tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91544516681573297542024-03-26T23:35:57.829-07:00The Unchanging ChurchThe Church of the Faithful Centurion • An Anglican Orthodox ChurchHaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.comBlogger751125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-64776929656675353742024-03-24T11:26:00.000-07:002024-03-24T11:30:03.619-07:00Palm Sunday - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIuO4JCsvhlq_4kSjXorSZ_LgycURyvLNWbzgHCB6UIVfk-bbm3QKJHoHGaW8tZp8da3vNibdCtQr5nsT6bPEWfdfx-3yBLErjHOob_R7QicLgRqU48ILrou84ObwefpIjZjoMwHiojOM9C8QPYp-1xbcDPaJIrTL9tOjMIaME7Vi2IPUa-1xzvGnPYMR5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3283" data-original-width="3450" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIuO4JCsvhlq_4kSjXorSZ_LgycURyvLNWbzgHCB6UIVfk-bbm3QKJHoHGaW8tZp8da3vNibdCtQr5nsT6bPEWfdfx-3yBLErjHOob_R7QicLgRqU48ILrou84ObwefpIjZjoMwHiojOM9C8QPYp-1xbcDPaJIrTL9tOjMIaME7Vi2IPUa-1xzvGnPYMR5=w400-h381" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; color: #0d0d0d;">Bishop Jack’</span><span style="color: #333333;">s sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <span style="color: #954f72;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ioLPSMynTsA" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><a href="https://youtu.be/ioLPSMynTsA" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/ioLPSMynTsA</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop </span><span>Jack</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none;">’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine the </span></span>unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as recall Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem at the start of Holy Week by a cheering crowd, many of whom would condemn Him on Good Friday. In the Collect, we acknowledge God sent His Son to be our Savior. Think about that, the Creator, Lord and Master of the Universe sent His only Son to live amongst us and not just provide us with instruction and leadership, but to give His earthly life as a one time sacrifice for our sin that we might be accounted as perfect in our final accounting, the resurrection. The Epistle calls us to follow the example Jesus set in His actions of His Death and Resurrection, and also calls us to embody His great humility and His great patience. Recall Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on this day so many years ago. Only Jesus knew of the upcoming crucifixion; everyone else, including Jews, Romans and His followers, thought he was making a triumphant entrance in to the city to take control of things and kick the Roman occupation force out. <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none;">Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.<span style="color: #0563c1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">The Sunday next before Easter, commonly called<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Palm Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i>The Collect.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LMIGHTY</b> and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord<i>. <b><span style="color: #3366ff;">Amen.</span></b></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be said every day, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Good Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Epistle came from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, starting at the Fifth Verse of the Second Chapter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Paul reminds us if Christ, the Son of God, was obedient to God, we should so be. Also, as a result of that obedience, God hath given Jesus the name to which all of earth should bow. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 31.5pt;">L<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>ET</b> this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>This morning’s Gospel</i></b> comes from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, starting at the First Verse of the Twenty-Seventh Chapter and tells the story of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion and death. The Gospel was read by in parts. We all read the Crowd part together.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The normally powerful Gospel seems even more powerful when read as a play, so to speak. The crowd’s part is very hard to read as it reminds us of our dark side. If you did not make it to church today, please find someone to read this with in parts. It is an uncomfortable experience that you nonetheless should not miss.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoPageNumber" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Palatino;">Please read this out loud!</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>Parts<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Jesus<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Judas<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Pilate<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Pilate’s Wife<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Crowd<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Gospel of Saint Matthew<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">starting at the First Verse of the Twenty-Seventh Chapter<i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew: When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Judas</i>: I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: And they said, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b>: <span style="color: blue;">What is that to us? see thou to that.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b><span style="color: #3366ff;">: </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;">It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Pilate</i>: Art thou the King of the Jews? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: And Jesus said unto him, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Jesus</i>: Thou sayest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Pilate</i>: Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Pilate</i>: Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Pilate’s Wife</i>: Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Pilate</i>: Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: They said, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b>: <span style="color: blue;">Barabbas.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: Pilate saith unto them, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Pilate</i>: What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: They all say unto him, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b>: <span style="color: blue;">Let him be crucified.</span><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: And the governor said, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Pilate</i>: Why, what evil hath he done? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: But they cried out the more, saying, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b>: <span style="color: blue;">Let him be crucified.</span><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Pilate</i>: I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: Then answered all the people, and said, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b>: <span style="color: blue;">His blood be on us, and on our children.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b>: <span style="color: blue;">Hail, King of the Jews!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b>: <span style="color: blue;">Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.</span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b>: <span style="color: blue;">He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="FI">Jesus</span></i><span lang="FI">: Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: that is to say, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Jesus</i>: My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b>: <span style="color: blue;">This man calleth for Elias.</span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b>: <span style="color: blue;">Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.</span><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Moment of Silence<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Reader</i>: And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Crowd</i></b><b>: <span style="color: blue;">Truly this was the Son of God</span><span style="color: #3366ff;">.</span></b><span class="MsoPageNumber" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Having read this, do you see yourself in the crowd? The crowd were not a random group of bad Jews, the crowd <b>is us</b>. There is a little or more of the crowd in each of us. Uncomfortable? Yes. But, sadly very real. Yet, if we realize this, we can act to make ourselves less of the crowd and more of the Christ. For in us each is the crowd and the crown. We chose, each of us, which it will be, crowd or crown. One simple letter of difference, yet the gap between the two is bridged only by Christ.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #00000a; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Jack Arnold</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Bishop of the Diocese of the West </span></i><i><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif" style="color: #a51e9a;">–</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"> AOC USA</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Education and Training</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack brings</span> the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/ioLPSMynTsA" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><a href="https://youtu.be/ioLPSMynTsA" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://youtu.be/ioLPSMynTsA</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as recall Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem at the start of Holy Week by a cheering crowd, many of whom would condemn Him on Good Friday:</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkKjkRn1q5NCY_VEnuJe3tK8Wkj7amEw_vEy2GmU-_M4kqpDhFTCYv1aPyWGYe-tuCY_rc3A-AhvT1nPXGozhoSn2BPephLnIRI4otDifnFFJsx2LR3jE-ZkbzbUt2B33Q27p-JppVLeRG92BrcPIZj8q81YnpOZ1D74dZqqQH5cFVXZsWSReD8c7i_Xq/s1202/240324%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="866" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkKjkRn1q5NCY_VEnuJe3tK8Wkj7amEw_vEy2GmU-_M4kqpDhFTCYv1aPyWGYe-tuCY_rc3A-AhvT1nPXGozhoSn2BPephLnIRI4otDifnFFJsx2LR3jE-ZkbzbUt2B33Q27p-JppVLeRG92BrcPIZj8q81YnpOZ1D74dZqqQH5cFVXZsWSReD8c7i_Xq/s320/240324%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">The Sunday next before Easter, commonly called<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Palm Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i>The Collect.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LMIGHTY</b> and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord<i>. <b><span style="color: #3366ff;">Amen.</span></b></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be said every day, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Good Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">… thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">In the Collect, we acknowledge God sent His Son to be our Savior. Think about that, the Creator, Lord and Master of the Universe sent His only Son to live amongst us and not just provide us with instruction and leadership, but to give His earthly life as a one time sacrifice for our sin that we might be accounted as perfect in our final accounting, the resurrection. How much did God value His Son? Consider what Paul tells us - <i>Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Reading this, let us consider how much God valued His Son and how much He values us that He sent His Son here to teach us to guide us, to love us, and finally to give His Life for us that we might be free from the bonds of sin and death. Jesus humbled himself to a commoner’s death, and not just that of any commoner, but that of a thief. This tells us how much Jesus and God love us, that God would send His Only Begotten Son to die a horrendous death and that Jesus would under go this painful death and then the descent into Hell to save our souls from eternal bondage. If He did that for us, it is only fair that we should do our best to follow His Example and perform good actions for Him. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">This thought leads directly to the Epistle which calls us to follow the example Jesus set in His actions of His Death and Resurrection, and also calls us to embody His great humility and His great patience, that we might follow the upward narrow path towards heaven and be partakers of His Resurrection. The Epistle calls us to action and follow in the example of Jesus’s great humility, humbling himself, the being who created this planet, to die for us on the cross, laying down His Life for ours, is an example we must strive to emulate in our own lives, to the best of our abilities. He has set for us the ultimate benchmark for our performance here on Earth. We will never be able to match it perfectly, but if we never try our best to follow it, we will never even get close. So let us allow the Holy Ghost to enter into our hearts and guide us to follow Christ’s example.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">If we follow His Example and do our best to emulate His humility and patience, we too can be a part of His Resurrection. We will be a part of our own resurrection of sorts. To accomplish this, we have to have our selfish selves die and be replaced with the unselfish self, which we can achieve through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In other words, we need to stop our sinful behavior and replace that behavior with more Godly behavior. This is easier said than done, but it can be accomplished with the help of the Holy Ghost. Without His Help it will be impossible to accomplish. So let us ask Him into our hearts that we might renew our spirit and become New Men. We will find our lives improve remarkably as a result of our transformation into the New Men. Not only will our lives improve, but it will be a big help to those around us as well. So let us cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, allow the Holy Ghost to guide us in our actions and become the New Men that Paul talks about.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Jesus set the ultimate standard for us to following God’s will. His entire ministry can be described as actions. He physically lived His Message. His Message can clearly be seen through His Actions. We need to do as He did and show by our actions that we serve Him. He did not just say nice words and do nothing, He backed up those words with actions. We are called to do likewise. Action, not just diction is what counts in the end and we must always remember that and strive to follow His Example.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Jesus knew ahead of time where, how and when He would die. He even told His followers this, but they could not understand as they did not have the Holy Ghost within them to help them comprehend what He said. He knew with a 100 percent certainty it was going to be a physically and spiritually painful death, Yet, He also knew this was God’s Will that we might live. If He did this for you, how can you not follow Him wherever His Will takes you? And remember His Example, of acting even if it means the death of your temporal body. His Example that He has left to us to follow is that of Action. And like Him, we may have to die for our faith but rest assured that death will have a reward of eternal life. That takes away the threat of physical pain and death to us, as our souls will live on in Eternity and will go to Heaven where Jesus has prepared a place for each and every one of us that has done their best to follow Him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Recall Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on this day so many years ago. Only Jesus knew of the upcoming crucifixion; everyone else, including Jews, Romans and His followers, thought he was making a triumphant entrance in to the city to take control of things and kick the Roman occupation force out. It was almost a full moon, this was the year of the Messiah according to Daniel. The natural events were lining up as Scripture had predicted which preceded the arrival of the Messiah. Jesus chose the route into the city, through the King’s Gate. The people saw Him coming and met him at the Mount of Olives. When He came in through the King’s Gate, the people were expecting to see their future earthly king. They did not have the Holy Ghost within them to see His true nature. However, they were incorrect, who they were seeing was and is their heavenly king. Jesus had no intentions of establishing a Kingdom of this World. He was looking for followers for the Kingdom of the Next World, of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">This World is only temporary, but the Next World is of Eternity. What ever trinkets we might acquire on Earth will never measure up to the gift that Jesus bought for us by His Death on the Cross and subsequent Resurrection. We must always keep that in mind whenever we are tempted by earthly trinkets. It is a gift of great joy, the fact is we should be by all rights dead and headed for the pit, instead headed to a kingdom of joyfulness and laughter and all pleasant things, and a world that will be far better than our pitiful shadowland here. This is indeed the most valuable of all gifts we will ever receive in our lifetime. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">As an aside the Chief Priests, who had so much invested in their 613 laws, likely searched far and wide for the crowd to convict Jesus of the crimes they imagined against their system. We need to remember that not all of the Jews wanted Jesus executed, just those in power and those that followed them. It is an easy mistake to make that many other Christians have made. They have not seen that it was not all Jews and not only that, they were representative of all of humanity, not just the Jewish people. The system that they followed was of this world, not God’s. Remember, there are none so blind as those who will not see. They were in the darkness, thus they could and would not see what was being shown to them because it would interfere with their comfortable way of living. A new way that asked of them, no demanded of them, accountability unto God for their actions. Know the crowd was not<b> a</b> self-forming group naturally set on condemning Jesus, but a handpicked gang. At the same time, many of those in the crowd who condemned Him the morning of Good Friday were in the crowd that welcomed Him to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. What a difference five days can make.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Make no mistake, we are that crowd. And, like Pilate, no matter what we say, we cannot wash our hands of the responsibility. Thus, we must separate ourselves from the crowd. Separate, that is to make ourselves holy, set aside.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">When the time comes, how will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></b></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-72750530691926982562024-03-17T10:57:00.000-07:002024-03-17T10:57:26.377-07:00Fifth Sunday in Lent - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOw4aKLJyrGWLN8s34kxsyNgqaYdqx5Ixoma3s2EpeJiOeRAJ1Eld4jPxv10NQLlAbq45Suta_RjTLP9sH08HHi_t6I7Dv6gPxzV-_KtkyJIGMvIbUgOrgKPs_Vmi3eNsQrg5oRoNgMPJF7gz3vxrmGmfpH-akMkKukIVkOE7rjONOz6q8QA4spsS9AvRY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="800" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOw4aKLJyrGWLN8s34kxsyNgqaYdqx5Ixoma3s2EpeJiOeRAJ1Eld4jPxv10NQLlAbq45Suta_RjTLP9sH08HHi_t6I7Dv6gPxzV-_KtkyJIGMvIbUgOrgKPs_Vmi3eNsQrg5oRoNgMPJF7gz3vxrmGmfpH-akMkKukIVkOE7rjONOz6q8QA4spsS9AvRY=w400-h223" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d;">Bishop Jack’</span><span style="color: #333333;">s sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/AcNrGm8DkHA" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><a href="https://youtu.be/AcNrGm8DkHA" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/AcNrGm8DkHA</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as we near the end of Lent, a season of preparation</span></span>. In the Collect, we acknowledge without God’s great goodness and divine intervention, we cannot be preserved in either body or soul. in order to get into heaven one must be perfect. But as we all know as Saint Paul says, all fall short. So how do we get in then? In the Gospel, Jesus explained to the Pharisees before Abraham had even been conceived, He was. <span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Propers for today are found on Page 132-133, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">The Fifth Sunday in Lent, commonly called<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">Passion Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 31pt;">W<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>E</b> beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord<i>. Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">The first day of Lent, commonly called<br />Ash Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LMIGHTY </b>and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino-Roman;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Epistle for today came from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, starting at the Eleventh Verse of the Ninth Chapter. Paul summarizes both the symbolism and the substance of the Lord’s sacrifice on our behalf. Paul opens the secret of the One Perfect Sacrifice, One Time, for All Time and All Mankind. Paul is clearly appealing to the sense of the Jews when he asks them if the blood of goats will set aside or atone for sin, how much more can be done by the Perfect Sacrifice made on our behalf?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 30.5pt;">C<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>HRIST</b> being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of Saint John, starting at the Forty-Sixth Verse of the Eighth Chapter and tells the story of Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees in the temple. Like much of John it is filled with deep explanation of Jesus and His purpose here. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Knowing them looking to find the worst in Him, Jesus asked, “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” In a point central to Christianity, he went on, “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” When we hear the term Jews here, we should hear the world in general, for He spoke to all who would not hear. When they would not hear, He pointed out He sought not glory or praise from them, but only from the Father whom in reality they knew not. Here He offers the singular benefit of Christianity, “If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” This concept being foreign to them, they asked if He thought He was greater than Abraham. That brought the crowning touch, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day.” Knowing He was only in his early 30s, they could not grasp how he could have seen Abraham.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">In a demonstration of the non-linearity of God’s time, He said, “Before Abraham was, I am.<a href="applewebdata://FCF29327-EF46-42A8-9E0C-685D23E1F43E#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>” As might be expected, this offended the Keepers of The Law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 24.5pt;">J<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>ESUS</b> said, <span style="color: red;">Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God</span>. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, <span style="color: red;">I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death</span>. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, <span style="color: red;">If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you; but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad</span>. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, <span style="color: red;">Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am</span>. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"></span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><a href="applewebdata://FCF29327-EF46-42A8-9E0C-685D23E1F43E#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 11pt;">This response was similar to God’s answer to Moses’ question, “Who do I tell them sent me?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #00000a; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Jack Arnold</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Bishop of the Diocese of the West </span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif;">–</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"> AOC USA</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Education and Training</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack brings</span> the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/AcNrGm8DkHA" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><a href="https://youtu.be/AcNrGm8DkHA" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://youtu.be/AcNrGm8DkHA</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; text-decoration: none;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. I got back from the trip to Madrid earlier this week. I managed to get a fever and pretty bad cough, from which I am recovering. So, if I cough during the sermon, please excuse me I advance. Luckily it is not contagious on video.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFOzEOvG_bs0aNBDm0ah5D9v38syzFW_ztsyKDrdqPivVHYlJwetFmhtEw7RZKWL98T7S_hWaTXdEKByb3rqg7xOb6z1w1MxtR8L8HBKYZSMpB_6rZbFrNNKsOdU4rfEZInDItt1o7rYRNqImwwkoGZ3RrARgbEc3dyBLVw2S-3hXfXuWEp59mG2kRkhm0" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="1014" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFOzEOvG_bs0aNBDm0ah5D9v38syzFW_ztsyKDrdqPivVHYlJwetFmhtEw7RZKWL98T7S_hWaTXdEKByb3rqg7xOb6z1w1MxtR8L8HBKYZSMpB_6rZbFrNNKsOdU4rfEZInDItt1o7rYRNqImwwkoGZ3RrARgbEc3dyBLVw2S-3hXfXuWEp59mG2kRkhm0" width="178" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; text-decoration: none;">In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as we near the end of Lent, a season of preparation. Let us start by reading today’s Collect:</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; text-decoration: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">The Fifth Sunday in Lent, commonly called<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">Passion Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 31pt;">W<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>E</b> beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord<i>. Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">… thy people; … by thy great goodness … may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul …<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">In the Collect, we acknowledge without God’s great goodness and divine intervention, we cannot be preserved in either body or soul. This is a constant truth through ought the Bible, the New Testament in particular. Without God’s great goodness we simply cannot be preserved. What does asking for God’s great goodness mean for us? It means when we ask we might be governed and thus preserved by His <i>great goodness</i>, we are in effect asking for His Guidance for us, so we can be preserved in both body and soul. We acknowledge God is the ultimate good and is the source of all truth, and we need His Help if we are to succeed. This concept is constant throughout all the collects. It is constant because it is the truth. We can only follow the narrow uphill path towards heaven with His Goodness and His Guidance. As always, if we are left to our own devices and desires, we are lost. <i>Guided</i> means we need to ask, then listen to what He Tells us, then actually follow those instructions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">For those who are not perfect<a href="applewebdata://876DEFB6-7865-420F-84C9-E4ADD22BB849#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>, following instructions can be hard at times but it must be done nevertheless. And I have found this holds true in all aspects of live not just our spiritual aspect. However, in all areas without His Guidance we are truly doomed. We must look to Him for the guidance we need to get through the spiritual and physical turmoils of this life. We must trust in Him and not in our own fallible guidance. We on our own volition cannot drive the narrow up hill path towards heaven safely, we must rely on the Holy Ghost as the perfect infallible lead car that we follow for that guidance. The Holy Ghost will always give us perfect directions, however it is on us to act on and follow those directions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Further to this thought, if we are looking to Him for guidance, we then need look to Him for safety. Safety meaning <u>only</u> the safety of our soul, our eternal life. It does not mean safety from dangers to the body here on Earth. Our bodies are still able to be physically harmed, but our souls are safe from eternal damnation, that is what safety truly means. It also does not mean we are to put ourselves at risk recklessly, but it means we are to have confidence that if we die while doing actions for Him, we are ensured that our souls will be safe and headed towards heaven.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">However in order to get into heaven one must be perfect. But as we all know as Saint Paul says, all fall short. So how do we get in then? This is quite the accounting dilemma. How do you account us, who are very imperfect creatures as purified and perfect creatures? There is an easy solution for this and that is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our only means of being accounted as perfect when we come before God is to rely on the sacrifice and intermediary priesthood of His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ to account us as perfect before God on that final day. Christ has replaced the intermediary priesthood of the Jews with himself, our one and only High Intermediary Priest. Your AOC ministers, while officially titled as priests, are not intermediary priests! The day of the intermediary priests have come and gone for us with the Old Testament in the past. We need only Christ, there are no middle men between us and Jesus. He is our Savior, our Leader, our Teacher, our Master, our Example! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Christ came to succeed the Old Covenant marked by sacrifices of innocent animals; killing off animals in an effort to atone for our sins really did not do the job. However as we have stated before, the Old Covenant was a needed step before the New Covenant could occur. It was a way to prepare people for Christ’s coming. They would not have understood His Message otherwise without it. Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection highlighted that His Ministry was all about action. If we truly are believers of Him, we will ACT upon His Word and not just say it. There is truth to the saying that action speak louder than words. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">In the Gospel, Jesus explained to the Pharisees before Abraham had even been conceived, He was. In fact, Jesus was the one who created this Earth, so He has been around since before the beginning of the planet. The Pharisees could or would not grasp in their heads Jesus was who He claimed to be, the Son of God. They chose to <u>try</u> to destroy His ministry rather than follow Him. He was interfering with their comfortable way of living and deceiving the Jewish people. He was a threat to their system. They would not understand His Message, so they opted to try to destroy Him instead. Note the word try. Try as hard as they might, the Pharisees could not interfere with Jesus’s ultimate action for us, his Death and Resurrection upon the cross. Even with the truth of who He was laid bare in front of them, they still chose not to believe. Time and time again we see them confronted with the truth Jesus offers and they always choose to reject it rather than embrace the truth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">This is a very common pattern with God’s enemies. Their names and appearances my change, but their inner hearts and souls have not changed over the eons. Their hearts have been blinded by their love of their selves, pride and greed. They cannot see the simple truths we see as followers of God. They look down upon us and think we are the ignorant ones, when reality is the other way around. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">They cannot, or will not, see that the priceless gift Jesus came to offer us. Jesus came to save our souls and give us eternal life, eternal life starting right then. Not just for the Jews and Israel, but the whole wide world, Jew, Gentile, Greek and all others. Jesus brought salvation and life to the entire world. That was not what the Pharisees were looking so hard for with their magnifying glasses as they examined Torah and The Law. They were looking for what would be only a temporary power, power on this physical plane. This pales in comparison to safety and happiness forever, for all eternity. Pharisees were not big picture people, and as Calvin told Hobbes, <i>We big picture people rarely become historians</i> or Pharisees, I might add. The Pharisees were very obviously not big picture people; they misinterpreted the prophecies of the Messiah. Regardless, even though some people chose to misunderstand the prophecies, He came and He made that one sacrifice, at one time, for all mankind, for all time. <i><span style="color: red;">For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life</span></i><a href="applewebdata://876DEFB6-7865-420F-84C9-E4ADD22BB849#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Who is Jesus? Our Savior? Indeed. But, more He has been since before the beginning of the world, for He is One with I Am.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Through His Actions, we are saved.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Do ye likewise:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>ACT<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></b></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><a href="applewebdata://876DEFB6-7865-420F-84C9-E4ADD22BB849#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">All of us, that is.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><a href="applewebdata://876DEFB6-7865-420F-84C9-E4ADD22BB849#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">If the text of this sentence seems familiar, it is John 3.16, probably the most widely quoted text of the Bible.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div></div></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-70870851495138981232024-03-10T11:06:00.000-07:002024-03-10T11:06:08.622-07:00Fourth Sunday in Lent - Propers with explanation – Bishop Hap’s Sermon – With Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0a4x5YAp95HFV9W0BkrWOu_BFa-u0UIWI--ecnU1hhgpeEOIkVCNvrT8cHf1Lg1_N6mA4F0JdOpXnlvVf1wxf0m-80mwUQs1rxTjFVVq1R15_ZJ15AMipBXVPUU7mZ8Pd1NWPQ0zIUNIEf5awc-aShRnY42GYifqJMHHeyWxepwXZJCT2s9Ur48rI3JE9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="800" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0a4x5YAp95HFV9W0BkrWOu_BFa-u0UIWI--ecnU1hhgpeEOIkVCNvrT8cHf1Lg1_N6mA4F0JdOpXnlvVf1wxf0m-80mwUQs1rxTjFVVq1R15_ZJ15AMipBXVPUU7mZ8Pd1NWPQ0zIUNIEf5awc-aShRnY42GYifqJMHHeyWxepwXZJCT2s9Ur48rI3JE9=w400-h297" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d;">With Bishop Jack in Madrid, you get a sermon from Bishop Hap. H</span><span style="color: #333333;">is sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/W3ngvin9dO0" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/W3ngvin9dO0" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/W3ngvin9dO0</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop H</span>ap<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">’s sermon looks at the </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as we near the end of Lent, a season of preparation</span></span>. In the Collect, as is often to the case we acknowledge to God we have fallen way short of our goals He set for us; the Collect goes on to provide an accounting irregularity to solve our problem. Paul is right on point when he talks about the two sons of Abraham, one of the bond, one of the free. Before we accepted Christ and the Holy Spirit we were like the son of the bondwoman and enslaved to sin. Once we accepted Christ and the Holy Spirit and have made an effort to transform our lives from our old sinful selves as the son of the bond, to the better selves, we are now sons of the freewoman. John tells the story of the feeding of the five thousand.In the middle of nowhere, two thousand years from the nearest McDonalds, the disciples looked to Jesus to fill the needs of their congregation. Jesus took what they had and gave them what they needed; “for he himself knew what he would <b><u>do</u></b>.” He <b>acted</b> to help them. Do ye likewise. <span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Propers for today are found on Page 130-132, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Fourth Sunday in Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #bb0f9e; font-size: 30.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">G<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>RANT</b>, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The first day of Lent, commonly called<br />Ash Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #bb0f9e; font-size: 31pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>LMIGHTY </b>and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Epistle for today came from the Fourth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians beginning at the Twenty-First Verse.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Paul talks about the two sons of Abraham, one of the bond, one of the free. These two, the bond under The Law and the free under The New Covenant. The people of old are the people of The Law, 613 laws by which they must abide. Perhaps more properly said in practice that they must work around or evade those 613. Yet, they cannot comply with all the laws nor even work around them. They are doomed to failure with no help from God. As people of The New Covenant, the original and <b><u>real</u></b> New Deal, we have only to comply with two laws or rules; To love the Lord with all our hearts and to love our neighbor. Actually, those two are much harder to fully comply with than avoiding the 613 laws of The Law. But, we have the key – Jesus Christ. He came to earth not only to lead us to heaven, from the front; but to be a propitiation for our sins, to make us account as perfect to God to allow us to come into His Land.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bb0f9e; font-size: 50.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">T<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>ELL</b> me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This morning’s Gospel comes from the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel of St. John beginning at the First Verse. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" style="height: 55px;" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" height="41" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 41.05pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bb0f9e; font-size: 41.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">J<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>ESUS</b> went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, <span style="color: red;">Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? </span>And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, <span style="color: red;">Make the men sit down</span>. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, <span style="color: red;">Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost</span>. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Hap</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"> Arnold</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Bishop Coadjutor</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bp Hap brings</span> the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Hap’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/W3ngvin9dO0" style="color: purple;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/W3ngvin9dO0" style="color: purple;">https://youtu.be/W3ngvin9dO0</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezUFY3jlLEMtZ-gBDdRvSc1di30KujpJspJhYkwnjZ3NJoV4CKVqSc_po_RmZ3V43m0UxBCYpMmnM0HfBNbGVGIPT4I-tMN1QYkzh_-8VYv2Yk6bdZt9tUHl6cpSw32EIKlGcAI4bcCt-DjVwwhKVQCHjZY0VvDuY25mb9SzuulLbqMluSfxBUTG5Lyjw/s1282/240310%20Hap's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1028" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezUFY3jlLEMtZ-gBDdRvSc1di30KujpJspJhYkwnjZ3NJoV4CKVqSc_po_RmZ3V43m0UxBCYpMmnM0HfBNbGVGIPT4I-tMN1QYkzh_-8VYv2Yk6bdZt9tUHl6cpSw32EIKlGcAI4bcCt-DjVwwhKVQCHjZY0VvDuY25mb9SzuulLbqMluSfxBUTG5Lyjw/w161-h200/240310%20Hap's%20Sermon.jpg" width="161" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as we near the end of Lent, a season of preparation. Let us start by reading today’s Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Fourth Sunday in Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #bb0f9e; font-size: 30.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">G<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>RANT</b>, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="text-decoration: underline;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">… we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved …<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In the Collect, as is often to the case we acknowledge to God we have fallen way short of our goals He set for us. We are also acknowledging we deserve to be punished for our failures; by His Grace we are relieved of our well deserved punishment. Jesus laid down His Life so we might be free from eternal damnation. That we might be accounted as perfect at our final judgment, not that we might be perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In order for us to enter heaven, we have to be accounted as perfect. Most of us know we are so far away from perfect, it would not seem to be possible. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">How then can we get into heaven, if not by our own means?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The answer is simple. God has provided the Way, the one true Way, by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins so we might have eternal life, and He also sent the Holy Ghost to help guide us. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">At that final judgment day, if we stay the course and follow God’s guidance, we can be accounted as perfect through the Grace of God’s Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Paul is right on point when he talks about the two sons of Abraham, one of the bond, one of the free. Before we accepted Christ and the Holy Spirit we were like the son of the bondwoman and enslaved to sin. Once we accepted Christ and the Holy Spirit and have made an effort to transform our lives from our old sinful selves as the son of the bond, to the better selves, we are now sons of the freewoman.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The son of the bondwoman represents not only our state before Christ; but also those who refuse to follow Him. They are stuck in bondage to their own sinful selves and can never exit that state, except they allow the Holy Ghost into their hearts and redeem themselves. It represents the state of all those who do not have the Holy Ghost within them and us before we let the Holy Ghost into our hearts to regenerate us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The two are representative of the two covenants with God, the bond under The Law and the free under The New Covenant. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The people of old are The People of The Law. Six Hundred Thirteen Mosaic Laws each of which they were to follow. They really did not attempt to follow them, rather to avoid being seen to break them. A very complex and even more difficult life to live, to comply and uphold those laws and failing. It did not work that well. We still fail miserably at times, but we only have two laws, which we will hear about in a second. They are still hard to follow at times, but impossible to skirt with fancy reasoning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The important thing to remember about the 613 laws is they could not accomplish what Christ accomplished with His Sacrifice and establishing the New Covenant. The Holy Ghost helps us along the journey to this goal, to bring us to eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The New Covenant is so much less complex than the Old Covenant. It is much easier to remember the ways of the New than the Old. It is more efficient than the Old Covenant. However, the New Covenant requires that our actions match our claimed belief in Jesus, God and the Holy Spirt. However, tempting as it may be to discard the Old Testament entirely, we must remember that the Old Covenant had a purpose. The Old Covenant had to come first to get people’s hearts ready to follow the New Covenant. For the New Covenant could not be introduced, or in other words, Jesus could not come to Earth until the people were ready for His Teachings. The Old Covenant was a stepping stone to the New Covenant. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Remember this from Holy Communion:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">T<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">HOU shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Under the New Covenant, we have only two laws with which we must comply. But, there is a catch. We are not to just avoid breaking those two laws, we must actually live them in our hearts, souls, minds AND bodies. We must <b><u>act</u></b>ualize them. It is the common theme of Action not just Diction, that appears in sermons past here. The only way in which we can follow these two laws is we have to put them into practice in our day to day lives, which requires Action and not just Diction. The New Covenant is not about following the Law perfectly, but it is about living the spirit of the Law to the best of our abilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This requires we act based on what we can and should do, not what we want to do. What we want to do will not get us the results that acting from following God’s word will. The results may or not be obvious right away, but they will be soon enough. A hard principle to follow; but in the end, it is the easiest way and worth the struggle to trust God instead of worrying and or doing what we want to do. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">What we want to do is very rarely if ever in congruence with God’s Word. We have to realize this and shift our behaviors to be in line with God’s Word and Will. We must recognize what we want to do will not benefit us as well in the long run as what God wants us to do. This is very hard, but it can be done with the help of the Holy Ghost. We just have to let Him into our hearts and provide us that guidance. Once we receive that guidance than we should act upon that guidance. In John 6:30 Jesus tells us, <i><span style="color: red;">For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me</span></i>. If Jesus strives to do His Father’s Will, how much more should we do so?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Action will always benefit our spiritual state compared to inaction. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are compelled to act upon our faith. Perhaps not what we want right at the time, but certainly what we need then and in the eternal future. In the middle of nowhere, two thousand years from the nearest McDonalds, the disciples looked to Jesus to fill the needs of their congregation. Jesus took what they had and gave them what they needed; “for he himself knew what he would <b><u>do</u></b>.” He <b><u>acted</u></b> to help them. Do ye likewise:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">ACT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail; the easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Be of God - Live of God - Act of God</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-27818019766251485522024-03-03T09:44:00.000-08:002024-03-03T09:44:20.648-08:00Third Sunday in Lent - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKdHbMXyJP2u_7x-TTEVLbFsuU63Wp78T_MDPsI7omEJSDgviu3JfV0zF_Rxy1mPL9lUc6h_53bL2zz62yHOoIvouRNq4WrSpB5oPv15ZGKDtbQDlaG0Co2fPxyEfCV_yFltO3Qpsr7T8sbezuptyqReh5YJ8qBfmyu00CqJhC9Lr6MljjE3zMeUcqT_vA" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="469" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKdHbMXyJP2u_7x-TTEVLbFsuU63Wp78T_MDPsI7omEJSDgviu3JfV0zF_Rxy1mPL9lUc6h_53bL2zz62yHOoIvouRNq4WrSpB5oPv15ZGKDtbQDlaG0Co2fPxyEfCV_yFltO3Qpsr7T8sbezuptyqReh5YJ8qBfmyu00CqJhC9Lr6MljjE3zMeUcqT_vA" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/iOgSnCwhhQY" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/iOgSnCwhhQY" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/iOgSnCwhhQY</a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div></o:p><span style="color: #333333;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Bishop Jack<span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);">’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as we are about half way through Lent, a season of preparation</span></span>. In the Collect, we ask God look in to our hearts, and see our desire to be His children and defend us against evil. Paul tells us in order to live out our faith, we need to make our actions match our stated desires. One man cannot serve two masters. Remember <span style="color: red;">where your treasure is, there will your heart be also</span>. We can easily tell who is for Him and who is against Him. It is simple, who holds to the principles of Scripture is for Him. They who do not hold to them are not with Him. <span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);">Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.</span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Propers for today are found on Page 128-130, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The Third Sunday in Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;">W<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">E </span></span></b>beseech thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in 1in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The first day of Lent, commonly called<br />Ash Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">LMIGHTY </span></span></b>and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Epistle for today came from</span></span><span style="color: navy; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> </span></span>the Fifth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians beginning at the First Verse. He echoes the advice of St. James in his general epistle to be Christians, not just claim to be followers of Christ, when James wrote, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #660066; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 50.5pt;">B<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">E ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">T</span>his morning’s Gospel comes from the Eleventh Chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke beginning at the Fourteenth Verse. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #660066; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 39.5pt;">J<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ESUS was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, <span style="color: red;">Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.</span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, <span style="color: red;">Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bishop Jack Arnold</span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Training and Education Department</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Diocese of the West</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bp Jack brings</span></span> the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/iOgSnCwhhQY" style="color: purple;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><a href="https://youtu.be/iOgSnCwhhQY" style="color: purple;">https://youtu.be/iOgSnCwhhQY</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc5ZwW9YdylghPSdG6_6HG9W4ryymQC1Jod1Lu_DSnUo5P-bM9AK3y2F4Qc8oeqX3dJyYn6zjOe0jTu87wm5MSzMSXTAh4kk8uW1xMjGCBqXIqCPnZqVTVeExDta9ixl5HbcYO2DYKTSquMuWyv3q2Fb6jKy3AwEY-zngxM_fIAG2vA4pnOTVdXhm_crW/s1412/240303%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1172" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc5ZwW9YdylghPSdG6_6HG9W4ryymQC1Jod1Lu_DSnUo5P-bM9AK3y2F4Qc8oeqX3dJyYn6zjOe0jTu87wm5MSzMSXTAh4kk8uW1xMjGCBqXIqCPnZqVTVeExDta9ixl5HbcYO2DYKTSquMuWyv3q2Fb6jKy3AwEY-zngxM_fIAG2vA4pnOTVdXhm_crW/w166-h200/240303%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="166" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as we are about half way through Len<br />t, a season of preparation. Let us start by reading today’s Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Third Sunday in Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;">W<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">E </span></span></b>beseech thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">… look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies …<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the Collect, we ask God look in to our hearts, and see our desire to be His children and defend us against evil. That also means we are looking for His Help which comes in the form of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost will assist us in the process of changing of our hearts to actually have “hearty desires” to do His Will and to be “humble servants”, not our usual and customary self-centered selves. Quite a combination of thoughts in a small bit of verbiage! It is amazing how much we can put in a short sentence if we use words to their best advantage! If we will be follow Him, He will <i>defend us in all assaults of our enemies</i>. <a href="applewebdata://84779E00-0C3C-4635-A1DC-549DC7D7AB94#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> If we will not accept His Help, He will not force it on us. Back to that old, “Thy will be done.” The question arises once again, from whose mouth does it proceed, ours or God’s? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today’s Epistle and Gospel share the same theme. This theme is centered around action. In order to <u>be</u> a Christian, you have to <u>act</u> as a Christian and not just say we are. And we cannot try and please both man and God, we have to pick which master we are to serve God, or Satan/man/mammon. I know who I want to serve, do you? Faith without the actions to back it up is a false and meaningless faith. Sadly there are too many people in this world today who call themselves Christians who do not truly act like Christians. We must strive to not be like those people, but strive to be Christian not just in name only but in deed as well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In light of this, there are two phrases particularly worth remembering, “<span style="color: red;">a house divided against a house falleth</span>” and “<span style="color: red;">He that is not with me is against me</span>.” Middle ground exists, but it is quicksand. Eventually one has to choose a side. Everybody has to make that choice sooner or later. It is very clear to us what side we should choose. The only rational side to take is that of God, the side that will lead us to eternal life not that of eternal death.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And, we cannot keep with the opposition. It is the natural part of the history of the Bible and of life. We have to choose to follow God, as there is no other reasonable option, which will give us the result following God will result in. We must decide who we will follow. We do not have true faith if we do not act upon the words that our lips speak, of believing in Christ and His Father. We must emulate the example that Christ Himself set for us in His ministry of action. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Speaking of His ministry, Jesus set the ultimate example for us to follow for action. Saying we are Christians and actually being Christians are two different states of being. It is like the difference between saying we are going to the grocery store and actually getting in the car and driving to the grocery store. It is quite easy to say we are Christians, it is quite another to act like we are. Acting like Christians is a lot harder than just saying we are but it is something we must strive to do if we are to be more like Christ. This will be something that we work on for the rest of our earthly lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In his Epistle, Paul tells us in order to live out our faith, we need to make our actions match our stated desires, very much in line with the thought above. Paul calls us to avoid those actions that are unbecoming of Christians and we need to walk in the light and not the dark. Given our fallen nature it can be a difficult task sometimes, but with the help of the Holy Ghost, it will be easier. We need the Holy Ghost to enter into our hearts and listen to His advice to stay on the trail of the light and not fall into the pit of darkness. He talks about uncouth behavior of those who are of this world and not of God. He says that those folks have no inheritance in the kingdom of God, so let us strive not to be like them. He is warning us not to let our natural desires overcome us, but let the Holy Ghost in so we can desire what is good for us, versus what is not good for us as our natural tendency is. This can be a hard thing, but it is something that we must do all the same. We need the Holy Ghost’s help to fight our natural tendency of wanting bad things. We should be doing our best to emulate Christ’s example as much as we are able.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As we have discussed many times, action is the central theme of the Christian faith, which was first shown with Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection. He came to act for us, not just to talk or meditate; His great plan involved action, though it was painful, it was His action which released us from the wages of sin. We have to follow His Example that He set for us and live our lives in a manner that reflects we believe the Gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Think about the Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is very important to be unified in our worship and maintain mutual support; a team always beats individuals. That is not to take away from individuality, but rather to note we need to remember whose side we are on and work together with our teammates. If we are not working together, then we are not truly united under Christ’s banner. And if we are not truly united, then we will not get anywhere in spreading the Gospel for all to hear, learn and understand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We might have individual personality differences, but as long as we all believe on Christ and His Death and Resurrection and Gospel, then those differences we might have with others are minor and not worth arguing or fighting over. We must cast aside our personal feelings about the minor differences and focus on how we can work together with our fellow Christians to further His Mission here on Earth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Christ himself came not to unite the world, but to divide it, father against son. In Matthew 10:32-34 He says “<span style="color: red;"><span style="background: white;">Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”</span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"> </span>He is saying here He has not come to unite the World, for the World is not on our side. But to clearly divide the world to show who is with God and who is against God. He came to highlight who is for Him and who is against Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For as earlier explained, one man cannot serve two masters. And also the saying of <span style="color: red;">where your treasure is, there will your heart be also</span>. In this life by reading </span>through Scripture we can easily tell who is for Him and who is against Him. It is simple, who holds to the principles of Scripture is for Him. They who do not hold to them are not with Him. </span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You must keep constant vigilance against backsliding, for a fallen Christian is in worse shape than one who was never exposed to The Word. In order to maintain the constant vigilance you have to always act upon your faith. The Epistle and Gospel both talk about the curious dichotomy; you are saved by faith, Jesus’s faith, and your faith alone saves you, not what you do; yet if you have faith, you must act on that faith</span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;">. </span></span>To maintain your Christian course, you must truly turn a new leaf, and not slip back into the old man. This is one of the most difficult challenges as a Christian, but with the help of the Holy Ghost, we each can do it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You must receive the Word, hear it, and act upon it and spread it joyously to others, in order for your faith to have any meaning at all. Otherwise we will have been for the worse than if we never had heard the Good News. It is not a gift to selfishly lock up, but to share and give to others. That is the true joy of the Good News. It is most certainly more blessed to give than to receive in this case.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You must grasp your acceptance of Jesus Christ as your savior and your repentance is the beginning of your life as a New Man in Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Will you slip? Without doubt. But, when you do, will you again repent and continue to do your best to follow the Word of God, the Light and the Truth? All that matters is you get up and do your best not to do what you did to slip. Life is a continuous learning process. Indeed, if you are a Christian that is what you must do. We will always slip up in our lives, that is in our fallen nature. But we have to get up and get back on track, using the Holy Gospel to guide us like the instruments in an aircraft. We cannot trust our feeling, but only our instruments (God’s gift of Holy Scripture). You are called to believe and act on those beliefs to the best of your ability. If you do not, then prepared as you were for life, you will so be prepared for the pit. As you read Luke, remember the second half of the Book of Luke is The ACTS of the Apostles, not thoughts, wishes, prayers or meditations. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For, “<span style="color: red;">blessed are they that hear the word of God, and <b><u>keep it</u></b></span><b><u>.</u></b>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;">ACT<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; color: black; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></b></span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><a href="applewebdata://84779E00-0C3C-4635-A1DC-549DC7D7AB94#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">A Collect for Peace – <u>1928 Book of Common Prayer</u> Page 17</span></span><o:p></o:p></p></div></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-79162944183789454042024-02-25T10:23:00.000-08:002024-02-25T10:23:06.022-08:00Second Sunday in Lent - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkPO2m4Pk1BGMby2kXFpmZvDP2Qk-WcFiY0eyaYq5VPMUpjSUCOtOL3wYf0N3DfNCfUA0Wbn3noJn_f5tcfx6n5wpfdIc9ZoeNJ-dgC-GRkjr_0L6CDSxk_DUZK6GmbhBmZSfQNfRxFtdtVs_f_nOgPUlphCMVGRD_JXF8URazx0VB21oMY665AtYesyc/s1600/Dogs%20under%20the%20table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkPO2m4Pk1BGMby2kXFpmZvDP2Qk-WcFiY0eyaYq5VPMUpjSUCOtOL3wYf0N3DfNCfUA0Wbn3noJn_f5tcfx6n5wpfdIc9ZoeNJ-dgC-GRkjr_0L6CDSxk_DUZK6GmbhBmZSfQNfRxFtdtVs_f_nOgPUlphCMVGRD_JXF8URazx0VB21oMY665AtYesyc/w400-h268/Dogs%20under%20the%20table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <span style="color: #954f72;"><a href="https://youtu.be/-TVbL9-aRj0" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/-TVbL9-aRj0" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/-TVbL9-aRj0</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as we enter into the time of Lent, which is a season of preparation</span></span>. In the Collect, we acknowledge to God that we cannot direct our own lives; if we listen to our own selves we are without guidance. Paul tells us to keep our bodies under control of our minds and our minds to be guided by God only, He helps move us on course. Matthew gives us a fine example of faith that demonstrates how we must be guided by faith in our Lord. The woman who cries unto Jesus is a Gentile, just like us. Just like us she longs for His Mercy and will not give up. <span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Propers for today are found on Page 127-128, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">The Second Sunday in Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8a0a89; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LMIGHTY </b>God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">The first day of Lent, commonly called<br />Ash Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8a0a89; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LMIGHTY </b>and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino-Roman;"> </span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino-Roman;">T</span>he Epistle for today comes from the Fourth Chapter of Paul’s First letter to the Thessalonians beginning at the First Verse. Apparently the Corinthians were not the only church founded in a Red Light District. In this letter Paul is telling the people to refrain from random sex and get married. Paul is starting into the beginning of his New Man concept. We are called to be as God wants us to be, not as we would be without His guidance and help. God does this, not that we would miss fun, but rather that we would enjoy happiness.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoBodyText" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: 31pt;">W<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>E</b> beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, the Fifteenth Chapter,<b> </b>beginning at the Twenty-First Verse. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: 24.5pt;">J<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>ESUS</b> went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, <span style="color: red;">I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel</span>. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, <span style="color: red;">It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs</span>. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, <span style="color: red;">O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt</span>. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">This story surfaces again in the Book of Common Prayer in the Prayer of Humble Access, in the Book of Common Prayer, Page 82:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 31pt;">W<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>E</b> do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. <u>We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table</u>. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Bishop Jack Arnold</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Training and Education Department</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Diocese of the West</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack brings</span> the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video </span><a href="https://youtu.be/-TVbL9-aRj0" style="color: purple;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/-TVbL9-aRj0" style="color: purple;">https://youtu.be/-TVbL9-aRj0</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjjM-huPiUy4jg1L9CTj2a8ufxYwMShMiQlWpLjRBlQ-hogUt251PBgRtuwitp_bEe6dTCukwHW8Ro8VQ8cpqmGZSyizEJtH12ThoOtRaY4XSDqRxkc0hQUjFbkLr1NlOiGGc-ZrQhEiH-IK9zpqgiJJ6ArmdVGcTxkgElKl6D9H9iPOskEyX7HB639LpJ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjjM-huPiUy4jg1L9CTj2a8ufxYwMShMiQlWpLjRBlQ-hogUt251PBgRtuwitp_bEe6dTCukwHW8Ro8VQ8cpqmGZSyizEJtH12ThoOtRaY4XSDqRxkc0hQUjFbkLr1NlOiGGc-ZrQhEiH-IK9zpqgiJJ6ArmdVGcTxkgElKl6D9H9iPOskEyX7HB639LpJ" width="200" /></a></div><br />Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as we enter into the time of Lent, a season of preparation. Let us start by reading today’s Collect:<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">The Second Sunday in Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8a0a89; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LMIGHTY </b>God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">… we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul …<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">In the Collect, we acknowledge to God that we cannot direct our own lives; if we listen to our own selves we are without guidance. Consider the airplane flying, it orders its movements according to Polaris, the Pole Star of True North. If a pilot flies guided by his “inner self” he soon knows only where he is: at the controls, and little else. Like the pilot who needs to know where the True North is so he can orient himself, we need God’s guidance to move towards our goal of eternal life with Him. While flying my aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions or IMC , I have to rely on the aircraft instruments as our bodily senses lie to us about our aircrafts true altitude. So too do we have to rely on Scriptures for our guidance on the path towards heaven as our natural inclinations will also lie to us on our true performance.. This is why we cannot rely on ourselves to navigate towards heaven but we need the help of our spiritual navigator the Holy Ghost.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The first step of getting onto the narrow uphill path towards heaven is that we have to let Him into our hearts in order to let Him guide us. If we do not do this, then how can we expect to have Him guide us, if we are not open and ready to receive Him and His Guidance? We would be perpetually lost and would never make it onto the narrow uphill path towards heaven. This is why need the help of the Holy Ghost to be our infalliable co pilot and help guide us on the narrow uphill path towards heaven<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Thus, when Paul tells us to keep our bodies under control of our minds and our minds to be guided by God only, He helps move us on course. He tells us to avoid the things that can sabotage our journey towards God and can physically hurt both our souls and body. These things he lists out are things that would derail us if we engaged in those activities. We must seek to not do them and to instead remain on the courseline that the Holy Spirit has outlined for us. This ties in very well with the collect’s request for God to keep us outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls. It links the theme of both spiritual and physical moderation extremely well. If we stay away from the things that would derail us, we will find our journey on the narrow uphill trail to be much easier than if we didn’t stay away from those things. The Holy Ghost will help us avoid those negative activities and moderate our spiritual and physical lives if we will allow Him in and listen to His Guidance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Being honest with others and especially ourselves is one of the most important things we can do. If we are not honest with ourselves to start, how can we be honest with others? The worst person to lie to is yourself after all. For only by living our faith can we demonstrate that we in fact have faith. For professed faith with no action when you are able to act is not real. You must actualize what you claim to believe. We must put our nice words into action and not just leave them as words. We are called to be as God wants us to be, not as we would be without His guidance and help. God does this, not that we would miss fun, but rather that we would enjoy true happiness.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Keeping evil thoughts under control can be a difficult task, but we do not have to face it alone, we have the Holy Ghost in our lives and other Christians and friends that support us and guide us, that can help us battle evil thoughts. This is not a battle that we should be fighting alone, but with support from the Holy Ghost and our Christians and other friends. This proves that Christianity is not a solitary religion but a social one. We need the help of our fellow believers if we are to succeed at the race of Life. Of course we need to be willing to talk to our good friends within the Church about our problems and evil thoughts and listen to their advice, and more importantly to the Holy Ghost’s advice to combat these evil thoughts and drive away the temptations of the devil. Christianity did not flourish because its followers were hermits, it flourished because its followers evangelized the religion throughout the known world. It is an active religion and it requires its followers to actively participate in it by spreading the Good news. It would never have spread as far as it did if it was a hermetic religion. Keeping our thoughts under control can be almost impossible at times but with the help of the Holy Spirit it is not impossible at all.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Matthew gives us a fine example of faith that demonstrates how we must be guided by faith in our Lord. The woman who cries unto Jesus is a Gentile, just like us. Just like us she longs for His Mercy. In her case, she asks only for the mercy rejected by others, the crumbs of the Master’s Table<a href="applewebdata://D2AAF5F2-511A-44B6-B3A3-EC99BA32A88F#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>. This is the essence of our faith, we are not worthy to dine at His Table, no more than dogs are meet to dine at our table. Yet, what is left over is more than enough for us. And we are content with that, knowing what miserable creatures we are. And, even more important, even knowing what miserable creatures we are, Jesus offers to share His Table with us. This woman had just as much faith in Jesus as the Faithful Centurion. She had faith that He would share His Mercy with her and heal her Daughter. She was rewarded for her faith by Him healing her daughter. The key in all of these interactions that Jesus had with these people, is that these people had tremendous faith in Him. We must have that same faith and we must show it in our lives by carrying out actions consistent with his message.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">He is not content for us to grovel for His crumbs. If He offers His love for us, should we not love Him back, by acting upon our faith? If you truly believe, you are compelled to act upon the faith you have. Action is the key cornerstone of the Christian faith. Jesus afterall laid down His life for ours on the cross that we might have eternal life, the ultimate example of action. If He did that for us, it would be behoove us to act upon our Faith and follow His Example of helping others and leading them to God. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is also important to understand if one loves God, He still has the exact same amount of love available for any other person or group. His love is infinite, even if it wasn’t, love multiplies in use! We do not have to worry about God running out of love at all. There is more than enough to go around!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Recognize how poorly you do with your own guidance, accept His Guidance, stay on course and accept the fruits of that action. Realize that you will make mistakes multiple times in your life, but what counts is that you turn back to God and do your best not to make that same mistake again.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">There is but one way to heaven.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">That easy to find, easy to follow, easy to hike path does not lead to the summit where eternal life in the real world awaits. Open your heart to the Holy Ghost, use His Power to follow our Lord to God who awaits in heaven.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></b></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><a href="applewebdata://D2AAF5F2-511A-44B6-B3A3-EC99BA32A88F#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sound familiar? Check out the Prayer of Humble Access, Holy Communion, BCP Page 82.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-68303400404185583182024-02-18T12:15:00.000-08:002024-02-18T12:15:13.612-08:00First Sunday in Lent - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKZrZpdC08T9ZbkJscA6R4NNnPR0d8f3bjjNeYwVe8eZRPTlmosRW-eGpEln7erAnTMmwaDDKm5vKqCpnIMKFzZlg-F6VDdL4uSOrbK9QjEhMVyPcqGsqRDzIhr5ItfPFon7VIN8YtlVDzsDNYyE_ZjcQrFBR5CXk-NnxN439_FuflUg2hZ5P6u5Xq-hW/s400/temptation-of-christ-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="400" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKZrZpdC08T9ZbkJscA6R4NNnPR0d8f3bjjNeYwVe8eZRPTlmosRW-eGpEln7erAnTMmwaDDKm5vKqCpnIMKFzZlg-F6VDdL4uSOrbK9QjEhMVyPcqGsqRDzIhr5ItfPFon7VIN8YtlVDzsDNYyE_ZjcQrFBR5CXk-NnxN439_FuflUg2hZ5P6u5Xq-hW/w400-h253/temptation-of-christ-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/0YuXV3Sko4M" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/0YuXV3Sko4M" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/0YuXV3Sko4M</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as we enter into the time of Lent, which is a season of preparation</span></span> In the Collect, we ask God to help us change our natural evil tendencies so we can live life here His way and honor His wishes so we can be truly happy. Following the thought of the Collect, Paul asks us to be worthy of the grace God has given us. He tells the people when they needed him, He was there. The gospel, The Temptation of Christ, is really about <i>Want</i> and <i>Need</i>; two words, used interchangeably in both our speech and thought, that do not mean the same thing. But, Jesus knew. <span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;">The Propers for today are found on Page 125-127, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">The First Sunday in Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8a0a89; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b> LORD </b>who for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights; Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honour and glory, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">The first day of Lent, commonly called<br />Ash Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8a0a89; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LMIGHTY </b>and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino-Roman;">T</span>he Epistle for today came from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, the Sixth Chapter, <span style="color: #262626;">beginning at the First Verse</span>. In what at first appears to be an incomprehensible single sentence, Paul asks us to be worthy of the grace that God has given us. He tells the people when they needed him, he was there. They need to be there for those around them. They must not frustrate God’s work by showing up late, or not at all. Those around us are watching our actions in the time of testing. We have been given eternal salvation by Jesus’ sacrifice, the understanding of the Gospel by the Holy Ghost. We are at this time dying here on earth, yet progressing towards eternal life in the next world, in Jesus’ world with His help. While we may never be wealthy here on earth, our actions can make our fellow Christians wealthy in spirit beyond measure. <span style="font-family: Palatino-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">If you claim to be a Christian, you know what is right. If you are a Christian, you do what is right, you don’t take a vote to see what the right course of action might be. Right does not change with public opinion and we must do the right thing. It is our actions that count, in good times or bad. We are Christ’s ambassadors to this world, unfortunately we do not have diplomatic immunity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8a0a89; font-size: 49.5pt;">W<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>E</b> then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain; (for he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation;) giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626;">This morning’s Holy Gospel came from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, the Fourth Chapter, beginning at the First Verse. This portion of the Gospel tells the story of the temptation of Christ. In many respects, it shows how little the devil understands of Christ, and through Him, of us. If you understand how little the devil really offers you and how much Christ offers, the temptation is ever so much less. The devil is often referred to as the deceiver or dissimulator. His forte is deception, he seems one thing, is another. Offers what he has no intention or ability to deliver. Ignores the inevitable result of accepting his proffered help or inside track.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626;">He clearly knows Jesus is the Son of God. There is no doubt in his mind. So, having understood that, consider what he offers Jesus in temptation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626;">Remember, Jesus has fasted 40 days OF HIS OWN CHOICE; he who has no real power asks Jesus to turn stone into bread to show His Power. This to the Son of He who delivered manna daily to the Jews in the wilderness for 40 years. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Cast thyself down and let angels catch thee; this to He who walked on water.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Up to the mountain lookout – Here is it all yours if you worship me. This to He who as it says in Psalm 95:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">In his hand are all the corners of the earth; * and the strength of the hills is his also.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">The sea is his, and he made it; * and his hands prepared the dry land.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">O come, let us worship and fall down, * and kneel before<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">the Lord our Maker.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">For he is the Lord our God; * and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The devil promised Jesus nothing that was his to give, nothing that would help Jesus in the real world beyond the Shadowlands. He never does. The devil is all about shortcuts. Remember, if the shortcut was the best way, it would not be a shortcut<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Like the temptation of Jesus, the devil never delivers what we need, only what we may want short term. Remember<span style="color: #262626;"> as little as the devil understands of Christ, so he understands little of us. He will never offer you real help. Remember that and the temptation is ever so much less.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, starting at the First Verse of the Fourth Chapter. This portion of the Gospel tells the story of the temptation of Christ. In many respects, it shows how little the devil understands of Christ, and through Him, of us. If you understand how little the devil really offers you and how much Christ offers, the temptation is ever so much less.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8a0a89; font-size: 50.5pt;">T<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>HEN</b> was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, <span style="color: red;">It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God</span>. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, <span style="color: red;">It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God</span>. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, <span style="color: red;">Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve</span>. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">THE EXHORTATIONS.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="color: #d80000; font-size: 10pt;"> ¶ At the time of the Celebration of the Communion, after the prayer for the whole state of Christ’s Church, the Priest may say this Exhortation. And Note, That the Exhortation shall be said on the First Sunday in Advent, the First Sunday in Lent, and Trinity Sunday. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-size: 31.5pt;">D<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>EARLY</b> beloved in the Lord, ye who mind to come to the holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ, must consider how Saint Paul exhorteth all persons diligently to try and examine themselves, before they presume to eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a true penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy Sacrament; so is the danger great, if we receive the same unworthily. Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that ye be not judged of the Lord; repent you truly for your sins past; have a lively and stedfast faith in Christ our Saviour; amend your lives, and be in perfect charity with all men; so shall ye be meet partakers of those holy mysteries. And above all things ye must give most humble and hearty thanks to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Saviour Christ, both God and man; who did humble himself, even to the death upon the Cross, for us, miserable sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. And to the end that we should always remember the exceeding great love of our Master, and only Saviour, Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the innumerable benefits which by his precious blood-shedding he hath obtained for us; he hath instituted and ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his love, and for a continual remembrance of his death, to our great and endless comfort. To him therefore, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, let us give, as we are most bounden, continual thanks; sub- mitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Amen. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Bishop Jack Arnold</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Training and Education Department</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Diocese of the West</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack brings</span> the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/0YuXV3Sko4M" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/0YuXV3Sko4M" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://youtu.be/0YuXV3Sko4M</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AL6DfH_H3j7QG1QoJHNY66fGvoqWUvvHe8WZ9JyV-YJvY-BDjAPswzwVwN07H0xNlOqVj6N2L1r0f7wERNIfFBVb5HkqOm-Q50Ly2u8OUJeVgqdLLcYEYf2skR_b6hN3ZuOzujFsGWiKCtx8wfXl25_Jrb637xs21nj7-aBBI0H4k3Z-QjvuClBrvBrW/s1406/240218%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AL6DfH_H3j7QG1QoJHNY66fGvoqWUvvHe8WZ9JyV-YJvY-BDjAPswzwVwN07H0xNlOqVj6N2L1r0f7wERNIfFBVb5HkqOm-Q50Ly2u8OUJeVgqdLLcYEYf2skR_b6hN3ZuOzujFsGWiKCtx8wfXl25_Jrb637xs21nj7-aBBI0H4k3Z-QjvuClBrvBrW/w241-h320/240218%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; text-decoration: none;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as we enter into the time of Lent, which is a season of preparation. Let us start by reading today’s Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">The First Sunday in Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 11pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8a0a89; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b> LORD </b>who for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights; Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honour and glory, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">… Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honour and glory …<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">In the Collect, we ask God to help us change our natural evil tendencies so we can live life here His way and honor His wishes so we can be truly happy. This is the basic message behind most of the collects because it is truth. Without His help, we end up with what we want, not what we need. And what we want is not always good for us, but what we need is always good for us. We are asking for God’s help to differentiate between our wants and needs. Lent is the time in which we focus on fighting our sinful selves and working with the Holy Ghost to reconcile us with what God wants for us. This is what the collect is referring to when it talks about abstinence. The collect is calling us to subdue our natural fleshly desires with the help of the Holy Ghost. What we want is not the same as what we need. Lent is the time in which we focus on separating our wants from needs and concentrating on what our needs truly are. We need the Holy Ghost to help us in this endeavor for sure. By ourselves we would fail miserably at this task, but with the help of the Holy Ghost we will surely succeed. We just have to listen to what He says and then put His Words into action.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">We are asking him to help us fight our human nature and follow His divine nature, we are attempting to replace our nature with that of God’s. It is a long and difficult road we must travel, doing this, but we are going to be much happier in the long run if we at least do our best. <i>Do or do not, there is no try</i>, Yoda is quoted as saying, and I find it applicable here and in my own life. We have to act, not just say we are going to act, but we must physically perform ACTIONS!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b><b><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Want</i> and <i>Need</i>; two words, used interchangeably in both our speech and thought that do not mean the same thing. Think about that!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Following the thought of the Collect, Paul asks us to be worthy of the grace God has given us. He tells the people when they needed him, He was there. Following his example, we need to be there for those around us. We must not frustrate God’s work by showing up late, or not at all. It all goes back to Jesus’ saying, <i><span style="color: red;">No man can serve two masters</span></i>. We have to choose who we are going to serve God or Satan/Mammon and then once we have chosen to serve God, we need to do our best to be there for Him and His People. Action and not just dictions alone are needed to serve God. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Our actions reflect whom we truly serve, God or the Forces of Satan. Which side will you serve? You in the end have to choose one side or another. Pick the winning side now, which is the Forces of God, and you will have a rich everlasting life. Where our treasure is, our heart will be there also to quote Jesus. So let us make sure our treasure is heaven and not on earth where moth and rust corrupt and thieves break through and steal. If our treasure is in heaven, there it is incorruptible and thieves do not steal. When times are tough we need to remember where our treasure truly lies and it is not in Earth, but in Heaven. The key to winning this battle for souls is to never ever ever give up and to trust in God and Dread Naught. It may get gloomy and depressing sometimes but as long as we turn back to God and His Scriptures and the Church for comfort than all will be well with our souls. And also remembering when we are finished running the race here on Earth so to speak, we will get to spend eternity with God, Jesus and our family who have gone before, it makes bearing the trials and the tribulations of this world a lot easier.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">When the Devil attempted to tempt Christ, he showed how little he knows of Him. It also shows how arrogant the Devil truly us to even attempt this. He was very foolish to think that his attempts to tempt Our Lord would work! If we emulate our Lord, it shows how little the Devil will be able to tempt us with his deceit. Jesus provides us with the perfect template to resist Satan and his wiles. Do not even entertain them for a fraction of a second, and just tell Satan to Get Thee Hence! If we follow Him we will be able to withstand any temptation that arises as our Lord showed for us in the desert 2,000 years ago. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626;">Consider how little the Devil really offers you and how much Christ offers, the temptation is ever so much less. The Devil is often referred to as the Deceiver or Dissimulator. His forte is deception; he seems to be one thing, but is another. He offers what he has no intention or ability to deliver. He actually has zero ability to deliver on his large promises, he has no right to give away what is not his! </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626;">The Devil clearly knows Jesus is the Son of God. There is no doubt in his mind. So, having understood that, consider what he offers Jesus in temptation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626;">Remember, Jesus has fasted 40 days OF HIS OWN CHOICE; now comes the devil daring Him to show His Power by turning the stone into bread. This to the Son of He who delivered manna daily to the Jews in the wilderness for 40 years. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Cast thyself down and let angels catch thee</i>; this to He who walked on water.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Up to the mountain lookout – <i>Here is it all yours if you worship me</i>. This to He, who as it says in Psalm 95:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-size: 31.5pt; text-transform: uppercase;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">N</span></b> his hand are all the corners of the earth; * and the strength of the hills is his also.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">The sea is his, and he made it; * and his hands prepared the dry land.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">O come, let us worship and fall down, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">For he is the Lord our God; * and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The devil promised Jesus nothing that was his to give, nothing that would help Jesus in the real world beyond the Shadowlands. He never does. Jesus knew this and we would be wise to remember this. Unfortunately people who do not have the Holy Spirit within them do not see thus and sadly allow themselves to be deceived by the Devil. We have an advantage in that we have the Holy Ghost and if we listen to Him we cannot be deceived by the Devil.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">We have to realize the devil is all about shortcuts. Remember, if the shortcut was the best way, it would not be a shortcut. The devil will not help us at all in the long run, if you look at things from the eternal perspective. That is what we need to keep in mind every time he tempts us. And doing the right thing in the end will be far easier than if we tried the devil’s shortcuts. We have to remember that what the devil offers us will pale in comparison to what God has to offer us and that the way of the devil will cause us more pain here on Earth and a lot more pain after we leave Earth. If we keep that in mind, it makes it ever so much easier to fight off the Devil and his temptations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The temptation of Jesus is no different than the Devil’s attempt to tempt us! The Devil never delivers what we need, only what we, in our imperfection, want. This is where knowing the difference between our wants and needs will really put us on course for salvation. If we recognize that his temptations are preying on our desire for our wants, we can shut down the temptation by focusing on what we need. He can’t understand what we really need, he only knows what we want. This is an advantage we have over him. We understand what we truly need; if we remember it, then holding off against the temptations is easier. Remember<span style="color: #262626;"> as little as the Devil understands of Christ, the same way, as we are in God, so he understands little of us. He will never offer you real help. Remember that and the temptation is ever so much less.