251012 AOC Sunday Report
Anglican Orthodox Churchsm
Worldwide Communion
Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity
October 12, 2025 - Sunday Report
· Special Convention Issue Coming SOON!
Seventeenth 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 213-214.
The Collect for Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity
The Epistle for Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. Ephesians iv. 1.
I THEREFORE, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, for-bearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
The Gospel for Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. St. Luke xiv. 1.
IT came to pass, as Jesus went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; and answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? And they could not answer him again to these things. And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief seats; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest seat; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest place; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
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:
Bless the LORD, O my
soul: O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and
majesty.
Psalm
104:1
The wicked
is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of
trouble.
Proverbs
12:13
Hearken
unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear
ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.
Isaiah
51:7
Seek the
good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall
be with you , as ye have spoken.
Amos 5:14
God's greatest mercies call for our
greatest thanks.
His saving sinners calls for eternal praise.
The greatest blessing we can receive from
God is salvation from sin and Hell. And therefore, the greatest reason we should give thanks to God
is for His great salvation.
Thomas Brooks
If you
take a book into your hands, be it 'God's book, or any other useful good book,'
rely on God to make it profitable to you. Do not waste time reading
unprofitable books. When you read, do so not out of vain curiosity but with
love for God's kingdom, compassion for human beings, and the intent to turn
what you learn into prayers and praises.
The Rev.
Matthew Henry
ask you then, whether you cannot see wisdom and mercy in the darkness which it has pleased God to throw around the prophetical history of his Church? You wonder in your own heart why the things to come were not more clearly revealed. But, consider for a moment how fearfully deadening and depressing it would have been to the early Christians if they had clearly seen the long ages of darkness and corruption which were to elapse before the Lord returned. Reflect for a moment how much unhappiness primitive believers were spared, by not knowing for certain the events which were to take place... Wise mercy showed the early Christians a light in the distance, but did not tell them how far it was away. Wise mercy pointed out the far off harbour lights, but not the miles of stormy sea between. Wise mercy revealed enough to make them work, hope, and wait. But wise mercy did not tell all that was yet to be fulfilled before the end. Who thinks of telling his little children in their early years, every trial, and pain, and misery which they may have to go through before they die?.. We do not do it, because they could not understand our meaning, and could not bear the thought of it if they did. And just so, it seems to me, does the Lord Jesus deal with his people in the apocalyptic vision. He keeps back the full revelation of all the way they must go through till the time when he sees they can bear it. He considers our frame. He teaches and reveals as we are able to bear. After all, there is no argument in reply to those who object to the study of Revelation so powerful as the simple promise of the word of God... And there on the forefront of the book stands a promise and an encouragement to the reader and hearer: Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear. These words, no doubt, were spoken in foresight of the objections that men would raise against the study of the book. Give these words their full weight.
Fall back on them when all other arguments fail. They are a reserve which will never give way. God has said it, and will make it good.
The Most Rev. J. C. Ryle
Our pride acts as the world’s gravity to pull us down;
but humility responds to the magnetic pull from on High to draw us higher and
higher unto the Narrow Way.
Bishop Jerry Ogles,
Friend Go
Up Higher
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
Bishop’s Thursday Morning Meditation
Bishop’s Blog Link: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/10/meditation-for-thursday-9-september-2025.html?spref=fb
You Tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzBWS5RtDrQ
“Friend, go up higher.”
Sermon Notes for 17th Sunday after Trinity,
12 October 2025, the Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide
Prayer of Collect.
LORD, we pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O God, my Strength and my Redeemer. Amen
Both the Gospel and epistle text for this day reflect the grace and humility besought in our Prayer of Collect.
Today’s Collect reminds me of a fundamental principle of learning – there are others, but this one is applicable to today’s Collect. That principle is “repetition aids retention”. It was one of those laws with which I became intimately familiar and one which I employed to great effect in my career in the training and education of military aviators.
A maneuver often repeated will be remembered easily. A certain rule of meteorology, or of aerodynamics, often repeated and tested, will be retained over the lifetime of the military pilot. The Bible itself is a monument to this principle. We see the same principles of salvation, redemption, sanctification, etc., featured in multi-faceted accounts throughout the Holy Bible, and much to our profit. The same is true of the Collects which are, themselves, based on scriptural truths.
The salient point of all three of our readings (including the Prayer of Collect) centers on ‘HUMILITY.’ This is written large in both the epistle and the Gospel. It is an essential characteristic of the committed Christian, but one most often unheeded by both the laity and the clergy of our churches today. How many ministers boast of the number of should ‘they’ have led to the Lord, or the great growth they have fostered in their churches much like the vanity of the Taj Mahal. Perhaps they have rejected the counsel of the Lord in the Psalms: “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
Paul opens his Epistle (Ephesians 4) with an appeal to humility. He uses the term ‘prisoner’ metaphorically to demonstrate the spirit of humility; however, no one is truly a prisoner in Christ for He came to set the captives free. The office of the prisoner is to obey and follow the master of the prison house. We too, are now in a different kind of bondage – that of love which binds us in obedience and humility before Christ our Lord. Being one with Christ entails not only following Him, but loving Him and our brothers and sisters in Christ. This binds us together as One with Him, the Father, and the Holy Ghost. In every walk of life, the Christian must be aware that God is his Father and deport himself according to that likeness that a sibling has for the parent.
