260705 AOC Sunday Report
Worldwide Communion
Fifth Sunday after Trinity
Independence Day 250
July 5, 2026
Sunday Report
Fifth Sunday after Trinty
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 in the Book of Common Prayer page 195-196.
The Collect for the Fifth Sunday after Trinity.
GRANT, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Epistle for Fifth Sunday after Trinity. I St. Peters viii. 8.
BE ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are hereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
The Gospel for Fifth Sunday after Trinity. St. Luke v. I.
BE ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
On Point:
"The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Numbers 6:24-26
This third part in the benediction, says an expositor very happily, is the
keystone in the arch, completing and uniting the whole. The blessing of God the
Father, consisting in His eternal counsel of grace upon us, the blessing of God
the Son, consisting in His redemption, God the Holy Spirit conveys and applies
to us. He proceedeth from the Father and the Son and is the Comforter, whose
mission is to glorify Jesus, to exalt His blessed name and work before us, and
thus to lead us into all saving truth. The Spirit beareth witness with our
spirit that we are the children of God. (Rom. 8:16.) In Him we all, with open
face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same
image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor. 3:18.)
The rising sun drives the shades of night away and imparts new life and power
to all creatures. So new powers of spiritual life come upon us when God the
Holy Spirit shines into our hearts through the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through Him we are born again, made new creatures in the image of God, faintly
here, but completely there, where we shall behold God's face in righteousness
and shall be satisfied when we awake with His likeness. (Ps. 17:15.) By
bringing us to faith in Christ, God's Holy Spirit "gives us peace."
What greater joy, what greater blessing can any mortal desire than to be
assured of grace and peace with God, his Maker and his Judge ? May this blessed
peace of God, which passeth all understanding, be ours, and keep our hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus to life everlasting!
The Lord, my God, be praised,
My Hope, my Life from heaven,
The Father's Spirit, whom
The Son to me hath given:
He who revives my heart,
And gives me strength and power,
Help, comfort, and support
In sorrow's gloomy hour.
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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
Sermon Summary 4th Sunday after Trinity
Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/06/youtube-video-player_0317799048.html
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIVXlH82MzU&t=5s
Wednesday Video Devotion: The Two Families
Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/07/youtube-video-player.html
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cpF_t82bEc
Saturday Evening Video Devotion: Childhood Memories on Independence Day
Bishop’s Blog https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/07/youtube-video-player_0143936967.html
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dhrn1_Pzb8
The Anglican Orthodox Church SM
founder: the most rev. james parker dees, a.b., b.d., d.d.
• founded November 16, 1963
2228 Wilkesboro Hwy • P. O. Box 128 • Statesville, North
Carolina 28687- 0128
Telephone 704.873.8365
Email: aocworldwide@gmail.com Web: www.aocinternational.org
The Most Rev. Jerry L. Ogles — Presiding Bishop
Bishop’s Independence Day Letter
July 4th, 2026 - the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Psalms 33:12
For the last few decades, a question has arisen that was previously unheard of - Was the United States founded upon biblical principles, and did the Hand of Providence direct our struggle against the most powerful military and naval force then existing? To answer that question, we will need to examine the pulpits of 18th century America as well as the character of those citizens who formed the individual states that were a party to the Revolution.
First of all, the pulpits of America of the 1700’s were aflame with the rhetoric and fervor of Liberty. In fact, it might be suggested that the idea itself of revolt against the English Monarchy began, and persisted, from the thunderous proclamations from the pulpits of America. The Christian religious fervor is best explained by the premier Founding Father, Patrick Henry - “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.” Patrick Henry, May 1765, Patrick Henry- Life, Correspondence and Speeches,Vol 1, pg. 91-93
The idea of Liberty was born in the Words of the Holy Scriptures and was the premier book for spiritual, legal, and sundry purposes in the colonies. It was Christ who came to set the captives free, and we were all in bondage to sin ere He came to set free those who were His elect people. “ . . . proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof:” Leviticus 25:10; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” Luke 4:18; and “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:25, etc.
