250914 AOC Sunday Report

 

Anglican Orthodox Church_sm

Worldwide Communion

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity
September 14, 2025 - Sunday Report

 

 

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity Propers:

The propers are special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540’s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding.

 

The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament. The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the minister as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the ministers and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained minister.

 

The propers are the same each year, except if a Red-Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead, except in a White Season, where it is put off. Red Letter Feasts, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Most of the Red-Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saint’s instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent or Lent. The Propers for today are found on page 207-208.

 

 

The Collect for Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service; Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 The Epistle for Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity. Galatians iii. 16.

TO Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 

 The Gospel for Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity. St. Luke x. 23.

BLESSED are the eyes which see the things that ye see: for I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

 

On Point

Someone asked, where do the quotes come from? The answer is from the people who uttered them. But, how did you find them? Oh, that. Some from Bishop Jerry, others from Rev. Geordie and many from Rev Bryan Dabney and a few from other places. 
             Rev. Geordie Menzies-Grierson – England (above)

 

 

 Points to Ponder:

I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for [the proud] have made void thy law.
Psalm 119:125-126

Make no friendship with an angry man: and with a furious man thou shalt not go: lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
Proverbs 22:24-25

Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.
Isaiah 48:12-13

And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
St. Matthew 21:22

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

We must fear the Lord and his goodness. The fulness of his pardons are evidence of the riches of his mercy..
The Rev. Matthew Henry

If we were more like Christ, we should be more hated by his enemies. It were a sad dishonour to a child of God to be the world’s favourite. It is a very ill omen to hear a wicked world clap its hands and shout, “Well done” to the Christian man... Let us be true to our Master, and have no friendship with a blind and base world which scorns and rejects him. Far be it from us to seek a crown of honour where our Lord found a coronet of thorn.
The Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon

The meanest room where a few penitent believers assemble in the name of Jesus is a consecrated and most holy place in the sight of God. They that worship God in spirit and truth never draw near to him in vain. Often they go home from such meetings warmed, cheered, stablished, strengthened, comforted, and refreshed. And what is the secret of their feelings? They have had with them the great Master of assemblies even Christ himself.
The Most Rev. J. C. Ryle

Perhaps the most deadly sin of the unbeliever is that of procrastination. Satisfied with his current life, he neglects his spiritual need. Even if he understands the gospel and realizes his need of salvation, he still puts off a decision. But it is always dangerous to count too strongly on tomorrow...(James 4:14). The sin of procrastination may easily become the sin of negligence, then of indifference, and finally the unforgivable sin of irrevocable rejection and unbelief.
Dr. Henry M. Morris– 20th and 21st century American engineer,
theologian and co-founder of the Institute for Creation Research.

When we taste of that Water of Life which Christ is; we, too, become a Fountain of living waters whose Springs are filled with endless supplies of Love. In fact, the more we love others, the greater is the remaining reservoir of Love. Love makes the heart full of joy and endless comforts. Taste it, and share it, and you will find that it truly is possible to take “Heaven on Earth.”
Bishop Jerry Ogles – Reason for Love, pg. 142.

 

 

 Jerry Ogles, Presiding Bishop – Metropolitan AOC Worldwide

We are fortunate to get copies of Bishop Jerry’s you tube links, devotions on the Prayer of the Collect and sermon notes.

 

Bishop Jerry creates videos on various subjects, they last just under ten minutes and this week’s videos are listed below:

Bishop Ogles Blog:
 https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com  

Bishop Ogles You Tube Channel
that is free to subscribe: all of his videos at:

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW3bgXBJFomPB5mZ4Oigxg

  

 

Sunday Morning Meditation: Sunrise on the Sea of Galilee

AOC Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/

You Tube Link:  https://youtu.be/u-8QWlqPLpM?si=H-UoEv0FhFwDiKCn

 

 

  Monday Morning Meditation: The Secret Place of the Most High

AOC Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-secret-place-of-most-high.html

You Tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z13evAvYdLw

 

 

