language that he is not their God and they are not his people to promising them that they will be called his children? What's going on here? The answer is in Paul's letter to the Colossians and in Jesus' teaching about prayer. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts are Hosea 1.2-10; Psalm 85; Colossians 2.6-19; Luke 11.1-13. Visit our website and then come join us for worship every Sunday at 10am. NE Conference Center, 4140 Executive Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43081, Room 215.
Fr. Philip Sang reminds us that if we want to truly love God through our service to others, we must first refresh our relationship with Jesus, the way Mary did. Otherwise our work becomes little more than anxious toil, the way Martha's was. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts are Amos 8.1-12; Psalm 52; Colossians 1.15-28; Luke 10.38-42. Visit our website and then come join us for worship every Sunday at 10am. NE Conference Center, 4140 Executive Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43081, Room 215.