The great symbols of our early founding reflect, too, our Christian fervor for Liberty. For example, the Great Seal of the United States is found on the one-dollar bill. The obverse side displays the spread wings of a great Eagle - a symbol God used in bringing the Children of Israel out of bondage in Goshen of Egypt. The so-called Glory-Cloud above the Eagle’s head represents the cloud that lead the Children of Israel out of bondage across the Red Sea and through the Wilderness. The Thirteen Stars express the Seal of Mannaseh with the thirteen stars representing the thirteen colonies as well as the thirteen tribes of Israel (including the integrated tribe of Levi.) There are more symbols on the front of the Seal, but that must await a future work. On the reverse side is the Great Pyramid with the capstone floating above. Christ is the Head Cornerstone and the Stone that the builders rejected.
Our premier Founding document is the Declaration of Independence which sets forth our dependence upon the Providence of God in our Founding.
The Unites States is comprised of fifty states each of which appeals to Almighty God in their preambles to their constitutions. Who can doubt the Hand of God in our founding as a nation - a nation that has exceeded every other nation of earth for its miraculous victories over tyranny and rich blessings of material wealth - a condition granted through the blessings of our fathers. May we again live up to those high standards and faith they possessed.
Happy 4th of July and do not forget to return thanks to the Author of our Liberties - Jesus Christ.
In Christ Alone during Trinity,
† Jerry Ogles
Presiding Bishop AOC Metropolitan
Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor
Saint Paul's Anglican Church - Diocese of the Midwest Anglican Orthodox Church -Suffragan Bishop of the AOC
Holy Communion – Fifth Sunday after trinity
The Epistle: 1 Peter 3:8-15a; The Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
GRANT, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
hymns # 210, 214, 218
“In the End, we will win”
In these most turbulent times we must look to the Word of God to find comfort and peace.
It is so hard at times for us to see anything good coming out of all the chaos that we see on a daily basis. And yet, we must understand that the Victory is His. Because Jesus died on the Cross he made all things right for eternity. The flaws of the Garden would be reversed. A new heaven and a new earth will be created, all because when Jesus Christ uttered those words “...it is finished”. He was telling us and Satan that all was completed. The disease, death, sorrow, uncertainties, ravages of time on our earthly bodies, all that would now be overcome.
1. We need to stop shooting our wounded. Christians have the propensity to attack the wounded brethren instead of helping them. We are so interesting in majoring in the minors, {there are many examples of this in church history}, that we forget the overarching theme of God’s love towards us. “...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for our sins...” The Gospel that should be preached to the unsaved, the lost, to those who are on the broad path, that is tantamount to what we as followers of Christ need to be doing. As we carefully read the passage from 1 Peter 3:8-15, consider the words of Peter as he wrote of reconciliation not retribution in the life of believers in his day. It really isn’t any different today. We need to stand with believers in other faith groups when we face the evil that is attacking the Church that seems to have no bounds. Now before you ask let me clarify the definition of “faith groups.” We are looking at others who understand and believe the “faith once delivered.” In other words, that which we find in the Word of God. When we recite the Creed, we are confirming our belief in what has been passed down through the generations. Understanding that Christ is God, understanding that God is the Holy Spirit as well as the Father. In other words, the creed of the Trinity. If we hold that in common with other believers, the minor aspects of our faith are not so troubling. Mode of baptism, frequency of Holy Communion, keeping to the Church calendar, and other ‘minor’ practices. We must all have a belief in the inerrancy of the scriptures, i.e.. the Bible; otherwise we have no guide. Remember, we are the People of the Book. Let us show that daily, weekly, always, by our walk with God.
Please understand this isn’t a surrender of the orthodox tenets of Scripture as presented in the received texts, no this is where agreement in Christ-like matters are apparent. We do not lay aside our beliefs in the name of unity, no we just agree on those aspects of other believers that are based on true reading of the Word of God.