The Gospel text reminds us that God is forever calling us to a ‘higher’ place; but that calling is issued to the humble in spirit. The prideful heart assumes its own righteousness which is as “filthy rags” before God the Father. We shall not go up higher in such discordant apparel. It is nearly impossible for the prideful heart to recognize his own depravity while still in his pride “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6
We must remember, as members of the One Body of Christ, that good works are always pleasing to God, but certainly not the means whereby we are saved. We are saved unto good works and not ‘BY’ good works. Salvation is a free gift of grace. Our works after salvation should reflect that imputed righteousness that is in Christ alone. There is no time of day, night, or Sabbath in which good works are not favorable to our Lord, but always lawful at all times in Christ.
Just as the chief Pharisee observed the every move of Christ at the supper described in Luke 14, so does the world observe the Christian believer with the eyes of an eagle. Every move is examined and critiqued. Any flaw is magnified seven times seventy in the eyes of the world who seek reasons for unbelief.
When our Lord put the question to his detractors, “Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?” They could not answer for to answer would incriminate them and justify Christ in the ears of the listeners.
I have lived many years on God’s green earth, and I have yet to observe a truly great man of God boast of his accomplishments for he gives all glory to God. A great leader never needs to boast of his accomplishments, either, for the world will note his unspoken accomplishments with greater respect.
God’s calls us to come up higher because the recipient of His grace must know that his place is the lowest among all the throngs surrounding him. It is when we have placed ourselves at the lowest point of righteousness that Christ will call us to come up higher. Even then, we must remember that the call was made by the discretion of Christ and not our own doing. Therefore, even when called to a higher place in Christ, we must remain humble a consider ourselves to be truly unworthy of the call. Au contrare, when we lift our chins high in pride, the Lord will consider us to be the lowest of the company. The Lord hates a prideful heart above the seven cardinal sins for pride leads to all the other sins contemplated.
The only time that we are worthy of our call in Christ is at the moment in which we realize that we are, in truth, completely unworthy. That is the kind of heart that is malleable in the hands of the Potter of Souls.
“But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Our pride acts as the world’s gravity to pull us down; but humility responds to the magnetic pull from on High to draw us higher and higher unto the Narrow Way.
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:
There is little difference in the theology of most American Protestants. Methodists, Presbyterians, Congregationalists basically share the same beliefs - or should I say, have no denominational distinctives such as used to define them as separate bodies. The old arguments of the Calvinists (Presbyterian) vs. the Arminians (Methodists) are relegated to seminary coffee klatches and Southern social amenities. Baptists still retain the form of water baptism that gave them birth but most are willing to accept baptism in any form other than "believer's baptism" i.e., baptism by immersion only of professing persons who publicly confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Reformed denominations vary greatly in the degree to which they adhere to historic formularies, and tend to retain national identities above doctrinal integrity. For example, the German Reformed tend to vary from the Hungarian Reformed, and they from the Dutch, and they from the Swiss, and so on. The same may be said of the German and Scandinavian Lutherans with Synods aligned almost totally according to ethnic persuasion. The majority of American Lutherans know little of the theology of Martin Luther, or Melanchthon, or the Augsburg and Schmalkalden Confessions which shaped the distinctives of the Protestant Reformation. They are quite sure, however, that they are NOT Roman Catholics but have no animosity toward the Pope
Roman Catholics appear to be one solid, united body but a cursory examination will quickly reveal that while they may appear to have denominational cohesiveness, individual Catholics may have little connection with the doctrines of the Church, including something as basic as weekly attendance at Mass. Many will report that, when queried about church membership, will profess to be "baptized Catholic but no longer attend." They will often refer to themselves as "lapsed Catholics" - even if they have attended other (Protestant) churches for years. Church teaching on divorce, abortion, birth control, homosexuality, and extra-marital sex are rarely held to be doctrinal absolutes by American Catholics. While the Pope is still regarded as "the head of the Church" few regard him as infallible, and do not regard those outside the Roman Communion as being "in danger of perdition" as in years past. While most Catholics regard clerical celibacy as antiquated, few regard homosexuality as a hindrance to the priesthood, or as an accepted secular "lifestyle."