 Tuesday Morning Meditation: Palm and cedar Tree Christians

AOC Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/09/palm-trees-cedars.html

You Tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWpIn9LeCDA

 

  

 

 

 Wednesday Morning Meditations: The Little Foxes

AOC Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/09/little-foxes.html

You Tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LubJL-sf7Kg

 

   

 

 

 

 

Sermon on The Collect for the 13^th Sunday after Trinity

 

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service; Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

²⁷Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. ²⁸Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  ²⁹Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (John 6:27-29)

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)

            This powerful and lovely Collect was altered only in one respect by Archbishop Cranmer from its original form offered in the Sacramentary of Leo. He added the word ‘ONLY’ before gift for he knew that even our tithes and offerings are not truly gifts we have gotten, but merely returning a portion of our increase that came from God in the first place.

            REVIEW: Do you remember the parts of Collects as given in our first lesson on the Collects: 1) the Address, 2) the Acknowledgement, 3) the Petition, 4) the Aspiration, and 5) the Pleading. As you read through this Collect again, can you separate the Collect into its constituent parts?

            ALMIGHTY and merciful God Every Collect opens with the invocation addressed to the Father. (John 16:23) God is both Almighty, and He is merciful – else we would have no hope of salvation. He has the POWER to grant forgiveness and salvation; and He is inclined, by His great mercy, to do so. That is His nature. We are nothing apart from God – our very being is given by Him. I heard a minister tell the story years ago of a debate that took place between God and Satan: “I can do ANYTHING you can do, God, or at least make it very similar.” “Is that so?” responded God. “Can you make a man?” “Sure,” responded Satan, as he reached down to get a handful of dirt. “Not so fast, you old Deceiver,” said God, “you’ve got to use your own dirt!” Even the dirt that comprise our bodies was made by God. So what can you give One who owns every atomic particle in Creation and even your own body?

             “…whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service”  If you are feeling generous one day, what will you give to God with which you have not been blessed by Him? Your tithe and free will offerings are no gift, for He provided you the means of getting all of your wealth. Your labors and services of good works are no gift for He can accomplish every good thing without your anemic efforts.  Your preaching and testimonies are not gifts for these are your bounden duties.  In the very last instance, what can you give to God that He has not given? So what good thing can you do that will be of favor in the eyes of God? This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. Actually, there is NOTHING that you can do for God since your good works are His own. This is the WORK of God! What could the thief on the cross return to God that would be pleasing – he had not a penny to his name, not a single free hand to perform any good work? He gave His HEART. That is ALL that He could give. In a sense, the Holy Ghost even drew that heart to Christ. ⁹Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. ¹⁰So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. (Luke 17:9-10) Obedience is the duty we Owe God and it pleases Him as a father who is pleased with an obedient child; but the obedience is expected.

            “….Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life” You will observe that even our faithful obedience is a grant from God. We plead for that grace from God to be obedient in our lives. It becomes more and more obvious that all of our good works and faith are not ours, but those of God working in and through us. We dare not boast of anything in Christ.

            What is the measure of faith and belief? “…that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises” God never reneges on a promise, so how could we fail of those promises if we have faith and believe? Our Christian lives and testimonies are ample proof that we have believed unto saving faith from the beginning. A woman taken in adultery does not believe, repent, and turn to God only to return to her wicked ways afterwards. Heed the words of the Savior, “Go and sin no more!” But we all do sin more, don’t we – even after we have believed Christ? So what remedy is there for our sins after baptism? My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: ²And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. ³And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. ⁴He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ⁵But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. ⁶He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (1 John 2:1-6)

            “….through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord” Do you see that all we have asked, we have not asked on behalf of our own merits, but those of Jesus Christ. Christ is the only One upon whose claims and merits we are justified in basing our hopes, our prayers, and our faith. He does ALL things well, and we fail more often than succeed.  He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. (Mark 7:37) You may not realize it, but you, too, were as deaf and dumb to God’s voice as Lazarus as he lay in the stone-cold tomb of Bethany. It was the Holy Spirit of God that penetrated those dead tissues of the heart, the ears, the tongue, and the mind that called you forth into newness of life. Walk in that newness. ³Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death ⁴Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  ⁵For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  ⁶Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  ⁷For he that is dead is freed from sin. ⁸Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: ⁹Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  ¹⁰For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. (Romans 6:3-10) 

Do you?