The following passage from the book of Romans is an excellent point in what is important as to the life we should be living for Christ. The careful reading of the Word will keep you from error.
Romans 16:17-20:
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
2. The next concept I would like to address, the day after our national celebration of independence, is that we have a great legacy to look up to and to remember.
When we consider that it has now been 250 years since our declaration of independence, shouldn’t we praise God for the unique blessing this nation has had on world history?
Think about the many beneficial things our nation has shared with the rest of the world. Many things that have brought better health, better nutrition, better government, and stable economics, all part of the good that we as a nation have shared with the world. The anger and contempt shown towards this nation, originating from atheistic colleges and universities in our nation, has tainted and poisoned a whole generation of citizens. We should always praise God for the blessings of these United States. It was by His divine providence that this nation has grown and survived these two hundred fifty years. Let us never forget that. It is God’s blessing upon this nation that has created a society that values the individual, as understood as created in the image of God. This value is not foundational in other civilizations which is why as a nation, we stand out and are unique in our founding. It is time for believers to turn to God and ask Him to bring us back to the greatness that has made the United States of America a beacon of light and hope for this world. It is only because of God that we are that “city on the hill”.
One of the reasons we can celebrate this day of independence is because of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. Most especially we should remember all those who served our country in her time of need. Those who‘...all gave some, some gave all...’ — they should never be forgotten.
We must pray to our Father in heaven to forgive us as a nation for turning our backs upon Him. We must pray for reformation, a turning from our wickedness, repenting of the same and seeking the Lord...while He may be found. We must stop this mindless plunge into the abyss; for if we don’t, God will declare us Ichabod.
3. Finally if we understand that in the end, God’s peace and the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ is the only concept that will live in eternity, ALL evil will be vanquished. Satan will be overthrown, he will be in power no more, {in power over the evil on earth}. We will win because we are with Christ. He is our King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen and amen.
Listener, are you with the King of kings and Lord of lords? Now is the time of your salvation.
Let us pray:
Almighty God, who in the former time didst lead our fathers forth into a wealthy place, and set their feet in a large room; Give Thy grace, we humbly beseech Thee, to us their children, that we may always approve ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Defend our liberties; preserve our unity; save us from lawlessness and violence, from discord and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Fashion into one godly people the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those whom we entrust in Thy Name with the authority of governance, to the end that there may be good government at home and peace with all the world. In the time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble suffer not our trust in Thee to fail. All which we ask for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
O God, whose Name is excellent in all the earth, and Thy glory above the heavens; who on this day didst inspire and direct the hearts of our delegates in Congress to lay the foundations of our national peace, liberty, and safety; We bless and adore Thy glorious Majesty for all Thy loving kindness manifested towards this land and people; and we humbly beseech Thee to continue Thy goodness to us, that the heritage received from our fathers may be preserved in our time, and be transmitted unimpaired to the generations to come; that all nations of the earth may know that Thou, O Lord, art our Savior and mighty Deliverer, and our King for ever. Grant this, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, whose kingdom ruleth over all; Bestow Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, upon those who hold the civil authority in this state and nation, that by their right administration of the laws and our careful obedience to the same, we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
IN Christ alone during Trinity
+Roy
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We are always grateful to get these wonderful sermons from Rev. Bryan, they keep us on our toes!
Sermon Text for Fifth Sunday after Trinity:
Consider the following passages from Proverbs 15: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD... (v.8) The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD... (v.9) The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD... (v.26). Via these and other passages of Scripture, God has made plain his views concerning the wicked of this world. The language is crystal clear for in every verse cited he describes their works and ways as an abomination. The word abomination in Hebrew is transliterated as towebah and refers to anything that is impure or disgusting.