Some of the most drastic denominational change has taken place in the Episcopal Church USA, formerly known as the Protestant Episcopal Church. Historically, this Church had been relatively small - compared to other Protestant denominations - but had been extremely influential socially. A good number of Presidents, captains of industry, and influential members of society were Episcopalians, and even though outnumbered by the Methodists, were chosen to occupy the National Cathedral in the nation's Capitol. But the years have not been kind to this Church, and membership has fallen drastically in recent times. The contemporary Episcopal Church has become identical to the Roman Catholic in doctrine as well as in worship practices. Apart from papal authority, the two denominations are virtually identical. It has been generally understood that the two Churches would eventually "merge" were it not for the pesky matter of women's ordination. The Episcopal Church ordains female priests and bishops while, at least for the moment, the Roman Church refuses. The movement seeking women's ordination in the Catholic Church has become quite strong and most consider it only a matter of time for it to take place - with the support of the majority of the laity.
The greatest change in the Episcopal Church, however, has been the abandonment of her historic PROTESTANT identity. In a relatively short period of time, ecclesiastically speaking, the American Church has abandoned her Protestant distinctives which characterized her as strongly anti-Catholic. It was not uncommon but a few years ago to find the tract in PECUSA parishes, an official publication of the Church, entitled "Should an Episcopalian Marry a Roman Catholic?" advising churchmen NOT to marry Catholics. Morning Prayer (not as it's now known "Holy Eucharist') was the most common Sunday service and few clergy were comfortable with being addressed as "Father." Bishops wore rochet and chimere, not copes and miters, and were addressed as "Doctor." "The Bishop's Wife" (Cary Grant, Loretta Young, 1947) is a good example of how the Episcopal Church appeared in American society as late as the 1960's.
Vatican II had a drastic effect on the Episcopal Church hierarchy who sought to engineer the same radical change in their Church as Rome had done. The adoption of a new Book of Common Prayer proved to be a powerful tool for introducing many (primarily Romish) innovations into a staunchly conservative Protestant Church. The name change was only the beginning. These changes have been clearly documented in countless publications in the course of many years. My purpose in mentioning them here is simply to recount the effect of these changes over the course of half a century. The old Church has totally vanished.
Episcopalians no longer have any denominational distinctives. The requirement of clergy to subscribe to the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion had been a prerequisite for ordination in many dioceses has disappeared. It is now possible for an Episcopal priest to be a practicing Buddhist, even an atheist! All that is necessary to be a member in good standing is to register as a parishioner and to be "a communicant (contributor) of note" - in other words, BELONGING IS BELIEVING." Even the Rite of Confirmation which had been held for many years as a requirement for taking Holy Communion and for holding office in the Church, such as a vestryman, has been removed. Infants and children are now permitted the Sacrament and weekly reception of the Sacrament is encouraged. Just have your name written in some church roster somewhere and that is sufficient for calling oneself an Episcopalian. You can even publicly deny every tenet of the Apostles or Nicene Creed - as did Bishop John Spong on the Phil Donohue Show in 1978 - and remain a churchman in good standing in Holy Orders.
Changes in the Prayer Book and in the doctrine of the Church have been largely overshadowed by women's ordination and its parallel innovation, homosexuality in the ministry. Fact is, the Church had been ordaining homosexual men for years with a kind of "don't kiss - don't tell" approach, especially in Anglo-Catholic (or as they were erroneously called in the States "high church") circles. When a number of lesbian women were ordained (illegally) in the early '70s, the door was opened to defending gay clergy, as gay persons gained acceptability in society at large. When the media advanced a divorced man who was openly homosexual to be made a bishop, some in the Church objected especially when he threatened to marry his male lover IN THE CHURCH. After his consecration, some threatened to leave the Church and the large exodus of church members was attributed to this "innovation" - despite the fact that several bishops had already come out as gay. Despite the claims of the media, backed by the official church press, Gene Robinson was far from "the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal church." One large breakaway denomination was formed as a direct result of Gene Robinson's consecration, does ordain women to the diaconate and priesthood, but denies them the episcopate. The late loss of membership can be attributed to a variety of other causes, although the Church's support of the LGBTQ+ cause and transgenderism is also contributory.
Evangelicalism has become synonymous with the mega-church movement, congregations numbering in the thousands, not associated with any particular denomination or tradition. Doctrine as well as practice can vary greatly ranging from fundamentalist Baptist to full blown Pentecostal. The name on the church marquis is often of little help, sometimes in fact masking the denominational affiliation of the congregation. It is not uncommon to encounter churches called "His Place" or "the Three C's" or "Maranatha Fellowship" - chosen purposely to hide any organizational connection - and to sound "cool." Often the refrain is heard "doctrine divides" or "Jesus is all we need" as a defense against historic Christianity. So often these large mega-churches will fall into the cultic, heretical teachings of their "pastors" and rarely survive the generation of their founding.
