250209 AOC Sunday Report

 

Anglican Orthodox Church _sm

Worldwide Communion

Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity

November 2, 2025 - Sunday Report

 

Twenty-First 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 218-220.

 

 

The Collect for Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity

GRANT, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 The Epistle for Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity. Ephesians vi. 10.

MY brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of  righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplica-tion in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perse-verance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

 The Gospel for Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity. St. John iv. 46.

THERE was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judæa into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judæa into Galilee.

 

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:

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: and come before his presence with a song.
Psalm 100:1-2

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Proverbs 16:20

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Leviticus 18:22

You have seen the history of Lot’s wife— her privileges with the gift of the Holy Ghost, of the danger of worldliness, and of the reality of hell. Suffer me to wind up all by a few direct appeals to your own heart... I desire to set up a beacon to preserve souls from shipwreck. I would fain moor a buoy... and paint upon it, “Remember Lot’s wife.”... Are you careless about the second advent of Christ? Alas, many are! They live like the men of Sodom, and the men of Noah’s day... they behave as if Christ was never going to return... Are you halting between two opinions...? Alas, many are! They are afraid of the cross; they secretly dislike the trouble and reproach of decided religion... and would fain return to Egypt... If you are such a one, I say to you this day, Take care: “Remember Lot’s wife.!
The Most Rev. J. C. Ryle

Grace is the mother and nurse of holiness, and not the apologist of sin.
Charles Spurgeon

Prudence gains men respect and success; but it is piety only that will secure men’s true happiness.
The Rev. Matthew Henry

A friend of mine has a small sign on the wall of his study that reads, “He who has many things, and has Christ, has no more than he who has Christ alone.” How true. What would the believer take in exchange for the benefits of Christ in his life and for his salvation? I think no true believer would exchange Christ for all the wealth and kingdoms of this world, though the world does tempt the marginal believers to make that exchange. 
Bishop Jerry Ogles,  The Five Solas: Solus Christus (Part One) p. 31.

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

 

Monday Meditation: Jesus Wept 

AOC Bishop’s blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/11/jesus-wept.html

 You Tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpoNmRQCEZ8

 

Tuesday Afternoon Chat: The Prison & The Fortress

 Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/11/prison-in-shadows.html

 You tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygRykUTjVcA&t=5s

  

  Wednesday Meditation: Victory over Death

 AOC Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/11/victory-over-death.html

 You Tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8Eifvwo57c

 

 Thursday Video Meditation: Apple of God’s Eye

 AOC Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/11/apple-of-eye.html

 You Tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdJ6f0NsoB0

 

 Friday Meditation

 AOC Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2025/10/reformation-day.html?spref=fb

 You Tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYipkci7Dq4

  

   SIGNS & WONDERS,

Sermon for Sunday, 9 November 2025 Anno Domini 

 

COLLECT

The 21st Sunday after Trinity

GRANT, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(We need not be reminded that our souls are no more self-cleansing than the barnyard stall. Having been found more spiritually dead than was Lazarus in his physical death, there needs to be heard that same Voice that calls us forth from the tomb of spiritual death just as Lazarus was called forth from the stone-carved tomb at Bethany That Voice belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ. Lazarus had nothing to do with Christ coming to Bethany and standing without his tomb. In fact, he knew NOTHING of it, or of anything else, for he was DEAD. So were we ere Christ called us forth. Our service and worship should be in humility and not in flamboyant ways to attract the attention of men. When we flee to our closets, or the quiet of the wilderness, it is then that our spiritual ears are most keen to hear the voice of God.)

The Epistle. Ephesians vi. 10.

 ¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  ¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: ¹⁸Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ¹⁹And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.  (Ephesians 6:10-20: KJV)

            No passage of the Holy Scriptures could be more germane to the age in which we live than this from Ephesians 6. We have spiritually disarmed our nation and people. We stagger like drunken men in a confused and immoral political quagmire. We have deserted the Old Paths of our fathers, and have removed the Ancient Landmark of God’s Word from every public and prominent place. God has not abandoned America – America has abandoned the God of her First Love.