So what then qualified those people as abominable? In the preceding verses of Proverbs 15 we are given insights into the character of the wicked. First of all, they are purveyors of grievous words (v.1) which incite others to anger. Doubtless you have known people who spend their waking moments seeking to “stir the pot” as it were. They love to create disharmony. They sow the seeds of confusion and uncertainty. Sometimes, they do so as interested spectators desiring to witness what will happen; while at other times they might seek some advantage which may arise out of their evil plans and positions. Regardless of their particular reasons for creating trouble, grievous words are often used by the wicked to degrade those around them. In an earlier chapter of Proverbs we are told that there are six things that the LORD hates: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren (6:16-19). Thus three of the six may with surety involve grievous words.
And God regards the wicked as fools whose mouths poureth out foolishness (v.2) and the perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit (v.4). As Matthew Henry once noted, “An evil tongue... wounds the conscience of the evil speaker, and occasions either guilt or grief to the hearers, and both are to be reckoned breaches in the spirit. Hard words indeed break no bones, but many a heart has been broken by them.” We know that foolish and perverse speech can cause even a faithful believer hardship not only in the hearing of such, but in its vexation of the soul. St. Peter wrote in his second epistle that righteous Lot’s soul was vexed daily with the filthy conversation of the wicked (2:7). That word conversation was translated from the Greek word anastrophe which may be defined as conduct, manner of life, or deportment, so it involves more than simple speech. The conscience of the wicked was aptly described by the apostle Paul as having been seared with a hot iron (I St. Timothy 4:2). Taken together, these passages describe the wicked as being souls who are wreaking with filth and devoid of any consciousness of their true condition. Proverbs 15 also described these benighted souls as one who despiseth his father’s instruction (v.5). The scriptures tell us to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12) and that fathers are to train up their children in the ways of God (Deuteronomy 6:4-7;20-25). Those who will not heed the warnings of their parents against sinful behaviors are destined for trouble in this life and separation from God in the next. In Ezekiel 18:4 the LORD said, Behold, all souls are mine, as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. The prophet was given in that entire chapter to proclaim God’s desire for men to live righteously in him and reject wickedness. In verses 20-23, the LORD said, The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins... and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions... shall not be mentioned unto him... Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways and live? God desires that all men come to him and live. But for men to come, they must first see themselves as sinners and then reject those things that have separated them from God. They must be renewed by the power of God through the atoning work of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. They must receive the Holy Ghost and be subject to his influence.
But such is problematic for the wicked as their father the devil (St. John 8:44) will work to prevent them from ever turning unto God in sincerity. For only the cries of those who recognize their true state and call out to God for their salvation will he heed and answer. Now that can be quite a task for the wicked as most see themselves as having no need for salvation. For them, this life is good enough and is all that they will focus on as their master will distract them with new attractions that he might keep their hearts and minds away from the good that God would have them experience. The Rev. E. M. Bounds once observed that, “The world is the Devil’s heaven. Its rest, crown, and reward are here. When the world comes in, God’s heaven goes out. It fades from the eye and heart. The struggle for it ends, and God’s heaven, with its fadeless and eternal glories, is lost... The world is Satan’s place... To fix our hearts on the world is to be loyal to him. To fix our hearts on heaven is to be loyal to Christ. Here we have the reason for the world’s cruel hatred of Jesus, and why it has so bitterly persecuted His followers (Guide To Spiritual Warfare, p. 75).”
God also tells us in Proverbs 15 that while the righteous will have much treasure, the wicked will have, the revenues... of ... trouble (v.6). The Devil’s only interest in them is purely utilitarian. He might indulge selected individuals for a time provided they conform to his wishes. But in the end, he will use them up and cast them away. He has only hatred for mankind. As our Lord said, The thief cometh not but for to steal, to kill, and to destroy (St. John 10:10). The greatest stealer of men’s souls is the Devil.