And so it has come that being a Christian in America is no longer associated with a Communion or denomination, with family, parentage, upbringing, or ethnicity, with doctrine, discipline, or confession. Simply belonging is all that is required - believing is optional - and a church can be found to suit almost every taste, opinion, or "worship style" - traditional, contemporary, liberal, conservative, with most in between two poles. The majority of American children do not remain in the denomination of their parents. America has become a supermarket of religion, and Christianity has suffered on account of it. In light of these factors, the future of denominations is dim, with change coming from within and without. The prayer of the Prayer Book Morning Prayer liturgy is more meaningful than ever in the history of the Church, "that all who profess and call themselves Christians, may be led into the way of truth, and may hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life." BCP 1928.
†CEM
Jack Arnold
Bishop of the Diocese of the West – AOC USA
Education and Training Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide
Church of
the Faithful Centurion
Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity
Today’s sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and talked, as is oft the case, of the need for action, not simply diction.
Consider the words of the Collect, … thy grace may always prevent and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works …
The first thing to consider when you look at today’s Collect is a word: prevent. Prevent is a word that has many meanings, and at least one has fallen out of general usage as time has gone on. This is one of them. In this case the word prevent means to go before. Before you object to archaic words, consider this is a current word, it just has a use you may not have been aware of and now you are! What a bonus for this week!
So, we ask God that His Grace, His Love, His Power, His Help may go before and after us to protect us and guide us that we might desire to do what He wants us to do. Why do we need that? It is because we are imperfect creatures with free will and have the same failings week after week.
The other part of the collect talks about asking God to make us be continually given to do good works. This means to put His Will into our heart and give us a desire to continually do good works for others, by given, the collect means to put a desire into our hearts to do God’s Will here on Earth and part of doing His Will on Earth is performing good actions, otherwise known as good works. The reason we are asking this is because we are not by our own very nature given to do good works but evil works. Therefore we need His help if we are to be able to perform them. We need the Holy Spirit to enter into our heart souls and minds if we are to do these good works. We need to not only listen to the Holy Spirit’s words but act upon those very same words!
We know, often very clearly, what we want; God knows, always very clearly, what we need. There is almost always a distinct difference between what we want and what we need. People often get those two words confused. They do not mean the same thing. God knows what we want is usually not good for us. But what we need is always good for us.
But we do not often know what God wants for us, so we have to first pray to Him to find out what He wants, then the most critical step of the communications is we have to listen to what He says and once we listen, then act upon what He says. They key part here is we have to act upon what He says, not just listen and go off and do whatever we want to do. He is there, like the rubrics to guide us along our paths in our daily life. So, we need to ask God every day, every time, for help to do our duty. Every day, every time, He will answer our questions, we just need to open our hearts, souls, minds and ears to Him, and after hearing His Answer, act upon it
So, what does Paul tell us in his letter to us? He tells us that we are to be worthy of the vocation that we are called, to be lowly and meek and with long suffering and to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. He is saying that we need to have these qualities within us in order to walk closer to God.
How do we obtain these qualities? These are qualities afterall that are not natural to us as prideful and sinful beings. The answer is they come from God. How do we get these qualities from God? We ask the Holy Spirit to enter into us and help us be receptive to obtaining them. Once we do that then we start to take on more and more of those qualities. This is an ongoing process that will take us the rest of our earthly lives to do. But it is a process that is worth the time to do and we will find ourselves better off because we undertook the effort.
When Luke relates the parable of the feast, it is more than just a seating diagram. I liken it to the tale of the publican and the Pharisee. When Christ talks about the man who exalts himself and sits too high at the wedding and thus must be abased, that would be the Pharisee. When Christ then talks about the man who sits low, and is raised to the higher station, I think of the publican, who smote his breast and would not even raise up his eyes to heaven. We have to be the publican in our dealings with not only God, but all people, rather than our natural tendency of being the Pharisee. We should not be one of those selfish individuals who always causes grief for others because he is blind to his own faults and only thinks of himself. Again, as with the ceasing from sin, this is one of the harder things we have to do. But it must be done, no matter how we feel about it. So, let us turn to our Lord to help with it, because He alone can help us. He can only help us if we are truly willing with our hearts, souls and minds. We have to be willing to act and do actions, and not just say it.
It is very possible to do good deeds and have fun doing them. The time we spent in worship with the other ministers and their wives at the AOC Conventions in the past proves this. Doing good things for other people and being with other believers gives me some of the greatest happiness I have ever felt. This comes from the Holy Ghost, from being inspired by Him, around other believers. Wherever two or three or gathered, Christ is there also. It is a wonderful feeling wherever He is.
Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.
The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?
It is by our actions we are known.
Be of God - Live of God - Act of God
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Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s AOC Vicksburg, Mississippi
We are fortunate to have Bryan’s Sunday Sermon. If you want people to come to The Truth, you have to speak the truth, espouse the truth and live the truth. This is really a good piece and I commend it to your careful reading.
Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity Sermon
Dr. Jesse Hurlbut noted that, “The Gnostics...were a grafting of Christianity upon paganism.” A key feature of this heresy was that it permitted the written word of God to be interpreted to mean whatever the reader desired. It therefore discounted the fundamental truths of the Christian faith in favor of allegory and presumption. Truly it qualified as one of those doctrines of devils (I St. Timothy 4:1) and destructive heresies (see II St. Peter 2:1) which the apostles had warned would come. Dr. Merrill Unger observed that, “In the fixed ecclesiastical sense... the term ‘heresy’ indicates not only any doctrinal distortion, but an open espousal of fundamental error with respect to the central truths of Christianity... However, its strictly New Testament usage... [is] not... primarily false doctrine... but [is] first and foremost... sectarian disharmony, and factional division... a deadly and damnable satanic device, utterly destructive of Christian oneness.”
As for today, there seems to be an ever-increasing number of religious movements and cults that are indeed drawing people away from orthodox Christian bodies. One of these is the New Apostolic Reformation. Researcher Holly Pevic at Apologetics Index has posted a description of what the NAR and its followers believe. She describes it as “A heterodox movement in Protestant Christianity,” which embraces doctrines that are contrary to the established principles of the Christian faith. NAR leaders and followers believe that “God intended for the Church to be always governed by living apostles and prophets.” They also believe that “God began restoring the office of prophet... in the 1980's and the office of apostle in the 1990's.” They accept the testimony of C. Peter Wagner who was called of men to be an apostle, and who proclaimed in 2001 the beginning of the “Second Apostolic Age”. They are also working for the return of living apostles and prophets to leadership positions over the church. They further believe that only by these will the church be able to complete its primary task of taking dominion over the world.
And what justification did Wagner give for assuming such a role? “He claimed that his initial calling came from a prophetic announcement by Cindy Jacobs— a self-appointed prophet— who in 1995 said that Wagner was “an apostle of prayer.” Then in 1998, he was told by Charles Doolittle during a church conference that, “Even from this day forward, even from this national conference there shall be a release on your spirit, whether you want to say ‘apostle’ or not is of no effect says God.” And where is that last statement supported by Scripture? Well, it’s not. And if God himself did not provide for the continuation of the office of apostle, then it would be presumptuous for any man to say otherwise. Now compare the words of St. Paul in Galatians 1:1 with those that were used to proclaim Wagner as an apostle. PAUL, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead). Wagner’s calling is clearly in no way comparable to the calling of St. Paul who received his directly from our Lord and not through a self-appointed go-between.
And consider also the callings of the other apostles and you will see that they too were called of our Lord, or in the case of Matthias, the disciples prayed for holy guidance and the lot fell to him (Acts 1:15-26). St. Paul’s calling came as a result of his experience on the road to Damascus. He later communed with our Lord in Arabia where he received instruction regarding his ministry and doctrine. The apostle Paul confirms this in his first epistle to the Corinthians wherein he wrote, Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? (9:1) And in his epistle to the Galatians he stated clearly that, ...11I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (1:11-12).
And concerning NAR prophets, while they are often viewed as subordinates to apostles, it should be noted that NAR leaders often view them as equals as both are to receive and implement any new divine revelation. Pastors, teachers and evangelists, by contrast, have roles that are limited to teaching any new revelation that has been received by the NAR apostles and prophets. But a significant difference exists between NAR prophets and those of as found within the pages of Scripture. NAR prophets are not expected to be 100 percent accurate in their predictions. How does the above gel with the words which were given to Moses regarding those who would prophesy in the name of the LORD as found in Deuteronomy 18:20-22? 20But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. 21And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? 22When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously... According to Scripture, the church may have members who have been empowered to prophesy, still there is no office of prophet within the body of Christ. It is a spiritual gift— like speaking in tongues— which is regulated by the provisions of I Corinthians 14.
But there is more. The movement also teaches that the biblical presentation of the gospel— the good news that God, through Christ has extended to mankind the means of salvation— is seemingly incomplete. Their alternative, which one researcher has called the “gospel of the Kingdom”, involves not only God’s provision for salvation from sin, but also his provision for taking dominion over the earth through man’s efforts and not Christ’s work. And part and parcel of this dominionist theology is the belief that the end-time church will cleanse the world of evil under the leadership of NAR apostles and prophets as they will say ‘prophetic’ prayers which will release the Great Tribulation judgments on the Antichrist. This too is without scriptural support. Our Lord confirmed such when he asked, Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (St. Luke 18:8)
And the apostle Paul warned the Thessalonians in his second epistle to 2be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed... (2:2-3). St. Paul also described the last days as perilous times (II St. Timothy 3:1). Much as we might hope for a true and lasting revival today, the Bible teaches otherwise. Perhaps the NAR leadership is talking about that great spiritual revival of evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (II St. Timothy 3:13).