The Gospel. St. John iv. 46.

 ⁴⁶So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. ⁴⁷When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. ⁴⁸Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. ⁴⁹The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. ⁵⁰Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. ⁵¹And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. ⁵²Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. ⁵³So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. ⁵⁴This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. (John 4:46-54;KJV)

            My dear friends, I have known most of you for the greater part of your lives. I enrolled some of you in your first public school classes and have watched you proudly excel in school and, later, university. I know you, and you know me! We do not look for signs of proof of each other’s love and friendship because we KNOW the souls of each other. The same is expected of us by our Lord in our approach to Him.

            In understanding Holy Scripture, context is everything. We do not lift words and phrases here and there and join them in some extravagant and transcendental manner to reveal a profound and new theory of God. All of God’s Word is built upon a solid and building foundation of truth and reason. “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:10)

            In order to fully grasp the deeper nuance in today’s text, we need to consider those events which preceded the nobleman coming to Jesus. Be advised this miracle of healing for the son of the nobleman was the second miracle that Jesus performed in Galilee – the first being the miracle of turning six large jars of water into wine at a happy wedding feast. Remember that he simply told the servants to fill those six jars with water. They did not ask why, but obeyed implicitly. They may have wondered why, but they did not ask.

            Again in the preceding chapter 3, Jesus has a dialogue with a leading Jewish ruler named Nicodemus. What did Nicodemus say to Jesus that night? “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” (John 3:2; KJV) Nicodemus believed Jesus came from God based solely upon the miracles that he wrought.

            After the encounter with Nicodemus, Jesus purposefully travels the longer route through Samaria in returning to Galilee. Why? Because from the beginning of days, He had decreed an appointment with a woman of somewhat blemished repute at Jacob’s Well outside Sychar. (see the preceding text above today’s – John 4:1-42) This woman came in the heat of the day to draw water. I will abbreviate the account for the purpose of saving time. During her exchange with Jesus, she came to know Him as a man, then as a prophet, and finally as the Messiah. She left her coveted water bucket and ran back to Sychar to proclaim to all that she had met the Messiah. Strangely, despite her reputation, everyone believed her words. When we speak out of a convicted heart, our words take on a new quality of authority. These men then came to the Well to see Jesus face-to-face. “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. ⁴⁰So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. ⁴¹And many more believed because of his own word; ⁴²And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” (John 4:39-42; KJV)

            Please notice the difference in faith between the encounter with Nicodemus and that of the Samaritan men of Sychar! Nicodemus believed because he had witnessed the miracles (signs and wonders) performed by Christ in Jerusalem. But the Samaritans (non-Jews) believed because of His words. They came to meet Jesus – not to see signs and wonders. Unfortunately, the great majority of modern day churches are more concerned with making money by counterfeit signs and wonders just as were the Jews fascinated thereby.

            Do you ever wonder why Jesus was troubled when He saw all the Jews weeping at the death of Lazarus? “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.” (John 11:33; KJV) It was not because of any mournful passion, but for the lack of faith of those who KNEW Him – at least informally. He knew that He would raise Lazarus, but these people would not believe that possible unless He proved it to them. That kind of faith is weak at best.

            Now comes the nobleman to Jesus. Naturally, he is grieved at the imminent death of his son. He was reduced to desperation and even begging if necessary. Love will compel us to act in ways we would never act as cold, impassionate human beings. He had a weaker faith based on a desperate hope. He had heard of Jesus and His miracles done in Jerusalem. So he came seeking even the hope that He might heal his son. He besought Jesus to come down to Capernaum and heal his son. Herein is revealed the shallowness of his faith, but even shallow faith can become strong and invincible. Every worldly physician at least needs to examine the patient in order to heal; so this nobleman believed that the physical presence of Jesus was necessary if He would heal his son. He had faith that Jesus could call on the powers of God to act, but he did not realize fully that Jesus was also God. We sometimes limit the due reverence and awe in which we must hold our Lord. We attempt to limit his power by our little faith. Shame on us!