We are further instructed in Proverbs 15 that, the heart of the foolish does not spread abroad the true knowledge of God (v.7) because he is not their father. The wicked and foolish have as their father him who is the father of lies and of every evil way. The Devil will seek to pollute the worship of God through his willing minions within the body of Christ. He will direct their efforts to make every offering an affront to God; every prayer an occasion for false piety; every profession of faith, a finger in the eye of the Creator. He will foster arrogance in place of humility before God. He will encourage excesses of every sort: from overzealousness in public worship to extravagance in church expenditures which will in turn elevate those charged with leading the worship of the people, and will also stimulate their lust for power and wealth. He will inspire those who have not been called of God into his ministry, to seek positions within the church that are contrary to his expressed teachings as set forth in Scripture. Is it any wonder then why the LORD inspired Solomon to pen: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD (v.8)?
And so it follows that if the offerings and sacrifices of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD then so are the ways and thoughts of the wicked (v.26). It is from such persons that we are admonished to beware and to turn away from them (Ephesians 5:11; II St. Timothy 3:1-5; II St. Peter 3:17), and we are not to fellowship with them as members of the body of Christ (I Corinthians 5:13; II Corinthians 6:14-18; St. Jude 3-19).
On numerous occasions prior to my being called into the ministry I witnessed ministers take the scriptures and turn them on their head in order to support their jaded and godless views. It seemed as if I was watching a segment of the Twilight Zone as the narrator presents the prologue: “Consider for your approval pastor A. Now pastor A does not believe in the sanctity of human life. He does not believe in the Bible as God's true and inspired word without error. He does not believe in the risen Christ. But here he is every Sunday, bearing all the vestiges of a minister, taking his salary as such but not truly serving as a minister because he is not truly in Christ. He is, therefore, a hireling and a fraud. In short, he is an apostate of Satan.”
We Christians have been called out of darkness into the light of our Lord. We are to proclaim the truth of Christ to all. If they will listen and respond by accepting him as their Saviour and receive the Holy Ghost. Then and only then will they be made— to paraphrase our prayer book— “members incorporate in the mystical body” of God’s only begotten Son. If they will not accept and believe on him, they will be castaways— lost to the evil one and to the fires of perdition. God gave us the Bible to assist us as we journey through this life that we might avoid those who are subject to the will and wishes of the Devil. Our daily walk and work in the Lord may bring us from time to time in contact with the wicked so we ought to properly discern what God would have us do so that we are not led astray by their errors. Purpose in your hearts today to follow God’s word and reject the unfruitful works of darkness.
Let us pray,
Father, protect us from the power of the evil one, and guide us into all truth, that we might better serve thee in these last days; and this we ask in the name of him who came to seek and save the lost, even our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Have a blessed week!
Bryan+
The Rev. Don Fultz
Rector of St. Peter’s AOC located in the AOC National Office
We are grateful to have this sermon today from Rev. Don Fultz from St. Peter’s AOC, Statesville NC
Fifth Sunday after Trinity Sunday
Hebrew 11:1-7
This morning’s devotion is about faith. The purpose of the whole chapter of Hebrews 11, and really the whole book of Hebrews is to encourage faith. The writer begins with a definition of faith. Then he mentions how necessary faith is to please God. Then he gives us examples of OldTestament saints from Genesis to Judges who demonstrated saving faith. This morning, I would like to focus on the first seven verses as we examine the “Faith that pleases God”.
So what is faith? Some think it is a religion…ever hear someone ask you what your faith is? Some think of faith as a blind leap. Let us look at the biblical definition of faith in Hebrews chapter11 verse one: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” What are the things pertaining to “hoped” for and “not seen’? Faith is confidence about things hoped for, such as the coming of the Lord (Tit 2:13), and the resurrection of the dead (Ac 24:15). Faith is the conviction of things we have not seen such as the existence of God: “whom no man hath seen or can see” (1Tim. 6:16) and the creation of the universe (Heb. 11:3). Yet faith is that strong conviction that such matters are true.