In the Name of the Father, and The Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

        † Jerry Ogles

 

  

Charles Morley 
Bishop of Alabama
Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide

 

We are always happy to get the instruction and devotions that Bp Morley is giving to us. We hope you enjoy the following:

 UNFORGETTABLE?

"And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Saviour's Blood,

Died He for me who caused His pain, for me who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love, and can it be, but that my God shouldst die for me!

Amazing love, and can it be, but that my God shouldst die for me!"

 

     When Charles Wesley penned those words there was no television or radio, no phones, so stereo, no computers, no Internet. Hard to imagine what his world was like without so many distractions. We might be tempted to think that it was easier to live as a Christian in those days, when life was slower, when the pace of life was not so hectic - when people seemed to have more time for religious matters. Wesley was a prolific hymn writer and no doubt his world affected his gift - but not his motivation for penning the words he did.

     We know from the Gospel of John that Jesus performed many miracles, so many in fact that they could not all be written in one book! He made the blind, the lame, walk, the deaf hear - and even raised the dead! News of his miracles went all over the countryside - without newspapers or television or Internet. Jews and Gentiles knew of Him, and many sought after Him because of His healing powers. Yet, not a single one of them would be found at the foot of the Cross - or anywhere nearby, on the day He died. "All Judea went out for to see Him" says the Gospel writer. All Judea! That's a lot of people! For three years he had walked and talked with His followers, at one time numbering in the thousands. There were countless eyewitnesses to what He had done - His healing power never failed or waned. It might have been fear that kept them from standing with Him - certainly there was cause to fear. But I suspect it was something else as well.

     How jaded the people were who saw His miracles firsthand. "He hath done all things well…." (Mark 7:37) What an understatement! "Surely, God is with Him!" Well, yeah, ya might say! Yes, many had their faith increased by being the beneficiaries of Jesus healing ministry - but how many doubted that His power came from God. These were RELIGIOUS people who professed to believe in God, a powerful God who had saved them from slavery. Some even claimed He healed by the power of the Devil, evil incarnate, active among men. Even the devils recognized Him as the Son of God and professed it openly after He had publicly cast them out of a man. But his detractors thought otherwise. Where were the thousands whom He fed, the lepers he had made clean, the newlyweds who drank his fine wine? They had simply forgotten - put Him out of their minds and moved on to other things - they forgot the UNFORGETTABLE. Beware - judge not - we do the very same.

     In our day, how many people are distracted by all the shiny delights that wrestle for our attention? How many of us can stand to be without our cell phones for a day? How many can function without their computer or laptop? We use the Internet to buy and sell, to educate our children, to buy cars, to call relatives, for doctor's visits, even to choose mates! Some people claim they worship via the Internet and no longer attend church in person. All of these distractions compete for our time and attention, for our wealth, and our world view. We are no different from the jaded people of God in the New Testament and must be reminded that there is more to life than Facebook or Wheel of Fortune.

     How can we ever hope to convince others of the magnificence of our Christ if we are not ourselves OVERWHELMED at the very thought of Him? On a daily basis, moment by moment, MINDFUL of Wesley's words. There are many ways to live in the modern world, many religions, many "lifestyles" to choose, many pundits to follow. But there is only one Christ, one Saviour, one God. How wonderful to have the words of the Gospel in the Book of Common Prayer to remind us of this "AMAZING LOVE":

"Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation….” (1 Timothy 1:15) "…If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: ²and he is the Propitiation for our sins…." (1 John 2: 1-2)

     "Comfortable Words" indeed. Unforgettable.

+CEM

 

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

  We are fortunate to have Bryan’s Sunday Sermon. If you want people  to come to The Truth, you have to speak the truth, espouse the truth and live the truth. This is really a good piece and I commend it to your careful reading.