            The seemingly scolding response of Jesus is to test the depth of the man’s kernel of faith. “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” The Jews of Galilee were no different from those in Jerusalem – they desired signs and wonders from our Lord. Jesus took umbrage at the thought that the power of His love and compassion always required some miracle. Of course, He intended to heal the man’s son from the outset; but He would prefer we believe for WHO He is and not for what He can DO! “Go thy way; thy son liveth.” Perhaps the nobleman’s faith grew from the authority which was starkly obvious in the voice of our Lord, for he believed and immediately departed back to Capernaum in faith. At least he believed MORE! See the rest of the account.

            “⁵¹And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.⁵² Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” This nobleman, like us, could not resist testing the veracity of his faith. He inquired the exact time of his son’s recovery. It was 1 P.M. the previous day – the precise time of the Lord’s promised healing, so the man’s faith was fortified by this miracle.

            What is the result of a father coming to saving faith? Does it not have a profound bearing on all who love him? Remember Zacchaeus? He was saved, and his whole household. Faith is covenantal. It has the effect of dew failing on the morning flowers. What happened to the household of the nobleman when his faith was firmed?  ⁵³So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. ⁵⁴This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

            We all have moments of doubt and insecurity just as children desire reassurance that there are no monsters in their darkened bedrooms. But I can assure you of this: God will always affirm our faith at some point. We have decisions to make. We know the RIGHT decision, but it seems dangerous or unprofitable. We must make the decision of righteousness. If we do, our faith will be confirmed – either sooner, or later as on the road to Capernaum. “⁵³ So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

 

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 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:

 Eggs Is Not Always Eggs

     It is not uncommon in this part of the world for restaurants to display signs outside their establishment to lure customers inside by promising "Live Music" - giving date and time but that's all. No mention of what kind of music is being offered, as though the mere mention of 'music' should be enough to entice diners regardless of the nature of the music itself. I have no objection to listening to music while I dine but I would like to be able to choose the sort of music being played; not simply serenaded by a bad singer belting out show tunes or a mariachi band playing so loud I cannot hear my dinner companion at the table. Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as good music - and bad - and I would like to know that any music played over dinner was to my liking and would enhance the dining experience. 

     A parallel experience in these parts involves buffet style restaurants which offer low price lunches and will often advertise "Three meats/Four veg" without ever saying what the 'meats' on offer are. The 'vegs' or vegetables are easy to imagine but the 'meats' not so much. Here in the Swamp it could be beef or pork of some sort - cooked until chewable - but it could also mean game or innards - or roadkill for that matter. "Meat" just doesn't tell you much and if you think too long about it, is actually unappetizing.

     It is also a trend these days for churches to advertise themselves by claiming that they are "Bible-believing" churches, as though there could be any other kind. That description of a church demands a little more examination. I know of no denomination that claims it does not "believe the Bible" or one that boasts that it holds doctrines contrary to the Scriptures - even though they very well might. "Come and hear Biblical preaching" is a boast often heard, especially in churches that claim to be conservative or "fundamentalist."  

     Yet even the most liberal denominations still retain the Scriptures in some form in their services. Most continue to offer Sunday School classes and Bible studies mid-week. Most churches have some form of Scripture reading as part of their liturgy, with some portion of the Bible read aloud by a clergyman or member of the congregation designated to do so. Some even have Bibles in the pews, along with hymnals or "song books" or printed services in booklets which change each week.

     But what about the Bible, in all these varied uses and circumstances? What does "Bible believing" really mean, given that there are so many denominations, so many versions, so many "opinions" about the Bible itself? There are almost as many different types of music as there are opinions about the Bible. Are they all true? Are they all correct? Does it matter what your Church teaches about Biblical doctrine, or are you free to believe what you wish, to accept certain parts of Scripture as God's Word and reject others? There are more than eighteen different versions now available in English. Which one should we use? Are all versions equally good, or are some better than others? Where did all these versions come from? Should we follow the advice of our clergyman and use only the one he recommends?