The writer of Hebrews tells us in Chapter 11, verse 6: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him.” If we can only please God with faith, then it is important to understand what the Bible means by faith and when we are walking in faith and when we are not. There are many examples of faith in the Bible.
The first example of faith we need to please God is saving faith. The apostle Paul tells us in Eph. 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” This is not blind faith, but faith in God’s promises in his word proved absolutely reliable and true through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. St. Paul rejects this blind faith doctrine when he says in 1st Cor. 15:17 “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” Paul doesn’t encourage a faith that rejects evidence. Instead, he pins the truth of Chrisitanity on a historical event which can be tested for truth by reason and evidence.
The writer of Hebrews gives us several examples of what the Bible means by faith and the faith that will please God and gain His approval in our lives. First, the faith that pleases God is a faith that believes in Him even though what He has said or promised is not seen. An example the writer gives us of this kind of faith is God’s creation of the earth and universe. He tells us in verse 3: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” What the writer is telling us in this verse is the worlds were created out of nothing but God’s omnipotent word. (Gen 1) There was no existing matter, God just created the world by his active will saying:” Let it be done and it was done” (MH, Ps 33:9)
The bible gives us the truest and most accurate account of the origin of all things. It is one of the first acts and articles of our Christian faith. So even though we did not witness God creating the heavens and the earth, nevertheless we accept it by faith through his word and this example of faith pleases God.
The second example of faith that the writer of Hebrews tells us that pleases God is when we approach Him the way He wants us to, not the way we want to. The writer gives us an example citing the faith and worship of Able in verse 4: “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Abel, the younger brother, and a sheep herder brought a sacrifice of atonement of the firstlings of his flock –the best he had, and the fat thereof acknowledging him a sinner. His brother Cain, a farmer, brought only a sacrifice of acknowledgement, a mere thank offering, the fruit of the ground. We are told that Able’s sacrifice offering was more acceptable to God. Why? We are told Able came to God in faith, offering God the sacrifice which he thought he required for the atonement of his sins. Whereas Cain only offered his sacrifice to save face or credit, not in faith so it turned into sin to him.
Just as Able offered the right sacrifice, and thus declared righteous, there are certain sacrifices we should offer today. The sacrifice of self—Romans 12:1 tells us “that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” The sacrifice of song—Heb. 13:15: says: “By Him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
The sacrifice of service. Heb. 13:16 tells us: “But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Not just offer words but do good deeds.
The writer gives us another example of faith in the testimony of Enoch in verse 5.
We are told that “Enoch was translated that he should not see death” but we are told “before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
This is a wonderful testimony to have…to please God. How did Enoch please God? Enoch pleased God by walking with God. (Gen 5: 21, 24). He lived a life that was pleasing to God. To please God today, we must also walk with God. Our walk with God should have certain ingredients in it. First, the bible says we cannot walk with God unless we are in agreement with Him. (Amos 3:3). Second, to walk with someone implies some sort of fellowship or communication. If we are going to walk with God, we must be listening to what He has to say through his word and communicate with him in prayer. If we are going to walk the way God wants us to walk; it will require a certain kind of behavior. St. Paul tells is in Romans 6:4 “We are to walk in newness of life.” In Galatians 5:16, he tells us we are to “walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” and in Ephesians 5:2 he tells us we are to “walk in love.” Confidence is also a very important part of our walk with God. St. Paul tells us in 2 Cor. 5:7: “for we walk by faith not by sight.”
In Noah, we see a different kind of faith that is pleasing to God “a working faith”. We are told that by faith Noah “moved with godly fear”. God warned him, about “things not seen”, the coming flood. Up to this time, according to Gen. Chapter 2: verses 5-6, the ground was cooled just by a mist from the earth…it had never rained. Therefore, it wasn’t just a matter of obedience to build an ark for an upcoming flood, but having faith that this flood was going to come about through a rain that had never been seen before. He was literally walking in obedience by faith, not by sight.