And if that weren’t enough, the NAR also believes that God will grant their apostles and prophets supernatural powers to control the world’s wealth which will be used to establish God’s earthly kingdom. These persons will be permitted to perform miracles as well as execute God’s judgments on the earth. In addition, they believe that those who continue to receive the new revelations from NAR apostles and prophets will gain more and more supernatural powers until they eventually attain the status of sons of God.
But a caveat is in order at this point. Just think about the power and authority which these so-called apostles and prophets now wield over those deluded souls who have accepted their beliefs. Think about how they have been deceived into accepting a belief system that essentially puts mortal man in the place of Christ. Our Lord warned us of a great deception in the last days which included great signs and wonders; insomuch that if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect (St. Matthew 24:24). The lesson here is simple enough— the NAR is indeed a heterodox movement whose adherents will very likely play into the hands of “the man of sin” if they don’t open their eyes and become Bereans (re: Acts 17:10-11). Those who truly love our Lord understand that the Bible is the rule and guide of our faith and practice. And given that truth, why should any believer embrace those persons or groups which have made revisions to Holy Writ? Does not Scripture expressly forbid such? Matthew Henry noted that Revelation 22:18-19 is “A most solemn sanction, condemning and cursing all who should dare to corrupt or change the word of God...”
So what have we learned today? We have learned that the imaginations of wicked should not be accepted within the body of Christ. And further, that we ought to keep in mind the warning which our Lord gave us in the Olivet Discourse, Take heed that no man deceive you. (St. Matthew 24:4). That’s our challenge and it is a rather large one given the various church movement and cults that are out there seeking to devour as many souls as they can. So, when someone tells you that the Bible is unsound or incomplete, and that there is a new and better revelation awaiting you if only you are willing to come under the authority of some new apostle or prophet, watch out. The wolves in sheep’s clothing are at the door ready to draw you away as their disciples.
Let us pray,
O LORD, whose word is truth and sufficient unto every good word and work; guide us by means of the Holy Ghost to fully accept and trust the Scriptures alone as they are the words of life unto salvation in Christ Jesus; for it is in his most blessed name that we ask these things of thee. 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
Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity Sermon
Psalm 25; First lesson: Jeremiah 13:15-21; Second lesson: Mark 10:35-45 – Morning Prayer
Collect for the 17th Sunday after Trinity
LORD, we pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymns #456,457, 218, 491
“Unto thee, O Lord.....”
In a simple statement, David expresses these complete concepts of praise, trust, and peace. He will continue to express in this song (psalm), his faith in his Lord God, who holds all truth and knowledge. The LORD holds the future. As we contemplate this psalm let us reflect on the meaning of the words, the truth imparted by their message, and most especially how all of this “enclosed” praise is good and healthy for our own spiritual lives.
As we continue in this study, see how all of the following questions are answered. See the pattern of revelation that ensues as we implore the Holy Spirit to illumine our souls to the great truths God has directed to be available for our study.
A. Do we look unto the Lord? - 1Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
B. Do we trust the Lord? - 2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
C. Do we let the Lord show us his ways, his paths? - 4Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
D. Do we let him lead us in his truth and do we learn from him? - 5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Lots of questions. I know, but not without reason. Are we really following the Lord in our daily lives? When David was singing this psalm he was singing or preaching to himself; but in a real sense he was also giving us material to meditate upon. He was asking the Lord to help him, to teach him, to guide him into the path of truth. He knew that God was his salvation. David’s supplication to the Lord is for help, being led into truth, and most importantly seeking salvation from God.
In the same manner, David now asks for forgiveness, forgiveness for all that he had done in the past. “7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord.” That passage is both past and present, David is asking God to forgive his past sins and his current or more recent sins too.
When we understand that the memories of past sins are not from the Lord, they are from the god of this world, Satan, then we can step forward, knowing that the Lord has forgiven us. 6Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy loving kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. We should trust God to forgive us, he will not hold our sin against us, IF we confess our sin and seek God’s forgiveness.
“...O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord...” As quoted from the General Confession of Morning and Evening Prayer. These prayers are direct quotes from the Psalms for the most part, 85 to 90% scripture.
These prayers are not made from unknown fabric, they are from the Word of God.
In our lesson today, taken from Psalm 25, we read that the psalmist is greatly comforted by the mercy of the Lord, knowing that the Lord will lift him out of trouble and in all of this, he also waits upon the Lord to do all that He has promised.
Do we have that type of faith?
Do we trust the Lord to lift us up out of the net that entangles us in sin?
Do we trust the Lord to take us out of our distress?