    Many Christians are pleased at the prospect of returning the Bible to our public and private (secular) schools. But if the Bible is to return, how will it be presented? Who will teach it - if it is to be taught and not just "read?" What version will be used or will all be welcome? Music often follows trends and personal taste influences what sort of music we listen to. There is a great danger that as the popularity of the Bible grows, trends and tastes will also influence how the Scriptures are used and understood.

     The Authorized or King James Version of Holy Scripture remains the most popular and the most widely used amongst contemporary Christians, despite the plethora of modern translations and the heavy-handed marketing techniques of modern Bible publishers. Despite this, the KJV is poorly spoken of by some denominations and clergy, and is seldom quoted in social media, in films, or in mega-church broadcasting. Multi-million-dollar ad campaigns conducted by major publishing houses have sought to present the KJV and flawed and antiquated, while promoting their own copyrighted versions, in order to capture the lucrative Bible sales market. The KJV is not copyrighted and no profit is to be made from the translation.

    Most modern seminaries do not teach what the Church has held for almost its entire history, namely, that the Bible is God's Word, and is authoritative and without error. This represents a sea-change in the life of the modern Church, not only in terms of doctrine but in the daily life of believers. "Bible-believing" used to have a specific meaning - now it can mean anything the speaker intends it to mean. Despite the fact that the Bible itself teaches that "no prophesy of the scripture is of any private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20), private interpretation has become the norm. Verses taken out of context and revised modern translations have become the "proof texts" for total reversals of doctrinal matters in many denominations. Bizarre "translations" have become the foundation of many heretical sects and false religions claiming to be "Christian"- each with their own "Bible" (the New World Translation of the Jehovah's Witnesses) or the Book of Mormon (the "Third Testament" of the Latter Day Saints).

     Christians need to be discerning with the Holy Scriptures and not take them for granted. The Apostle Peter warns us in his second Epistle that false prophets will appear IN THE CHURCHES, to attack them from within, with smooth talking and deceptive arguments, to draw the faithful away from that which they were originally taught by the Apostles themselves. No new doctrines based on the opinions of men were to be tolerated. The consequences of not being diligent were dire. So it is true in our day as well.

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.

 

 21^st Sunday after Trinity

 In our gospel lesson for today (St. John 4:46-54), our Lord remarked that Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. He said this to a man who had besought him to heal his dying son. The man nevertheless persisted and our Lord sent him home with a message of encouragement that his son was alive. When the man returned home, he found that his son was healed at the very time when he had been appealing to our Lord for his assistance, and as a result he and his whole house believed on the Lord Jesus.

How many times have we heard the unregenerate say, “If only God would do this thing or that, I would also believe”, or “Why doesn’t God work explicit miracles in our world today?” I usually reply: “Would you really believe in God on account of their actual occurrence, or would you simply explain away his wonderful works as chance or an accident?” Experience reveals that the latter response will be given over the former because the unregenerate, by their very natures, cannot give any credit to God. They cannot because their master will not permit them to do so.

The Scriptures tell us that the LORD has used signs for a variety of purposes. He has used them to authenticate a prophetic announcement, as in Numbers 16:28-33 wherein ²⁸Moses said Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works... ²⁹If these men die the common death of all men... then the LORD hath not sent me. ³⁰But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. ³¹And it came to pass, as he had made an end to speaking... that the ground clave asunder that was under them...

The LORD has used signs to strengthen the faith of those who were called to perform a given service and who were incomplete in faith or ignorant of the truth of God, as in the case of Gideon (Judges 6:36-40). Gideon asked God to moisten a piece of fleece one night and to moisten the ground around the dry fleece the next. Such proved to him that he had the favor of the LORD in his calling to defeat of the Midianites.

The signs of the LORD have also been used to remind us of past blessings and encourage a continuing faith, such as when Joshua (Joshua 24:17-18) reminded the children of Israel of all the signs and  wonders which they had witnessed on their journey through the wilderness. The recounting of these events was enough to spark their faith for they had seen with their eyes the workings of God present with them. Elijah called the people of Israel to witness an awesome display of God when his offering was completely consumed by fire out of heaven along with the very stones of the altar on which his sacrifice was offered. Elijah never once put spark or flame to the wood of the sacrifice, and even had water poured over it which filled a trench that encircled the altar. And lo and behold the LORD consumed it all in an instant. As a result, the faith of many was renewed and a brief period of revival developed in the kingdom of Israel (I Kings 18:21- 39).