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626;">Or, as my grandfather said, “Keep your eye on the donut, not on the hole”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">There is but one way to heaven.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">That easy to find, easy to follow, easy to hike path does not lead to the summit where eternal life in the real world awaits. Open your heart to the Holy Ghost, use His Power to follow our Lord to God who awaits in heaven.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: start;"></span></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></b></p></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-20890454925773129472024-02-11T09:55:00.000-08:002024-02-11T09:55:45.375-08:00Quinquagesima - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwDb8xppo7icHUPBziqH8tqS2mBpbWGzkbs_o5TAFUVUUrUVWMHJazKB7NJOd8kleuZuBEVhBmMaHzZhsysKiEsUD6X8Ys1JXbMPYD7GbZjHWPOAS21YMdZLqzBJzIYMBmLn7sa1szJggkcz8QOS6eGwtFiHm-8sBZzBztzta8bup9vubEHB-ByBmpC_M/s492/Charity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="492" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwDb8xppo7icHUPBziqH8tqS2mBpbWGzkbs_o5TAFUVUUrUVWMHJazKB7NJOd8kleuZuBEVhBmMaHzZhsysKiEsUD6X8Ys1JXbMPYD7GbZjHWPOAS21YMdZLqzBJzIYMBmLn7sa1szJggkcz8QOS6eGwtFiHm-8sBZzBztzta8bup9vubEHB-ByBmpC_M/w400-h265/Charity.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/ZpNUhtyjwyI" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/ZpNUhtyjwyI" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/ZpNUhtyjwyI</a></span><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share the common message of action as we prepare for the real meaning of Lent, which itself is a season of preparation. </span></span>In the Collect, we acknowledge to God that if we have not charity, nothing we do is worth anything; we then ask Him to send the Holy Ghost into our hearts with the precious gift of charity. What is charity? The Epistle and Gospel come together to give you an understanding of just why charity is so very important. <span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Propers for today are found on Page 122-124, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Sunday called Quinquagesima, or the<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sunday next before before Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #a10e9f; font-size: 30.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">O<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b> LORD </b>who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth; Send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee. Grant this for thine only Son Jesus Christ’s sake. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Epistle for today came from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, the Thirteenth Chapter, beginning at the First Verse. Paul talks of charity<a href="applewebdata://58F5CC96-926F-4072-A6E8-60C8E1993544#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a>, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” Paul goes on to say that no matter what you do, if in your heart you have not that love for others, it is all to naught. Our understanding here on earth is limited, we will never here see the fullness of God’s plan, yet the part most clear is the love we must have one for another, to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, for no reason other than we know that is right so to do. Paul uses the phraseology “through a glass, darkly”, which is very interesting inasmuch as CS Lewis uses a variation to describe earth as compared to heaven. He calls the earth The Shadowlands and says in heaven all is clear and bright, not dark and muddled as here on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #a10e9f; font-size: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">T<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>HOUGH</b> I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Holy Gospel for today came from the Gospel of Saint Luke, the Eighteenth Chapter beginning at the Thirty-First Verse. The Gospel starts out telling of Jesus’ trying to prepare his disciples for what was to come, and they could not grasp it: “Then Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” The Gospel goes on to tell of Jesus’ healing of a blind man near Jericho, “And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way-side begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you take nothing else from today’s Gospel, take this – Faith will save you. After you are saved, you need to act on your faith. The order is clear.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #a10e9f; font-size: 31pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">W<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>HEN</b> Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, <span style="color: red;">Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again</span>. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the wayside begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, saying, <span style="color: red;">What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? </span>And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, <span style="color: red;">Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.</span> And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br clear="all" /></span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="applewebdata://58F5CC96-926F-4072-A6E8-60C8E1993544#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 11pt;">Charity - Love; universal benevolence; good will; the word which properly denotes love. Properly understood the Love of God, that perfect love, to which man should aspire. [1913 Webster]</span><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bishop Jack Arnold<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Training and Education Department<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Diocese of the West<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack brings</span> the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack</span><span style="color: #333333;">’</span><span style="color: #333333;">s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/ZpNUhtyjwyI" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><a href="https://youtu.be/ZpNUhtyjwyI" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/ZpNUhtyjwyI</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd9leu3C_WcvoDu2s5BHQX9yQwkuX2Qz_wEcXWraOhI9A9Im970a5ijeUZ970d4fJfanVqLnBY6uJwbdnx4Rb1ZI7kXZQ2q3yLDHbRFE-swz6wpZWqICJ0ivgT4Ga_X8cKJkPKR-qUVnBiVcGi_0CO0OgIu1O__fZFfRGZhg_iumFXrEzw8Bb9ynfOVyz/s1350/240211%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1046" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd9leu3C_WcvoDu2s5BHQX9yQwkuX2Qz_wEcXWraOhI9A9Im970a5ijeUZ970d4fJfanVqLnBY6uJwbdnx4Rb1ZI7kXZQ2q3yLDHbRFE-swz6wpZWqICJ0ivgT4Ga_X8cKJkPKR-qUVnBiVcGi_0CO0OgIu1O__fZFfRGZhg_iumFXrEzw8Bb9ynfOVyz/w155-h200/240211%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas><v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:path></span></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 189.9pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 323.9pt; margin-top: 4.25pt; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 147.1pt; z-index: 252340224;" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:////Users/haparnold/Library/Group%20Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/TemporaryItems/msohtmlclip/clip_image001.jpg"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><w:wrap type="square"></w:wrap></span></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">’</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share the common message of action as we prepare for the real meaning of Lent, which itself is a season of preparation. Let us start by reading today</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">’</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">s Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Sunday called Quinquagesima, or the<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sunday next before before Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #a10e9f; font-size: 30.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">O<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b> LORD </b>who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth; Send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee. Grant this for thine only Son Jesus Christ’s sake. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Consider these words from the Collect:<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">… that all our doings without charity are nothing worth; Send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity …<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In the Collect, we acknowledge to God that if we have not charity, nothing we do is worth anything; we then ask Him to send the Holy Ghost into our hearts with the precious gift of charity. Webster tells us that Charity <i>is love; universal benevolence; good will; the word which properly denotes love</i>. What it really means is <i>Love in Action</i>! Like many areas of our Christian development, we will never fully get there. But if we never try to put Love into action, we will never even get close to getting there. The key words are <i>in action</i>. Meaning we just can’t think about loving people, we actually have to go out and do actions showing that we really do love them, not just say it. Just saying we love them does not mean as much as performing actions that show we actually love them. Without the love in our hearts, nothing we do here has any meaning, our actions would be meaningless without love in our hearts for God and our fellow human beings and creatures. We must strive to incorporate love for God and others in our actions. We must allow the Holy Ghost into our hearts to allow us to have that love.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Charity is the purest form of love there is and derives from God’s love for us. Without God’s love in us, we cannot hope to have any form of charity towards our fellow humans. God has given us love to enable us to act on His behalf here on this Earth. Without the love that God gives us, we cannot hope to be able to perform good works for Him. We are naturally not very loving beings, actually we are very sinful and angry creatures. We need to ask God to enter into our hearts and shine His Light in and replace our negative emotions with positive emotions such as His Love. Unlike our natural emotions, Love is not selfish or wasteful, but kind and abundant. We are to be agents of good change, not bad; with Charity, we will act with love towards one another. With charity in our hearts, we will be agents for change of good. These are qualities that are not naturally part of our sinful nature. If we do not have love in our hearts towards one another, how can we expect to be able to effect positive change on the world around us?<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In connection with the Collect which talks about one who is brought before God without love in his heart is a dead person. And not just in eternity but in life, a person with no love is a dead person walking. Paul makes this very point in his Epistle, saying that no matter what talents we have, without the Love of God in our hearts, it is all for naught. You can be the best in your profession or have a super unique talent, but in the end if we do not have the Love of God in our hearts, our talents are ultimately wasted. We need to ask God to send that Love into our hearts that we might be inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit and His Love to act for Him. We cannot do anything for God without that Love in our hearts. We must have the Love in us, brought to us by the Holy Spirit, in order to be effective in our ministerial efforts. He is the reason we are here in this life and He is the one we must <i>act</i> for. It must be clear to us our understanding here on earth is limited, while here we will never see the fullness of God’s Plan; yet the part most clear is the love we are to have one for another, to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, for no reason other than we know it is right so to do. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Having Love in our hearts is a must if we are to perform actions for Him here in this world. In order to have love in our hearts, we must be open to the Holy Spirit. Only then can we truly receive His Love to spread around. And do not fret, there is an unlimited supply of love for everyone. When Paul talks about God’s great plans, he uses the phraseology “through a glass, darkly”, which is very interesting inasmuch as CS Lewis uses a variation to describe earth as compared to heaven. He calls earth The Shadowlands and says in heaven all is clear and bright, not dark and muddled as here on earth. So, here our understanding is limited, it will not always be so. That will be fulfilled when we pass those Pearly Gates into heaven, and in order to do that, we have to have faith, and act in good works with charity. <span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As they were coming in to Jericho, Jesus told the disciples of what was to come, yet they could not grasp their leader would submit to such treatment on their behalf. One of the reasons they could not grasp it is that they did not yet have the Holy Spirit in their heart to help grasp the words that Jesus spoke. In their minds He was the Conqueror; in a sense they were right, He came to conquer death for us, not the Roman Empire. He had the Love of God with Him and He loved us so much that He would die a painful method of execution and go into Satan’s realm in order to free us from the terrible wages of sin, that of death. As they went along, they encountered the blind man who was, like many of us are, blind. His blindness was of eye, not heart, he knew the power of God and of love. The blind man who wanted his sight and knew Jesus had The Power. He cried unto the Lord and was rebuffed by His People. This is the key and it applies to us as well. Did he give up? No, he cried the more. We are like the blind man in that our sin blinds from seeing what we could be with the help of the Holy Ghost. We must cry out for Jesus to enter into our hearts, souls and minds and lead a transformation of our minds to serve Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When Jesus heard him, he turned and asked what the man wanted. MY SIGHT! No generalizations, no beating about. The blind man asked of Him what he truly wanted. <i>Ask and it shall be given unto you</i>. He lacked sight, not vision. Nor, it might be added, did he lack faith. We should ask God to have to sight and hearing that we might see, hear and act upon the Word. To some, the faith he had might seem a blind faith, but it was one he acted on and gained what he lacked. Will we have the faith to act?<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 5.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">True love is Faith, Hope, Charity<a href="applewebdata://0038F671-637D-474D-A343-7AE81798A45D#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 5.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">There is but one way to heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 5.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">That easy to find, easy to follow, easy to hike path does not lead to the summit where eternal life in the real world awaits. Open your heart to the Holy Ghost, use His Power to follow our Lord to God who awaits in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 5.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 5.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br clear="all" /></span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="applewebdata://0038F671-637D-474D-A343-7AE81798A45D#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">The three Gloster Gladiator fighters <i>Faith</i>, <i>Hope</i> and <i>Charity</i> defended Malta against the Italian Air Force during the early part of the siege of Malta in World War II. Legend has it all three persisted and of the three, <i>Charity</i> never failed.</span></span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-37230925938181608822024-02-04T12:56:00.000-08:002024-02-04T12:56:07.074-08:00Sexagesima - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ0tttLeqNvF4V0oJjS_hq4reJqo0WMjR6Zr964iwZps70rcl77Ty-94QUqQEQnW7CKvsArdODKHXa2GPXqDS60s2GanwW3TUsMTYFUKaFtVEUWnsRwNE7shP209QNeEr3SzZKZPx7bNaU1nwANL13ZYeXJ21Mhp2nTaT-fQorLmzi_Wc43BrZUphf7LOL" style="color: purple; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="800" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ0tttLeqNvF4V0oJjS_hq4reJqo0WMjR6Zr964iwZps70rcl77Ty-94QUqQEQnW7CKvsArdODKHXa2GPXqDS60s2GanwW3TUsMTYFUKaFtVEUWnsRwNE7shP209QNeEr3SzZKZPx7bNaU1nwANL13ZYeXJ21Mhp2nTaT-fQorLmzi_Wc43BrZUphf7LOL=w400-h204" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/OTF7EH6mTJM" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/OTF7EH6mTJM" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/OTF7EH6mTJM</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share the common message of action as we prepare for the real meaning of Lent, which itself is a season of preparation. </span></span>In the Collect, we tell God we put our trust for eternal life not in our actions, but in His Power. For, only He has the capability to actually protect that which is truly important to us, our eternal souls. When Paul writes to the people of Corinth, he tells them to get a grip on who they are and what is important and it is not them. When Jesus relates the well known Parable of the Sower, which might be better referred to as the Parable of the Four Soils, for the seeds were all alike, that naturally brings up the subject of weeding and feeding. <span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Propers for today are found on Page 120-122, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">The Sunday called Sexagesima, or the<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">second Sunday before Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.35pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #bf11be; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <b>LORD </b>God, who seest that we put not our trust in any thing that we do; Mercifully grant that by thy power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Epistle came from the Eleventh Chapter of Saint Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians beginning at the Nineteenth Verse. Paul reminds us salvation, honor and glory come not from what we do or have done, but rather from God. Paul, who as Saul, had been a super star on his way to being the number one rabbi in the Hebrew nation, he was more learned, more vigorous in following the law, more vocal in all things. When he “saw the light” and converted, he took that same approach to Christianity. No one was more in any thing than he. He had been the best of the worst and the best of the best. Now he was aware of how short he himself fell. More importantly, he was keenly aware of the saving perfection of Christ.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">No one did more than Paul, yet he counseled all to take comfort and pride in God, not themselves. Do your best and look towards God.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #bf11be; font-size: 31pt;">Y<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">E suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Holy Gospel for today came from the Eighth Chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke<b> </b>beginning at the Fourth Verse and tells the well known Parable of the Sower, which might be better referred to as the Parable of the Four Soils, for the seeds were all alike.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">A sower scatters seed on to four different types of soil. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span dir="LTR"></span>Hard ground<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span dir="LTR"></span>Stony ground<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span dir="LTR"></span>Thorny ground<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span dir="LTR"></span>Good ground<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Hard ground “by the way side” prevents the seed from sprouting at all, and the seed becomes nothing more than bird food. Stony ground provides enough soil for the seeds to germinate and begin to grow, but because there is “no deepness of earth,” the plants do not take root and are soon withered in the sun. Thorny ground allows the seed to grow, but competing thorns choke the life out of the good plants. Good ground receives the seed and produces much fruit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Jesus explains the seed is The Word. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Hard ground represents someone so hardened by sin that though he hears he cannot understand the Word. Thus, Satan can pluck the message away, keeping the heart dull and preventing the Word from making an impression.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Stony ground represents those who hear and express delight in The Word, but do not change to live The Word. When trouble arises, they abandon their faith.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Thorny ground represents one who hears and receives The Word, but who does not connect to it and whose heart is full of riches, pleasures, and lusts. The effort that should by rights given The Word are given to the things of this world and he has no time for The Word.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Good ground represents he who hears, understands, and implements The Word. Thus, The Word can work its wonders in his life and that person gains salvation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Word is there. We may hear it. We may take it in our heart. The benefit comes only when we take it in our heart and act on it. At that point, The Word is acting in our lives and salvation is in hand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #bf11be; font-size: 31pt;">W<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">HEN much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: <span style="color: red;">A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way-side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold.</span>And when he had said these things, he cried, <span style="color: red;">He that hath ears to hear, let him hear</span>. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, <span style="color: red;">Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way-side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Bishop Jack Arnold</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Training and Education Department</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Diocese of the West</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack brings</span> the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/OTF7EH6mTJM" style="color: purple;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/OTF7EH6mTJM" style="color: purple;">https://youtu.be/OTF7EH6mTJM</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHz4ZJUVABHpWfKge5beKNR2l2cHTMnmXlhfGfjftNYYGjavda5FCI7DFMIzHasKzhePoYP2nq9AY7YaUo1EO1gubXD7yNsfirEcIN0jFjJR6SpZQafXIzkiy-F50Oa8Uz55M9bdVwQlpeIB4Yar5rLV1hUKpBub9JncyOBMBKTHLqyETUvv15jFkffLT/s1362/240204%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: purple; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="972" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHz4ZJUVABHpWfKge5beKNR2l2cHTMnmXlhfGfjftNYYGjavda5FCI7DFMIzHasKzhePoYP2nq9AY7YaUo1EO1gubXD7yNsfirEcIN0jFjJR6SpZQafXIzkiy-F50Oa8Uz55M9bdVwQlpeIB4Yar5rLV1hUKpBub9JncyOBMBKTHLqyETUvv15jFkffLT/s320/240204%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share the common message of action as we prepare for the real meaning of Lent, which itself is a season of preparation. Let us start by reading today’s Collect:<p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">The Sunday called Sexagesima, or the<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">second Sunday before Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.35pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #bf11be; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <b>LORD </b>God, who seest that we put not our trust in any thing that we do; Mercifully grant that by thy power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Think about these words:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">…put not our trust in any thing that we do; … by thy power we may be defended against all adversity …<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">In the Collect, we tell God we put our trust for eternal life not in our actions, but in His Power. We do this because we know that by our own selves we cannot obtain eternal life. Hence the “we put not our trust in anything we do.” We cannot trust anything we do without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There is only one person who can help us achieve that and that is God. Thus that requires that we put our trust in His Power and not our selves. If we do this, then we must do as He asks us. For, to make trust in His Power rational, we must follow His Directions. We cannot trust our own sense of direction for spiritual matters; but must look to Our Heavenly Father for guidance. If we do not follow His Direction then we are surely going be just as lost as before we accepted Him into our hearts. The whole point of this collect is that we cannot rely on ourselves to get through the trials and tribulations of this life but that we need to rely on God and the Holy Spirit. With their help what seems impossible for us can and will become very possible, if we will let him into our hearts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Collect also goes on to explain this. It tells us that His Power is the only real power which can help us in times of trial and tribulation. His Power will protect our souls. We cannot protect our souls on our own, left to our own devices, we will surely fail. This is why we need God’s help. With God’s Help we will not fail but we will succeed. Our bodies may get beaten and bruised but if we trust in Him and let Him into our hearts, our souls will be intact. Our souls being intact is more important than our physical bodies, as our physical bodies are temporary but our souls are eternal. The key is that we to rely on His counsel and judgement. It is the only power which will give us comfort in times of adversity and strength to get through those times. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Recognizing that God has the power to help us overcome adversity is key. If we can recognize that then we are doing well. Of our own volition we can sometimes overcome physical adversity, but never spiritual. However with God’s help we can overcome both the physical and spiritual adversity. He will never fail to help us, we just have to listen to what He says and then act upon His Counsel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Paul tells the Corinthians whatever they have suffered there compares nothing to what he has suffered for Christ in all of his labourings, watchings and fastings. Yet this is not his main point, which is in all of these sufferings he always drew on the power of the Holy Spirit and used the sufferings for God’s glory and not for his. Paul was transformed by the Holy Spirit from being one of the chief persecutors of the Church to being one of the main emissaries on earth for the Church. He is not bragging when he tells them of what he suffered, however, he is meaning to say he got through these hard times with God’s help and also to bring glory and point the way to God and His Son Jesus Christ. His point is if God helped him get through all of this turbulent and troubled experience, God can and will help us through these times too if we will but let Him. He told them of all of his sufferings so that they will understand that if they ever have to undergo such horrible events, God will be there for them and assist them in their trials and tribulations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The main point is that He cannot help us if we do not let Him, so let us make sure we are opening our hearts to His Guidance. We have to willingly allow Him in. He will not force His way into our hearts, we have to willingly open them for Him to enter. We will be a much happier people if we do this.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">This point brings us right in to the well known Parable of the Sower, which might be better referred to as the Parable of the Four Soils, for the seeds were all alike. <span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Like the seed sown by the sower, The Word is spread throughout the world for all to hear and act on:<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Yet, some will not even hear The Word (Hard ground);<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 6.5pt;"> </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Others will hear, act quickly and abandon God’s help at the first sign of adversity (Stony ground);<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Still others will hear The Word, but The Word is overtaken by the “pleasures” of this world and is choked out by them. Like the line from the Bible, where your money is, that is your worldly effort, there is the evidence of your heart. The temptation of this world is great, the reward from God is far greater, but you have to look long term;<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Finally, we come to those who accept and act on The Word, like the one seed growing into a great plant bearing its fruit, the rewards are manifold, though the effort is also great, the end reward far greater. For the seed to grow to full fruition and glory, with its manifold blessings, it must have the ground prepared, carefully tended against encroachment of the evil weeds, it must be continually watered by the life blood of those around it. There is much effort required on our part, but the ultimate reward is so much greater.<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">While we are on the subject, consider the issue of weeding. In order for a garden to thrive, you need to consistently pull the weeds from the garden, otherwise the weeds will choke and kill the good plants. That is why we must always be wary of the world’s influence on the church and work to weed out that influence, so it does not choke the Biblical truths believed for over two millennia by Christians. In order to do this, we need to work hand in hand with our fellow believers to weed out any worldly influence or trouble within the church. This is why it is best that believers attend a Bible believing Church, where they can get valuable friendship and from that friendship, spiritual mentoring for their day to day lives. This is where the modern church has largely failed, not rooting out the weeds within the church but rather allowed them to prosper so that they choke the teachings of Scripture and give way to wordly teachigs. We must not allow this to happen. <span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">So, think about this, we need to understand eternal life and indeed on a shorter term, happiness in our life here, comes not from our self-directed actions, but those of God and our action following His direction. The sooner we understand this and act upon this concept, the happier as a people we will be. We need to understand the implications of following our self-directed action, which if we follow, we will find death and misery awaiting us. However, if we put our trust in Him and follow His commands, all will be well with us and our souls. Understanding the difference between the two will help you prepare yourself for a happier physical and spiritual life. Do your best and look towards God for the Light to illuminate your path. If you prepare your heart, as the farmer prepares the field, root out the forces of this world as the farmer roots out weeds, cultivate the good given by God, water your heart with His Water, your life will be manifold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is by our actions we are known!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God</b></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-57679342545484209892024-01-28T18:57:00.000-08:002024-01-28T18:57:02.024-08:00 Septuagesima - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwpHJBoAm9NGzUPVruogkWCjTFXGouLXCRfStOQ2af3XLFdBLN-VN1xoYJKZIiyBEJNYvgNerolRWWdIXp8VN0W9Z-oFGKpmPGKHhN0cGJ9G5-hw_t_pHYRQdLJYsDZAyaWTqofFmGRmSM78BOu1Ios62r68ERMbUwR9Qp-my_-SGMXceqft55nOXEf6NF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img alt="" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="3000" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwpHJBoAm9NGzUPVruogkWCjTFXGouLXCRfStOQ2af3XLFdBLN-VN1xoYJKZIiyBEJNYvgNerolRWWdIXp8VN0W9Z-oFGKpmPGKHhN0cGJ9G5-hw_t_pHYRQdLJYsDZAyaWTqofFmGRmSM78BOu1Ios62r68ERMbUwR9Qp-my_-SGMXceqft55nOXEf6NF=w400-h175" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/Xp5_NrDuJ5s" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <o:p></o:p><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Xp5_NrDuJ5s">https://youtu.be/Xp5_NrDuJ5s</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);">’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share the common message of action as we celebrate the revealing of our Lord to the world. </span></span>In the Collect, we ask God who knows we should be “…justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour …” To get into heaven we need to be accounted as perfect. The answer is in the sermon. What Paul speaks of in his Epistle is the great reward we receive for holding steady to that course which God has set for us. The Gospel for today, the very important parable of the vineyard, also gives us very good advice on the conduct of our daily lives and contains a crucial key to happiness. Tbere is also a lesson for interacting with others as the join the Army of God.<span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Propers for today are found on Page 118-120, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">The Sunday called Septuagesima, or the<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">third Sunday before Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b> LORD</b>, we beseech thee favourably to hear the prayers of thy people; that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Epistle for today came from the Ninth Chapter of the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians beginning at the Twenty-Fourth Verse. Paul tells us that we must strive for mastery over ourselves so that we can gain the crown of eternal life offered us at great cost by our Lord Jesus Christ. We must each do our own personal best to control our own actions and behavior so we can follow God’s Plan for each of us. We must be bold and certain in our actions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 31.5pt;">K<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>NOW</b> ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Holy Gospel for today came from the Twentieth Chapter of the Gospel of Saint Matthew<b> </b>beginning at the First Verse. Often quoted, this is the very important parable of the vineyard. While it appears to be principally directed towards Christians wanting to be “first” in importance and the like, it has a more direct meaning. It is a fine lesson in “buyer’s remorse” or coveting of jobs or similar concepts. If you got a good deal, it does not change because someone else got a “better” deal. Take what you got, go forth and be happy. Other meanings abound. For a very direct application, what this means is “cradle” Christians are no more likely to go to heaven than this morning’s convert. They just get to enjoy the Christian experience longer. One note, if you wait until the last minute to join the gang, your time here might end before you get around to it. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Sometimes people act like being a Christian is an unpleasant experience that they will do when they get a round tuit. It is not. Christians aren’t perfect, they just have more fun being imperfect and imperfectly trying to improve! Anyway, here is the Gospel according to Saint Matthew:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 31.5pt;">T<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>HE</b> <span style="color: red;">kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Training and Education Department</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Diocese of the West</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/Xp5_NrDuJ5s" style="color: purple;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><a href="https://youtu.be/Xp5_NrDuJ5s" style="color: purple;">https://youtu.be/Xp5_NrDuJ5s</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCauI7GPE0smiG4x9eDeli60V4ro-0ivdmjDs0RFnWwF_r7aRfMd-4cqrAiBP5QmP0RMSF1hNz26QvL03urSiTW8ekkOzGo_sOuWRqq47K6WSWhpThw2vThT5Evmj5h0bC7UzAHAGphXFWjkapcpGvs7lrUYLu0nYjPcRxjGoyxmeWoRjE6iP2EejgmcN/s1408/240128%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1026" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCauI7GPE0smiG4x9eDeli60V4ro-0ivdmjDs0RFnWwF_r7aRfMd-4cqrAiBP5QmP0RMSF1hNz26QvL03urSiTW8ekkOzGo_sOuWRqq47K6WSWhpThw2vThT5Evmj5h0bC7UzAHAGphXFWjkapcpGvs7lrUYLu0nYjPcRxjGoyxmeWoRjE6iP2EejgmcN/s320/240128%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share the common message of action as we celebrate the revealing of our Lord to the world.</span> <span class="MsoHyperlink"> Let us start by reading today’s Collect</span><span class="MsoHyperlink">:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">The Sunday called Septuagesima, or the<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">third Sunday before Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b> LORD</b>, we beseech thee favourably to hear the prayers of thy people; that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Think about these words:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">… we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness …<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">In the Collect, we ask God who knows we should be “…justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour …” To get into heaven we need to be accounted as perfect. Yet, we cannot be “cured” of sin nor “improved” to perfection. So how do we solve this irregularity? We know we ourselves cannot solve our dilemma. Who can? There is a solution for us! Consider the words of John Newton<a href="applewebdata://ECB38367-0A90-4A56-879F-08B1DA8DB2FE#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> near the end of his life, “<i>Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior!</i>” The answer lies in the latter part of Newton’s quote. Jesus is the answer to this great dilemma. Our sins would be justly punished by eternal damnation, yet there is hope in our Lord. He brought us this hope by His Death upon the Cross and delivered it in the Resurrection. Without His Sacrifice one time for all mankind, there would be no hope for our eternal future. But Jesus is our hope for that eternal future. It was this goodness that the collect talks about, His Sacrifice that has delivered us from our just punishment of eternal death. Now that we have been delivered, we just have to do our best to follow His commandments and to stay the course He has set for our lives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">What Paul speaks of in his Epistle is the great reward we receive for holding steady to that course which God has set for us. For eternal salvation is the delivery promised to each of us by Jesus. God does not promise us an easy life here on Earth, there will be many trials and tribulations set before us. These obstacles are all part of the race that we have to run. But while running the race, we have to remember the reward for holding steady to that course will make undergoing all the trials and tribulations worth it. We will undergo many triumphs and tribulations, we will make mistakes (some bigger than others, hopefully non life altering) and learn from them, our life will ebb and flow like the waves but as long as we stay the course, then all will be well. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Make no mistake, like a marathon, this run requires frequent training in the Scriptures and acting upon the concepts in Scriptures. And like marathon runners, we receive a wonderful prize. Unlike marathon runners in which only the top few get the prize, it is available to us that run and successfully complete the race (by holding true to the concepts in scripture) However, it is a prize that has value beyond anything on Earth. The prize is for the promise of an eternal, unending life, to be spent with our Lord and Savior Jesus. It is for the promise of a world unaffected by the tarnish of sin, unblackened by the sinful deeds of imperfect beings. It is an unshadowed world. It shall be true happiness at last, to meet with our beloved family, our Christian heavenly family, friends and beloved pets. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Eternal salvation is a far more priceless treasure than anything we could acquire on Earth, truly priceless except for the death of our Saviour and resurrection. That is the only price involved with our eternal freedom. As the saying goes, there is no free lunch. Eternal life does not come to us without cost. The cost was Jesus’ one time sacrifice for all time for all mankind. Keep the eyes on the prize, as it were! And realize that prize does not come free. We have to run the race set before us and follow Jesus in order to receive our prize of eternal life. We have to be constantly focusing on this fact. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">When times get really hard, and it is tempting to give up sometimes; that is when we must redouble our efforts and focus our end goal, remaining on the path towards Heaven. There will be times when we get very discouraged but we must not give up! We must remember the reward we will receive in the end and keep our eyes focused on our goal of finishing the race that is set before us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Our eyes should be focused on the finish line, not our “competition.” We have a tendency to compare ourselves to the competition but in this case it is not helpful. Comparing ourselves to others gains us nothing. What we really need to do instead is to focus on how we are doing and compare it to the guidebook of Holy Scriptures and evaluate our performance. The Holy Scriptures are a much better comparison point and will paint us a more accurate picture of our performance and compliance or non compliance with Scripture. If we are lacking, we just make the needed adjustments until we are in compliance with scriptures.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">So how do we run the race? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">With our eyes focused tightly on the finish line, not on those around us, wondering are they doing ‘better’ than we are? That is not a useful question. Christianity is not about competition, about bbetingeing other people to the finish line. In fact, it is about helping others around us to the finish line to the best of our abilities, if they are willing to let us help them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The useful question is, “Am I doing the best I can?” We have to answer that question; if we are not doing our best, then we need to change it. Think of how we can do our best and then set our course to do that. And, we must remember this is a Team Effort. We have to want to win, and in order to win the race set before us; we have to perform actions. Action must first start with our neighbors and work our way outward. We cannot affect the whole world, but if we each work together on our part of the world and work for their, we can change the world. However, it must be a team effort, we cannot all do it alone. We need each and every person in our Team to put aside any potential grudges and work together for Him so that we can advance His Cause here on Earth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">How do we ensure we are in compliance with Scriptures after we read them? Action of course! Acting is the best visible proof to others that we do indeed have faith. Faith without any sort of actions is a false faith. But if we have faith with action backing it up then we have the true faith. It is not good enough to just read the Word, we need to read what the Word says and then put it into action in our own lives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Gospel for today, the very important parable of the vineyard, also gives us very good advice on the conduct of our daily lives and contains a crucial key to happiness. There is the lesson that the deathbed conversion gains the same prize of eternal life as the lifelong follower, but there is a lot more in it for everyday life. A person who comes to Christ late in life receives the same eternal benefits as a person who followed Christ from the age of reason. And that there is no need for any jealousy between a lifelong Christian and one who comes to Christ late in life. They both will receive the same reward for following Christ if they stay the course, so there should be no reason for the life long Christian to lord how long he has been a Christian over the other person.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is a fine lesson in “buyer’s remorse” or coveting of jobs or similar concepts. If you got a good deal, it does not change because someone else got a “better” deal. Take what you got, go forth and be happy. Don’t complain because somebody else got the same deal as you did sooner. One meaning of this parable is that “cradle” Christians are no more likely to go to heaven than this morning’s convert. They just get to enjoy the Christian experience longer. However, you should not wait until the last minute to join the gang, your time here might end before you get around to it. So, don’t wait until tomorrow to act, do it today while you still have time!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Sometimes people act like being a Christian is an unpleasant experience that they will do when they get a round TUIT. It is not. Christians aren’t perfect, they just have more fun being imperfect and imperfectly trying to improve!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Christ gave us eternal life. But, we have to accept it. Once you accept it, start living as if you will live forever. You will; and you will have to live with your actions forever! So, Act early and Act often! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">There is but one way to heaven.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">That easy to find, easy to follow, easy to hike downhill path does not lead to the summit where eternal life in the real world awaits. Open your heart to the Holy Ghost, use His Power to follow our Lord to God who awaits in heaven.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"></span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><a href="applewebdata://ECB38367-0A90-4A56-879F-08B1DA8DB2FE#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">John Newton; 4 August 1725 – 21 December 1807) was an English Anglican cleric, a captain of slave ships who later became an abolitionist, and an investor of trade. He served as a sailor in the Royal Navy for a period after forced recruitment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Newton went to sea at a young age and worked on slave ships in the slave trade for several years. In 1745, he himself became a slave of Princess Peye, a woman of the Sherbro people. He was rescued, returned to sea and the trade, becoming Captain of several slave ships. After retiring from active sea-faring, he continued to invest in the slave trade. Some years after experiencing a conversion to Christianity, Newton later renounced his trade and became a prominent supporter of abolitionism. Now an evangelical, he was ordained as a Church of England cleric and served as parish priest at Olney, Buckinghamshire, for two decades. He also wrote hymns, the most well known beng "Amazing Grace"</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-11023394729205221992024-01-21T11:22:00.000-08:002024-01-21T11:22:51.230-08:00Third Sunday after The Epiphany - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p> <span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZHn3NJPjEtr5EiyEGFPTZ4A0J6eyDIQ0RjAjS7VnsgM5620gTcdsy1KPBO51D0SE8a2_d9s_TcHVpXJMIOanxiOhSwxL3R5GMzvyIhCmf5MuhWr3IPM2OWptCbwWsb_h1-IJEvdCxZGE9njrh8wUje2-5NG2oDhDU7BioZcR6mEMOgvHp2dOMu1xuujA5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="566" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZHn3NJPjEtr5EiyEGFPTZ4A0J6eyDIQ0RjAjS7VnsgM5620gTcdsy1KPBO51D0SE8a2_d9s_TcHVpXJMIOanxiOhSwxL3R5GMzvyIhCmf5MuhWr3IPM2OWptCbwWsb_h1-IJEvdCxZGE9njrh8wUje2-5NG2oDhDU7BioZcR6mEMOgvHp2dOMu1xuujA5=w377-h400" width="377" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video <a href="https://youtu.be/T3pWOVqR4p8" target="_blank">HERE</a> -> <a href="https://youtu.be/T3pWOVqR4p8" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/T3pWOVqR4p8</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bishop Jack’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share the common message of action as we celebrate the revealing of our Lord to the world. In the Collect, we are asking God to set aside our failures and protect and aid us in all we do with His strong hand. God is perfect, thus so is His counsel. In the Epistle, Paul counsels us to not repay our fellow men’s evil with evil but to do right as much as possible in a given circumstances. The Gospel provides a great example of how our God is a God of Action. Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Propers for today are found on Page 112-113, with the Collect first:<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Third Sunday after The Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e4c348; font-size: 31pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>LMIGHTY</b> and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Epistle for today came from the Twelfth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans beginning at the Sixteenth Verse.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Epistle shows the way to Christian action in life. Paul lays out a hard path, but one that goes where we want to be in the end.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #e4c348; font-size: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">B<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>E</b> not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Holy Gospel for today came from the Second Chapter of the Gospel of St. John beginning at the First Verse. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #e4c348; font-size: 31pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>ND</b> the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, <span style="color: red;">Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come</span>. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, <span style="color: red;">Fill the water-pots with water</span>. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, <span style="color: red;">Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast</span>. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Training and Education Department<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Diocese of the West<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/T3pWOVqR4p8" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><o:p></o:p><a href="https://youtu.be/T3pWOVqR4p8" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/T3pWOVqR4p8</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share the common message of action as we celebrate the revealing of our Lord to the world.</span> <span class="MsoHyperlink"> Let us start by reading today’s collect:<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Aot_VKfnvaZxYjzF7lOP3mUaT1f-dvpeMfW-1wfxG5xBipTojmjxi2lWhcyy7E3rfXIJy1Epw1bhqYZYnCbqFjuL8nEBv5btvTeR335mb90nqEu5d6pPZZspG_wZBEQWibfi7YROQ_Q6CPlPAKRFN6biEpzRA5NqSZ8rwkzQ87n8zr8RwXmaz6tyR9Hp/s1252/240121%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="924" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Aot_VKfnvaZxYjzF7lOP3mUaT1f-dvpeMfW-1wfxG5xBipTojmjxi2lWhcyy7E3rfXIJy1Epw1bhqYZYnCbqFjuL8nEBv5btvTeR335mb90nqEu5d6pPZZspG_wZBEQWibfi7YROQ_Q6CPlPAKRFN6biEpzRA5NqSZ8rwkzQ87n8zr8RwXmaz6tyR9Hp/s320/240121%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="236" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />The Third Sunday after The Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e4c348; font-size: 31pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>LMIGHTY</b> and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">… mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us …<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In the Collect, we are asking God to set aside our failures and protect and aid us in all we do with His strong hand. God is perfect, thus so is His counsel. When we acknowledge our imperfection and ask Him for help, we should look to the written record of His Son, our Savior; the ultimate example of perfection and we should be doing do our best to follow Him, by being honest, hard working, peaceful and helpful. When we do this, we will prosper; not only in this world, but in our hearts. It will not only improve our own lives as a result but of those around us. This is a winning situation for everybody! When we pray for His Help, we need to listen for the answer, then act on it, not ignore it because it is not the answer we wanted. This is a very common theme throughout the collects and by extension, the Bible. As we have always the same problems, we have the same need, which is to turn to God for help! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In the Epistle, Paul counsels us to not repay our fellow men’s evil with evil but to do right as much as possible in a given circumstances. This is another concept that is easier said than done but it is something that must be done all the same. Repaying evil with evil only makes situations worse, not better and that is something we need to realize. If we do right in a given situation, then it will be on the other person for acting poorly and not us. He also says that God will reap vengeance on evildoers and it is not for us to deal vengeance out. He also says we need to be honest and forthright in all our dealings as is befitting our children of God status. He points out if we give kindness and honesty even to those who we do not like or get along with, that will be truly more satisfying for us then any kind of imperfect revenge or sabotage we can come up with. It will in the end be on their own heads for refusing our hospitality and kindly actions. He says we are to live peaceably with all men for as much as lieth within us. This does not mean we should be doormats, but rather we should treat our neighbors kindly up until they point they attempt to take our things or our lives, at that point we can do what is needed to defend ourselves from the threat. But other than that, we are to treat our neighbors the way we would like to be treated. This follow’s Jesus “Love they neighbor as thyself commandment.” And it shows that we are to treat all of our neighbors and fellow humans this way to the best our abilities unless as stated above they try to take our things or harm us. It really is the best way to live our lives here on Earth. However if we are to live this commandment, we need to follow our nice words to our neighbors up with actions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Which brings us to the next point, why are we always emphasizing action? There is a simple reason for this. In the space of time where we exist, where we are, is Today. Where God’s finger touches the line of time. Not tomorrow nor the past, but today. We can’t go back in the past or go forward to the future and act there, our actions have to be done in the present. Actions are how we live out our faith. Without actions there is no evidence of our faith that people can see. That is why worrying does nothing productive. We should focus on what we can do in the present, rather in the past we cannot change nor the future which is unknown. Acting in the present is far more productive than worrying about places we cannot act in like the past or unknown like the future. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Our God is a God of Action. No less is His Son one of action. All throughout the Bible, you find Jesus doing things, not just talking about them. His messages all convey action. Jesus did not just talk nice words, he backed them up with action. This is why we emphasize action. To truly follow Christ requires us to be like Him within the best our abilities and with the Help of the Holy Ghost, perform actions. To be like Christ, we must back our stated belief with actions that confirm that belief, following His Word. It is a tough task and we may never get there fully, but we’ll never get there if we don’t at least do our best and not just say it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Gospel provides a great example of how our God is a God of Action. In the Gospel we see Jesus performing His first documented earthly miracle, turning water into wine at Cana. He was at first apparently reluctant to perform it, telling his earthly mother that it was not the right time for Him to perform miracles. Mary chose to ignore this and instead placed great faith in her son by instructing the servants, “Whatsoever he saith to you do it.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">She had great faith in Him in that He would perform a miraculous action. Mary truly had the faith Jesus talked about which could “move mountains.” When He referred to this, He was not talking about literally moving mountains, but obstacles which get in our way in life. That is the faith we need to have in Him and God. We need to have faith that He will help us overcome those mountainous obstacles, we just have to let him into our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">His actions created a wine so good, it caused the governor to remark they usually set out the best wine first, then when the partygoers get more drunk they bring out the worst wine. But the wine Jesus created was so good, he said in effect, “You have saved the best for last.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The whole point behind the Gospel is that Jesus, and God, is a person of action not just diction. Jesus could have chosen not to do anything or tell the servants anything. But He chose to honor His mother’s request and perform a miracle that set off His earthly ministry. When faced with the opportunity to act, He always acted. This was the first of those times when He was faced with a decision point. You will note in all of his miracles He chose to act. When we’re faced with the opportunity to act, we must emulate Jesus’s example and act to the best of our abilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This shows that if we are to become like Christ, we are also to be men and women of action and not just diction. There are too many in this world who to paraphrase President Trumps’ inaugural address “They talk the good talk and sit around on their hands and do nothing.” It is all too easy to say the right words at the right time; however, it is harder to perform the right actions at the right time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Actions truly show our character more than words ever could. How should we act to show the best of our character? To the extent you are able, attempt to do good to all. Always do the right thing when you are faced with a choice. Sometimes that choice is harder than others to be made, but it must be made all the same. It is possible if we have the Holy Ghost in our hearts to do the right thing. We are not Christ, but if we do our best emulate His earthly actions, we do well. If you treat your enemies with respect and kindness, you oft make them your friends. Like many other things Jesus taught, it is easy to say and hard to do. <span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Like Jesus at the well, we must remember that our purpose is to help bring people to salvation. We are not called to any action that would push people always from salvation, but rather to lead them by example towards that salvation. Let us think about that the next time we do our actions. We must consider if our actions might push people away from salvation or to it. If our actions might push people away from salvation, then we must reconsider our actions and find an action that will push people towards salvation. We are called to be like Christ as much as possible. So, with that in mind, we must strive to influence the people around us for good. A good reason to think before you open your mouth. Think is what I am about to say going to lead this person to or from Christ. If it will lead them away, think of how you can phrase it so it will lead them to Christ. Any step you take today may have future consequence. Your witness, your testimony, your actions can bring people to the point they accept the Holy Spirit or not. Your interface may only be one small step; but do your best to make it a step towards God, not away. Therefore, let us think about our actions and the possible consequences they could have for people turning to or away from Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Error is error, wrong is not right. But, a person’s final destination is up to God, not us. Fortunate for each of us, it should be considered. During the journey of life through the time space continuum, we need to do our best to keep ourselves and those around us moving towards God, not away from Him. The direction is always clear, sometimes we just do not want to read the signs. That is why we need the Holy Ghost’s help to read those signs and keep on moving in the consistent direction towards heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">If we understand we are less than perfect, actually far less than imperfect, we have a good start. We know we need God in our lives to give us direction. We need His guidance to direct our ACTION.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The common theme through the Collect, Epistle and Gospel is that if we have hope and trust in God, we must dread naught, and carry on, empowered through our daily lives here on Earth until we are called to our heavenly home. These are actions we must take not mere thoughts or words, actual actions!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Read the Bible, find out what He wants you to do, then <u>Do It</u>. What can you do today to carry out His Will? There are a multitude of things you can DO to carry out His Will, but the question is, “Will you?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="msonormalcxspmiddle" style="border: medium; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Be of God - Live of God - Act of God</span></b></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-15944125270200738812024-01-14T13:19:00.000-08:002024-01-14T13:19:43.220-08:00Second Sunday after The Epiphany - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p> <b style="font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHBnQyi9HtAIhw05l6i1XNaXngHnKoI1JgcKKnaBeZ9y6hSKmLkwieJagi01FSRimMJxye1TdfZ2P4Q4360VC-n-googhxAhVI8-UxMT9bklIh03EWKVw3ftWNq3st4m37awRkHMpc9Q3Pd8bLrANWiUv6amzWzBW2LsxmrrcyKwnf2yudBSADC-AG1Zv/s400/baptism.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="400" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHBnQyi9HtAIhw05l6i1XNaXngHnKoI1JgcKKnaBeZ9y6hSKmLkwieJagi01FSRimMJxye1TdfZ2P4Q4360VC-n-googhxAhVI8-UxMT9bklIh03EWKVw3ftWNq3st4m37awRkHMpc9Q3Pd8bLrANWiUv6amzWzBW2LsxmrrcyKwnf2yudBSADC-AG1Zv/w400-h374/baptism.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b style="font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div><b style="font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></b></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/TDVtYMAH7JI" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/TDVtYMAH7JI" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/TDVtYMAH7JI</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message as we celebrate the revealing of our Lod to the world. After we acknowledge God’s place in the universe, we go on to ask God to listen to us and give us His peace in our hearts. God is perfect. His hearing is perfect, ours is not. In the Epistle Paul reminds us that each of us have of individual talents important help the Church further its cause. Look at John the Baptist, out in the wilderness; not in the fancy building, the gold- plated temple, but out where he could prepare straight the way for the Lord. It all comes together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;">The Propers are found on Page 111-112 with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: red;">The Second Sunday after The Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="font-weight: 400; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e4c348; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><b>LMIGHTY</b> and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">The Epistle for today came from the Twelfth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans beginning at the Sixth Verse. As Paul often does, he gives guidance on what God would have us do. He notes that each of us have differing talents, skills and resources. What God wants us to do is use all of what He gave us to further His will and His way, so that we might be truly happy here on earth. To be gracious and hospitable to those around us, to remember each of us are equal in God’s eye.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="font-weight: 400; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #e4c348; font-size: 31.5pt;">H<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><b>AVING</b> then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">The Holy Gospel for today came from the beginning of the Gospel according to St. Mark, the First Chapter, beginning at the First Verse. This is the very first of the New Testament, a New Covenant or agreement with God. It tells the story of the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It talks of John the Baptist, who God sends as His messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And the people came to John and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. But, as a harbinger the One to come, John told them of the One coming the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. He told them of the Holy Ghost. When Jesus, in His submission as a man to God came to John for baptism, as he came out of the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><div style="font-weight: 400; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #e4c348; font-size: 31.5pt;">T<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><b>HE</b> beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; as it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Diocese of the West</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <span style="color: purple;"><a href="https://youtu.be/TDVtYMAH7JI" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><a href="https://youtu.be/TDVtYMAH7JI" style="color: purple;">https://youtu.be/TDVtYMAH7JI</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIs6kqY40JYxsUQ8rw66J58qd5XuG5jxXozNqAZa2QG6Wgrp2FoEfSuQnqiTVNbkvVp9pnZgWlfwk8RIg5FPydVGi7BWvVeqfF6IslrU6xMHeHLdcnUY2-8v8VwlifLWABJx6O2kv3OOuZLhvs28ojBck07QSl9_swdFuYG_AeyiudsQRCpt3EPhwoTVN/s1370/240108%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="1156" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIs6kqY40JYxsUQ8rw66J58qd5XuG5jxXozNqAZa2QG6Wgrp2FoEfSuQnqiTVNbkvVp9pnZgWlfwk8RIg5FPydVGi7BWvVeqfF6IslrU6xMHeHLdcnUY2-8v8VwlifLWABJx6O2kv3OOuZLhvs28ojBck07QSl9_swdFuYG_AeyiudsQRCpt3EPhwoTVN/w169-h200/240108%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><br />Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message as we celebrate the revealing of our Lod to the world. <span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"> Let us start by reading today’s collect</span>:<u><o:p></o:p></u></span><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: red;">The Second Sunday after The Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="font-weight: 400; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e4c348; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><b>LMIGHTY</b> and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">After we acknowledge God’s place in the universe, we go on to ask God to listen to us and give us His peace in our hearts. God is perfect. His hearing is perfect. It is not His hearing that is in need of help; it is ours. He hears us clearly when we pray; God always hears us when we call Him. What we learn from this Collect is that when we pray to Him, we need to listen to Him. We need to establish two-way communication. In order to act upon His Word, we need to first listen to what He tells us and understand what He is telling us. We are the ones that need help with hearing, not Him. He always listens to what we have to say, but do we always listen to what He tells us? Therefore we need the help to calm our hearts and listen to what He says and then act upon it. This is easier said than done sometimes because of our natural inclinations to sin and do the wrong things. That is why we need the help of the Holy Ghost to enter into our hearts and help us to listen to what God tells us to do, then He will also give us the strength to act upon what He tells us to do. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">… hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace …<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">In the Collect, we are asking God to listen to us and give us His peace in our hearts. God is perfect. He hears us when we pray, God hears us when we call Him. This Collect is really to remind us that when we pray to Him, we need to listen to Him. To often we ask Him what to do, when He tells us what He wants us to do, it is not what we want, so we don’t hear. After all, there are none so deaf as those who will not hear. So, the question is not, Does God hear our supplication? Rather the question is, Do we hear His answer and abide by it? Do we listen when His answer is not what we want but what we need? We think that he doesn’t answer, but that is often because we are deaf to His answer through our own condition of being poor, sinful creatures that need His forgiveness desperately. If we open our hearts and minds, then we will hear Him. Will we let him in to our hearts for this to happen? It has to start with us letting Him in, and then we will hear His answer loud and clear.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">In the Epistle Paul reminds us that each of us have of individual talents important help the Church further its cause. And it is equally important that we all work together. To work together in the church, each of us need to utilize our unique talents according to the needs of the church, not somebody else’s talents, but their talents. God has given each of us unique talents. Indeed, each and every one of us has a talent of some sort, be it musical, talking (being good with communication), sweeping, taking out the trash, there is no end to the need. Almost anything else can be used for His Glory, to further His Work, His Goals, is a talent. What we need to do is co-ordinate with others of differing talents to come together and further His Will. This is what we need the Holy Ghost to help us with that we might co-ordinate our gifts effectively to spread His Word.We have a lot of differing gifts, each and everyone of us and the Church needs all of those gifts to work together to further His Cause here on Earth. Each gift is special and unique to the person and can advance the Church’s mission here on Earth and someway. If we do our very best to follow the Holy Ghost’s guidance and use our talents for His Glory, we will find there is no limit to what we can accomplish for Him. We just need to have the Holy Ghost enter into us and tell us what we need to do, then listen to what He says and to do it! IF we do this, we will find that things will turn out very well!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">However, we should not look for praise for our own work (though we may appreciate it, we should not dwell on it too long, lest we have to start shopping for size fourteen hats for our swollen heads!) However, we should look for reasons to praise and encourage others. Encouragement is the best way to help the team grow the Church. Encouragement helps other Christians to grow in their talents. The more we encourage our fellow Christians, the better off the team as a whole will be. That which is rewarded most is what grows. And this is how we can encourage our fellow Christians and our other friends to grow and learn, by the encouragement. This encouragement will help sprout the seed for more of the good work around us to flourish.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">Look at John the Baptist, out in the wilderness; not in the fancy building, the gold-plated temple, but out where he could prepare straight the way for the Lord. He was out where the people were, he came to them, rather than wait for them to come to him in a fancy building. He was on a mission to pave the way for Jesus to come and preach and ultimately for His Death and Resurrection. Smoothing the path so to speak, making ready the hearts and souls of the people for the coming of the Lord. He did not point at himself, rather he pointed the way towards God incarnate<a href="applewebdata://F5DC068E-4774-4F7F-961D-6BB08FB61BC0#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a>! This tells us where we need to be for our spreading the Gospel, not always in the fancy buildings and mansions but out on the street and where the people are so we can spread the Good News to all nations. God doesn’t want us to stay in the fancy building to to speak but go out to where the people are and with spreading the Good News, we too might pave the way for Jesus’s second coming as John the Baptist did for Jesus’s first coming. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">By the way, how necessary is praise to miserable human beings? God Himself, looking on His Son’s baptism remarked for all to hear, <i>Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">How oft do we praise the actions of others? Too often we are quick to criticize the failings of others and over analyze their failings. Sometimes when we think of people we know, all we can think of is their failings and forget everyone has their good parts as well, for each of us has been created by God. It is in our nature, part of our human nature, our free will condition that we must fight against with His help. We must understand while it is valuable to know when we fall short, people strive the hardest for praise of those whose opinion they value.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">When you hear those words, <i>Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased</i>, remember to use them yourself. Lead others to God, don’t just point the way.<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></b></p><div style="font-weight: 400; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="border: medium; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><a href="applewebdata://F5DC068E-4774-4F7F-961D-6BB08FB61BC0#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="border: medium; color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> <i><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Incarnate</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">, literally in the flesh. <i>Carne</i> being a Latin derivative meaning flesh.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></b><p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-42151648568802707742024-01-07T11:37:00.000-08:002024-01-07T11:37:17.080-08:00First Sunday after The Epiphany - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO7bV0VuoqKb-VKKwCQpa7zMrqTKBQWkpA00Ew5450NqeYWrswIX4pfVX9P2XFvt0-oCzH74aqjYVXf9fodE23nX1S62qzJPeWENQ_lSCi2T8VKVNiAJ1O79eN3O5MyepYV7u1bZ1vjJGXTdrY1QFSN3M1BeJwr9QBQwyRNMBaZnP5gNNhF10UK00WeSz/s796/Wisemen%20still%20seek%20Him.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="796" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO7bV0VuoqKb-VKKwCQpa7zMrqTKBQWkpA00Ew5450NqeYWrswIX4pfVX9P2XFvt0-oCzH74aqjYVXf9fodE23nX1S62qzJPeWENQ_lSCi2T8VKVNiAJ1O79eN3O5MyepYV7u1bZ1vjJGXTdrY1QFSN3M1BeJwr9QBQwyRNMBaZnP5gNNhF10UK00WeSz/w400-h244/Wisemen%20still%20seek%20Him.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span> <span style="color: #954f72;"><a href="https://youtu.be/EXjeR_B8e7Q" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/EXjeR_B8e7Q" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/EXjeR_B8e7Q</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message as we look at the arrival of the Wise Men for Epiphany. </span></span>As imperfect creatures with free will, we will never figure out what we should be doing, let alone do it, on our own. We are confused beings who get into trouble left to our own devices. Without an external source of help, we will never be able to follow God on our own. God sent the Holy Ghost that we might listen to Him and understand. Paul tells us not to concentrate on our status, position or grandeur, but to see what we can do to help. When we look at the Gospel today, aside from the historical function telling us that Jesus was in the temple bringing the light of the gospel to the rabbis, there is duty. Duty means to do what you are supposed to do, then count the cost.<span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;">The Propers are found on Page 109-111 with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">The First Sunday after The Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffda3a; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LORD</b>, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 1in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000;">The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 1in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000;">to the Gentiles.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 1in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-size: 11pt;">[January 6.]<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 1in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i>The Collect.<o:p></o:p></i></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffda3a; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <b>GOD</b>, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 1in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 4pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 1in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be said daily throughout the Octave</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Epistle for today came from the Twelfth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans beginning at the First Verse. Paul asks not only those long gone Romans, but us, as well, to “present <s>y</s>our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is <s>y</s>our reasonable service.” He tells us our home is in heaven. Life here is not the end, rather the stepping off point, either to heaven or hell. Thus, were are “not conformed to this world: but <u>to</u> be <s>ye</s> transformed by the renewing of <s>y</s>our mind, that <u>we</u> <s>ye</s> may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Some of us may be better than others, but all fall short of the minimum standard. Through Christ we attain eternal life. In the meantime, each of us should not “think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Each of us has a place in the church, a reason to be and job to do. “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #ffda3a; font-size: 31.5pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b> BESEECH</b> you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Gospel for today came from the Second Chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke<b> </b>beginning at the Forty-First Verse. It tells the story of when Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem after the Passover Feast in his twelfth year. When they were done, the family group, for they likely traveled with their extended family for safety, left together. After the first day’s travel they stopped for the night and could not find Jesus. So, fearing the worst, they headed back at night for Jerusalem. Braving robbers and worse, they made their way back. After looking for three days, they went to the temple, where lo, they found him<a href="applewebdata://664A2C36-1A28-4F99-A064-3E698DC11E20#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a>. He was among the learned men “both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” His parents were amazed and confounded. He asked them why they worried and why they did not understand that he was about his Father’s business. It is noteworthy that Jesus at twelve was able to “hold his own” with the learned scholars of Judah. He was able to out reason those who lived to dissect the Law. “A little child shall lead them,” <span style="font-size: 10pt;">(Isaiah 11:1-10)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #ffda3a; font-size: 31pt;">N<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>OW</b> his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, <span style="color: red;">How is it that ye sought me? wist</span><a href="applewebdata://664A2C36-1A28-4F99-A064-3E698DC11E20#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: red;"> ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? </span>And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><a href="applewebdata://664A2C36-1A28-4F99-A064-3E698DC11E20#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="border: medium; color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Note also the tremendous advantage God has over the Devil. Not only did God make both man and the Devil, but He has actually been a man, the Devil only read about men and thought about men and contemplated men. In Jesus, God has been a man. Note - in this instance, He learned about the compassion, worry and duty of parents towards their Son! The Devil, not so much.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><a href="applewebdata://664A2C36-1A28-4F99-A064-3E698DC11E20#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="border: medium; color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> <i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">wist</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> – understood or grasped.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Diocese of the West</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/b84T6HfiBCY" style="color: purple;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><a href="https://youtu.be/b84T6HfiBCY" style="color: purple;">https://youtu.be/b84T6HfiBCY</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uBM-QOg_g6ABkR8GOZO0HvXECRQ8e3rN1zoxl8bifrQkHXAvJ6zZNZyuDPJuCKeS2_PmucV-lSIH7XmkyddLpBEbuXtuhOYgElbQoPAwh8pCWxgMRjlumAtxt_QqTmEU66hV1hjCuV4x4qFumE-HQlkJadv0OPZzlEN2YKZAIT58MeMCa18SHqd6mWuz/s1370/240108%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="1156" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uBM-QOg_g6ABkR8GOZO0HvXECRQ8e3rN1zoxl8bifrQkHXAvJ6zZNZyuDPJuCKeS2_PmucV-lSIH7XmkyddLpBEbuXtuhOYgElbQoPAwh8pCWxgMRjlumAtxt_QqTmEU66hV1hjCuV4x4qFumE-HQlkJadv0OPZzlEN2YKZAIT58MeMCa18SHqd6mWuz/w188-h222/240108%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message as we look at the arrival of the Wise Men for Epiphany. Let us start by reading today’s collect</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">The First Sunday after The Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffda3a; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LORD</b>, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">…grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">As imperfect creatures with free will, we will never figure out what we should be doing, let alone do it, on our own. We are confused beings who get into trouble left to our own devices. Without an external source of help, we will never be able to follow God on our own. God sent the Holy Ghost that we might listen to Him and understand. He will give us the ability to figure out and know what and how we are to do the things we need to do here on Earth for Him. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">We need to not just understand The Word spoken to us through Jesus and the Scriptures, but to understand what we should do; hence the prayer to figure out what we need to do, then give us the power or strength to do what we are supposed to do. The Holy Spirit will give us the guidance we need to perform actions for Him. We just have to open our hearts and be ready to listen and act upon His Guidance. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">To live the Word requires action and self-improvement each and every day of our lives. It also requires that we listen to His Guidance and then act upon His Guidance. This is a constant struggle that will be continuous for the rest of our earthly lives. We need to ask ourselves at the end of each day, what did I do to act for God and what I did right today and what did I not do right? And figure out with the help of the Holy Ghost how to correct our wrongs and go on to the next day and do our best to do better. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">I would say that self improvement and action are the chief mechanisms of the Christian Faith. Part of the self-improvement process is recognizing the signs we are in trouble and immediately consult Him and His Word and figure out an action plan according to the principles in Scripture. If you recognize you are in trouble you are part of the way there, then all you need to do is to reach out to Him in prayer and figure out what you need to do to get out of trouble. God will give you perfect advice, all you have to do is listen to Him and then act upon what he tells you to do. It only works if you act on what He tells you do, if you just listen and ignore His advice, you will never get better. So we must listen and ACT upon what He says we should do.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">This is a continuous process that will occur for the rest of our earthly lives. Jesus set the ultimate example for us in action, by His Death and Resurrection. His Ministry revolved around action and helping others. We must do the best to do likewise and act. It is by our actions that our faith in Him is shown to others. I would say that faith without action is not a true faith at all but a false one. We must avoid this by doing actions for Him. The Holy Spirit will help us in this, we just have to listen and then act upon His Guidance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">What we need to do next is we need to turn ourselves outward. Not be self-centered, but we must think of God and our fellow Christians. We are naturally self centered beings so this is difficult for us to do, but we must get it done all the same. We must turn ourselves away from looking to ourselves and look towards others and how we can help and encourage them. In order to accomplish the Great Commission, we have to work with our other fellow Christians as a team. Notice there is no I in team. We have to let go of our egos and embrace the Holy Spirit as we work with our fellow Christians to follow His Teachings and spread His Word through ought the globe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Paul tells us not to concentrate on our status, position or grandeur, but to see what we can do to help. Just like our body would not function if all parts were brains, neither will Christ’s Team function if everyone is concerned about their position.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">When we look at the Gospel today, aside from the historical function telling us that Jesus was in the temple bringing the light of the gospel to the rabbis, there are other lessons. We do not want to micromanage your life, but it is a good idea keep your friends and family informed of what you are doing and where you are going. Jesus’ earthly parents risked life and limb going back up the road to Jerusalem at night. But, that was their duty as parents. A duty must be done, no matter the cost. The lesson here is to keep your family and friends well informed of what you are doing, rather than going off on your own, figuring you can handle it. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Duty means to do what you are supposed to do, then count the cost. There is no sense of duty if you are merely doing what is easiest for you at the time. While doing your duty will in the end be the right thing, thus the easiest thing, it may not seem so at the time. Doing one’s duty can result in one’s temporal death, the end of their time here on earth. Not an easy way on the surface. But, recall that what seems like that easy downhill path leads to The Pit, it does not lead to the summit. Our country is where it is today because of those who preceded us, those who did their duty. It will not keep going up if, as a country, we stroll down that wide smooth downhill boulevard. We must struggle to stay on the narrow path, which leads to the summit. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Look back at those who stepped forward when the country called, Concord, Veracruz, Gettysburg, San Juan Hill, Chateau Thierry, Pearl Harbor, Normandy, Peleliu, Bastogne, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Chosin Reservoir, Ia Drang Valley, Khe Sanh, Hanoi, Laos, Cambodia, Basra, Kabul, Bagdad and countless unfamiliar and unpronounceable names in Southwest Asia. In them, you find a unifying theme of Duty, doing what you have to do, no matter what it takes, then count the cost. Those who fought for our country did it out of duty to their country and God and to protect their family. We must emulate their purpose and serve God dutifully. Christ is the ultimate example of this, the only begotten Son of God, yet doing His duty to die for us, which is what God needed Him to do, to save us from eternal hellfire. So, it was His Duty and He did it with honor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Through duty, we too might have a noble death and welcoming in heaven. We must do our duty to God, to Honor, to Country and Family. Sometimes we will fall short, for we are imperfect creatures with that darn free will. Thus, at times we choose the wrong path or our strength falls short or we just cannot do what is needed of us. Then, we need to reset and restart towards the goal God has set for us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">But, back to the Gospel and the parents’ arrival at the temple, where lo, they found him. He was among the learned men “both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” His parents were amazed and confounded. He asked them why they worried and why they did not understand that he was about his Father’s business<a href="applewebdata://3A326CB1-8EE3-4C54-9081-2CCC1CEBD175#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a>. It is noteworthy to see Jesus at twelve was able to “hold his own” with the learned scholars of Judah. He was able to out reason those who lived to dissect the Law. “A little child shall lead them,” <span style="font-size: 10pt;">(Isaiah 11:1-10)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">He comes!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></b></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><a href="applewebdata://3A326CB1-8EE3-4C54-9081-2CCC1CEBD175#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="border: medium; color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Note also the tremendous advantage that God has over the Devil. Not only did God make both man and the Devil, but He has actually been a man, the Devil only read about men and thought about men and contemplated men. In Jesus, God has been a man. Note - in this instance, He learned about the compassion, worry and duty of parents towards their Son! The Devil, not so much.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div></div></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-73969789375803908992023-12-31T10:24:00.000-08:002023-12-31T10:24:32.442-08:00First Sunday after Christmas - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-nlEpqpWrRZwkgxSgbf2iRNiqH3FkuWOFA1EWsDJdDATXpHN9MvzEDFEzfJF4OISkFYpPLWd1ZYHMf7kQwRCk_H9qxsJ1IWqSktVPCvMf7emdanpp2InX2yOv-TwzUguC6Fw8W5UITHc_yUveGfYwMXvlYXWjVKk4A-ShFw-gVT5ch2nvEwwGCufgleT/s1000/Jesus%20in%20Manger.webp" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-nlEpqpWrRZwkgxSgbf2iRNiqH3FkuWOFA1EWsDJdDATXpHN9MvzEDFEzfJF4OISkFYpPLWd1ZYHMf7kQwRCk_H9qxsJ1IWqSktVPCvMf7emdanpp2InX2yOv-TwzUguC6Fw8W5UITHc_yUveGfYwMXvlYXWjVKk4A-ShFw-gVT5ch2nvEwwGCufgleT/w400-h266/Jesus%20in%20Manger.webp" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span><span style="font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="color: #954f72; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/b84T6HfiBCY" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;"> -></span><span style="font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/b84T6HfiBCY" style="color: #954f72; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;">https://youtu.be/b84T6HfiBCY</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message as we look for our place in this world. </span></span>At this Christmastide, we have been concentrating on the joy of the Christ’s coming to earth; rightly so! But, in our liturgical calendar, the days go on. At this Christmastide, it is not surprising to find “To take our nature upon him”, is a key phrase of the Collect, preceding “To be born of a pure virgin”, meaning He could not have been born from anyone else but Mary, who was at the time a pure virgin (this is before the birth of James, Jesus’ biological half-brother. As Paul says in his letter to the Galatians, we are not to be servants or slaves of God, but His own children. As we came upon this midnight clear, the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is here for us. Will we accept it? Follow Him, accept His Grace and all will be good forever.<span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The propers for today are found on Page 104-105, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #d80000;">The First Sunday after Christmas Day.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;"><i>The Collect.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cfcf00; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LMIGHTY</b> God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. <i>Amen</i>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Epistle for today came from Paul’s letter to the people of Galatia, starting at the First Verse of the Fourth Chapter. Paul reminds us, as well as those long gone in Galatia, we are to do God’s will, but through our Lord, we are not servants, but children of God, for “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cfcf00; font-size: 49.5pt;">N<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">ow I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, the First Chapter, beginning at the Eighteenth Verse. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cfcf00; font-size: 50.5pt;">T<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">he birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Diocese of the West<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/b84T6HfiBCY" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/QSXCN9-boeU" style="color: purple;">h</a><a href="https://youtu.be/b84T6HfiBCY" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/b84T6HfiBCY</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iXkzr3K3UL8XJtQvljAVIevOT8G1nczDVAnOFFJMcEQGA8GXzppYIOBLyGnmCjj5DIKLPrQ2JoKf03UMAAjOMWsipWKD7gpEnfxJ3PC8yJf11VzLVaK8BdsApRQr3R61Evr7tr08SHnaigIt9xiOmaSGKjG6IDiUwNgJ8JMVbN985Megc-y6NNJlUhCk/s1310/231231%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iXkzr3K3UL8XJtQvljAVIevOT8G1nczDVAnOFFJMcEQGA8GXzppYIOBLyGnmCjj5DIKLPrQ2JoKf03UMAAjOMWsipWKD7gpEnfxJ3PC8yJf11VzLVaK8BdsApRQr3R61Evr7tr08SHnaigIt9xiOmaSGKjG6IDiUwNgJ8JMVbN985Megc-y6NNJlUhCk/w256-h320/231231%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message as we look for our place in this world. Let us start by reading today’s collect</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #d80000;">The First Sunday after Christmas Day.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;"><i>The Collect.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cfcf00; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LMIGHTY</b> God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. <i>Amen</i>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">At this Christmastide, we have been concentrating on the joy of the Christ’s coming to earth; rightly so! But, in our liturgical calendar, the days go on. Right after Christmas, we celebrate Boxing Day in the Anglican tradition, but more than that 26 December brings us the recollection of Saint Steven Deacon and Martyr; he was killed under the direction of Saul of Tarsus, the same person who with God’s Grace and Help became Saint Paul. The following day, 27 December, recalls Saint John, the longest lived of the Apostles whose writing gives so much to the theology of the New Testament. Then on 28 December, we recall The Holy Innocents, whose deaths are connected with Jesus’ birth. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">An odd combination of days and thoughts for those who do not choose to think or delve deeply into a subject upon which their eternal lives are dependent. Most people, if they go to church, are Creastors, that is people who attend church on Christmas and Easter. This is certainly better than not at all, but one wonders why the two major events of the Christian year do not inspire them to more in depth consideration of what is, after all, the instructions for the remainder of their life here on earth and eternity. As ministers, I guess most of us wonder why we cannot get the message across. Still other people, members of churches, come every Sunday, so long as it is convenient. That is certainly better yet, but their knowledge falls short of the information available in the Bible. While the Book of Common Prayer is a wonder, it only provides propers for the Sundays and Holy Days, the subject matter is limited to the 52 high points if you make every Sunday! Often parishes overlook inconvenient days, such as Holy Innocents, or even worse the Circumcision. They only fall on a Sunday every seven years and who will know, anyway?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">At this Christmastide, it is not surprising to find “To take our nature upon him”, is a key phrase of the Collect, preceding “To be born of a pure virgin”, meaning He could not have been born from anyone else but Mary, who was at the time a pure virgin (this is before the birth of James, Jesus’ biological half-brother. But the more important part of the phrases is “to take our nature upon him.” When He came into this world, He took our nature upon himself, that is to say in simpler terms He became like us. That is, He became human. So He could experience what it is like to be us and how we operate and also so He could represent us in His Sacrifice upon the cross. This is a very core and important part of Jesus’s story. He came down to be one of us so He could experience what it is like to be human and relate to His Creation more. This is simply incredible and shows how much He loves His Creation that He would come down and become one of us, live amongst us, then suffer the death upon the cross and descent into hell and battle with Satan that we might have eternal life!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />Part of becoming human meant He felt the emotions we feel; pain, joy, suffering and more material emotions; hunger, wants and needs. This He took upon Himself, so He might come to understand His creation more. That could only be done if He could experience our body for himself, thus requiring Him to incarnate into a human form in order to understand what it was like to be us. Even though He created us and thus knew a lot about us, He needed the experience of being us. And also, to sacrifice Himself for our sakes, He needed to be within our bodies, so He could be accounted as a “human” sacrifice, taking upon all of our sins upon Himself, that we might be accounted as perfect before God to enter into heaven. This is one of the most amazing things of the Incarnation, God Himself came down to view, meet and be with His Creation, to understand how they live on this Earth and not only to understand His Creation, but to save His Creation from eternal death. This is because He views us as part of His family, by adoption via the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">This topic leads into the Epistle. As Paul says in his letter to the Galatians, we are not to be servants or slaves of God, but His own children, we are more precious to Him than servants or slaves. He views us as part of His very wide and extended family. He loves us like a father or mother loves their own children. That is a key difference between Christianity and Islam. Islam views its followers as a means to an end, but Christianity views the followers as part of God’s Holy Family in Heaven. We are not pawns but we are family members and participants in God’s big plan. This clearly shows Islam’s Satanic roots versus Christianity’s Godly origins. We are wanted by God as His Children, He loves us and cares for us very much, so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son that all who believe on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). That is a pretty big amount of love for us sinful beings! That He sent His Own Son to die for our offenses, our sins, shows we mean a lot to Him, that He loves us so greatly. This is truly deserving of being called the Good News. It is in fact Outstanding news for us. We should rejoice that He has made us whole, taken away the power of sins if we repent of them, so that we may continue to live our life for Him!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">We are different than the world for this very reason. The world lacks the compassion, the love Christ has given us, and it is the reason why it is and has been filled with so much trouble and sin over the thousands of years of our existence. What Christ has given us is a gift beyond the world’s understanding and valuation systems. They simply cannot see the pure joy we get from following and serving God. The World will not know peace until they finally recognize that serving God is the only way to have peace on Earth. But we will not have as much trouble as the world has, for we have something they do not, the Love of God and Christ among us to comfort and restore us, and to refresh us whenever we are tired and weary.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">We have to realize God took upon our nature and our infirmities for us, His love is infinite as He is infinite. He is the past, the future and the present, He is the Master of Time. He is indeed, the Lord of Time and He love for us expands beyond all the timelines into the unfathomable past and into the unknowable for us future. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">When we pray, we must refer to God as Father, as He is our spiritual Father and physical Father too, for without him, our fathers would not have been created and our lives would not have sprung forth upon this Earth. He is our ultimate Father in this sense, for without Him, we would not be here. We are in a state of eternal debt to God for bringing us in and saving us from the trouble of our human nature. If we are to repay it, we must follow Jesus on the path to perfection, which we will never get to, but we will certainly never get to it if we never try.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">As we came upon this midnight clear, the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is here for us. Will we accept it? Follow Him, accept His Grace and all will be good forever.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">He comes!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></b></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-5275126523966276992023-12-23T18:40:00.000-08:002023-12-23T18:40:51.274-08:00Fourth Sunday in Advent - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wx54du3gCkQSgIx8iaRUn_BNk_gBHnmO6uFPG1h1ehSET2wtJc12x6qxc7mF1bwa-1sSgNU8odEJYkgL22C87lNUP2tjnuK7DNnMPtI28FWAwF3Vg0a4U89vYkLc6eZryACM4pvt1D01KG9rQt1IWplG11wjd4XMhGF_KnyVRWuPXQFYs-5TOF3lVkgk/s4116/Advent%20Wreath%2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4116" data-original-width="4116" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wx54du3gCkQSgIx8iaRUn_BNk_gBHnmO6uFPG1h1ehSET2wtJc12x6qxc7mF1bwa-1sSgNU8odEJYkgL22C87lNUP2tjnuK7DNnMPtI28FWAwF3Vg0a4U89vYkLc6eZryACM4pvt1D01KG9rQt1IWplG11wjd4XMhGF_KnyVRWuPXQFYs-5TOF3lVkgk/w400-h400/Advent%20Wreath%2004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video </span><span style="color: #954f72;"><a href="https://youtu.be/j8OUw1qIiZ0" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/j8OUw1qIiZ0" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/j8OUw1qIiZ0</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">As is oft the case, today’s propers all tie together to reinforce a point and build our understanding of what God wants and expects from each of us. The Collect asks for God’s help for us to accept His Help and do it His Way. It is oft supposed Christians are dour souls, with no sense of happiness or humor. Perhaps this thought comes from those who have heard from others what the Bible says, but have never actually taken the time to read it and understand it. In the Gospel John recounts John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus. The Pharisees were troubled with the simplicity of his message. They were looking for something more complex, less straightforward, something more like themselves. I found this sermon particularly inspiring and hope you find it useful.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;">The Propers are found on Page 95-96, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">The Fourth Sunday in Advent</span><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #b50ead; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b> LORD</b>, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honour and glory, world without end. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Collect for the First Sunday in Advent is on Page 90:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman;">The First Sunday in Advent</span><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #b50ead; font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>LMIGHTY</b> God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 4pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Epistle for today came from Paul’s first letter to the Philippians, starting at the Fourth Verse of the Fourth Chapter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Paul calls on us to “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” We are to lead the world to Christ by example, to “Let (y)our moderation be known unto all men.” In this Advent season, as always, “The Lord is at hand.” We are to worry about nothing, “but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Be joyful in all things, not for all things. And in the words we find at the end of the Holy Communion Service, may “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Or to quote another, “Trust in God and Dread Naught.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #b50ead; font-size: 50.5pt;">R<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">EJOICE</span></b> in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Today’s Holy Gospel came from the Gospel according to Saint John, the First Chapter, beginning at the Nineteenth Verse. When they heard rumor of John the Baptist, Jews wondering if this might be the Messiah, sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who art thou?” John told them, “I am not the Christ.” Then, they cast about for who he might be, ”Art thou Elias?” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Confounded, they asked, “Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” The Pharisees people were somewhat confused and asked, “Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?” John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Interestingly, the same theme is found over and over, as is oft the case with truth. There are those among us who just plain will not see. For, there are none so deaf as those who will not hear and none so blind as those who will not see.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #b50ead; font-size: 50.5pt;">T<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">HIS</span></b> is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: medium; color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: medium; color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Diocese of the West</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: medium; color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span> </span><span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/j8OUw1qIiZ0" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><a href="https://youtu.be/j8OUw1qIiZ0" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;">https://youtu.be/j8OUw1qIiZ0</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEhAvMHAo88z2rW7orImRJ2pNM0KM_8rVQZa0AyJSSeLpdUj6oy2jvCrEdEoL78oYMdIQtTHvgV6wIVM7FSQylAH6gSo_PpgmbB656VF3YxrcJYPHmQex1sFn7l2WP592AO_bOOxTio4-cUYy_swww3VBN74cXMhN_C-0jt1Ryhw-MW0JVI-v_3wotZpi/s1270/231224%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1058" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEhAvMHAo88z2rW7orImRJ2pNM0KM_8rVQZa0AyJSSeLpdUj6oy2jvCrEdEoL78oYMdIQtTHvgV6wIVM7FSQylAH6gSo_PpgmbB656VF3YxrcJYPHmQex1sFn7l2WP592AO_bOOxTio4-cUYy_swww3VBN74cXMhN_C-0jt1Ryhw-MW0JVI-v_3wotZpi/w167-h200/231224%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="167" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message as we complete the period of preparation for the coming of our Lord and Savior. Let us start by reading today’s collect:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #da0000;">The Fourth Sunday in Advent</span><i><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>The Collect.</i><i><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: medium; color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 4pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.35pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #bd12ab; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span> </span>LORD</b>, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honour and glory, world without end.<span> </span><i>Amen.</i><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">The Collect for the First Sunday in Advent is on Page 90:<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #da0000;">The First Sunday in Advent</span><i><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The Collect.</span></i><i><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 3pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.35pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #bd12ab; font-size: 31.5pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>LMIGHTY</b> God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="color: #da0000; font-size: 4pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.</span><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="color: #da0000; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">As is oft the case, today’s propers all tie together to reinforce a point and build our understanding of what God wants and expects from each of us.<span> </span>The Collect asks for God’s help for us to accept His Help and do it His Way.<span> </span>We are asking for this because of our natural infirmities. By natural infirmities, I mean our sins. Our natural infirmities do in fact handicap us from running the race of life that is set before us. We are asking for His Help in removing that handicap of our infirmities, of our needless worries and sinful behavior that only hurts us, that we might be able to run ably and swiftly the race of life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">This is a thought that is constantly resonating throughout the Collects and not only them but all of Scriptures. That is because it is a constant truth that without the help of the Lord, we are doomed to fail to follow Him. This truth is constant through history. Whenever a group of people have strayed from doing what God asks, they have never prospered in the end. From the very beginning of time to the very end of time this will always stay true. That is why we must continually rely on Scripture and the Holy Ghost for inspiration and guidance and comfort in our lives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">It is oft supposed Christians are dour souls, with no sense of happiness or humor.<span> </span>Perhaps this thought comes from those who have heard from others what the Bible says, but have never actually taken the time to read it and understand it. For if they understood it then they would not be thinking that we are dour at all!<span> </span>Reading the Bible as a whole proves this often popular train of thought to be patently false. That may or may not have been the way the Puritans thought, but then again, the Puritans were not holding to the consistent truth of the Bible. After all God commands us to make a “joyful” noise unto the Lord! Not, a dour, grumbling and solemn noise, but an exceedingly JOYFUL noise unto the Lord! There is nothing in the Bible that says you cannot have fun whilst worshipping our Lord; in fact that is the preferred way to worship Him! If we enjoy worshipping the Lord, then we are most apt to do more of our best to follow Him, if we are enjoying ourselves whilst doing so!<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">After all, the one said to be the most dour of all, Paul, tells us to be happy. In his Epistle he mentioned rejoicing in the Lord always. Not just happy, but to REJOICE.<span> </span>REJOICE in the Lord ALWAYS and AGAIN I say REJOICE!<span> </span>How much more fun can you have?<span> </span>At the same time though Paul cautions us to be moderate in everything we do, no excesses, an even keel.<span> </span>Work hard, but maintain a time and space for our family, honor our country, and above all honor God.<span> </span>Maintain an even balance between work and play so to speak and moderation in both areas.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">In the Gospel John recounts John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus.<span> </span>The Pharisees were troubled with the simplicity of his message.<span> </span>They were looking for something more complex, less straightforward, something more like themselves. This is much like many people in the world today who dismiss Christianity as being too simplistic and that would prefer something more complex, something they can get around. It is the human nature at work here, humans in general will always try and find loopholes around what we are supposed to do.<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">The Pharisees were much like modern day lawyers and liberals, always searching for a loophole in the law so they can do what they want to do without following the law. They failed to realize that there is no loophole behind loving God and loving your neighbor as thyself. They could not comprehend of this. They feared what they couldn’t understand and that is why they wanted Jesus to be put to death. They didn’t understand God’s plan for Jesus and His Ministry.<span> </span><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">If the world would do what God asked, our lives would be so much better, we would all be living together in happiness. Doing what God asks would solve all of the problems facing us today on earth. Peace on earth will not be possible until the world accepts Him into their hearts. This is the perfect season for those who haven’t yet, to accept Him, to acknowledge Him at His first true appearance amongst us, at His Birth. Up until the end of our time here on earth, there is always time to accept Him, but do not wait until it is too late to do so!<span style="color: black;"></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Jesus also tells us to put our trust in the Lord, then not to worry.<span> </span>He knows how counterproductive, indeed, how destructive, worry can be in our lives.<span> </span>We know it not only cannot, but will not do good, we know it will only hurt our cause; yet we do it.<span> </span>Is this not a proof positive of how much we need His Help?<span> </span>How hard is it to Trust in God and Dread Naught?<span> </span>Very!<span> </span>Extremely difficult as a matter of fact. I myself struggle with this constantly. I know that it does no good but it comes so naturally to me that it is super hard to overcome. The solution to this is to turn to God and let Him carry my/our worries on His Back. Even though it is very hard to trust somebody you can’t see physically, you must trust your spiritual sense and follow Him anyway!<span> </span>Knowing you will see Him physically one day is one of our great rewards.<span style="color: black;"> This greatly eases at least my worries and should ease yours as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR">When Saint John is recording the actions of John the Baptist, he tells us when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, <i>Who art thou?</i> </span><span lang="UZ-CYR"><span> </span></span><span lang="UZ-CYR">They got an answer they neither expected nor really understood, he said,<i> I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias</i> …<i> I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.</i> They had no clue what he was talking about.<span> </span>All they could see was what they expected, a king of this world.<span> </span>Yet, John the Baptist knew the kingdom was not of this world, for the King was no</span><span>t</span><span lang="UZ-CYR"> of this World, but the Eternal King of Eternity.<span> </span>John the Baptist later says <i>He must increase, but I must decrease.</i> </span><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 10pt;">(John 3:30)<span> </span></span><span lang="UZ-CYR">This is true of us, also.<span> </span>We must let Jesus permeate us and become the dominant force in us.<span> </span>But, it does not happen in the <i>twinkling of the eye</i>. Jack Lewis tells us, <i>We are doing well enough if the slow process of being more in Christ and less in ourselves has made a decent beginning in a long life (it will be completed only in the next world)</i>. Jack Lewis suggest</span><span>s</span><span lang="UZ-CYR"> you try his plan; <i>I pray ‘Lord, show me just so much (neither more nor less) about myself as I need for doing thy will now.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">The world is extremely complex; it is full of problems, temptations and difficulties.<span> </span>It is full of obstacles for us, yet all Christianity offers is a few simple solutions.<span> </span>We often hear there are no simple answers to complex questions.<span> </span>Actually, that is not true.<span> </span>There are simple answers to complex problems, they are the only ones which can and will work.<span> </span>The problem is they are not the answers people want.<span> </span>Most people do not want to know what they are supposed to do, lest they have to do it.<span> </span>They want to be told what they want to do is at least okay, even though it is clearly not okay. But we need to know what we are doing is actually “Okay”, not what Joe on the corner claims is Okay. To do that, we have to read the Scriptures and listen to what God says is Okay, because He really does know the best in this matter for us. <span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Once again, when you think about being a Christian, think a bit about these quotes from GK Chesterton:<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>The word <i>good</i> has many meanings. For example, if a man were to shoot his grandmother at a range of five hundred yards, I should call him a good shot, but not necessarily a good man. <span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people. <span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions. <span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span> </span>G. K. Chesterton <span style="font-size: 10pt;">(1874-1936)</span><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">We are called to a new and different life, we ask the Lord to both lead us and follow us, to keep us always.<span> </span>Our goal is to <i>do</i> the Lord’s will, not to <i>avoid</i> 613 laws.<span> </span>To do what is right and be humble.<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail.<span> </span>The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">The time is now, not tomorrow.<span> </span>The time has come, indeed.<span> </span>How will you ACT?<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">It is by our actions we are known.<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-67726726580178806942023-12-17T11:22:00.000-08:002023-12-17T11:26:57.058-08:00Third Sunday in Advent - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BCLSDgeJkvQt6F146KpBWAxybddcd4ArdZwMh8LptVZbVMWjMXN0Ywoy1P0eGJPC4xECW9hAHJjretMg5BTrID3jPa5TvoSmRdYhqEmwNSS9HiJvaaoJhOtlIQDqVJlizicwH3O2vH87Ln8OwDaIbE5xkEEH7k_cm_4usu5zOzK_n2O7BGTCBXLoAPJK/s304/Advent%2003%20Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BCLSDgeJkvQt6F146KpBWAxybddcd4ArdZwMh8LptVZbVMWjMXN0Ywoy1P0eGJPC4xECW9hAHJjretMg5BTrID3jPa5TvoSmRdYhqEmwNSS9HiJvaaoJhOtlIQDqVJlizicwH3O2vH87Ln8OwDaIbE5xkEEH7k_cm_4usu5zOzK_n2O7BGTCBXLoAPJK/w400-h400/Advent%2003%20Wreath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video </span><span style="color: #954f72;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QSXCN9-boeU" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/QSXCN9-boeU" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/QSXCN9-boeU</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Today’s Collect reflects the importance of each of us as managers and stewards for Christ, that we might prepare the world for His second coming, and by the way, for the end of our time here on earth. In the Epistle Paul points out man’s judgment of us is nothing compared to that of God. God knows our heart, soul and mind much better than we do. In the Gospel, Jesus tells Paul tells John’s disciples that He is the One. Just as is almost always the case, the propers point of the need for action, not just diction. I found this sermon particularly inspiring and hope you find it useful.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Propers are found on Page 93-94, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="color: #da0000; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The Third Sunday in Advent</span></span><i><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 1in 0in 0in; text-align: justify;"><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8c008e; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> LORD</span></span></b> Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The propers for the First Sunday in Advent can be found on Page 90-92:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="color: #da0000; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The First Sunday in Advent</span></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #941190; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">LMIGHTY</span></span></b> God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="color: #da0000; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="color: #da0000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Epistle for today came from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, starting at the First Verse of the Fourth Chapter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul calls on those who would be the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God to be good and faithful stewards leading their flock rather than commanding from the rear. He tells them not to be fearful of the judgment of man. In fact, he tells he is not concerned of the judgment of men, or even that of himself, but rather that of God. God knows our hearts and when He judges, He “will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Let it be fully understood that when Paul writes of ministers and stewards, he is talking of each of us, not just those who are “ordained ministers.” We each must be good and faithful stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to each of us. We each must help those around us benefit from the gifts which are freely given.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8c008e; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 50.5pt;">L<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ET</span></span></b> a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, the Eleventh Chapter, beginning at the Second Verse. Now when John the Baptist “had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” John was Jesus’ cousin and the one who baptized Him and heard God say, THIS IS MY SON IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.” Yet, he and the rest of the Jews of the time expected the Messiah to come into Jerusalem in triumph, sit in the temple and rule, commanding, nay compelling the Romans to leave. No doubt marveling at the question, for it was asked of Him who had performed countless genuine miracles, healing the blind, the deaf the lame, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” As John’s disciples parted, Jesus talked to those about him. He asked them concerning John, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet?” He was counseling them, trying to help them fully understand the implications of what was around them. He was there! So, he explained that John was not “just” a prophet, but the messenger of God, the man with the flag running before the locomotive. He went on, “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” Because Jesus came into this world, not to be the King of the Present, but rather the King of that to Come.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8c008e; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 49.5pt;">N<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-transform: uppercase;">OW</span></span></b> when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, <span style="color: red;">Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me</span>. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, <span style="color: red;">What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Diocese of the West</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video</span> <span style="color: purple; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QSXCN9-boeU" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span><a href="https://youtu.be/QSXCN9-boeU" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://youtu.be/QSXCN9-boeU</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KqMuZT5prc2rtX07ltuLNNahDT8HYm5v5aD91ruDqF1QCbMXZp9YvYI8RNYbdiksGhHkWggQFa844sPPqwlofxH-q3AL34qcKylACUcjRoB20V1UQHWtLtAt4xaW5ZqR8hsWcII0LkAV7GbBCJM0KIM7bVlqITdw_k8DcHXzJ3OqvxhjxrXOR3cbnpM9/s1430/231217%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="1022" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KqMuZT5prc2rtX07ltuLNNahDT8HYm5v5aD91ruDqF1QCbMXZp9YvYI8RNYbdiksGhHkWggQFa844sPPqwlofxH-q3AL34qcKylACUcjRoB20V1UQHWtLtAt4xaW5ZqR8hsWcII0LkAV7GbBCJM0KIM7bVlqITdw_k8DcHXzJ3OqvxhjxrXOR3cbnpM9/w143-h200/231217%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="143" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message as we enter into a period of preparation for the coming of our Lord and Savior. Let us start by reading today’s collect</span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">:</span></span></span></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="color: #da0000; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Third Sunday in Advent</span></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in 1in 0in 0in; text-align: justify;"><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8c008e; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> LORD</span></span></b> Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="color: #da0000; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The First Sunday in Advent</span></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #941190; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">LMIGHTY</span></span></b> God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="color: #da0000; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span face="KisBT-Roman" style="color: #da0000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today’s Collect reflects the importance of each of us as managers and stewards for Christ, that we might prepare the world for His second coming, and by the way, for the end of our time here on earth. In the Epistle Paul points out man’s judgment of us is nothing compared to that of God. God knows our heart, soul and mind much better than we do. In the Gospel, Jesus tells Paul tells John’s disciples that He is the One. Just as is almost always the case, the propers point of the need for action, not just diction. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent, we are referred to as the ministers and stewards (caretakers) of the mysteries of God: the Scriptures and His Word. We ask for help in getting the hearts of the disobedient, which is us, by the wisdom of the just, which is God and the Holy Spirit, to turn and look to the Kingdom of God for answers and not this world. We are in a way like John the Baptist who prepared the way for Christ’s coming by preaching and preparing the path for Christ to begin his ministry. By preaching the Word, we are likewise preparing the World for His Return, by getting their hearts ready by being guided by the Holy Spirit and spreading the Good News across the globe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The collect gets to the heart of the matter directly. It says that in order for us to follow God and to point the way to Him, we need our disobedient hearts to shift focus from our selfish wants and desires to that of being just, in order to be ready to follow Him. After all if we don’t get ourselves in order first and following God, how can we expect to lead others towards God? The collect says that if we have done our job, at the second coming we may be found an acceptable people in His Sight. This may seem like a tall order, but it seems even taller if we don’t give it our best effort. We need to have the Holy Ghost in our hearts if we are to become ministers and caretakers of the mysteries of God. We are to be like John in preparing the world for Jesus’s second coming. We need to be shining the light towards Him and letting people know about Him, so that there will not be a stone unturned on this Earth that has not heard the Good News. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the Epistle, Paul tells us not fear what others think of us, but rather be concerned about what God thinks of what we are doing and what direction in which He wants us to go. People’s opinions can change dramatically over the years and they can come and go in our lives but God is a constant and never changes. He is the constant unerring truth that we can reliably use to measure our performance here on Earth and He is also the one whose opinions we should truly value rather than that of man’s. Thus we need to be more concerned with what God thinks rather than what man thinks. Rather than spend the mental energy on being concerned with what others think, let us use that same mental energy to do our best for God, our family and our country. We can get a lot more done for God this way; it will be better for our hearts, souls and minds if we think this way. Worry does not solve any problems; but it can create problems if we let it. So, let us not worry about man’s opinions, but of God instead. We will profit spiritually this way. And our spiritual, physical and mental health will be much improved if we do this.Perhaps maybe some in this world will see what we are doing for Him and come to know Him and join Him. We will never know how much and impact we have on others around us. That is why we must be mindful of how we act around others. This is why we must be good stewards and messengers of His Word and be careful of how we act around others. How we act around others can either turn people to or away from God. Let us make sure we act in a manner that turns people towards God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Not worrying is a very hard concept for many people to act on, including myself. There are so many things in this world that can cause tremendous concern and worry. However, we should note none of these things are greater than God. Just this thought alone should ease our troubled minds tremendously. God will bear our worries and concerns, but only if we allow Him into our hearts, souls and minds to do so. And besides we don’t have to consider what man thinks of us, only what God thinks of us. We need to lift the worries off our minds and give them to God to carry, so that we can do our jobs properly for Him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We will never get anywhere if we follow the ways of this world. As in John 1:11-13 <i>He came unto His own and His Own received him not. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If we are born of God, then it is Him to whom we must return and not man. As the verse from John points out, even Jesus came to us and we refused him; how can we expect any better treatment from man, than that given God Himself, who came down for us? We should not be surprised when our fellow men treat us like dirt. We know ourselves how depraved we can be without the guiding light of the Holy Spirit in us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But the next part of the verse tells us what we will get if we join with him. He gave us the power to become the Sons of God, as we are His adopted children. He is giving us our eternal inheritance, if we will but follow Him. We are going to get an absolutely wonderful reward, if we do our very best to follow Him. There is a distinct difference between saying you are doing your best and actually doing your best. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The treatment we receive in this world will pale in comparison to the treatment God will give us in the next world if we but do our very best to follow Him. He has given us the power to become the Sons of God; we are God’s adopted children. This is a power greater than any in this world not of God’s Hands. This is a power that cannot be taken from us, as we are tightly in God’s Hand. The enemy cannot pluck us out of God’s grasp, once we have willingly joined ourselves to God through the help of the Holy Ghost. We need the unifying spirit of the Holy Ghost to help us understand the concepts of Scripture; not only to understand them, but to follow them. With the help of the Holy Ghost, we can understand what we are to do; more than that, we will be able to apply the concepts we learn from Scripture to our everyday lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the Gospel, Christ asks the crowd of what they expected to see? Some great big flashy sign He was going to overthrow the Romans and unite the Jews to conquer the world? That was what they expected, but not what He came for! He says more than a prophet and that is true. Jesus is more than a prophet, He is the Son of God who came to die for our sins that we might not perish but have everlasting life. He did not come to rule the world, for it would be only a temporal state. He came for far more than that; to prepare our hearts for eternity and begin to change us from unjust to just creatures, worthy of God’s creation and His Hands. As John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Christ’s preaching, Christ came to prepare our way to join our Father in Heaven. Without this preparation, we would not have the wonderful gift of eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">His sacrifice was the physical and spiritual action which paved the road for our ascent to heaven. He came to mold and to shape us from being roughly made to something very valuable. He came to transform us from death to being truly alive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Life is a continual process of learning in every aspect of our lives, not least of these aspects is our spiritual growth and development. The Japanese have a word for this, introduced into their industry by the American engineer W. Edwards Deming, <b>Kaizen</b> (</span></span><span style="font-family: SONGTI SC BLACK;">改善</span>), that is to say continuous improvement. Never perfect, but always endeavoring to improve. Day by day. Just like in flying, every flight we need to learn something. It is the same in life, every day we need to learn something to keep growing as a Christian. Our goal is to make the next day better than the last. This is how we must continually develop as Christians.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To care for the mysteries of God properly, we must continue to learn in our spiritual lives; if we do this, we will keep growing more and more every day. Reading Scripture is one way to further our spiritual development, as well as helping others without thought for ourselves. We have to undergo our spiritual rebirth before we can help to transform others and to serve others. To accomplish this, we need to have the mental state only the Holy Ghost can give us. We must keep trying our best to improve and learn from the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit and to trust in God and dread naught.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As Jesus came to change us for the better, Paul and the Collect remind us to do the same for others. We have to keep trying to do our best to help our friends and family to be better, all the while doing our best to be the best Christians and humans we can be. All the while shining the light of Christ into the darkness of this world as His ambassadors. We know not what seeds we plant when we perform such actions and in a future time they may bear fruit. We must not try and rush the work of the Holy Spirit, who works on God’s time and not that of our own time. All good things will happen in due course. If we do our part by planting the seed, the Holy Ghost will nurture and develop this seed to bear fruit. We must put our hearts and minds together and think about what God wants us to do in the end, rather than what we want to do. Put God first and all will be well, is what can be taken from today’s collects and lessons, ultimately. We must be willing do to this; then we can be properly caring for the mysteries of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Be of God - Live of God - Act of God</span></span></b> </p><div><br /></div></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-85922949052361694322023-12-10T11:42:00.000-08:002023-12-10T11:42:20.392-08:00 Second Sunday in Advent - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nTVpTjhGKXieHnjwmcOPnVE3zWZCMckrVahP-6rDaOQ9Ieh4bEnKky_PBdJ0kfhS9siWwm_GtTrMmcbNwSfY3ezbmyfiGeKIM2xLvrglg9ZRySsJmiIl1dOjShIyc6HzW1HJ-qgmJzJDDWZANVsjxVA9-p-pyFEnGZK5NNWKrSHoRc6fJYplCOIipPjc/s708/Bible%20Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="708" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nTVpTjhGKXieHnjwmcOPnVE3zWZCMckrVahP-6rDaOQ9Ieh4bEnKky_PBdJ0kfhS9siWwm_GtTrMmcbNwSfY3ezbmyfiGeKIM2xLvrglg9ZRySsJmiIl1dOjShIyc6HzW1HJ-qgmJzJDDWZANVsjxVA9-p-pyFEnGZK5NNWKrSHoRc6fJYplCOIipPjc/w400-h240/Bible%20Light.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video </span><a href="https://youtu.be/yxuecSeRgCU" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/yxuecSeRgCU" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/yxuecSeRgCU</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Collect, Epistle and Gospel, today’s propers are all tied together, their whole point is we are to learn from Scripture and to place our hope and trust in God, not man. If we have hope and trust in God, we must dread naught, and carry on, empowered through them in our daily lives here on Earth until we are called to our heavenly home. These are actions we must take; not mere thoughts or words, actual actions! God provided Scripture so we might learn from the history of old believers in the Old and New Testament. As the saying goes, if we do not learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. It is the same with Scripture; for much of Scripture is history. I hope you find it useful.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Propers are found on Page 92-93, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Second Sunday in Advent</span></span><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 2pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8c008e; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31.5pt;">B<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">LESSED</span></span></b> Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect for the First Sunday in Advent can be found on Page 90:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The First Sunday in Advent</span></span><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 2pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #941190; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">LMIGHTY</span></span></b> God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Epistle for today came from Paul’s letter to the Romans, the Fifteenth Chapter, beginning at the Fourth Verse. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul tells us the scriptures up to that time were written that we might have hope. He now reminds us to treat each other the way Jesus treated those about him, to open our hearts to each other as Jesus opened His. The promise of Jesus was not to Jews only, but to all people (Gentiles). Paul tells us Jesus Christ was a minister of … the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He reminds us of the writing of Esaias, “There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.” Paul leaves with the blessing, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #8c008e; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 49.5pt;">W<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">hatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint Luke, the Twenty-First Chapter, beginning at the Twenty-Fifth Verse. In preparation for our recollection of the First Coming, the Nativity, we read St. Luke’s description of the Second Coming, “and there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As clear as the Second Coming will be, so was the First Coming to those who would see and hear it. Once again, we are reminded that there are none so blind as those who will not see and none so deaf as those who will not hear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Can you see Him? Will you hear Him?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #8c008e; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 50pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ND</span></span></b> <span style="color: red;">there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. </span><span style="color: black;">And he spake to them a parable</span><span style="color: red;">; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Diocese of the West</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon and can be viewed on video </span><a href="https://youtu.be/yxuecSeRgCU" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/yxuecSeRgCU" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://youtu.be/yxuecSeRgCU</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3fJubjiH2Spz0lrzJPU3t2Q_b16KfRvLxncXW2FhqnKlPs3ku9zUFW4jQ3b4R5FLMQI-xFARPeS_91EaKPS7FdmT_RcYEl0LMwqis-Bb3YZwZwW6p_upDtewsnFdEW6loxAtKODGHNvAGs-2hII-CB7psRY3tq229dqOtAw7K0UD_sFe76NlhsmafDqa/s1160/231210%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="978" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3fJubjiH2Spz0lrzJPU3t2Q_b16KfRvLxncXW2FhqnKlPs3ku9zUFW4jQ3b4R5FLMQI-xFARPeS_91EaKPS7FdmT_RcYEl0LMwqis-Bb3YZwZwW6p_upDtewsnFdEW6loxAtKODGHNvAGs-2hII-CB7psRY3tq229dqOtAw7K0UD_sFe76NlhsmafDqa/s320/231210%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="270" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message as we enter into a period of preparation for the coming of our Lord and Savior. Let us start by reading today’s collect</span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">:<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></span></p><p align="center" class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660066; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span></i></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Second Sunday in Advent</span></span><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect.</span></span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 4pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #8c008e; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31.5pt;">B<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">LESSED</span></span></b> Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The First Sunday in Advent</span></span><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #941190; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">LMIGHTY</span></span></b> God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 4pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect and the Epistle and the Gospel all tell us we are to learn from Scripture and to place our hope and trust in God, not man. They tell us God provided Scripture so that we might learn from the history of old believers in the Old and New Testament. As the saying goes, if we do not learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. It is the same with Scripture; for much of Scripture is history.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Scriptures have been given to us as a tool for learning so we might become wiser through the Holy Spirit, whose guidance as we read and study Scripture will allow us to come to a fuller understanding of the meaning it should have in our daily lives. The Collect tells us that we are to read Scripture and let the messages sink into our hearts, souls and minds that we might act upon it and learn how to more effectively follow God. Just like a Pilot’s Operating Handbook tells you everything you need to know to operate an airplane, the Scriptures tell us everything we need to know about being a Christian and conducting ourselves as Christians in our day to day lives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But in order to fully understand what we are reading, we need His Influence in our hearts in order to understand what we are preaching; to live what we are preaching, in order for our faith to have any meaning. If we preach a good message but do not live out our preaching, then we will become hypocrites. Which unfortunately is easy to do if you do not have the Holy Ghost in our hearts, helping to guide your actions. People will very quickly notice if our actions are not congruent with our professed belief. There are far too many people today who live in a hyopcritcal manner. We must not become like one of them. Thus we must ask the Holy Ghost to enter into our hearts and guide our actions that we might live out our preaching. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Following that point, if we do not have understanding or act upon our preaching, how can we ask others to follow God, when we ourselves are not? We can’t lead people towards and following God if we do not do that ourselves. It simply isn’t possible to lead people towards God if we aren’t following Him ourselves. We must strive to avoid hypocrisy, to live a geniune life following His commandments He has set for us and to be a beacon to guide others to Him. We are not an icon or image of Him, but merely pathfinders, and once we find the path, we guide others to Him. We do not posess any special powers as ministers of the Lord, except as we have the Holy Ghost within us, directing us. And that special power is not of our own to claim, but He who sent Him. We are merely being allowed to have Him within us and we should not boast of any deeds done with His Inspiration, but must simply point back to the source who sent Him. We cannot claim any credit on our own for the power He has bestowed upon us to perform great good works for Him. He works not only in ministers, but in each and every member of the church. For, each of us is an emissary of Christ to the world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He gives each of us in His Church special talents, so members of the Church may use these talents in conjunction with one another to bring people to Christ. Every individiual with a different talent is needed in His Church, each special and unique and needed to spread the Gospel. As in a professional workplace, each member of the Church has a special talent, used in conjunction with other people with each of their own talents, which can be used together to bring people to Christ. We each have our function, just like each part of our body has a function and each individual part is needed for its specific function to work as a whole. If we all had all heads, it would not work out well for us. But like our body parts, we are each called to a separate talent to make up the whole church.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For when we all work together the Church becomes a team, each and everyone in it, the clergy and the lay people all having the common goals of spreading the Gospel to those who are in need of it and tending to those who need help. When we all work together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish for Him. The key is we need to work together, setting aside any petty squabbles and differences and focusing on what we can do to achieve for Him. When we do this, we become an unstoppable force, doing good in His Name. This is all made possible if we read and act upon the precepts of Scripture with the help of the Holy Ghost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We must act upon the words of Scripture and the sermons we hear, so our faith will be manifest to all those watching us. We will make mistakes and sin, as we are imperfect beings; if we admit our wrongdoings to God, and come back to Him, all shall be forgiven and we shall have a fresh slate on which to start anew. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the Epistle, Paul tells us Scripture was written so we might have hope, even in times of darkness. Times like these with unbelievers in high places doing their best to defile and ridicule our faith can try our souls. We must treat others as Christ taught us, with respect and humility, no matter our personal feelings/opinion on them and how they conduct their lives. If we are kind to them, we may plant a seed in their lives for the better, causing perhaps a change for the better in them. We do not know what impact our actions may have in the future; we can only hope they may influence an individual for the better. It may not be until way later we find out what measurable impact we may have had on these peoples lives. It takes a while for seeds to germinate and grow into large and wondrous trees, it is the same with the seeds we plant spiritually. It is a process that cannot be rushed but that takes some time. We need to be very patient in this regard and not try and hurry the process along so to speak. We have no idea what our actions will inspire others to do. That is also why we need to be extremely careful in how our actions influence others. We want to be a positive influence, rather than a negative one. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This is where applying the<i> <span style="color: red;">love thy neighbor as thyself</span></i><span style="color: red;"> </span>concept plays a big part. For if we follow Christ’s Summary of the Law, our actions are more likely to cause a positive impact on others around us. If we follow ourselves instead of the Holy Ghost, we are more likely to cause a negative impact to others around us. We should do our best to remember this in our interactions with others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Turning to the Gospel, Saint Luke describes the signs of the Second Coming and how we are to prepare for it. We are not to be caught unaware of the signs; if we read the signs, then we shall be prepared to meet our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. At the same time remember Christ’s words in Matthew 24:36 - <i><span style="color: red;">But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.</span></i> This means every day we have to be active in our faith, and not brain and faith dead like so many around us today. We have to be spritually aware of our spiritual surroundings, much as a good and safe driver/motorcyclist must be aware of the cars around him and possible hazards in the road at all times.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have to use the tools given to us by God; Scripture, our faith and our friends in the faith to combat the evils of this world. They are given to us for learning the faith and for defending the faith from the multiple assaults of the wicked one. We must do our best to make this world the best place we can. If we study, digest and use Scripture in faith, we will have hope in these times of darkness; we will go forth and spread the Good News, which will give us satisfaction and hope for people; therefore renewing our spirit and vigor and the knowledge that in the end we will triumph, will fill our hungry spirits. It will renew our sense of purpose and redirect our focus outward instead of inward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our hungry spirits can only be satisified by God’s Goodness and His Word and His Love, of which He has infinite capacity; nobody is stealing anybody else’s share, as God has more than plenty to go around for all of us! In fact, the more of God’s Love you take, the more there is for others! So we must concentrate then on sharing the Gospel and God’s love, so others might finally find true happiness, as we find ours, in serving the Lord for the rest of our days. We also have to concentrate on living a genuine Christian life and not a shallow Christian life; showing the way to Christ for others to see and follow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The common theme through the Collect, Epistle and Gospel is that if we have hope and trust in God, we must dread naught, and carry on, empowered through them in our daily lives here on Earth until we are called to our heavenly home. These are actions we must take; not mere thoughts or words, actual actions!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="msonormalcxspmiddle" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-7885849007267147532023-12-02T19:53:00.000-08:002023-12-02T19:53:45.111-08:00First Sunday in Advent - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqWgvfMFz-AOaOLm9uPjfXwSys5QcqQiEfY9oaIagtklWalBUxDkROCjD593FgsOsn4VAcmIBulrtXFTS23euIJJYhCFcpMX0XOevC0kU1h5U1i1vnnv7_LnYuCIiegMGadkO7-xqqYJMb5bztXqUd0RBoehdnGJrS2wljdqAfAJ7dk1uO_FWAh6ehPE_/s3450/Palm%20Sunday%20entry%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3283" data-original-width="3450" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqWgvfMFz-AOaOLm9uPjfXwSys5QcqQiEfY9oaIagtklWalBUxDkROCjD593FgsOsn4VAcmIBulrtXFTS23euIJJYhCFcpMX0XOevC0kU1h5U1i1vnnv7_LnYuCIiegMGadkO7-xqqYJMb5bztXqUd0RBoehdnGJrS2wljdqAfAJ7dk1uO_FWAh6ehPE_/w400-h381/Palm%20Sunday%20entry%20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span><a href="https://youtu.be/YYddp81C6cY" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/YYddp81C6cY" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/YYddp81C6cY</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Collect, Epistle and Gospel, today’s propers are all tied together. Their whole point is we must embrace light and reject darkness. We do this by allowing the Holy Ghost into our hearts, to shine the light in our hearts and expel the darkness. Make no mistake, we are engaged in a World War with the Prince of Air, the Prince of This World, for the souls of men, starting with our own, a World War which has been going on since the beginning of time. But we know the ending is in our favor for certain, for the Book of Revelation tells us so. I hope you find it useful.</span></o:p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today, the propers for today can be found on Page 90-92:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The First Sunday in Advent</span></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #941190; font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">LMIGHTY</span></span></b> God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">T</span>he Epistle for today comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans, starting at the Eighth Verse of the Thirteenth Chapter. Paul tells us to be self sufficient, but love and care for one another, do not commit adultery, do not murder, steal or lie. But more than that, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” For, if you love your neighbor, you will do no ill to him. “Therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” We need to do this today, because the time of “our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” We hear often “The end of the world is near.” And it may well be. But for each of us, this world’s end comes when we leave for the next. Have we treated our fellow beings as Jesus commanded us in God’s name? Because in the answer to that is hidden the key to our next life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 48.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-transform: uppercase;">WE</span></span></b> no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today’s Holy Gospel came from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, the Twenty-First Chapter, beginning at the First Verse. It is the story of Palm Sunday when Jesus came triumphant into Jerusalem. Jesus sent “two disciples, saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.” This was done that the prophecy of years gone past might be fulfilled of a triumphant entry of the Messiah into Jerusalem. The people expecting a Prince of this World, “spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest, And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.” Rather than assuming the crown of this world, “Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”<a href="applewebdata://0B7DC0C5-B9AC-4BBC-8E7D-09B54C2EDEB0#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 49.5pt;">W<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-transform: uppercase;">HEN</span></span></b> they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, saying unto them, <span style="color: red;">Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. </span><span style="color: black;">All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded </span>them, and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, <span style="color: red;">It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span></i></b></p><p align="center" style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">THE EXHORTATIONS.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #d80000; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">¶ <i>At the time of the Celebration of the Communion, after the prayer for the whole state of Christ’s Church, the Priest may say this Exhortation. And Note, That the Exhortation shall be said on the First Sunday in Advent, the First Sunday in Lent, and Trinity Sunday.</i></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 35.2pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 42pt;">D<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">EARLY</span></span></b> beloved in the Lord, ye who mind to come to the holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ, must consider how Saint Paul exhorteth all persons diligently to try and examine themselves, before they presume to eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a true penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy Sacrament; so is the danger great, if we receive the same unworthily. Judge therefore your- selves, brethren, that ye be not judged of the Lord; repent <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span>you truly for your sins past; have a lively and stedfast faith <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span>in Christ our Saviour; amend your lives, and be in perfect charity with all men; so shall ye be meet partakers of those holy mysteries. And above all things ye must give most humble and hearty thanks to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Saviour Christ, both God and man; who did humble himself, even to the death upon the Cross, for us, miserable sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. And to the end that we should always remember the exceeding great love of our Master, and only Saviour, Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the innumerable benefits which by his precious blood-shedding he hath obtained for us; he hath instituted and ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his love, and for a continual remembrance of his death, to our great and endless com- fort. To him therefore, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, let us give, as we are most bounden, continual thanks; submitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. <i>Amen</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br clear="all" /></span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="applewebdata://0B7DC0C5-B9AC-4BBC-8E7D-09B54C2EDEB0#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sometimes quoted as a reason for the church not to have rummage sales, the sellers were thrown out as they were cheating the people, selling the one legged sparrow in the morning as a “perfect specimen of an unblemished dove” without fault for a sacrifice, then reselling the same sparrow in the afternoon. They were indeed making the temple a den of thieves rather than a place of worship.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Diocese of the West</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon and can be viewed on video </span><a href="https://youtu.be/YYddp81C6cY" style="color: purple;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/YYddp81C6cY" style="color: purple;">https://youtu.be/YYddp81C6cY</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDiNfnvqDSxaUZKdLw7yTi-WrkVDrIiBerKMOaBiWng-yHRcrQGGo1M6FckFASsKc8GwI2kaAUwHmht6qAbNguKnWlbEWnm5ybLNPSpCn2bzN_9Ci0PlT1kxaVTlUp6Ezg-bPmCiRi2p-jRWt0th7DLcMOy9pxUv8gOhQQ_xFaNIe44yPhOWSEY3HLdoh/s1230/231203%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="874" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDiNfnvqDSxaUZKdLw7yTi-WrkVDrIiBerKMOaBiWng-yHRcrQGGo1M6FckFASsKc8GwI2kaAUwHmht6qAbNguKnWlbEWnm5ybLNPSpCn2bzN_9Ci0PlT1kxaVTlUp6Ezg-bPmCiRi2p-jRWt0th7DLcMOy9pxUv8gOhQQ_xFaNIe44yPhOWSEY3HLdoh/w166-h234/231203%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="166" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message as we enter into a period of preparation for the coming of our Lord and Savior. Let us start by reading today’s collect</span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue;">:<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></span></p><p align="center" class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660066; font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span></i></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The First Sunday in Advent</span></span><i><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect.</span></span></i><i><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ba19c1; font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">LMIGHTY</span></span></b> God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. <i>Amen</i>.<span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.</span></span><span style="color: #da0000; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today’s Collect, like almost all of them, starts out asking God’s Grace, His Help, His intervention to allow us to turn our backs on evil and our own desires that we might make His Desire our desire. This theme is constant throughout most of the collects for the simple reason that it is truth. And it is the truth that without God’s intervention in our lives through the help of the Holy Ghost we are doomed to fail. If you will understand how short we fall in our “natural” desire, you will understand to cast off the works of darkness and don the armour of light, we must turn to Christ, who came to visit us, born in a simple and humble inn in Bethlehem. As His manner of birth, we must be humble as well, not boastful and proud like the rich<a href="applewebdata://DB913872-F5A3-43EB-918D-E191D83FE3A5#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>, but meek and lowly, to embrace light and cast off the works of darkness. We have to let go of our pride in order to be humble and be able to cast off the works of darkness. Though He came in a rather humble manner, He shall return in a glorious and majestic manner, a rather stark contrast to His original incarnation, leaving no doubt who has come to lead us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The whole point of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel is we must embrace light and reject darkness. We do this by allowing the Holy Ghost into our hearts, to shine the light in our hearts and expel the darkness. It is like the light Galadriel gave Frodo in Lord of the Rings<a href="applewebdata://DB913872-F5A3-43EB-918D-E191D83FE3A5#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a>, a light to shine in the darkest of times and places and will cleanse our hearts of the inner darkness and will send the darkness scattering like insects. Only with the help of the Holy Spirit can we cleanse ourselves of that inner darkness and allow pure light to come in and drive it out. We cannot do it ourselves, but we need His Help and Guidance in order to do so. We cannot do it ourselves as we do not have the resources to cleans ourselves of our inner evil, but with the Help of the Holy Ghost, we will have the resources needed to brighten our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This brings us straight to the Epistle. Paul tells us we need to live the life we aspire to. He wastes little time on the don’ts which the Jews were famous for getting around, but goes right to the dos; <i>Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself</i>. By going through the dos, Paul is saying we need to let in the light and allow the Holy Spirit to expel the darkness. We cannot hope to accomplish any of the dos if we do not have the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Following God requires us to reject the dark and cling to the light. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">One of the best examples I can think of loving thy neighbor as thyself was when Lt. Thomas Hudner crash landed his F4U Corsair next to Ensign Jesse Brown’s downed Corsair in an attempt to save his fellow pilots life. In his valiant actions to attempt to save his wingman and his friend, Lt. Hudner truly showed what it means to love thy neighbor as thyself. Even though it was risky and cold, Hudner did all he could to save his friend. If all of humanity would follow the example Thomas Hudner set, this world would be a far better place.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul cautions us to not borrow for what we do not need that we might owe others nothing but our love. To know the difference between <i>want</i> and <i>need</i>. This sound advice is sorely needed in this country these days. If we do, we are ensuring that we will not have a worldly obligation to any who might hold that over us to influence our path away from that Christ set out for us. We ideally owe no man anything but that of our love. Paul asks us to love our neighbors, by love he means to take care for them as we would for ourselves or our own close relations. Not necessarily to “give” them money, but to help them to attain self-sufficiency that they might prosper both in soul and body. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This takes us right into the key theme of the Gospel. We must not be for God in speech only, but in deed. The Collect and Epistle and Gospel’s key theme is action. Acting to remain in the light rather than the darkness is the overall message. When Jesus came into this world, He came knowing the true purpose of His coming, He came knowing how He would leave, He came knowing the cost at which our souls would be accounted as perfect. He knew what He had to do to save our souls for eternity. His whole ministry, including his death and resurrection, can be best summed up in one word; action. He consistently backed up His Message with actions and not just diction. This is a pattern for us to follow as believers; we are called not just to say good words, but back those good words up with actions. Jesus expects us to not just say we believe Him, but to actually believe Him and the best way to accomplish that is through our actions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Contrast this to those who are like the Pharisees, who have not kept the Word of God in their hearts, though they may shallowly profess it with their lips. Sadly there are many in the churches world wide today that are this way, both in the laypeople and in the clergy. They know how to speak the right words, but they do not match their words to their actions. It is action, not diction, that counts! It is easy to profess it with your lips, it is harder to put your words into practice. That will show the world where your heart truly lies.</span></span><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We must not be like them. We must put on the great Armour of Light and so reject our former lives of sin and vanity. We must switch from our old selfish lives to a new unselfish, Christ filled life. It is something we always struggle with, but God never gives up on us. We can be comforted by the assurance He will never give up on us. We just have to never give up on Him and do our very best to follow what He says. As long as we repent from our sin and turn back to God in our private prayers and devotions, he will wipe our slate clean. I know I have a hard time keeping on the straight and narrow path, so I am glad He left the Scriptures to guide us.</span></span><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Through following His Word and Instructions, we shall be given a greater reward than anything existent on the Earth; past, present or future, that gift of immortal life, life for all eternity, that will outlast this physical world. We have to utilize our full complement of weaponry with the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit as our main weapons to which we fight this battle for souls. We must never never ever give up but keep going. Even when it seems hard, we must press on for all will be worth it in the end.</span></span><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Make no mistake, we are engaged in a World War with the Prince of Air, the Prince of This World, for the souls of men, starting with our own, a World War which has been going on since the beginning of time. But we know the ending is in our favor for certain, for the Book of Revelation tells us so.</span></span><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As individuals we may not experience victory here on earth. We may struggle with problems in this world and our own, our whole lifespan on this planet. We may not see and savor that victory here on earth; but we know in the end He will be victorious as we know the Savior. We will win, for we are on His Side.</span></span><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cast off the dull worn robes of darkness, which lack luster, give no warmth, protect not from heat or cold and put on the shining glorious armour of light. So kitted up, we walk in light, not in darkness where we may stumble and fall. Unlike moths, for us light is life, not the destruction of darkness.</span></span><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Come, put on the Armor of Light and go forth to destroy that last enemy, death!</span></span><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br clear="all" /></span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="applewebdata://DB913872-F5A3-43EB-918D-E191D83FE3A5#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">It is not that worldly wealth is, in and of itself, bad, but rather the attitude it can bring, one of self-worth beyond that which is correct. Wealth often brings to us a “better than thou” attitude, which soon turns to “Holier than thou.” The kind of thing that was referred to when Jesus said, “<i><span style="color: red;">It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God</span></i>.” </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Mark 10.25</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="applewebdata://DB913872-F5A3-43EB-918D-E191D83FE3A5#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This should not be surprising as JRR Tolkien was a well known Christian writer; one of the Big Three with CS Lewis and GK Chesterton.</span></span></span></p></div></div></div></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-51518691675728982592023-11-26T10:27:00.000-08:002023-11-26T10:27:51.792-08:00Sunday next before Advent - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p> </p><p><br /></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6tOJUtfdg6IKBRG9by-nGU_EW22_TOt4hRgIOVDwrk3LN8wKke3UwHMufNUZt8KOsB9RlLgdVj-RXS6IeYBnUQQtUENG55V0f-v4BOTkiZuxnxvmb0aLo2xRG9sJbDuxUuKWFbyWbKcIsDlVO_bGBRNoRZAhEWsTEuGH288_pgIOLKdlJ-OP4nwTA-25/s575/Five%20Loaves,%20Two%20Small%20Fishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="571" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6tOJUtfdg6IKBRG9by-nGU_EW22_TOt4hRgIOVDwrk3LN8wKke3UwHMufNUZt8KOsB9RlLgdVj-RXS6IeYBnUQQtUENG55V0f-v4BOTkiZuxnxvmb0aLo2xRG9sJbDuxUuKWFbyWbKcIsDlVO_bGBRNoRZAhEWsTEuGH288_pgIOLKdlJ-OP4nwTA-25/w398-h400/Five%20Loaves,%20Two%20Small%20Fishes.jpg" width="398" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video </span><span style="color: #954f72;"><a href="https://youtu.be/OuF2cE_HrE8" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/OuF2cE_HrE8" style="color: #954f72; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">https://youtu.be/OuF2cE_HrE8</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Collect, Epistle and Gospel, today’s propers are all tied together. As is usual, they call for action not just thoughts. In fact, the collect is among the most direct, asking God to stir our hearts that we might ACT in a manner which will result in good things! The collect is asking for God to inspire us to ACT to produce those good works that will please Him. It is asking for God to assist us in our actions here on Earth to produce good fruits. And through those good fruits, God will reward us with gifts that are better than we could possibly imagine. I hope you find it useful.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The propers for the Sunday next before Advent can be found on Page 225-226:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #da0000;">The Sunday next before Advent</span><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" style="height: 36px;" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" height="27" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.65pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: green; font-size: 30.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">S<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>TIR</b> up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord.<b> </b><i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #443c3c;">T</span>he Epistle for today came from the Book of Jeremiah, the Twenty-Third Chapter, beginning at the Fifth Verse. Foretelling the arrival of Jesus, Jeremiah prophesied, “I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” He prophesied the New Covenant, moving reference of the Lord from Egypt to Israel and the return to one people of those driven out of their homeland across the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: green; font-size: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">B<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>EHOLD</b>, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Holy Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint John, the Sixth Chapter, beginning at the Fifth Verse. John relates one of the feeding the masses in the wilderness events. This forshadows the arrival of the Christ at Christmas coming to feed our spiritual needs in the wilderness of this world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">With five thousand men with them looking for food in the wilderness, “One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down…” Reminding us that if the Son of God gave thanks to God for His food, so ought we, “Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, ‘This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.’”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Compare to saving our souls and feeding the inner hunger we have for God’s love, feeding a mere 5,000 men is child’s play, but then Jesus said we should accept God and His love through Him as the children do. So perhaps it really is child’s play.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: green; font-size: 31pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">W<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>HEN</b> Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, <span style="color: red;">Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? </span>And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, <span style="color: red;">Make the men sit down</span>. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, <span style="color: red;">Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost</span>. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Diocese of the West</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon and can be viewed on video </span><a href="https://youtu.be/OuF2cE_HrE8" style="color: purple;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/OuF2cE_HrE8" style="color: purple;">https://youtu.be/OuF2cE_HrE8</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9PK78bEdrK3bcu5gijw3KlaWV7SVoWYuxNGzduPZMgXViBgGkFNCpoKPuEANpFsMvvF9aBYc6s8u6jq-GzGlQqyJ_4h1DVXBaSsaLGR42RyVGTh7rSuq0nvmXvRjB0w5G8oVOIRqRA7FPLGSwCFZDn0HqpJYRYeMAe8RYbf6il7XnnfApZyvvCN4xTAg/s1440/231126%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1140" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9PK78bEdrK3bcu5gijw3KlaWV7SVoWYuxNGzduPZMgXViBgGkFNCpoKPuEANpFsMvvF9aBYc6s8u6jq-GzGlQqyJ_4h1DVXBaSsaLGR42RyVGTh7rSuq0nvmXvRjB0w5G8oVOIRqRA7FPLGSwCFZDn0HqpJYRYeMAe8RYbf6il7XnnfApZyvvCN4xTAg/w158-h200/231126%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="158" /></a></div><br />Good morning. I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message. Let us start by reading today’s collect:<o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660066; font-size: 6pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p align="center" class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000;">The Sunday next before Advent</span><i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p align="center" class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i>The Collect.<o:p></o:p></i></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="Body" style="border: medium; break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-size: 30.5pt;">S<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>TIR</b> up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord.<b> </b><i>Amen</i>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">As is oft the case, today’s propers are all tied together. As is usual, they call for action not just thoughts. In fact, the collect is among the most direct, asking God to stir our hearts that we might ACT in a manner which will result in good things! The collect is asking for God to inspire us to ACT to produce those good works that will please Him. It is asking for God to assist us in our actions here on Earth to produce good fruits. And through those good fruits, God will reward us with gifts that are better than we could possibly imagine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Jeremiah prophesies the coming of Jesus out of the branch of David that He might unite God’s people as one under a New Covenant. Christ is the key piece to the puzzle of the Old Testament prophecies. He is the answer to all of the prophecies the Old Testament contains about our savior. John tells us Jesus comes to fill both our spiritual and physical hunger. Our spiritual hunger in that by His Coming, we will have the Word as our spiritual bread and drink. And our physical hunger by the fact if we follow what He says and do our best, we should have no problems getting food to eat. The collect is calling us to action, to perform good works to advance the cause of the Gospel. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The collect is asking us to allow God into our hearts so that we can go forth and do good works that the Good News might be spread. The Good News cannot be spread without those good works. For what good is it to only spread the word and not just live it and breath it? God wants us to live His World and not just read it. We need to put into our actions the message that God has relayed to us. The collect is asking God to stir up our wills that we might go forth and do good works for Him and effect positive change for us and members of our community on Earth If we do that, the collect assures us that we will be rewarded very well. First we have to let Him int our hearts in order for Him to stir up our wil and incline us to perform the good works. Then through these actions we will truly get our just reward. Our wills are naturally inclined towards not following Him; we need to have our wills reset towards following Him. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">We have to throw off our old man, to quote Saint Paul and to put on the new armor and helmet of the new man. We have to shed our old like a lizard sheds his skin and grow the new armor and helmet. Then We have to let the Holy Ghost into us and cleanse us of our old sinful selves. Because as long as we are our old sinful selves, we are unable to fully serve Him and to live His Word. We need the Holy Ghost to help us get rid of our old selves and help us put on our new better selves. In order for all of this to happen, we have to willingly let the Holy Ghost into our hearts, souls and minds and have him guide our actions. For without the Holy Ghost’s influence, we cannot truly be able to willing follow Him and act for Him on our own intuition. Our own natural intuition will lead us astray. We must follow God rather than look to ourselves to renew our hearts souls and minds. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Nothing else in this world will satisfy us like God and the Word of God can. He is the answer to the missing hole in so many people’s hearts and lives. There is so much evidence of this missing hole in people’s lives today. The sad part is that the missing hole is obvious, but to those who will not believe it is not obvious at all. They keep searching for things to fill that broken hole, but nothing they will find will come close to filling the hole as God can.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Our broken society is a reflection of the missing gigantic God shaped hole. Yet nobody wishes to acknowledge or recognize this hole. That is because our human nature would have us run from God rather than accept God. The church sadly has been complicit in this by allowing the devil to enter into the church. No house divided against itself shall stand and sadly that is what is happening with the modern church. We have found that no art or work of mammon can come even close to the pure satisfaction following God provides. Yet because so many people have been blinded by Satan, they won’t see this. This is the only possible way we can truly be satisfied, everything else is a shadow of true happiness and satisfaction. God is the only way in which we can truly be happy, for everything else is worthless to our wellbeing, except for the joy of following Him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">If we follow our own heart and guidance, we will seek the things of this world and will be hopelessly lost. But if we follow God’s guidance then we will not be lost but will be on course and on path towards heaven. If we stumble off from time to time, we just have to recover and get back on the path towards heaven with the help of God and the Holy Ghost. We will always make mistakes and occasionally err from God’s standards, but as long as we make the needed course corrections then all will be well with our souls.<i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Events happening in this country today show that we are not truly capable of satisfying ourselves, only Jesus and the Holy Spirit can fill the hole. We cannot replace God with man as some liberal minded folk in this country are so apt to think. This is why we truly need the Holy Ghost acting in our hearts and cleansing us of these impure thoughts. Otherwise we risk becoming like many in this country today, unhappy and angry people that do not understand that true happiness is not found in mammon but serving God and spreading the Good News to all nations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">As we are nearing the beginning of Advent, let us think ahead to the joy of Christmas, the birth of Christ, His entry into this world, the joy of Epiphany, His revealing to the world. Then look ahead at the horror, pain and sadness of Good Friday. This lets us see the joy of eternal life He gave us, came at a very heavy price. Jesus gave His Own Life so we might have eternal happiness and not only that but he had to go down into hell and do battle with the devil. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The World is constantly changing things to suit its sinful desires. However, those of us who follow God do not change from the truth. This is why we will never be fully satisfied with things of this world, but we will be satisfied with what God provides for us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">He asks of us nothing special; but just to do our very best, not just say it. It is something I am striving to work on more and more every day. As we are not perfect, we will stumble on this but as long as we get back on track and follow the Holy Ghost back to the course we are supposed to be on, then all will be well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">We must keep learning and following His Word. It is a hard concept for many of us to follow, including myself, but we must all strive more and more every day to do our very best. If we study Scriptures diligently and work hard to follow them to the best of our abilities, then we will, with the Holy Spirit’s help, be charted on an excellent course. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Interestingly, He tells the disciples to “<i><span style="color: red;">Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost</span></i>.” It seems He is talking about the sheep that He tends to, He wishes to “<i><span style="color: red;">gather up the fragments that remain</span></i>”, meaning the people apart from His flock, that “<i><span style="color: red;">nothing be lost</span></i>”, meaning that their souls may not be lost for eternity. Think about that and take what it is offered before it is no longer on the menu! And be thankful for All His Blessings in our lives, for our friends and our family that He has placed in our lives. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">We are blessed and should be grateful we are in a spiritually rich group (The Anglican Orthodox Church) and in communion with some very good men and women across the Earth in the AOC Worldwide Church, who hold true to the principles of Scripture. God has blessed us all by bringing us together. I am thankful for each and every person in the AOC Church and my family and friends. At Thanksgiving, we should be thankful most of all for God sending His Son to die for us, that we might have eternal life and happiness instead of the eternal misery that comes from the separation from God.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Actions speak louder than words, when we actually <b><u>use</u></b> that inspiration of the Holy Ghost and a couple well thought out words with actions, we can do many marvelous things in the lives of people around us, through His Spirit and Word and we will help to fill people’s spiritual hunger, through acting through His Word, in thought, word and deed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God</b></p></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-57630974097785051022023-11-19T13:57:00.000-08:002023-11-19T13:57:15.213-08:00Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcH3zpDJERWqGmlZ_P-SxDZZgnNOIiaHfgDU0V-kwKxTHzksqJ4cnQ9G043hVuhRHkA9WQQE6BdhGVlPE2CeuC8I79srUhfFGLUCYPvFhtHdW1DbMxvvNSii6IMG84UMuu2RqB2z0iNAH2jn4XCxGOX2yyVqdm4KBw_fD3uxu7GMsseLhvNPesanSsraiA/s2048/matthew-9-18-26-reflection-daniel-cariola-2048x1536.jpg.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcH3zpDJERWqGmlZ_P-SxDZZgnNOIiaHfgDU0V-kwKxTHzksqJ4cnQ9G043hVuhRHkA9WQQE6BdhGVlPE2CeuC8I79srUhfFGLUCYPvFhtHdW1DbMxvvNSii6IMG84UMuu2RqB2z0iNAH2jn4XCxGOX2yyVqdm4KBw_fD3uxu7GMsseLhvNPesanSsraiA/w400-h300/matthew-9-18-26-reflection-daniel-cariola-2048x1536.jpg.webp" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span><a href="https://youtu.be/MtEQRDsWSS0" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/MtEQRDsWSS0" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/MtEQRDsWSS0</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Collect, Epistle and Gospel tie together, laying out, detailing and reinforcing the same message, ultimately. We have to have faith in Christ and God, and be willing to accept the Holy Ghost into us, that through Him, we may do good works on Earth and that we will receive our just reward for doing what is right in the end. As always, Jesus proved the naysayers wrong. He gave a very practical demonstration that much is denied men, but though God all things are possible. I hope you find it useful.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The propers for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity can be found on Page 223-224:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 12pt;">The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity</span></span><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;"><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 13pt; font-style: italic;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 6pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.35pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: green; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 30.5pt; font-weight: bold;">O<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><span> </span>LORD</span></span></b><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;"><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;">, we beseech thee, absolve thy people from their offences; that through thy bountiful goodness we may all be delivered from the bands of those sins, which by our frailty we have committed. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviour. <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Epistle for today came from the First Chapter of Saint Paul’s letter to the Colossians, beginning at the Third Verse.<span> </span>Writing to the people of Colossus, Paul tells them that he is constantly praying for them and exhorts them to do their very best to actually fulfill the promises they have made to God, to Walk the Walk, not just Talk the Talk; to study hard the Word and use the strength they will get from God to act on the things they have learned and professed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: green; font-size: 31pt; font-weight: bold;">W<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">E</span></span></b> give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard <span> </span>of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: as ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Holy Gospel came from the Ninth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the Eighteenth Verse.<span> </span>While Jesus was talking to some of the disciples of John the Baptist, one of the local politicians whose daughter had just died came to Him with faith that He could return her to life.<span> </span>As he was leaving His meeting with the disciples to follow the politician, a woman who had been ill for many years, reached out in faith to “touch His garment.”<span> </span>She knew He was the key to her life, though she likely had no real understanding of just how.<span> </span>She had faith in Jesus.<span> </span>As she touched his garment, He turned saying, “<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;">Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole</span></span>.”<span> </span>She was instantly healed.<span> </span>Like the Faithful Centurion<a href="applewebdata://A8364142-B777-43C5-836A-50AAD6DD7479#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a>: Truth set her free, faith made her whole. Jesus continued on to the politician’s house and returned his daughter to the living.<span> </span>Consider that in none of these cases did Jesus’ saving grace hinge on actions by the saved, but rather their faith that Jesus would save them, then acting in accordance with that faith.