Take the time to read the 25th Psalm. Read it, digest it, inwardly consume it and meditate on the meaning that David is writing to himself and to us down through the ages. You will see how God’s word will apply to your daily journey through this earthly path, strewn with boulders of conflict, valleys of the shadow of death, fear-causing confusion that we hear and see daily. All of this will be pushed to one side if we cling to the promises God made to David and others in their difficult journeys through life.
Fear not, for He is with you.
Let us pray:
O heavenly Father, we humbly beseech thee, to assist us, with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may, through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living to the honour and praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DIRECT us, O Lord in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee we may glorify thy holy Name and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Beloved, go in peace, in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen
+Roy Morales-Kuhn
The Rev. Don Fultz
Rector of St. Peter’s AOC located in the AOC National Office
We are grateful to have this sermon of the Rev. Don Fultz today from St. Peter’s AOC, Statesville, NC
Working on the Sabbath
Sermon: St. Luke 14:1-6
In the Gospel text this morning, Jesus is invited by one of the Chief Pharisees into his home to eat bread on the Sabbath day, and we are told they watched Him. Jesus never turned down any invitations. The son of man came eating and drinking (Matt. 11:19) He socialized with all kind of people, Publicans and Pharisees. He didn’t come just for the meal but to see if He could do good. 10For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost. (Luke 19:10) We don’t know the reason for inviting Jesus on this occasion. But if they were watching Him, it could not have been a very friendly invite. As you know the Pharisees were typically opposed to Jesus, and that there was opposition and tension in this situation is made clear by these words. 2And they watched him, whether he would heal Him on the sabbath day; that they may accuse Him. (Mark 3:2)
We are further told by Luke that there was a certain man before Jesus which had the dropsy. This condition is caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body tissues. It can cause swelling in various parts of the body, including the skin, legs, abdomen, and lungs. It can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, such as: Heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, and Lymphatic system disorders. It is a serious disorder and if not treated properly, can lead to organ failure. This man with dropsy was an invited guest and very possible a relative or friend of the Host.
Then Jesus knowing their thoughts, 3answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day? 4And they held their peace. They couldn’t say it was lawful to heal, for then they would preclude themselves from imputing it to Jesus as a crime. They could not for shame say it was not lawful. “So, Jesus, showing his compassionate spirit, 4took him and healed him, and let him go; 5and answered them saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the Sabbath day? 6And they could not answer him again to these things. “It is not so much out of their compassion for the poor creature that they do it as a concern for their own interest. It is their own ox, and their own ass, that is worth money, and they will dispense with the law of the Sabbath for the saving of.” (MH commentary)
The gospels record several other occasions when Jesus performed a healing on the Sabbath day. In most of those instances, the healing was followed by a confrontation with the religious leaders. (Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-10, 13:10-17; John 5:1-18). In another passage, Luke 4:38-41, Jesus heals after teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, but no confrontation is recorded, as the miracle was performed in a private home.
Jesus knew the Pharisees’ rules regarding the Sabbath, so why did he choose to heal on that day? He was surely acting against the Pharisee’s interpretation of the law and against their particular rules. But Jesus came to fulfill the law not to destroy the law. (Matt. 5:17) The basic reason that Jesus healed on the Sabbath was out of compassion and the people needed his help.
Also, Jesus healed on the Sabbath in order to reveal the hypocrisy of the Pharisees’ religion.
In three passages where Jesus’ healing led to a confrontation, Jesus references how the Jews “worked” on the Sabbath by taking care of their animals, and that work was sanctioned by the Pharisees. In an agricultural environment, animal care was a major part of a normal day. Jesus points out their willingness to work on the Sabbath to help an animal: “15Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you loose his ox or his ass from the stall and lead him away to watering. 16And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day? (Luke 13:15-16)
If someone’s religious rules allow for helping animals on the Sabbath, then it should definitely allow for helping people.
When Jesus healed on the Sabbath, He was also challenging the religious leaders with the question of doing good or evil on the Sabbath: 4Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath day or do evil? To save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. (Mark 3:4) His healing of the man with a withered hand gave them the answer. (see Mark 3:5) Doing good and saving life is lawful, even on the Sabbath. Using the Sabbath rule to do evil or to kill is an ungodly perversion of the law.
Let’s take a look at the law in question. The Torah is the law. But the Pharisees also added their traditions to the law God had given. The religious leader’s traditions that they combined with the biblical law became as important to them as God’s actual word. Jesus stood against such additions to the law, rebuking the teachers of the law for 7teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Mark 7:7) It was simply these manmade traditions that defined Jesus’ healings as “work.” However, when Jesus healed on the Sabbath, He was also challenging the Pharisees’ beliefs as being from man and not from God.