Signs confirm God’s word. In Hebrews 2:14 we are told that both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will... God confirmed unto his own the work of salvation. Our Lord Jesus Christ through the workings of the Holy Ghost raised Lazarus from the dead, turned water into wine, healed all manner of ill and injured persons, cast out devils and brought the light of the gospel of peace into a sin-darkened world. He confirmed the faith of many through his works the greatest of which was his resurrection from the dead. Why did Christianity grow and catch on like a wildfire? The testimony of the multitude of witnesses and the proof of the empty tomb spoke volumes and resonated with those whom God had called unto himself of all nations and tongues beginning in Jerusalem and continuing on to the uttermost parts of the earth.

But as we have noted, signs displayed to the unregenerate are not sufficient for them. One would have thought that after having witnessed the plagues that befell the Egyptians such would have quieted any dissent among the children of Israel. Yet, in spite of all that the LORD had done for them, only two men above the age of twenty from the original host which left Egypt— Caleb and Joshua—believed that the people could enter the land of Canaan and take it from those wicked people whom the LORD had promised to drive out from before them. Two out of so many. What a shame.

Or, how about the disciples of our Lord at the Garden of Gethsemane? They ran from the scene when our Lord was taken by the temple guards and went into hiding as if their whole world had ended. They seemed to have forgotten the host of miracles which they themselves had witnessed while with the Master. Only after his appearance to them in their secluded retreat following his resurrection was their faith renewed.

As Christians we ought to be watching and alert to our Master’s calling. For at any moment God may work all manner of signs and wonders. Unsurprisingly, many will go completely unnoticed. Our very lives are a miracle of nature. Every child born into this world is a miracle— a sign and wonder of the power of God in creation. Consider the complexity of our bodies— how every system must work in the ways for which it was designed. These also represent the thoughtfulness of our Creator God.

If we have received of God the gifts of the Spirit, we will be working in those areas of life in which we have been called. For it is through our efforts within those respective spheres that the hand of God can be discerned in changed lives, and humbled hearts. God desires our love and devotion and all who are called of him will give him those things. May each of you have the courage to heed his calling and live in obedience to his word and commandment.

Let us pray:

Father, open our eyes that we might see the signs and wonders which you perform daily, and enliven our spirits to do those works which thou hast called us to perform in thy service; for these things we ask in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 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

 

Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity Sermon - MP

 Psalm 91; First lesson: Isaiah 59:15b-21; Second lesson: Hebrews 4:1-13

GRANT, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

                                                     Hymns  # 377, 416, 450

The United States Marine corps was founded 250 years ago tomorrow.

 Archbishop Cranmer did not foresee that event when he helped to codify the lectionary and collects of the day. Not to be taken in any form as foreshadowing or prophesy, but just interesting irony. 

 The three passages that are set aside for this 21st Sunday after Trinity deal with security and some form of military armor or illustration of armor. The other special day this week of course is Veterans Day, designated in the mid-20th century, to honor all veterans who have served our country. An interesting point here, Veterans Day was an attempt to honor all who served and will serve in the military down through the ages.  Armistice Day, November 11th, was in honor of the end of hostilities during the Great War, later named the First World War. This was observed into the 1950s when a more fitting honor, that to all veterans,{all gave some, some gave all} became what we now know as Veterans Day.

So what do we see that the Lord has done for our spiritual health and safety?

1. One gave all. God sent his only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to give all, he would give his life to save us, secure us, protect us in eternity, by his once and for all sacrifice. His death, burial, and glorious resurrection would seal, once and for all, our eternal salvation. In this act of self-sacrifice and obedience, Jesus Christ will secure our salvation. “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25.