His faith in what God said would happen prompted him to act with reverence toward God. By faith Noah “prepared an ark for the saving of his household” (Heb. 11:7).
His faith moved him to do “according to all that God commanded him.” (Gen. 6:22; 7:5). Through such working faith, Noah “condemned the world.” His own example of faithfulness stood in stark contrast to others. His obedience magnified the lack of obedience in others. He “became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith”. (Heb 11:7)
From the examples of these three saints, we learn that faith is a strong conviction that “worships” God properly, “walks” with Him in life, and “works” as he directs. That such faith is necessary to please God is evident as we go back to verse six which says… “without Faith it is impossible to please God.” We have seen how Abel, Enoch, and Noah “obtained a good testimony” by their faith. Of Enoch in particular it is said “he pleased God.”
Whether we are “worshipping”, “walking,” or “working”, faith must be the motivating factor behind it all---without faith, then, there is nothing we can do that will please God! The faith which pleases God…includes conviction “that believes that God is the great I am” and He is the God of the bible. Though we do not see Him, we have faith in “things not seen.” We have confidence “that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” We must believe that God acts on the part of those who seek after him. (1 Ch 28:9, 2Ch 16:9). It is regarding such “things hoped for.” That we have confidence. Such was the faith seen in the lives of Abel, Enoch, and Noah.
So how do we develop such faith today? St. Paul tells us in Romans 10:17 that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The word of God presents evidence to believe in God and his only begotten son Jesus Christ. We have such evidence as fulfilled prophecy and eyewitness testimony.
St. Paul tells us in Romans 15:4 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
Through God’s word, we can learn to live our lives according to the faith which pleases God. Then, as Hebrews 11:7 says we too will be heirs like Noah “of the righteousness which is according to faith” and one day obtain a good testimony and be the recipient of all of God’s Promises according to his Holy Word.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
The Rev. Don Fultz
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:
Charlie Carlisle – recovering at home now following various elements
Donny Clark – hospitalized for stroke – Anne – overseeing his care
Beverly Tatum – Fall, injured shoulder, Howard Tatum – cancer Treatment, caretaking
Ryan – ex-muslim to be baptized – keep safe from Evil forces
Camella – Breast Cancer – surgery schedule July 7th
Chelsea – expecting Baby in July (Baby heart issues, will need 3 surgeries right after birth, finance problems, pray for Zach – Chelea’s husband and the baby
Donny – hospitalized due to multiple strokes and inability to speak, pray for David and Anne, family who are helping him in recovery
Dan Fordice – pray for his family who are mourning Dan killed in a plane crash
Mike Gettinger – traveling to the Vietnam wall and family at home awaiting his return
Kristen – foot surgery went well, continue praying for long Recovery
Betty Davis: stroke, hospitalization and praying for complete recovery
Deborah Johns – heart issues – pray for heart strength & strong blood oxygen levels for surgery
Ben Hancock – treatment for colon cancer
Rev. Geordie: needs prayer for medical issues
Debbie Grimes: colon cancer – surgery
Man, who is a friend of many – Brain Cancer
Bobby Effinger – recovery from heart surgery and ongoing heart issues
Steven – recovering from surgery on scar tissue compressing his Spinal Accessory Nerve
Brannon – hospitalized due to chronic unknow source of muscle spasms – 3 year old
Rency – 2 year old suffering from RETTS Syndrome
Joseph Broddie – recurring throat cancer
David Williams – serious cardiac issues – pray for David and wife Sherie for coping with changes
Jack Williams – had to enter long term care due to vascular dementia – pray for wife Karen
Colby Landry – cancer. Please pray for his wife, Leah and their family at this time of trial.
Persecuted Christians – subject to persecution and imprisonment for their faith.
Bobby Bryan – suffering with cancer and cardiac issues.
For an increase in the true faith in Jesus Christ here and across the globe.