 

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity Sermon

 

In our gospel message today (St. Luke 10:23-37), our Lord presented the parable of the Good Samaritan. He did so in response to a teacher of the law who tempted him saying, …Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?. Our Lord replied with a question: What is written in the law? How readest thou? The teacher of the law then said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. Our Lord then said, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live. But the lawyer then queried, Who is my neighbour? to which our Lord then presented the parable. The details of this story are clear enough in that you have a man who was traveling on a journey and was set upon by thieves who beat him, took his goods and left him near death.

The first person to come along was a priest, who saw the man, but would not go to his assistance. The reason for this, which was not stated, likely involved the requirements of the Law. If the man had died as he cared for him, such would render the priest unclean and he would have to undergo a period of ritual cleansing before he could resume his duties. So in order to avoid a possible inconvenience (either on account of the particulars of the Law, or worse, his callous nature) he simply avoided the man altogether and passed by on the other side of the road. Then along came a Levite— another member of the family of Aaron. This man served as a local minister and was as obligated as the priest to follow the letter of the Law concerning cleansing. Again, our Lord did not identify the specifics of what motivated the man not to provide assistance, only that he did in fact pass by on the other side of the road. Finally a Samaritan saw the injured man and came to his assistance. Now Jews and Samaritans regarded each other as religious heretics. So when our Lord mentioned that the third man was a Samaritan, it would have naturally spawned a loathsome feeling on the part of his hearers. Yet it was the Samaritan who demonstrated the essence of God's Law for in the words of Jesus, he had compassion on him.

In I St. John 3:17 the beloved disciple framed this point in a question: But whoso hath this world’s goods and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? The Law's deeper meaning was known to the lawyer when he responded to our Lord’s question about his reading of it, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God...and thy neighbor as thy self. Still, he and the other Pharisees did not manifest these truths in their lives. Would those men who passed by on the other side of the road have wanted to be treated in the same manner as had been done to the man who had fallen among thieves? Certainly not. But they pitted one part of the Law against another thus avoiding their godly responsibilities, more especially to a brother Israelite.

Throughout the gospel accounts, our Lord taught the essence of the Law, chiding the religious authorities for keeping the letter of the Law but not the spirit of it. Please consider the following examples. In St. Matthew 15:1-9, the Pharisees criticized Jesus and his disciples for not washing their hands when they ate bread as a transgression of the traditions of the elders. Jesus responded, ³Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?...⁸This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. ⁹But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Again and again our Lord made it clear that simply rote usage of the Law without the substance of faith in the LORD is worthless. Even today, the important nexus between God's word and his people is their faith in him. Without faith it is not at all surprising to discover that people will fail to follow God's word and commandment because, in point of fact, he is not real to them. Thus, Pharisaism has come to represent externalism in religion— an outward display of reverence for God while being devoid of any true belief in him. There is also another name for it: APOSTASY!

Nevertheless God is real. He is from everlasting to everlasting. His love for us is so great that he sent us his Word which became flesh so that we might be redeemed from death, hell and the grave. The Word was first given in writing and then in person. The former was given to Moses in the clouds and fire on Mt. Sinai, but the latter came in the flesh, born in a stable. The former is accusatory and sharp as any two-edged sword while the latter is forgiveness, mercy and grace to all who believe on the name of the Lord Jesus and accept his atoning sacrifice in this dispensation of time. The prophet Micah (6:8) noted, ... He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. And our Lord said (St. John 14:21), He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him.

An important way in which God has manifested himself to us is within the pages of the Holy Bible. Throughout its pages we are presented with the lessons and examples which our good and gracious God would have us to know for his greater glory and our infinite good. Our Lord Jesus Christ quoted from God's word written rather than accepting the so-to-speak traditions of the Jewish elders. Our Anglican fathers confirmed this in our Articles of Religion. Article VI states that: “Holy Scripture containth all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation.” So it follows that any tradition or practice which conflicts with the truth of the Scriptures is invalid and our participation in them will only impair our relationship with our gracious and loving God.