2. We read in the 91st Psalm how the Lord protects his own. He is a refuge and fortress, he keeps those who are hunting and pestering his saints at bay, he covers his own with the divine protection illustrated as feathers. Think of that, feathers, light and yet strong, virtually weightless and yet can carry (as in flight) a load maybe ten times its weight. “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust….” Psalm 91:4. And in truth we will also find strength; “his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”.

The psalmist continues on with many more illustrations of strength and comfort. Now mind you this may not be totally a physical protection, but it is definitely a spiritual protection. That is far more necessary: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

3. Now let us look at the eternal security as it pertains to our spiritual lives. 

Isaiah wrote the following some 400+ years before the first Advent. The appearance of God on earth as Jesus Christ. (Emanuel). As a prophet of God, his prophecies were/are 100% fulfilled or will be, that was the test God gave us to certify his prophets.  If a prophet, came or declaring that he came in the name of the Lord, did not have a 100% accuracy in his prophecies, then, as God declared, the prophet was not of the Lord.  DO NOT LISTEN TO HIM.  

¹⁹So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. ²⁰And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. ²¹As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever. Isaiah 59:19-21

  The covenant of Salvation will be unto a eternal generation.  The Word(s) that the Lord has put in the mouth of his own, his redeemed, will be in their mouths, will not depart, for generations henceforth and for ever.  Eternal security? Yes, for ever or henceforth for ever speaks to eternal salvation/security. The covenant is secure.  This is why I have hope for Christianity or “the faith once delivered” as it stands in opposition to all forms of dictatorial powers, be it communist, Muslim, socialist, cult of personality based (Russia, Syria, Venezuela, etc.).  Not one of these systems will prevail. Even with the demise of commonsense and a commonly held belief in this nation looming over the horizon, the faith once delivered will prevail. We have been told that over and over again, as in this passage from Isaiah, and this; “...And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18. We read of the assurance of God’s strength, his all encompassing power over evil, His Will be done...on earth as it is in heaven. Believe it.

 4. And a final thought. We may worry at times if God is not taking care of the evil in this world.

We have this issue about revenge. It is not our job. We need to back up and let go of that vengeful spirit, it is not our job. It is the job of the Lord God, creator of this world.  In a trite yet true saying: “...let go and let God..” We need to do that.

Notice what Isaiah wrote about the righteousness of the Lord.  More importantly notice that God will deal with the evil of this world.  In a time/space continuum, He has already set in motion the end for evil.  When Christ uttered those last words on the Cross, “...it is finished..”. Christ signaled to Satan and to us, that the time of evil and damnation was now on a timer. The end is near for Satan and his minions, they have been defeated, the final battle, yet to come, has been set. There is no contest, God will prevail.  

Let us spread the Good News, let the world know that all is not hopeless, Salvation has been met, it is there for those who turn from their wickedness and live. Repent and live. Turn to Jesus Christ the Savior, he has provided your safety and security, for eternity. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.

Let us pray:

O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, and Marines of our country; Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.

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

 +Roy Morales-Kuhn

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:

Linda – Recovery from car accident that totaled her car – not her fault

Ophelia – crippling arthritis pain

Effie – recent discharge from hospital following pneumonia and possible CHF

Kamil – pray for successful – Chemotherapy

Donna – has passed into the arms of the Lord, please pray for her husband Troy who is grieving.

Paul Meier – throat cancer- radiation treatment successful

Richard Bailey – Brain Cancer

Joyce Barnes – Skin Cancer – coming surgery to remove

Ollie – 5 years old – lump above ear – consultation with neurosurgeon

Marilee – Mastectomy Update – completed chemo, she has a month break before radiation begins

Roy – Bulging disc – upcoming surgery

Michele – metasicized lung cancer

 

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, Jan Jessup-neuro dementia, AOC USA, AOC Missions, Harper-IBS ,
Jim Sevier- God’s Peace, Linda – multiple myeloma, Aftereffects of car accident; Marianne, Betsey - Dementia, Donna-chemotherapy, Alicia-caregiver, Sophie, Colin and Lori Beall – cancer, Toni – cancer, Donna  - cancer, Malou – cancer, Archie, Eloise, Janice, Dakota, Katie
Finley, Mike & Gayle