USA – Leaders, citizens, military, first responders – President Trump & all Cabinet Members Safety
David – recovering from transplant – continue to pray
Ophelia – crippling arthritis pain
Dennis Potrikus – fall with bad knees – recovering his rehab
Donna – ongoing radiation and Chemotherapy. Pray for successful remission
Roy – Bulging disc – upcoming surgery
Michelle – metastasized lung cancer – treatment stopped due to low hemoglobin- pray increase in
Dave – COPD – breathing issues – getting used to using oxygen – shortness of breath
David – home recovering from hip replacement
Mary Lou – strength for downsizing life-long home and moving
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
Keep Praying for the following:
Shamu-health issues, Jan Jessup-neuro dementia, AOC USA, AOC Missions –
Myanmar,
Harper-IBS, Jim Sevier- God’s
Peace, Linda –
multiple myeloma, Donna-last chemo this week
Alicia-caregiver, Sophie, Colin and Lori Beall –
cancer, Malou –
cancer, Archie- CHF, Eloise,
Janice, Katie, Bobby, Myra Cox, Faye Miller, Diane, Alice, Yves Mera, Lucile
Points to Ponder:
Those that would have the love of
God rooted in them must get the love of the world rooted out of them.
The Rev. Matthew Henry
There is nothing so deluding as
feelings. Christians cannot live by feelings. Let me further tell you that
these feelings are the work of Satan, for they are not right feelings. What
right have you to set up your feelings against the word of Christ?
The Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon
Beware of manufacturing a God of
your own a God who is all mercy—but not just; a God who is all love—but not
holy; a God who has a Heaven for everybody—but a Hell for none; a God who will
make no distinction between godly and ungodly in eternity. Such a God is an
idol of your own, as truly an idol as any snake or crocodile in an Egyptian
temple! The hands of your own imagination and sentimentality have made him. He
is not the God of the Bible—and beside the God of the Bible there is no God at all.
The Most Rev. J. C. Ryle
We must attempt
to rescue those who have fallen into pit of false religion by contending for
the faith through our witness on our Lord’s behalf (St. Jude 3). We can do this
by praying for and beseeching God to give them repentance that they may recover
themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his
will (II St. Timothy 2:26). We are thus expected to reach into the fire and
pull as many out as we can (St. Jude 22-23). To aid us in this cause, we must
ask the LORD for an in-filling of the Holy Ghost, for only through his presence
within and around us will we be enabled to truly serve our Lord in his harvest.
Remember, to paraphrase Charles Spurgeon, it is Christ who saves us from our
sins and not in our sins. Therefore, seek his forgiveness daily and encourage
others to do likewise
The Rev. Bryan Dabney
Sermon 2nd Sunday after Lent,
2026
The Beauty of God.
“Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.” Psa. 90:17.
There are many wonderful prayers in the Bible. The book is in fact a storehouse of prayers. We have in the text one of the most remarkable, one of the most glorious that the sacred volume contains. It was the Holy Ghost that filled the writer with the intense yearning that some of the beauty of the Divine nature should adorn his character. Every child of God experiences the same yearning in a greater or less degree. In what then does the beauty of the Divine character consist?
I. The Beauty of his holiness.
God is glorious in holiness. Every thought, every word, every deed of his is absolutely perfect and holy. We too must seek to be holy and pure. “Be ye holy, for I am holy.”
II. The beauty of the Divine self-sacrifice.
Each person of the blessed Trinity has sacrificed himself for the salvation of men. ‘God so loved the world that he gave his Son.” The Saviour gave himself. The Spirit is ever giving himself by consenting: to dwell in the hearts of men. III. We have the beauty of Divine love. God delights in his children. He regards them as his jewels (Mal. 3:17). He longs for their perfect happiness here and hereafter. Let us rest upon this glorious fact, and may God’s love enable us to love our fellows. “Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.”
The Most Rev. Jerry L. Ogles
https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/
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