Another reason Jesus healed on the Sabbath was to remind people of why God instituted the Sabbath day of rest. The Sabbath was meant to benefit people as much as to glorify God. Jesus said in Mark 2:27-28: 27The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath: 28Therefore, the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath. The Sabbath helped people recuperate (Mentally and physically) after a week of work and redirect their focus from the daily routine to God. Jesus healing on the Sabbath was therefore very much compatible with God’s purpose for the Sabbath.
Concerning Sabbath Observance, the Mishnah lists 39 primary kinds of labor that were not allowed on the Sabbath day (Shabbath 7.2, Soncino ed. Of the Talmud, pp 348, 349). The first eleven of these were steps leading to the production and preparation of bread: sowing, plowing, reaping, binding sheaves, threshing, winnowing, selecting, grinding, sifting, kneading, and baking. The next twelve apply to similar steps in the preparation of clothing, from the shearing to the actual sewing of garments. These are followed by seven steps in preparing the carcass of a deer for use as food or for leather. The remaining items listed have to do with writing, building, kindling and extinguishing of fires. Also, they deal with the transportation of articles from one place to another. In addition to these major regulations, there were countless other provisions concerning the observance of the Sabbath.
It was also counted as Sabbath breaking to look in a mirror fixed to the wall (Shabbath 149a, Soncine ed. Of the Talmud, p. 759). Also looking even to light a candle. Sadly, these same regulations permitted an egg laid on the Sabbath to be sold to a Gentile. And allowed for a Gentile to be hired to light a candle or a fire. The Pharisees were continually employing the letter of man-made laws to destroy the spirit of the law of God. The Sabbath, was designed by God to give man an opportunity to know his Maker. It allowed for time to reflect upon his love, mercy, and bountiful blessing. But instead of it reflecting the character of God. The Sabbath became a reflection of the cruel character of the Pharisees and scribes.
The Lord teaches that regarding Sabbath rules, whatever draws us closer to Him, helps us to understand His will, and leads to the happiness and well-being of others-this would be the true Sabbath observance (Isa 58:13; Mark 2:27, 28).
During his ministry, Jesus was in conflict with the Jewish leaders over the validity of their man-made laws and traditions (Mark 7:2,3,8).
The Pharisees legalistically taught that salvation was to be obtained through an outward observance of these rules. This system of righteousness by works was in complete opposition to our Christian belief which is the righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: (Romans 3:21) and for by grace ye are saved through faith. (Ephesians 2:8)
Jesus did not desire a disregard for God’s law in his dealing with the Pharisees. He actually demonstrated that He required more. (See Matt. 23:25-26) He showed that obedience must be from the heart. He said: 19Whosover therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosover shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5:19-20)
Jesus kept the law of Moses and the Ten Commandments in every way. And He taught His followers to do the same. He confirmed the binding nature of the moral law. For he said, 17Think not that I come to destroy the Law, or the Prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18For verily, I say to you, Till heaven and earth pass away, on jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all be fulfilled. (Matt. 5:17-18). And He also recognized the validity of the ritual law of Moses as applicable to Jews (See Matt. 23:3).
Jesus kept the Sabbath day holy as it was His custom to worship on that day (Luke 4:16). His example in today’s Gospel and other New Testament readings shows that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, especially, works of necessity and mercy.
In closing, following are comments from JC Ryle: “The qualification which our Lord here puts on the requirements of the fourth commandment is evidently founded on Scripture, reason, and common sense. The Sabbath was made for man, for his benefit, not for his injury, for his advantage, not his hurt. The interpretation of God’s law respecting the Sabbath was never intended to be strained so far as to interfere with charity, kindness, and the real wants of human nature.” (pg. 149, Vol 2 Expository thoughts Luke 14:1-6)
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
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:
Kamil – pray for successful – Chemotherapy
Sherrie – recovery from Surgery
Donna – Brain Cancer that returned – receiving radiation that is horribly affecting her speech
Paul Meier – throat cancer- radiation treatment successful
Richard Bailey – Brain Cancer
Pastor Glen Shoals – Skin Cancer
Heather – healthy pregnancy and delivery
Rachel – Conratulations Rachel had a healthy baby boy – Obidiah Richards, continue praying for Rachel health, having some difficulties post partum
Marilee – Mastectomy Update – pray for successful – chemotherapy- difficulty had to stop – keep praying
Roy – Bulging disc – upcoming surgery
Jim - scheduling surgery for a heart ablation
AOC Convention and Ministers meeting Sept 30- Oct 2 – Thank you for your Prayers – Succesfful and Spirit filled Convention -with Two New Priest Ordained – The Rev. Don Fultz – Statesville, NC; The Rev. Francisco Nieves - Texas
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-Praise no seizures 1-1/2 years, AOC USA, AOC Missions, Zach, Harper-IBS ,
Jim Sevier- God’s
Peace, Linda –
multiple myeloma, Colin, Marianne, Betsey - Dementia
Donna-chemotherapy, Aleyda-doing well, 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
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