<span> </span>It was not what they did, but what He did that saved them.<span> </span>But, His actions were in accord with their faith.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: green; font-size: 31pt; font-weight: bold;">W<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">HILE</span></span></b> Jesus spake these things unto John’s disciples, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: for she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;">Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole</span></span>. And the woman was made whole from that hour. And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, he said unto them, <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;">Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth</span></span>. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. 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</style></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="applewebdata://A8364142-B777-43C5-836A-50AAD6DD7479#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> The centurion at Capernaum whose servant is ill: Matthew Chapter 8 verses 5 to 13:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">AND</span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, <span style="color: red;">I will come and heal him</span>. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, <span style="color: red;">Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth</span>. And Jesus said unto the centurion, <span style="color: red;">Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee</span>. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">See how this story matches that of the woman:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">His servant was sick;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">He knew Christ could help;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">He was prepared to ask Christ for help;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">He knew that Christ was in a position of power;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">He didn't even have to be near the servant to help<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The centurion wasn't someone who went to get a doctor, or an itinerant herbalist. He went seeking a miracle, and that is what his faith got him. This centurion had faith, greater faith than Christ had ever found. Yet who was he? He wasn't a scribe or Hebrew scholar. He wasn't a member of the local synagogue. He was a member of the hated, oppressing, occupying army.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></span></i></b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Diocese of the West</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and is partly contained in the forewords above. <span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack’s sermon and can be viewed on video </span><a href="https://youtu.be/MtEQRDsWSS0" style="color: purple;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/MtEQRDsWSS0" style="color: purple;">https://youtu.be/MtEQRDsWSS0</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity</span></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: 26.35pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> LORD</span></span></b>, we beseech thee, absolve thy people from their offences; that through thy bountiful goodness we may all be delivered from the bands of those sins, which by our frailty we have committed. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviour. <i>Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Consider these words from the Collect: … </span></span>absolve thy people from their offences; that … we may all be delivered from the bands of those sins, which by our frailty we have committed…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn0C3SzKPypMC0MefmbVplSBalXSqK0ZC22XRCQhffcwH6Vt_PskyY4-REl1SRjrxJgPIm4rXu1Pnb2vY393G6V7OQwK-YtVNB0AWxXy8CBXSoeCgb5MXKx_MFtSG9nycLpnXwyBs2QAbKzRUGqhXwfdbsgb8cYb8d3n1ysg5Ew6G4WX5Z1_ezHZZutwo/s1088/231119%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="876" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn0C3SzKPypMC0MefmbVplSBalXSqK0ZC22XRCQhffcwH6Vt_PskyY4-REl1SRjrxJgPIm4rXu1Pnb2vY393G6V7OQwK-YtVNB0AWxXy8CBXSoeCgb5MXKx_MFtSG9nycLpnXwyBs2QAbKzRUGqhXwfdbsgb8cYb8d3n1ysg5Ew6G4WX5Z1_ezHZZutwo/w195-h243/231119%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="195" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect asks God to pardon our offences, that is our wrongs, failures and failures to act as we should, where we have “erred and stray from His Way like lost sheep”, through His great mercy. Note, through the mercy of God, not because we have been good, but because we cannot be good without Him in the form of the Holy Ghost. We are utterly incapable of goodness without the help of the Holy Ghost. We are sinful, prideful beings without His Help. We are asking for His Help so that we can overcome our natural frailty. Also with His Help there is no end to the good that we can become. We have to recognize this fact and then consciously ask for the Holy Ghost to enter into our hearts and transform our hearts souls and minds. Without this transformation we are utterly lost. But with it, we become Paul’s New Man 2.0, an epic upgrade from our first revision. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In this world we will find that as far as sins go, truly there is nothing new. All the sins that will exist are present in this world and we aren’t making any new ones. The human heart is always as dark and depraved without the shining light of the Holy Spirit as it ever has been. We will find no problems on this Earth that have not existed since the time of Adam. Technology may change and nations may rise and fall, but the underlying human condition has remained constant. This is why the world is full of the same problems as it always has. Humans are naturally resistant to any form of change, especially spiritual change. It has been this way since the time of Adam. People are always seeking ways to get around God and His Laws, but they truly cannot. They will never stop trying to get around God but they will also never succeed in getting around God as that is impossible. Most of the problems we face here on Earth stem from people trying to get around God. If people would recognize and worship God and do their best to follow His Word, then our problems here on Earth would go away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our only hope is to be in Him and be reborn in the Spirit. As Abraham Lincoln said in the famous Gettysburg address “That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.” Only under God, can we be reborn a new, and as he said, our freedom will be reborn again. We can only be reborn in the spirit and not the flesh as Nicodemus found out when he came to Jesus by night. In order to be reborn a new in the spirit, we first have to ask for our sins to be pardoned and be delivered from our sins by Jesus Christ Our Lord and Our Heavenly Father. The key word is <i>ask</i>. This will never happen for us if we do not take the first step and ask God to enter into our hearts and regenerate our spirit. He will not come in uninvited into to our hearts. We have to allow the Holy Spirit access in order for our spirits to be revitalized.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And once we ask for our sins to be pardoned, we have to go forth and persevere in our efforts not to sin again. Only then can we be truly re-born. We cannot be truly reborn if we keep falling into the same sin again. We have to make an effort to improve ourselves and do our best not to do the same sin over and over again. Through a sense of godliness, we obtain that “new birth” of freedom. If everybody in this country followed that simple advice, just think of how great our country would be. Look at Abraham Lincoln for an example of a Godly man, one of the greatest Presidents ever elected, who by following God and His Word, helped preserve the Union of this wonderful nation, albeit at a great cost to our freedom and with a huge expansion of government.<a href="applewebdata://5A2DC770-783D-40C0-B224-CA06024A8B60#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the Epistle, Paul tells the Colossians if we are to be reborn through Christ into a “new birth of freedom”, as Lincoln said, we must place our hope not on Earth, but in Our Heavenly Father and his abode above. It is truly a place where nothing will be corrupted and thieves will not break through and steal. It is very safe to place our hopes in heaven in other words. So we must train our hearts, souls and minds to focus on this. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In heaven, we shall encounter none of the imperfections we see here on Earth daily. It is truly a wonderful place to be. We must keep our sights on our destination of heaven. We have to always keep this in mind every time we are weighed down by the woes of the world and of troubles in our lives. We have to always keep flying our spiritual airplane no matter what happens in this life. If we put our goal as going to heaven and setting our airplane on the magenta line towards heaven, eventually we will get there. We may encounter severe turbulence from events in our lives that threaten to upset our spiritual state, but as long as we keep flying the spiritual airplane, all will be well in the end. Heaven is truly the only place where we can place any hope and not be disappointed. God will never fail us; we just need to not fail Him. We have to do our best to follow Him here on earth and do our best to spread to Word to the people around us. If we do this, the truth shall shine forth through in our work, at home, in our daily lives and people shall see Christ working through us for His purposes. If we follow what God asks, which is a very common theme in the Bible, as it is in my sermons, we prosper and do well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Which brings us to the point of the Gospel, in which Christ heals a woman who has such supreme faith in Christ healing her, that if she but touches his cloak, she knows she will be healed. She did not have any doubts about Christ’s power to heal her. She truly had a solid faith. She depended not on the talisman of the cloak, but the power of Christ with which she expected to connect. She knew Christ had the power to heal her and believed He would heal her. Christ was impressed by the woman’s faith. If we had the faith of this woman in Christ, imagine how we could impact the world around us. There would be little we could not do for our fellow men and women. And, I might ask, what is stopping us? The ruler whose daughter had died also shared this amazing faith in Christ. He had zero doubt whatsoever Christ would do these things. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Also, the faithful centurion and the man whose son was sick had this tremendous faith. The faith of all of these, in particular the ruler whose daughter died, was truly strong. Christ recognizes this man’s faith and rewards with the girl’s resurrection. Quite a surprise for those who had just laughed and scorned him, basically telling him “That is impossible, you can’t raise the girl from the dead.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As always, Jesus proved the naysayers wrong. He gave a very practical demonstration that much is denied men, but though God all things are possible. But, we need the faith of the woman, the faith of the ruler and the faith of the centurion. Jesus showed us that if we do indeed have the great faith of those people, there is not a lot that we cannot do. He is showing us that faith is a key corner stone to following Him. We must follow Him and the plan He laid out for us. We have to be willing to listen and be ready to follow Him. In time, we too shall have an amazing reward, through our faith and be in a “new birth of freedom” from otherwise certain death. We can do things thought impossible, if we put our trust in Him, as I have aforementioned. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This is what Jesus meant when he said we could move mountains with our faith. If we put our trust and faith in Him, nothing that we need to do is impossible for us to achieve. We must keep listening to His Guidance and to do our best to follow Him. However, we must back up our faith with actions. If we truly have faith, then we will act and perform good works for Him. Without actions, our faith is meaningless.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus’s miracles were all about actions, not just in word, but in deed. He did both, as we must also. If we only talk the talk, but do not walk our talk, then our words mean nothing. If we walk the walk also, our words have weight, meaning, as we become men and women of the Word. I say of the Word and not like the old saying, he is a man of his word. For we want to become a Man/Woman of His Word, not our word! If we go by His Word, we can never go wrong. We always seem to go on our word and that is where we get into trouble. It is action not just diction which counts. The two can go together, but in the end, actions speak louder than words. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect, Epistle and Gospel tie together, laying out, detailing and reinforcing the same message, ultimately. We have to have faith in Christ and God, and be willing to accept the Holy Ghost into us, that through Him, we may do good works on Earth and that we will receive our just reward for doing what is right in the end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Be of God - Live of God - Act of God</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="applewebdata://5A2DC770-783D-40C0-B224-CA06024A8B60#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The American Civil War was fought not over slavery, but over States Rights. Make no mistake, the right being disputed at the time was slavery. Many will say the wrong side won, including the noted thinker Thomas Sowell. Slavery was an institution whose time was long passed, it did not serve anyone, master or slave. It was counter to the Word and should never have existed here. Truly it was an instrument of the Devil and was used to harm our country.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div></div></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-39845912851939364212023-11-12T20:32:00.000-08:002023-11-12T20:32:47.613-08:00Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2GUGzCDa4Uge8fqdaEjZwMzBN3H2UpLIcgV2GqQYJLMlPI95ZUcD5ogHy7gmuyd8aPcAWcmuofxWMVIWqRikHKmHoL7TQUAWNJ2fHDwogGqh-ltTOkopBQMV4Zhk5dg2P5Mqb7UfyoXWvc5py2Syx3Z4pNo0mY6MlmSvdLTeTiYEqm_OSJvxvZZk3ytb/s1500/Caesar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2GUGzCDa4Uge8fqdaEjZwMzBN3H2UpLIcgV2GqQYJLMlPI95ZUcD5ogHy7gmuyd8aPcAWcmuofxWMVIWqRikHKmHoL7TQUAWNJ2fHDwogGqh-ltTOkopBQMV4Zhk5dg2P5Mqb7UfyoXWvc5py2Syx3Z4pNo0mY6MlmSvdLTeTiYEqm_OSJvxvZZk3ytb/w400-h400/Caesar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span><a href="https://youtu.be/BdcXa0UGczo" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/BdcXa0UGczo" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/BdcXa0UGczo</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;">The Collect, Epistle and Gospel tie together, laying out, detailing and reinforcing the same message, ultimately. We have to respect the authorities that govern us, no matter how we disagree or dislike them, and conduct ourselves like Christians. However, that does not mean that we replace the rule of God with the rule of Man. Man’s laws should merely be a restatement of God’s laws, not to replace God’s laws. I hope you find it useful.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The propers for the Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity can be found on Page 222-223:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity</span></span><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: start;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.35pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> GOD</span></span></b><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;">, our refuge and strength, who art the author of all godliness; Be ready, we beseech thee, to hear the devout prayers of thy Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord.<b> </b><i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Epistle for today came from Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians beginning at the Seventeenth Verse of the Third Chapter. Writing to the church in Philippia, Paul asks them to watch whom they follow, “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, … that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” He reminds us of our ultimate goal, of that which for us should have the principal place in our minds, “For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed unto the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: start;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 50.5pt;">B<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">rethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed unto the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Holy Gospel came from the Twenty-Second Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the Fifteenth Verse. Like many people today, the Pharisees took much comfort in the fact that they followed The Law to The Letter. Not looking to what the law was trying to get them to do and to think, but rather following The Law to The Letter. Jesus presented a threat to their very existence, because he asked the people to do what God willed, not to simply cook their food a certain way, or turn down an invitation to a luau because they served roast pig and drank Bud. Being good followers of The Law to The Letter, they sought to trip Him up. “…they sent out unto Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ‘Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” Having for so long lived The Law to The Letter, believing The Kingdom of God would be of this world, they could not see the obvious response. They were absolutely floored when Jesus said, “<span style="color: red;">Shew me the tribute money</span>.” With no thought of the answer, “they brought unto him a penny.” Jesus asked them, “<span style="color: red;">Whose is this image and superscription?</span>” Again playing the straight man, walking into the trap they had set for themselves, they answered, “Caesar’s.” Driving his point straight into their hearts, he told them, “<span style="color: red;">Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s</span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This ended the encounter, “they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: start;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 39.6pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 50.5pt;">T<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">hen went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, <span style="color: red;">Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money</span>. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, <span style="color: red;">Whose is this image and superscription?</span> They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then saith he unto them, <span style="color: red;">Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s</span>. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></span></i></b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Diocese of the West</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bp Jack brings the Propers together today and can be viewed on video </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://youtu.be/BdcXa0UGczo" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"> -> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/BdcXa0UGczo" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://youtu.be/BdcXa0UGczo</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity</span></span><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 4pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: start;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">GOD</span>, </span></span></b><span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;">our refuge and strength, who art the author of all godliness; Be ready<b> </b></span>we beseech thee to hear the devout prayers of the Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain; through Jesus Christ our Lord<span style="font-family: KisBT-Roman;">. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh52cA5Xfck5ZyfeIcn_WXWY68caCkb-CXf00KRly8WMyirbvHl7V2IDTH5MWdHpI15HusuNB9xsJQNo2QEhYtRG3UFL472SwsLxi2wj_HH4bXB7_TNCPY5-FwhPKes-JWIxFlYvjzLsmKzAmUP0ovgSzO52T7uDTLC2mZM7rMRgSi2XA11pgIUErnP0Z/s1326/231112%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1042" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh52cA5Xfck5ZyfeIcn_WXWY68caCkb-CXf00KRly8WMyirbvHl7V2IDTH5MWdHpI15HusuNB9xsJQNo2QEhYtRG3UFL472SwsLxi2wj_HH4bXB7_TNCPY5-FwhPKes-JWIxFlYvjzLsmKzAmUP0ovgSzO52T7uDTLC2mZM7rMRgSi2XA11pgIUErnP0Z/s320/231112%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="251" /></a></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">… hear the devout prayers of the Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain …<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect once again asks God to hear our prayers. <i>The Church</i> is the body of believers, not a building, not a semi-political group. Many people think the Church is just a building when that is not the case at all. When the Collect refers to the church, it refers to the body of believers that are following God. And the Collect specifies the <i>devout prayers</i>; that is prayers for those ideas, actions and the like that follow God’s Plan for His People. It goes on to ask that He would grant those things we ask for <i>faithfully</i>, that is in accordance with His Will or Plan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He is always there, always ready, to hear our sincere prayers: He may answer those things which are good for the Church and the world for which we ask and from His Grace we may receive those things which are good for us. The part that is left unspoken is that once we receive His Advice through the Holy Spirit we have to be willing to take action. And we may not necessarily know on our own what is good for the church, but that is where the Holy Spirit will come in and guide us to what is good for the church. We must listen to what He says and then ultimately act upon what He tells us to do. We can pray all the day long but if we don’t listen to Him and then act upon what He says, those prayers will ultimately be for naught. Action and diction together shows our beliefs and where our hearts truly lie. Diction without action is not much of a belief at all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the Epistle, Paul tells us, as well as the Philippians, to follow God and not be dependent on man, as so many in this country are now. The problem is many, who claim they are followers of Christ, don’t walk the walk, they are selfish and only think of themselves. We need to ensure we are not following these peoples imperfect example and instead do our best to follow Christ’s perfect example. We will never match His Perfect example, but we will never get anywhere if we don’t at least do our best. There are too many people around the world who think and act in this manner. They have no desire to help others, and in fact have a desire to tear others down rather than lend them a helping hand. This is not in congruence with Christ’s teachings and the Summary of the Law. He warns them will lead them onto a path of doom and destruction. We can see that being played out in our country now with an uprising of violent behavior and tendencies and the general degeneracy in the population.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This is clear proof to me that we cannot succeed in a positive manner without God’s help and influence in our lives. If more people would realize this, our country would be in a far better state than it is now. Let us pray that people would wake up and realize this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Whereas if people would love their neighbor as themselves, it would lead them on a path to prosperity and eternal life. In times of trial and tribulation, we are not to worry, but rather lean on Our Lord. It may be very difficult but it can be done through the help of the Holy Spirit. We must realize our true and final citizenship is in heaven, for which we look to Our Saviour. If we are on the side of righteousness, of the Lord, of godliness, then who are we to fear?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Nobody; save a respectful fear of Our God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We will not bow before the forces of darkness; but rather stand tall, equipped with the armor of light, the shield of truth, and the helmet of faith. We will give those in authority the respect they are due but we will not be dependent upon them for our every need and whim. This is why those who seek to create a larger government are working on supplanting God’s authority over us. For if God is the authority, as He is; man has no power to determine what is right and what is wrong. Man is not responsible for his own power. This is why those who are seeking to enlarge their power over the people in this country must first destroy the Church. The good news is that Paul says in the end, these people’s efforts will be in vain and they will be destroyed, as much as they are attempting to destroy us here on Earth. We can be cheered up in these depressing times, knowing we are on the winning side for eternity. We are to turn to God; if we are to be dependent on anything, it must be God upon whom we are dependent, and not Man. Being dependent on man only leads to eternal death for us, but being dependent on God leads to eternal life for us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Which brings us to the point of the Gospel, in which Christ tells the Pharisees of how they are to deal with the problem of tribute to Caesar. They have no love for the Roman Government, as we have very little love for the swamp dwellers in our own Government. However, Christ reminds them to separate their hatred of the government, and do the right thing. Again as many things in the Gospel, this is easier said than done, but it is something that must be done all the same. As we must give God His due (our worship and prayer), we must give the government their due (taxes, etc.), but this does not mean we treat the government as demi-gods, to put it one way, as politicians often think of themselves. The government has to earn our respect, not the other way around, which too often it and the members in it forget this simple fact.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have to realize that God has granted the government their authority to govern, but not to supplant Him. God cannot be replaced by man. If Man tries to replace God, they will fail and they will ultimately no longer have God’s blessing upon their authority. It His authority is where the government gets their authority, and will always be; whether they choose to recognize that or not, is up to them. That is what we pray for when we pray for the President, that he would recognize God’s authority and align his leadership with that of God’s will. The statists in this country believe the false lie that man can govern man without assistance from God or God’s authority. Governments which do not recognize this fact are in the end, doomed to fail. The history books are filled with pages of failed governments, all failed because they refused to recognize God’s rightful place as the source of their legal authority.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus’ point is that we give them what they are owed, no more and no less. The Pharisees were trying to trick Christ to say that you must honor one or the other, when you can do both. We should be serving God and not man; that does not mean that we do not have to pay our dues to the government that rules us. It is only through God’s grace that he allows government to rule over man. The government we have was established with the recognition it serves at His pleasure. Its Declaration of Independence establishes people have rights endued them by their Creator, not the government. It is with the authority of the people the government serves. It must exist to serve the people and God. It is not to be a self-licking ice cream cone. Jesus told us to feed the poor people, not create laws that take money from other people ostensibly for that purpose, of which he commanded us to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect, Epistle and Gospel tie together, laying out, detailing and reinforcing the same message, ultimately. We have to respect the authorities that govern us, no matter how we disagree or dislike them, and conduct ourselves like Christians. However, that does not mean that we replace the rule of God with the rule of Man. Man’s laws should merely be a restatement of God’s laws, not to replace God’s laws.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-91531372485248127672023-11-05T13:56:00.001-08:002023-11-05T13:56:58.000-08:00Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<div style="text-align: left;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CRUUsTnXjL3VXHfkQh8gbguuiymkldv_S3LyqNhLSplzS3xuoukGUTpRVQjUnUYR8R3dj2UdD0BbwtelJG01-_DCeLjlDRqAQ8DbajbZ8OHj9qGHFVV02-dB18pc4m47oowkYbAduS41pVfuJW6oTMR__Z9iPg3qRnQiqH1vN8Jn5NQIe3JjOla5DygB/s904/Matthew%2018-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="706" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CRUUsTnXjL3VXHfkQh8gbguuiymkldv_S3LyqNhLSplzS3xuoukGUTpRVQjUnUYR8R3dj2UdD0BbwtelJG01-_DCeLjlDRqAQ8DbajbZ8OHj9qGHFVV02-dB18pc4m47oowkYbAduS41pVfuJW6oTMR__Z9iPg3qRnQiqH1vN8Jn5NQIe3JjOla5DygB/w313-h400/Matthew%2018-22.jpg" width="313" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video </span><span style="color: #954f72;"><a href="https://youtu.be/XNCRD98XD2Y" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/XNCRD98XD2Y" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/XNCRD98XD2Y</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">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 and are all tied together. Today’s propers really put to lie the concept of the hermit Christian. When we talk about them, look how the Collect talks about the Household of God, what Bishop Cranmer styles as the Church, and how Paul speaks of the benefits of fellowship and joint prayer. If that were not enough, see how Jesus reminds us of the need for forgiveness and patience, things you only need if you interface with others. It all comes together, read or listen and find out how. I hope you find it useful.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The propers for the Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity can be found on Page 220-222:</span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #da0000;">The Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity</span><i><span style="font-size: 4pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 3pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: green; font-size: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">L<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>ORD </b>we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Epistle for today came from Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians beginning at the Third Verse of the First Chapter. Writing to the church in Philippia, Paul sends his greetings letting them know he has been praying for them constantly. He tells them that the good work God has begun in them will surely continue until Christ returns to them. Paul tells them he prays that they will find more and more joy in following the will of God. Continually reminding people of the joy of being born a new person, Paul prays that their “love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-size: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b> THANK</b> my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Holy Gospel came from the Eighteenth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the Twenty-First Verse. On the subject of confession, repentance and forgiveness, knowing the rabbis had ordained forgiving one’s transgressors three times Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, <span style="color: red;">I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.</span>” Knowing Jesus as he did, Peter no doubt expected Jesus to say more times than three, but 490 may have been somewhat more than he expected. In one of the more important stories in the Bible concerning God’s forgiveness of us and our obligation to forgive others, Jesus went on to liken the kingdom of heaven to a king, who was balancing his accounts. He found a servant who owed him, in today’s terms, a million dollars. The man had no money, but promised to pay and begged for mercy rather than have himself and his family sold into slavery as the law allowed to repay the debt. The king forgave him the debt and set him free. Upon release, the man being reminded of his debts, began to attempt to collect from those who owed him. The first debtor he came across owed him $10.00 and had it not. The one who had been forgiven cast the $10.00 debtor into prison. The king found out and bye, bye.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The quote is - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Not – Do unto others before they do unto you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 1pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-size: 31.5pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">T<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">HEN</span></b> came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? <b><sup>22</sup></b> Jesus saith unto him, <span style="color: #fb0007;">I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. </span><b><sup>23</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. </span><b><sup>24</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. </span><b><sup>25</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. </span><b><sup>26</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. </span><b><sup>27</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. </span><b><sup>28</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. </span><b><sup>29</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. </span><b><sup>30</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. </span><b><sup>31</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. </span><b><sup>32</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: </span><b><sup>33</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? </span><b><sup>34</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. </span><b><sup>35</sup></b><span style="color: #fb0007;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0007;">So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses</span><span style="color: #fb0007; font-size: 10pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Diocese of the West<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bp Jack brings the Propers together today and can be viewed on video <a href="https://youtu.be/XNCRD98XD2Y" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="color: windowtext;">HERE</span></a> -> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/XNCRD98XD2Y" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/XNCRD98XD2Y</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Today’s sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and talked, as is oft the case, of </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhgfcKGuPNVj8Y-qrSCvi0x_lH_xExydg6X8LV-eJwUwdPTz56thzaq0qYE-zdfsOI2yn3epuGt2tM3a3raIriZK52kSGRr7iRTc4XemKttSkkRIBuDqSHBPyJUXvBjxWkzbzWulcCyu5oIo0D6qHFlPe5MztxXWTWn6Bga9jm-Cdm8oHHdnocK-scovP/s1082/231105%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="930" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhgfcKGuPNVj8Y-qrSCvi0x_lH_xExydg6X8LV-eJwUwdPTz56thzaq0qYE-zdfsOI2yn3epuGt2tM3a3raIriZK52kSGRr7iRTc4XemKttSkkRIBuDqSHBPyJUXvBjxWkzbzWulcCyu5oIo0D6qHFlPe5MztxXWTWn6Bga9jm-Cdm8oHHdnocK-scovP/s320/231105%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="275" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">the need for action, not simply diction and are all tied together. Today’s propers really put to lie the concept of the hermit Christian. When we talk about them, look how the Collect talks about the Household of God, what Bishop Cranmer styles as the Church, and how Paul speaks of the benefits of fellowship and joint prayer. If that were not enough, see how Jesus reminds us of the need for forgiveness and patience, things you only need if you interface with others.</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">… keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name …<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In the Collect we ask the Lord to keep His household, (that would be the Church or us) in continual godliness (that is to keep Him as our leader and follow Him and the principles of Scripture), so that with His Help we can have as smooth a path as practical and serve Him in happiness. We have clearly seen what happens if we do not keep in continual godliness with the mainstream churches today allowing corruption and heretical teachings to seep in. In order to avoid this fate, we must ask God to help us keep the church in continual godliness. It also says through His protection we might be free from all adversities and to do good works for Him. It does not mean that we never run into adversities, for we surely will. It means that in times of adversity God might give us the guidance needed to soar through these adversities and do good for Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">If the Church is not in continual godliness as many of the Churches are now then they will not have God’s guidance to get them through these adversities and thus they will stumble and fall. Another reason we should be following God constantly instead of the world. The world cannot give us the perfect guidance God can and their advice will only lead us to ruin. So let us turn to God and follow His Lead that we might be devoutly given to serve Him with good work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Devoutly serving him with good works is only possible if we listen to the Scriptures and apply them with the help of the Holy Ghost. We cannot do good works for Him without the help of the Holy Ghost. And also without the help of the Holy Ghost, we cannot have His Protection and will not be able to keep on the straight and narrow uphill path towards heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Saint Paul follows this same thought in his Epistle when he thanks the Philippians for their fellowship and talks about how their bond through Christ have strengthened his faith as a result which enabled him to continue doing good works for the Lord. He expresses his wishes for the Philippians to do the same and to keep growing in heart, soul and spirit, with their judgement and knowledge increasing as they allow the Holy Ghost in their hearts more and more.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Paul also wishes the Philippians would approve of godly things and their holiness would increase as they walk more and more with God. He is basically wishing for them to continually grow in wisdom through reading of the Holy Scriptures and then applying them in their day to day actions. It ties in nicely with the collect asking for God to keep the Church in continual godliness. Our Lord accomplishes this by having our bonds strong in the church, He keeps us in that continual godliness. The more we love the Lord, the more it will show through in our actions and our judgment. So, let us keep loving the Lord, so our actions and judgment will align His! Paul’s wishes not only are good for the Philippians but they are good for us to consider in our day to day lives as well, especially his wish that we might grow in wisdom through reading Holy Scriptures and applying them in our day to day lives. He also calls us to be sincere in all of our dealings and being kind to our fellow believers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Which brings us to the point of the Gospel, in which Christ tells Peter about forgiveness and how we must be ever patient with our fellow humans, and if they are repentant, grant them that forgiveness, no matter how many times they might err and vex us. It doesn’t matter if we want to or not, if they are truly repentant then we must forgive them, regardless of how we want to do otherwise. This is important as if we hold the evil of non-forgiveness in our hearts, it is to our own detriment. We would not be following the words of the collect of staying in godliness if we were to not forgive. For as God forgives, so must we forgive those who are truly sorry. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Holding non-forgiveness in our hearts is as bad for us as holding a grudge against an individual. It acts as like cancer to our soul, eating away out our soul turning it from bright white to a dark black. We must not allow this to occur and if somebody is truly sorry for their misdeeds, we must forgive them. Else we will not only hurt them by not forgiving them but we will also hurt ourselves. It is best for both parties involved if we can forgive them. It is another one of the concepts that is easier to say then do, but it is a concept that we must embrace and do our best to do all the same.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We can only forgive those sins against us, for those that are against God, only God can forgive. Remember, we can forgive them for personal trespasses against us, but through God’s power, only He can grant absolution of our sins, not us. Nowhere in Scripture does Christ tell Peter humans have the power to forgive sins, as the Roman Catholics claim they have, but rather God must forgive sins, but we can tell others God has forgiven them. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><br /></span>The parable illustrates what happens to those who are forgiven, but yet turn around and do not forgive their neighbor (in this case, a debtee) for their sins and have thus abused their forgiveness from Our Lord. If we follow this person’s path, we will find ourselves in a poor spot in eternal life; not only the eternal life, but our temporary life here on earth would be made more miserable by our abusing of the forgiveness. Let us not be like that fellow, but let us forgive our neighbor, if he is truly sorry and willing to repent and re-start the friendship, and turning a new leaf so to speak. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><br /></span>If God has been so good to forgive us, why should we not inform others God can and will forgive them of any sins against Him or us for that matter? It would be truly selfish not to do so and to go against what He has commanded us to do, in spreading the Word to all nations. This is why the Gospel is called the Good News, because God has forgiven us for our sins and sent His Son to die for us, that we might have eternal life instead of eternal damnation. This is the ultimate forgiveness, accounting us as perfect, when we are anything but. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Today’s propers speak of the power of Our Lord in forgiveness and how we must remember our bond with our fellow Christians in Christ, especially in times of great sorrow or trouble and use that to strengthen us in our day to day lives. We must always remember there are others in our heavenly family who are struggling along with us. With the help of the Holy Ghost and our bond with Christ, we shall not fail.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><br /></span>The Collect’s prayer, Epistle and Gospel tie together, laying out, detailing and reinforcing the same message, ultimately. We have to be willing to forgive others, tell them about God’s forgiveness, and not turn around and commit the grave error of not forgiving others as God has forgiven us for our sins. We have to act more like God each day, though we are not and never will be perfect. If we try our utmost best, that is all we can do.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><br /></span>Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><br /></span>The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><br /></span>It is by our actions we are known.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><br /></span><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God</b></span></p></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-57432658883323214902023-10-29T12:51:00.000-07:002023-10-29T12:51:35.791-07:00Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4o45Ifn9tyRH_w5atXJHa8gEqjXLkewo1T1Ady61cUlcUXNeimZS_5pEeiG9gjKaMPIrHIggAhfHKjUGRMoGRyP6fi4k7VsLLcBpAwJgBQxAdwBBaeoaru1RlKgCbQbsdnILO2iRPRi8vP6-XV5d_mACurVAZU76jZ6Ez-1WZhp4x-LTBf1PA8AInF7Pq/s1172/Armor%20of%20God.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1172" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4o45Ifn9tyRH_w5atXJHa8gEqjXLkewo1T1Ady61cUlcUXNeimZS_5pEeiG9gjKaMPIrHIggAhfHKjUGRMoGRyP6fi4k7VsLLcBpAwJgBQxAdwBBaeoaru1RlKgCbQbsdnILO2iRPRi8vP6-XV5d_mACurVAZU76jZ6Ez-1WZhp4x-LTBf1PA8AInF7Pq/w400-h316/Armor%20of%20God.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video </span><span style="color: #954f72; font-family: Palatino;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/F8GsTwo-gTo" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;"> -></span><span style="font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/F8GsTwo-gTo" style="color: #954f72; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;">https://youtu.be/F8GsTwo-gTo</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">In the Collect, we ask God to pardon our sins so we might serve Him with peace of mind and do His Work without having to worry about our fate. It is good to have a clear mind when you go into battle, to be free of worry that you might do your best. In his letter tpo the people of Ephesus, Paul gives his clearest definition of the spiritual war between the forces of Satan and those who would follow God. It not only assures us that there is a spiritual war, but it warns us that apart from utilizing the weapons which God has provided for us, we are hopelessly underpowered. The Gospel talks about the need for persistence; a very important part of the Christian life, it helps build our character in bad times, and also in good as well. It all comes together, read or listen and find out how. I hope you find it useful. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Propers for today are found on Page 218-220, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-size: 12pt;">Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-style: italic;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: green; font-size: 30.5pt; font-weight: bold;">G<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">RANT</span></span></b><span>, 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.<span> </span><i><span style="font-style: italic;">Amen</span></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #443c3c; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #443c3c; font-size: 12pt;">The </span></span>Epistle for this morning came from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, the Sixth Chapter, beginning at the Tenth Verse.<span> </span>In these passages, Paul gives his clearest definition of the spiritual war between the forces of Satan and those who would follow God. It not only assures us that there is a spiritual war, but it warns us that apart from utilizing the weapons which God has provided for us, we are hopelessly underpowered. This passage tells us what our divine weapons are. Beyond this, these weapons imply the nature of the struggle which we are in. The weapons which God has provided for us are those weapons which best repel the attacks of Satan, and thus we can learn a great deal about the nature of Satan’s opposition from simply considering each of the weapons at our disposal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After a consideration of the war in general, we will then proceed to examine in more detail each of the weapons Paul mentions, and the offensive strategy of Satan which they imply. May God give us open hearts and minds to understand the spiritual war, and the means which He has provided for our defense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: green; font-size: 31pt;">M<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Y</span></span></b> 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 supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance 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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Holy Gospel came from the Fourth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. John beginning at the Forty-Sixth Verse.