But the Jewish elders were not the only offenders in this cause for such has been an ongoing activity of many Christians over the millennia since the faith was delivered to the saints. Even a cursory  examination of church history will reveal an astonishing assortment of vain traditions which include the veneration of images and icons (Exodus 20:4-5; Romans 1:22-23; I Corinthians 10:14); prayers to angels and those in heaven (Colossians 2:18-19); the changing of the Lord’s Supper into a re-sacrificing of him as it were on cue (Hebrews 9:24-28); forbidding men and women to marry when God himself had ordained that institution (Genesis 2:24; St. Mark 10:6-8; Ephesians 5:22-33; Hebrews 13:4); and the final act of arrogance, the elevating of a dominating priestly hierarchy over the flock of Christ which, like the scribes and Pharisees of old, sought to control men’s hearts and their access to God (St. Matthew 20:25-28 and 23:8-12; I Corinthians 12:4-20; I St. Peter 5:1-4; III St. John, 9-12). St. Paul’s words are a fitting response to that last item (Romans 8:35-39), ³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ... ³⁸for I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And the apostle reminded the Colossians (2:18-19) that they ought to, Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen... ⁹He also noted further (Colossians 2:9-10), For in [Christ] dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. ¹⁰And ye are complete in him which is the head of all principality and power. And Article XVIII contains St. Peter's words (Acts 4:12) by stating, ... for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. God has communicated in precise detail exactly what he expects of us. There is therefore no doubt as to what we are to do and why. And that certainly does not include adding to or subtracting from the teachings and doctrines which God has given us in the Holy Scriptures. Neither are we to misuse them by turning God's intentions into ones which support our worldly and jaded approach to life as was true of the scribes and Pharisees.

Thus we have come full circle. Our Lord saw that the traditions of the Jews were supplanting the spirit of the Law. So when he instructed the teacher of the Law in our gospel lesson to, Go and do thou likewise, he was presenting a timeless message to all believers: Do not allow your extra-biblical traditions to keep you from doing your duty to God, your neighbor and yourself. Therefore, we are admonished to indeed go and do likewise knowing whom we serve and before whom we will one day give an account. Therefore may we always give to our Lord and God all the praise and glory, now and forever.

Let us pray,

Holy Father, help us to heed thy word and commandments, that through our obedience to them we might properly order our lives in service to thee and be fit members of thy heavenly kingdom through the merits of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Have a blessed week,  
Bryan+

 

Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor
Saint Paul's Anglican Church
Diocese of the Midwest Anglican Orthodox Church
Suffragan Bishop of the AOC

 

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity Sermon

  

Morning Prayer

Psalm 73; First Lesson: Habakkuk 1:12-2:4, 14: Second Lesson: Hebrews 10:35-39

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service; Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

What! Must I be patient, again?

      Something that we must understand when we are trying to figure out the Lord’s time and our impatience: it is that He does not work on our schedule. 

It is so difficult for us to understand the telios [τέλειος] {perfect or complete} will of God, the “goal or end point of His plan, not ours.” We can avoid so much confusion and angst if we let God do His Will.  Of course that is against our nature.  We have been infected with the effects of the Fall. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit, the god-sense was infused into human existence, the same god-sense that Lucifer had. This infection is what plaques us to this day. We always want to be in charge. We want to be part of our salvation, we want to work to save ourselves from perdition. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8) None of this being anywhere in God’s plan for human salvation.  Mankind is constantly seeking ways to save itself, rarely looking to the Light of the Gospel for the truth. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5)

It is not with irony that one of the largest sections of books, either in a public library or one of the few remaining book stores, is the ‘self-help’ section. This area always has hundreds of volumes of books on how to better oneself, or change a lifestyle, or improve one’s finances. As Solomon wrote centuries ago.... ‘utter foolishness, folly, a chasing after the wind.’  

It is more profitable for us to seek the Lord while he may be found. Share the Gospel while we have time (sun light), be ever prepared to give an answer to your hope: {"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." 1 Peter 3:15}

  As we see evil being perpetrated all around us, by some very nefarious folk, we must always bear in mind that great phrase; “...vengeance is mine saith the Lord….” (Romans 12:19) . 

 So while we are fretting about bad guys seemingly getting away with everything, at least as far as we can see, we need to stop doing that. 

 Man can design mischief that defies the sense of common decency, and yet the Lord designs good, no matter what, and we must be assured that it will be His designs that will prevail. Yes, for us wickedness seems to prosper, but understand that is in God’s time, not ours, and because God is holy does not approve of said wickedness.

 Remember Jonah complained to God because he did not bring judgement to the people of Nineveh, because God was not finished with them in as far as their repentance was concerned.

    A number of the minor prophets were annoyed at God for allowing His patience to be abused, they wanted swift retribution for the wickedness being done.  

 Now I ask, what if the shoe was on the other foot?  What if we are the ones abusing God’s patience, would we want Him to punish or bring judgement swiftly on us?  

 This fact alone should make us reflect on the following thoughts: “Let us remember, whatever advantages we possess, we must give all the glory to God. God will soon end successful and splendid robberies.{evil folks} Death and judgment shall make men cease to prey on others, and they shall be preyed on themselves.” Matthew Henry

   Habakkuk reinforces this concept here in verse twelve of his first chapter: ¹²Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.

³ For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:3)

   Let’s read what Matthew Henry, a commentator, has to say about this doubt with the Lord’s timing:

 When tossed and perplexed with doubts about the methods of Providence, we must watch against temptations to be impatient. When we have poured out complaints and requests before God, we must observe the answers God gives by his word, his Spirit, and providences; what the Lord will say to our case. God will not disappoint the believing expectations of those who wait to hear what he will say unto them. All are concerned in the truths of God's word. Though the promised favour be deferred long, it will come at last, and abundantly recompense us for waiting. The humble, broken-hearted, repenting sinner, alone seeks to obtain an interest in this salvation. He will rest his soul on the promise, and on Christ, in and through whom it is given. Thus he walks and works, as well as lives by faith, perseveres to the end, and is exalted to glory; while those who distrust or despise God's all-sufficiency will not walk uprightly with him. The just shall live by faith in these precious promises, while the performance of them is deferred. Only those made just by faith, shall live, shall be happy here and for ever.

   In conclusion of today’s lesson, let us look at the great history letter, the book of Hebrews, in chapter 10: ³⁵Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. ³⁶For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. ³⁷For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. ³⁸Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. ³⁹But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

  Here are a couple of ideas to take away from these five verses.

1. There are many afflictions against Christians on a daily basis, maybe not so much here, but world-wide. Current violence only indicates that Evil fears Truth. Folks, we are at War against the god of this world. Satan knows he is defeated, so he is trying to take as many souls with him as possible, because of his original rebellion that got him kicked out of heaven. 

2. The Christian spirit is not selfish, it makes us understand the suffering of others, helping them, praying for them, visiting them, as we understand that all things here are but shadows; soon to go away.

3. The happiness of the saints in heaven are for eternity, the enemy can never take that way as they did here on earth, this very fact will make our trials here ever more worth enduring.

 

“...those who have been kept faithful in great trails for the time past, have reason to hope for the same grace to help them still to live by faith, till they receive the end of their faith and patience, even the salvation of their souls. Living by faith, and dying in faith, our souls are safe for ever.” Matthew Henry

Let us pray:

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, guide, we beseech thee, the Nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

ASSIST us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

Beloved, go in peace, in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen

 +Roy Morales-Kuhn

 

Rev. David McMillan
AOC Minister at Large
Alabama

We are Fortunate today to have a Memorial from Rev. David McMillian

 

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity

 

What about the events that happen that we cannot explain?

Perhaps this issue is at the heart of our faith as these kind of things seem to happen with regularity.  Someone we know dies, and either they are very young, and also generally good people in the spiritual realm. We cannot fathom why this happens. 

We usually go through the stages of grief in our loss. Our first reaction is shock. I was returning from a visit to a local restaurant in another town near us when I heard the news. My first reaction was disbelief. How could this happen?  At some point in our feelings and thinking the other stages also appear... We feel anger, disappointment, bargaining and finally acceptance. Yet most of us, being quite human, go through these stages again and again. 

I thought of a book I have that began to help--- All Things for Good by Thomas Watson. Do all things happen for our good? That is the real question we have to wrestle with. Of course some people are not good at all, and we don't really wonder too much about their fate. We think," good riddance".

But if we think long and hard about our belief and our faith. Do any of us deserve God's favor and love?  That is the question too. If we understand that all of us are not worthy of saving because of our sin, then we say we then understand true mercy. God in Romans 8 and 9 through the Apostle Paul explains that quite clearly.

But many have bought into the world's view of God that is He is love only without a thought after it.  That is true . But He is light and a burning fire. He judges the wicked and loves His people. He does not blindly love without forethought and foreknowledge. We can be glad but, the world does not know God and has no desire to either. “In Christian worship we acknowledge that if we had received justice instead of charity we would be on our way to perdition.” —Lesslie Newbigin

Of course the best verse on the thought that God does what is best for all is in Romans 8:28 "For we know to those who are loving God all things work together for good ---those who are called to His purpose" (a translation from the Greek) For we know is a verb perfect active tense. This has meaning and we know is past action with continuing results.

We are called. This is a genuine comfort in this topsy turvy world in which we try and live according to God's commandments and holy Word. It is certainly not a perfect world yet. One day when Christ returns He will restore all that is good, holy and just and the world will know He did this.

Yes we can trust God and His promises. Yes, He will judge the wicked and justify the righteous with His love made manifest in His blessed Son. We all look forward to that day.

 

AOC Worldwide Prayer List –

I have received updates from a few and those will be the first added to the list. Please send all prayer requests and updates to aocworldwide@gmail.com for future reports. If you would like to be removed from list just respond with remove in the subject line.

Prayer Needed:

Family of Charlie Kirk who are mourning his untimely death at the hands of an assassin.

 

Family of Iryna Zarutska who are mourning her untimely death.

 

Families of those children in Minneapolis who were victims of a terrorist attack on a church school.

Kamil – pray for successful – Chemotherapy

Sherrie – recovery from Surgery

Mary – Mary is in the arms of the Lord – please pray for her son, Mark who is mourning

Donna – Brain Cancer that returned

Paul Meier – tumor removed and chemotherapy is successful so far

Richard Bailey – Brain Cancer

Pastor Glen Shoals – Skin Cancer

Steve Williams – recovery Hip Replacement
Heather – healthy pregnancy and delivery

Rachel – Health Pregancy and delivery

Marilee – Mastectomy Update – pray for successful – chemotherapy

Roy – Bulging disc – upcoming surgery

AOC Convention and Ministers meeting Sept 30- Oct 2

 

Thanksgiving:

Bishop Ogles - recovery from Car Accident

 

Extended Issues need continued prayer;

Laurie with long Covid Symptoms - Extreme exhaustion, heart palpitations, breathing problems and unstable blood pressures are constant worries causing depression to settle in.

Malcom Allred – Cancer Treatment

Betsey – Lane – Betsy onset of Dementia- Marianne her daughter

South Korea – pray to defeat the communists trying to take over; protection for the South Korean people.

Church of the Redeemer – changes in leadership, mourning loss of a wonderful Minister and Friend

 

Keep Praying for the following:

Shamu-health issues, Jim – medication tolerance, Dotty, Jan Jessup-neuro dementia,
Josh Morley-seizures, AOC USA, AOC Missions, Zach, Harper-IBS , Jim Sevier- God’s Peace, Linda – multiple myeloma, Colin, Marianne, Donna-chemotherapy, Aleyda-heart and bp issues, Daniel, Alicia-caregiver Lydia, Sophie, Colin and Lori Beall – cancer, Toni – cancer,
Donna  - cancer, Malou – cancer, Roseanne, Bobby, Archie, Eloise, Janice, Dakota
Katie Finley, Mike & Gayle