<span> </span>This is a telling of the story of the healing of a</span></span><span> Jewish nobleman's son Capernaum through the faith of his father.<span> </span>When the man came to him asking for help, he responded as he often did to Jews, “</span>Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.”<span> </span>The man persisted and because Jesus saw faith in him, he said, focusing his attention on faith in God, “Go thy way; thy son liveth” or <span><span> </span>"Be on your way. Your son is alive." In other words: "Do not worry. My Word can heal your son at a distance." The boy was healed in the very instant when Jesus spoke the Word. The father believed this Word. So did his household, wife, children and servants. More than one person was healed on that occasion.</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This miracle shares characteristics with the previous healing of the Centurion’s son:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus has just come back to Galilee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Someone comes to him with a request.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Indirectly Jesus seems to refuse at first.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The person persists.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus grants the request.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This leads another group of people (his disciples, the nobleman’s household) to believe in him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Note the necessity of trusting in Jesus as the giver of life.<span> </span>Of the text, </span></span><span>Luther wrote: "Although the Lord performed miracles and signs to make Himself known and to lead people to faith in Him, the underlying purpose was to focus their attention on the Word rather than on the signs which served merely to attest the truth of His testimony. Faith must rest on the Word of God."<span> </span>Another Lutheran theologian wrote: "In affliction faith is practiced and chastened. If a person does not see, taste and experience the help and grace of the Lord, then that person learns to trust the Word and nothing but the Word. That is the true faith, trusting the Lord for its own sake. Such faith comes not from flesh and blood. It's the Lord to which faith clings. That almighty Word works faith."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus led this nobleman from a "miracle" faith to a true faith in His Word. He does this to us also.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"Be on your way. Your son lives." This Word of Jesus was not only a prophecy. It had the power to heal the sick boy. And this Word took the nobleman's worries away.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: green; font-size: 31.5pt; font-weight: bold;">T<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HERE</span></span></b> 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, <span style="color: red;">Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe</span>. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, <span style="color: red;">Go thy way; thy son liveth</span>. 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, <span style="color: red;">Thy son liveth</span>: 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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Sermon - Bishop Jack Arnold</span></span></i></b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: medium; color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: medium; color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Diocese of the West</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="Body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: medium; color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;">Bp Jack brings the Propers together today and can be viewed on video here -> </span></span><a href="https://youtu.be/STLJ3NI7128" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: underline;">https://youtu.be/STLJ3NI7128</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="Body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: medium; color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: medium; color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif;">’</span></span>s sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and talked, as is oft the case, of the need for action, not simply diction.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: medium; color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx1QY1UH1ENYIz341iQhBWplQjJO_RzBQCBJAn1iawyBIEPMkVHfqJwN3LtZnZxpn4n-96QxlZCSBd70An_aPZY8kaA_FfWzYRuLWyOpkqMGdKH8MYx9KuuQ6vh_uRmv_l0LlPR3Ddn6dKixGOiVbpTi38ELiOFSPHo9DVC8ihFqotI9fqOdvE_miWpYvV" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="1108" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx1QY1UH1ENYIz341iQhBWplQjJO_RzBQCBJAn1iawyBIEPMkVHfqJwN3LtZnZxpn4n-96QxlZCSBd70An_aPZY8kaA_FfWzYRuLWyOpkqMGdKH8MYx9KuuQ6vh_uRmv_l0LlPR3Ddn6dKixGOiVbpTi38ELiOFSPHo9DVC8ihFqotI9fqOdvE_miWpYvV" width="188" /></a></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;">Consider these words from the Collect:<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">… </span></span><span>Grant …</span><span> thy faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind</span> …<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We ask God to pardon our sins so we might serve Him with peace of mind and do His Work without having to worry about our fate.<span> </span>It is good to have a clear mind when you go into battle, to be free of worry that you might do your best. You do not want a foggy mind while performing an action that requires your best concentration, so that is what we are asking from Him. To give us clarity of mind that we might do what is right.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We need His pardon and peace to cleanse us from our sins, to enable us to have a mind that is quiet and focused on doing His will. With all the horrible things that go on this world daily, we are in need of a quiet mind. In order to serve Him well during all of these trials and tribulations that occur during our lives, it is a requirement that we have a quiet and focused mind. In order to have the quiet and focused mind, we need to ask Him to send the Holy Ghost into our hearts, souls and minds that we might have the quietness and focus we need instilled in our minds to do the tasks that He gives us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When we mention peace, it is a very different concept from what people in this world think of it. The world’s idea of peace seems to ebb and flow with the ages and their concept of peace differs radically from what God’s peace is. They do not have the constant, unyielding, unchanging standard of God to follow so they are all over the place. The peace God gives us is the calmness and stability in our soul when the world is crumbling around or even on us. While the world is flailing about every which way we are secure in the knowledge we are following the ultimate form of goodness, God Himself. It is the surety that no matter what happens this life, as long as we do what God asks, our souls will be safe in the next life. This will give us a calm of mind that the world is incapable of giving as they do not know the peace of God and the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is that peace of mind and soul that comes from knowing when we die, we will be with God and Jesus and enjoying eternity with them. It helps us to know this is only a transitory phase. This is only temporary way point on our way to heaven.<span> </span>And if we let it, this peace will take the place of worry. This can be easier said than done, but if we let the Holy Ghost into our hearts, we will find our worries will disappear quickly. The peace gives you the confidence to perform actions, even in difficult and very trying circumstances. Once again, action, not diction, is paramount.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Not everyone will accept it though, even though all should accept the offered gift, it does not mean they will. <span> </span>And those that do accept may not accept right away. It may take time for the seed of the Holy Ghost to germinate and bear fruit in the hearts of some of the more worldly people. As our fallen nature attests, we are not instantly transformed into a different person overnight, but rather thorough many days, weeks and years of practicing Christian beliefs, through reading Scripture and being around other believers. The transformation happens in a gradual process, that continues all of our lives. With some of the non-believers we encounter in our live this might occur, the seed we plant may germinate in time to bring them to Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul gives his clearest definition of the spiritual war between the forces of Satan and those who would follow God. It not only assures us that there is a spiritual war, but it warns us that apart from utilizing the weapons which God has provided for us, we are hopelessly underpowered. He also clearly identifies that our enemies will not just be acting within the spiritual realm , they will be also acting in this world in high positions and places and poised to make our lives difficult. This passage tells us what our divine weapons are. Now that we know our weapons and the nature of this spiritual battle, what are we to do? We are clearly commanded to take an offensive role, to go where the battle is. We are not called to be at the rear, but on the front lines, in this spiritual battle.<span> </span>With the help of the Holy Ghost, we should be using our tongues boldly as St. Paul says, to spread the Gospel. Being bold does not mean we are to be rude or cruelly shouting down the opposition in preaching the Gospel, but it does not mean we are to be timid about it. We must preach it with the great conviction that the Holy Ghost will provide us if we will let Him In.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In order to boldly preach the truth of the Gospel throughout the world, we must not worry ourselves with what the world will think. For what the world will think is not as important as what God thinks. We will do our actions and say the truth with clarity and confidence. That is what it means to preach the Word boldly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Word spreads “by word of mouth” and by action.<span> </span>It does not spread by mouth alone! There needs to be work backing up those good words. Your mouth, your actions!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Speaking of actions, Winston Churchill said, “Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”<a href="applewebdata://D50109BA-2DA5-4D1F-82A3-D0410B68878C#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Churchill was not the first. God wants us to persist.<span> </span>Consider the case of the nobleman of </span></span><span>Capernaum.<span> </span>The man asked Jesus for help for his son.<span> </span>Jesus did not immediately grant the request as He needed the man to persist to make a point for those around him.<span> </span>He responded as he often did to Jews, </span><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red; font-style: italic;">Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. </span></span></i><span> </span>The man persisted and because Jesus saw faith in him, he said, focusing his attention on faith in God, <i><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red; font-style: italic;">Go thy way; thy son liveth</span></span></i> or<span> "Be on your way. Your son is alive." In other words: "Do not worry. <span> </span>My Word will heal your son no matter the distance." The boy was healed in the very instant when Jesus spoke the Word. The father believed this Word. <span> </span>So did his household, wife, children and servants. More than one person was healed on that occasion.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This miracle shares characteristics with the previous healing of the Centurion’s son:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus has just come back to Galilee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Someone comes to him with a request.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Indirectly Jesus seems to refuse at first.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The person persists.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus grants the request.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This leads another group of people (his disciples, the nobleman’s household) to believe in him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Note the necessity of trusting in Jesus as the giver of life.<span> </span></span></span><span>Jesus led this nobleman from a "miracle" faith to a true faith in His Word. He does this to us also, but only if we will let Him into our hearts and guide us there. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"Be on your way. Your son lives." This Word of Jesus was not only a prophecy. It had the power to heal the sick boy. And this Word took the nobleman's worries away. As it will take ours away if we will let it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As we see in the Gospel, persistence is a very important part of the Christian life, it helps build our character in bad times, and also in good as well. Persistence is what fuels us in our day to day physical and spiritual lives. Persistence is a very important character trait to have as a Christian. Persistence is what fuels us through times of trial and tribulation and helps give us the strength to carry on when all seems lost here on Earth. For we know not all is lost for in the end we know God wins. With this knowledge we can persist and do our part to improve our corner of the world. The more we open ourselves up to Him, the more persistent we will become as we embody more and more of His characteristics. Persistence will help us greatly in our character development and will help strengthen us spiritually.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Consider also that God, through our Lord, offers forgiveness.<span> </span>Forgiveness lets you restart your life, regain your foothold, strengthen your soul.<span> </span>If you accept the forgiveness and go forward you can do great things.<span> </span>If you will not, and likewise you will not forgive, you will be bound by the prince of this world and doomed to failure.<span> </span>You will never attain the greatness of which you are capable with God’s grace and help.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Do what is right, I would say no matter if there is no one looking; but He is always looking.<span> </span>It is not that hard.<span> </span>Believe, take His help, act on the belief you profess, never ever give up.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 4pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail.<span> </span>The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The time is now, not tomorrow.<span> </span>The time has come, indeed.<span> </span>How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The time to act is NOW.<span> </span>Will you act?<span> </span>For whom will you act?<span> </span>Will you count the cost before you act?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Action, not diction, is what counts.<span> </span>It is by your actions you are known.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; 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</style></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="applewebdata://D50109BA-2DA5-4D1F-82A3-D0410B68878C#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sir Winston Churchill, Speech, 1941, Harrow School<br /></span></span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-52556435608050638522023-10-22T10:38:00.000-07:002023-10-22T10:38:56.266-07:00Twentieth Sunday after Trinity - Propers with explanation – Bishop Hap’s Sermon – With Video<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb07KrIzSi_YC1cx8bVNz_PpPN3tlY_wlz95ohyphenhyphenGZ9NhnARE3ayqk1UsYpKM8ZlWA33-nZcB0FqdyVad6SpSgjkmMImSmpl3H8uZ9gEsqpDvA7_wGX_VHXTBEE6fK8wZd4LfrZW9HQdHweSBEUzAsx67bvYdxbS5PWxyKtY8IjtL2SLSNZudxgkpAl-rg1/s852/Wedding%20Garment%2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="852" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb07KrIzSi_YC1cx8bVNz_PpPN3tlY_wlz95ohyphenhyphenGZ9NhnARE3ayqk1UsYpKM8ZlWA33-nZcB0FqdyVad6SpSgjkmMImSmpl3H8uZ9gEsqpDvA7_wGX_VHXTBEE6fK8wZd4LfrZW9HQdHweSBEUzAsx67bvYdxbS5PWxyKtY8IjtL2SLSNZudxgkpAl-rg1/w400-h274/Wedding%20Garment%2001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Hap brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video </span><span style="color: #954f72;"><a href="https://youtu.be/jFg9UZBIlbE" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/jFg9UZBIlbE" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/jFg9UZBIlbE</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Like what seems to be the majority of the Collects, today’s asks God to keep us from wanting things that are bad for us and make our hearts ready so we can want to do the things that are actually good for us and in line with His purpose; this ties perfectly with the Epistle and Gospel as it always does. The message of the Collect, the Epistle and the Gospel can be summarized by <i>Stay away from things that will harm your spiritual and physical health and do things good for your health and be spiritually aware of what is going on</i>. It all comes together, read or listen and find out how. I hope you find it useful. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Propers for today are found on Page 217-218, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000;">Twentieth Sunday after Trinity<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 4pt;"> </span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: green; font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b> ALMIGHTY</b> and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commandest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Epistle for today came from Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians beginning at the Fifteenth Verse of the Fifth Chapter. “… the days are evil. … understand… what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; …” God wants us to be happy, to be good and to enjoy life. The key to happiness is to do what God asks of you. No more (you can’t), no less. Though you fall short, keep trying, that is all God asks. If you find this no other place, listen to the words of St. Paul.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-size: 30.5pt;">S<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>EE</b> then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Today’s Holy Gospel came from the Twenty-Second Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the First Verse. Talking to the priests and scribes, Jesus told one of the wedding parables, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then” he sent “his servants … into the highways” to “gather… together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment?<a href="applewebdata://D397AAE3-5E44-4185-B6EF-81844B7A1195#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-size: 24.5pt;">J<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b>ESUS</b> said, <span style="color: red;">The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><a href="applewebdata://D397AAE3-5E44-4185-B6EF-81844B7A1195#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">In that day, the giver of such a feast would have provided wedding garments for those who traveled far and were unable to bring one. In our case, Jesus provides the appropriate garb to those who will wear it, not just accept it and put it to one side.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Bishop Hap Arnold<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;">Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Bishop Hap’s sermon can be viewed on video <a href="https://youtu.be/3bzJ0RCZ5cM" style="color: purple;">RIGHT HERE.</a><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><a href="https://youtu.be/3bzJ0RCZ5cM" style="color: purple;">https://youtu.be/3bzJ0RCZ5cM</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Today<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif;">’</span>s sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and talked, as is oft the case, of the need for action, not simply diction.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhH8KFIXqZo0JpzYJUM1SWBVc_f094Z3T3Z4W2nKyv0c6EpH_Ev3iK94E5jT1RRoSecJEm9t4GKYA3UgFWs-b4BVYr6HUCI3on1pAUmj6QiuEc3szaqgbWGTiMEHBt4ncV2mgreSjjUJcBVUjjJ47TBI8B2JOsnQJ7EyzXqXzsr28R0MM5P7AWCA5HwnB/s1290/231022%20Hap's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="1008" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhH8KFIXqZo0JpzYJUM1SWBVc_f094Z3T3Z4W2nKyv0c6EpH_Ev3iK94E5jT1RRoSecJEm9t4GKYA3UgFWs-b4BVYr6HUCI3on1pAUmj6QiuEc3szaqgbWGTiMEHBt4ncV2mgreSjjUJcBVUjjJ47TBI8B2JOsnQJ7EyzXqXzsr28R0MM5P7AWCA5HwnB/w156-h200/231022%20Hap's%20Sermon.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Consider the words of the Collect, “…God … keep us … from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commandest …”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Collect asks God to keep us from wanting things that are bad for us and make our hearts ready so we can want to do the things that are actually good for us and in line with His purpose; this ties perfectly with the Epistle and Gospel as it always does. The message of the Collect, the Epistle and the Gospel can be summarized by <i>Stay away from things that will harm your spiritual and physical health and do things good for your health and be spiritually aware of what is going on</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">One word that intrigues me from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is “circumspectly”; which when I looked it up meant “wary and unwilling to take risks.” I believe Paul meant today we should not be taking risks with our faith, but walking in that which has been tried and true for over two thousand years. He means we should not compromise our belief in the Gospel. There are some things we can compromise on safely in this life, but our faith is not one of these things. Too many churches these days compromise the integrity of their faith. They care more about quantity of parishioners than quality. They thus make compromises on uncompromisable theology such as Jesus being the Son of God, and the savior and nobody can be saved but through Him. These churches claim there are many roads to God to gain numbers. The fact is there is only one road to God, that paved by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God has never changed, our principles must stay aligned with His will. We must not become like these churches, but we must be the faithful who have stuck with the same theology as the churches for the past two millennia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Indeed, we must not change our position; if it is truly derived from His Holy Word, then it should never change. If a minister or bishop’s position conflicts with Scripture, then you know they are not in line with His Word and not a fellow believer. We must all strive to be in congruence with His Word. We are all working together in His Church to further His Cause. If we are not all on the same page, that of the Gospel, then we are not furthering His Work. We have to all work together to spread the Gospel, each person contributes to the much larger picture of spreading the Gospel. One person alone may not make even noticeable progress; but many people working together to spread the Gospel will make progress. If we work together, not caring who gets ‘credit’, there is no limit to what we can accomplish for God!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Paul in his Epistle warns us not to drink to excess, but to keep it in moderation. In moderation it can be a good thing. Going past moderation, it can become very harmful for us. He does not mean never to drink wine, as some, (Puritans and certain Baptists, among others) would take, but rather have “moderation in all things”; which is a similar idea Paul expresses in 1 Corinthians 6:12, <i>All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but <b>I will not be mastered by anything</b></i>. We have to learn how to keep our wants in check to reasonable qualities, else we may find ourselves in a world of hurt or worse death. He is not saying not to have fun, but to be reasonable about the fun and never over do anything. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Our Lord wants us to be moderate in our celebration, not celebrating to the point of excess where bad things can happen to our bodies and our minds; but celebrating to where we are thankful to Him for all things, and for His Love.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">This is the unifying theme of both the Epistle and the Gospel for today. Keep everything we do in moderation and avoid excesses in anything. Rather than turn to the excesses of this world, Paul says we must turn to God and be filled with His Grace of the Holy Spirit; making joyful noises to the Lord, be it in prayer or song while giving thanks always for all things to God. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Gospel’s theme is everybody is invited to God’s great feast and or wedding party (heaven) but if you do not have the right clothes (the Holy Ghost’s presence in your heart) then you will not be allowed to enter. In Jesus’ time here on earth, the person who threw a wedding provided a special wedding garment to take the place of the guests’ filthy traveling clothes. So, then and now God provides the Holy Ghost for our hearts to take His place in our hearts dark and filthy from this life and make to present as acceptable before Him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Picture someone shows up at a black tie event wearing a Hawaiian shirt and shorts; if we are not up to God’s Holy Dress Code, then we will not be able to make it into heaven. How do we get His Dress code? Simple, we have to let the Holy Ghost into our hearts and read and digest His Word. Scripture will tell us how to act and be allowed into the feast.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">How often are we thankful to God for letting us join His Feast? More often than not we seem to forget who made us, who created the world we dwell in, who created the fantastic beasts on land and in the sea. It seems very strange we forget to thank God for all of these things, but we do. We most constantly remind ourselves to be thankful to Him for creating us and this Earth and allowing us to see another day here on Earth. Making a joyful noise unto the Lord is part of how we can do this, besides prayer and thanksgiving. Be it through songs, happy declarations to the Lord or joyful worship, we can send our joy unto our Lord. This is part of the reason it is important to say prayers like the <i>Gloria</i> in the prayer book with “liveliness”, we are expressing our praise and thanksgiving unto God, for having sent His Son down to save us from our wicked selves. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">In our lives, we should be grateful to God more than we are. Remember the admonition to be <i>Thankful in All Things</i>, not to be <i>Thankful for All Things</i>. There is a big difference between the two concepts. Too often we not acknowledging God’s role in our lives and only thinking of our own. I can identify this. We have to widen our view to think of what God has done for us in our lives and appreciate and thank Him for it. We have to turn away from temptation, and let the Holy Spirit in and guide us to thanking God for what He has done for us in our lives. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The Collect, Epistle and Gospel tie together, laying out, detailing and reinforcing the same message ultimately. We have to be ready and willing to listen to God, and walk with God, and act with the Holy Spirit in us, in order to have the right “clothes” to enter into the kingdom of heaven.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The time to act is NOW. Will you act? For whom will you act? Will you count the cost before you act?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">Action, not diction, is what counts. It is by your actions you are known.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></b></p></div></div>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-5482155099357102522023-10-15T13:42:00.000-07:002023-10-15T13:42:14.138-07:00Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyof8tFsPJTkrJx3R7Kx6QSrKCw7gva_6Rqsil_iTHe7hnxs1OboOyK7lFZVfzgorSeDX54LTbdr2x4_aD_DEMo5VKCbdPvs_3MdfkMLVHiN099EEXKSj0LddtDURVT-o_xFyMY4aBijAxw_mRJwQxzNs3X_-tf0ja9tuylq0KmgmowBlAv_CqaCqwvLx/s478/Action.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="478" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyof8tFsPJTkrJx3R7Kx6QSrKCw7gva_6Rqsil_iTHe7hnxs1OboOyK7lFZVfzgorSeDX54LTbdr2x4_aD_DEMo5VKCbdPvs_3MdfkMLVHiN099EEXKSj0LddtDURVT-o_xFyMY4aBijAxw_mRJwQxzNs3X_-tf0ja9tuylq0KmgmowBlAv_CqaCqwvLx/s320/Action.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video </span><a href="https://youtu.be/upBEEOLIPkE" style="color: #954f72; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;"> -></span><span style="font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/upBEEOLIPkE" style="color: #954f72; font-family: Palatino; text-align: justify;">https://youtu.be/upBEEOLIPkE</a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">The collect continues on the theme from last week, that without God’s mighty help through the Holy Spirit, we are not able to understand what we need to do to be one with God, to follow His Will; we need Him, through the Holy Ghost, to direct us in our endeavors, beliefs and understanding. This proves the simple truth that we cannot be successful without the help of the Holy Ghost. This theme is continued and amplified in the Epistle, where Paul writes to the Ephesians, Chapter 4, Verse 17: <i>Yet henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened and alienated from the life of the God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart</i>. In the Gospel, Jesus demonstrates the importance of action in our lives. It all comes together, read or listen and find out how. I hope you find it useful. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Propers for today are found on Page 215-217, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 30.5pt;">O<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> GOD, </span></span></b>forasmuch as without thee we are not able to please thee; Mercifully grant that thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">T</span>he Epistle for today came from Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, the Fourth Chapter, beginning at the Seventeenth Verse. Typical of Paul, he uses a spiral argument with a seemingly confusing structure to further instruct the people on how to become the New Man. Our nature is not good, but rather straying from good. We have to work at good, by ourselves good is not attainable, but through Christ, we can attain good. Paul asks us to lie no more, particularly to ourselves, but rather to “speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” If we are angry, we must “let not the sun go down upon our wrath.” We should not live off others, but rather, “labour, working with <i>our</i> hands the thing which is good, that <i>we</i> may have to give to him that needeth.” Speak good, speak that others might learn. Put away ill feeling, give in to God and be “kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” God wants us to be happy, to be good and to enjoy life. If you find this no other place, listen to Paul’s words.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31.5pt;">T<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HIS</span></span></b> I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today’s Holy Gospel came from the Ninth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the First Verse. Jesus came upon “a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus, seeing their faith, said unto the sick of the palsy; <i><span style="color: red;">Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.”</span></i> Present were scribes of the temple. They thought to themselves., “This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, <i><span style="color: red;">Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins</span></i>, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy) <i><span style="color: red;">Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.</span></i> And he arose, and departed to his house. Sometimes we are tempted to view the troubles of this world as the only issues we have to confront. Surely the trouble we have here pales to that we have if we make the wrong choices here and end up in the pit. Many can heal the palsy; only through Jesus can our sins be forgiven. In this case, the sins were forgiven and the problems of this earth resolved. The power of Jesus was again made manifest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 26.4pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: 24.5pt;">J<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ESUS</span></span></b> entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus, seeing their faith, said unto the sick of the palsy; <i><span style="color: red;">Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee</span></i>. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, <i><span style="color: red;">Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,</span></i> (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) <i><span style="color: red;">Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house</span></i>. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Bishop Jack Arnold<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Anglican Orthodox Church Diocese of the West<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="color: #a51e9a; font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bishop Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video <span style="color: purple; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><u><a href="https://youtu.be/upBEEOLIPkE" target="_blank">RIGHT HERE.</a></u></span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://youtu.be/upBEEOLIPkE" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: underline;">https://youtu.be/upBEEOLIPkE</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;"><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtk34INQwA5-BWKBOzQKJbgbAWFZRjtCDwWEsg34wUPe7vauax6M1kX8RvkWp5vKmUJIbuja3LDOceDxrnE6I5G0tYhqdC-N9ZX8eHt-Xa1fyDu7V2qkt4MeCxzDf6d500NTUeszACfdm7_6V759VLoi-YvZgXMaFTHP6j9YyO53-_vWR-HbxHsZDON5p/s1070/231015%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="884" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtk34INQwA5-BWKBOzQKJbgbAWFZRjtCDwWEsg34wUPe7vauax6M1kX8RvkWp5vKmUJIbuja3LDOceDxrnE6I5G0tYhqdC-N9ZX8eHt-Xa1fyDu7V2qkt4MeCxzDf6d500NTUeszACfdm7_6V759VLoi-YvZgXMaFTHP6j9YyO53-_vWR-HbxHsZDON5p/w165-h200/231015%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="165" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><br /> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Consider the words of the Collect, “…</span></span><span>without thee we are not able to please thee; Mercifully grant that thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts</span> …”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The collect continues on the theme from last week, that without God’s mighty help through the Holy Spirit, we are not able to understand what we need to do to be one with God, to follow His Will; we need Him, through the Holy Ghost, to direct us in our endeavors, beliefs and understanding. This proves the simple truth that we cannot be successful without the help of the Holy Ghost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This theme is continued and amplified in the Epistle, where Paul writes to the Ephesians, Chapter 4, Verse 17: <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Yet henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened and alienated from the life of the God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart</span></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul basically is saying we should not do as the world does and look into ourselves for guidance in our spiritual lives. If we look to ourselves for inner guidance, nothing good will come out of it. A lot of the problems of this world are caused by the fact that people look into themselves for guidance in their spiritual lives and only find their evil vanity which they follow and are consumed by. In short, if we follow their path we will be separated from Him for all eternity. We obviously do not want this, so we must look to Him for guidance. Without the help of the Holy Ghost, we will be spiritually blind. We need the Holy Ghost to help us with our spiritual vision. Make no mistake, that fixed gulf is very real. There is a way to avoid this fixed gulf; accept His spiritual help and guidance and to let the Holy Ghost into our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To do that, we must openly accept Him into our hearts and let Him guide our thoughts and actions. We have to do this action of our own free will. God wil not force the Holy Spirit upon us. We have to be willing able and ready to accept into our hearts and once He is established in our hearts, listen to what He says and then act upon it. This follows the collects words of “Without thee we are unable to please thee”, showing we do need Him in our hearts in able to serve and please Him. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In short, we are to act on His Instructions, then our lives will change as the natural result of doing what we are supposed to be doing. And our lives will most certainly change for the better if we act and continue to act on His Instructions.<span> </span>Simply saying you believe changes nothing.<span> </span>Change your actions and your heart must in the end follow, with the help of the Holy Ghost. <span> </span>We have to actually change to follow His Word in order for improvement to appear in our lives. <span> </span>Your heart will be renewed through the entrance of the Holy Ghost.<span> </span>This will show up a little later on, but it is an important message which bears repeating. It is the same with many changes you need to make in your life, you have to make them, not just say you are going to make them. In other words, to perform the action and not just say you are going to. Many people never get past the stage of saying they will perform the action, but we need to go farther and actually do the action. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To be successful, Paul says we need to fix ourselves upon the guiding lights of Christ and God and not use ourselves for a moral compass. For if we use our sense of direction, we shall not get far and indeed we will be in much distress, though we would not think it due to our easily corruptible minds. I we rely on Christ as our navigator, He shall never fail us in His directions, if we will but listen to him. He, unlike us, will never let us down or withhold anything that we need to know; the catch is we have to be willing to listen to Him. We have to know He truly knows the way, and that without following His guidance, we cannot have any hope of finding the way on our own. We need to remember this in good times and bad and to always trust in God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost and do our best to follow their instructions to the best our abilities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul also gives very practical and simple, though hard to follow, directions on living our lives:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Be honest;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Avoid anger;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Do not let anger linger over night;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Follow not the guidance of the devil;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Quit stealing;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Work hard;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Think kindness;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Speak kindness;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Act kindness;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Forgive as you would have God forgive you, which He hath done in Jesus Christ!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">These are all fairly common sense concepts that when we utilize them become wonderful human beings and members of the Church.. While there may be hardships here, if we but hold fast to these principles which Saint Paul gives we will find they not only benefit ourselves, but they will help the people around us.<span> </span>And that is what is so wonderful about living life in accordance with the Scriptures.<span> </span>That is what the Gospel is about, spreading the Good News and helping the people around us to become better people and followers of God. <span> </span>When we help others improving in our corner of the world, gradually as the work of the Spirit spreads, more goodness will help improve further corners of the world. It is always a work of constant improvement. We will never full 100% get there in our lives, but if we never give our best attempt we will never get anywhere. So let us do our best to improve and follow Him and not just say we are doing our best. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We move on to the Gospel, where Jesus, attending to a sick man, picks up on the evil thoughts of the temple scribes, who think to themselves Jesus blasphemed.<span> </span>The reason they are thinking that is that they have allowed darkness in their hearts, like the vanity of the Gentiles minds Paul talked about, which prevented them from seeing the truth of the person of Christ. Anyone who is a true Believer would know that God never blasphemes.<span> </span>Then He asks them, which is easier, to forgive the sins or to have the man “Arise and walk”? Jesus is making the point that words are nice, but actions are what really produces fruit in the end. We could talk about spreading the Gospel all day long, but if we never actually go out and do it, it means little.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As always, Jesus’ words are important, but only as His actions always match those words. Jesus doesn’t just talk to hear himself talk, unlike some of the more modern “Christian” television preachers.<span> </span>He talks to make a point and acts in accordance with the point He makes. If we believe His commandments, we will keep them, which means our behavior, our actions, will match His Words.<span> </span>The book <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Acts of the Apostles</span></i>, isn’t “Meditations”, “Philosophies” of the Apostles, but Acts.<span> </span>Jesus puts forth emphasis on “Actions speak louder than words” through his actions. Actions truly show where a person’s heart is set. Words do not reveal much about a person’s character alone, you need to look at their actions to see where their heart truly lies. They may profess to be a member of Our Lord’s church, but if their actions do not match his profession then we shall clearly know he is not truly our Christian brother. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Therefore we must make sure our actions match our claimed beliefs in Scripture. If our actions do not match the Scriptures, we are not truly following Christ. Thus we must realign ourselves so that our actions will match Scripture. We will all struggle with this from time to time, but as long as we return to Christ with true repentant hearts, all will be fine with our souls.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If we profess to be Christians, then we need to act like Christians, not just say we are Christians.<span> </span>The ending sentence at the end of the sermons I have given thus far goes, “Be of God”, “Live of God” and finally, last but especially not least “Act of God.” We have to Be of God, and Live of God, to live our lives in a Godly and Christian way, which means as Paul said “Henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk”, so should we not walk in the ways of the world but that of God and His Heavenly Kingdom. Our actions which make up our lives need to be in alignment with the principles of Scripture and need be clearly seen. If our lives are not in alignment with Scripture, then we are not living the faith as God has called us to do.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To Act of God, we must follow the commandments of Christ and act according to them, loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. If we actually follow the three step process “Be of God”, “Live of God” and “Act of God”, we will find ourselves in a much better position than walking in the ways of the World. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The time to act is NOW.<span> </span>Will you act?<span> </span>For whom will you act?<span> </span>Will you count the cost before you act?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Action, not diction, is what counts.<span> </span>It is by your actions you are known.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154451668157329754.post-18070262644295514032023-10-08T10:43:00.000-07:002023-10-08T10:43:20.556-07:00Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity - Propers with explanation – Bishop Jack’s Sermon – With Video<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwZuZUii9XPr7WvR4366lGQHtWZs37ws46z01YvACgNAnVfnLNHAngp0zvA-mgMKLpJU0RG1FsEmqTcvLlShWpmARYcCdJEI72hthCQB_hFrkrsD9YAxXhVPXVM61DBLxu0nVN-D_fELzp_vnDUXkGoY8bO6jJfd96Ah2fHHefjr5UEe1amWAvlqPccML/s600/Surrounded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwZuZUii9XPr7WvR4366lGQHtWZs37ws46z01YvACgNAnVfnLNHAngp0zvA-mgMKLpJU0RG1FsEmqTcvLlShWpmARYcCdJEI72hthCQB_hFrkrsD9YAxXhVPXVM61DBLxu0nVN-D_fELzp_vnDUXkGoY8bO6jJfd96Ah2fHHefjr5UEe1amWAvlqPccML/w400-h300/Surrounded.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333;">Bishop Jack brings the propers together today. His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video</span><a href="https://youtu.be/3bzJ0RCZ5cM" style="color: #954f72;">HERE</a><span style="color: #333333;"> -></span> <a href="https://youtu.be/3bzJ0RCZ5cM" style="color: #954f72;">https://youtu.be/3bzJ0RCZ5cM</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">In the Collect, we ask God’s Grace to withstand the temptations of this world. What does that mean and what are the ramifications of asking for help to withstand them rather than resist them? Sometimes, when we are seemingly surrounded by the enemy, we might reflect much of the enemy is our own selves. Paul’s letters are timeless; like the people of Corinth, we are not made perfect by Jesus, merely accounted so at the final accounting. If we believe, we need to ACT. Matthew points out people seem to never tire of justifying their avoidance of the spirit of the law while not being inconvenienced. Not everyone is content to take Jesus at His Word. After the Sadducees lost their round with Jesus, the Pharisees, feeling they were superior to the Sadducees, came together to trip Him up. Learn how that worked out. It all comes together, read or listen and find out how. I hope you find it useful. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Propers for today are found on Page 214-215, with the Collect first:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #da0000; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Collect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></i></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: 26.4pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31.5pt;">L<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ORD</span></span></b>, we beseech thee, grant thy people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil; and with pure hearts and minds to follow thee, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">T</span>he Epistle for today came from Saint Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians beginning at the Fourth Verse of the First Chapter. Paul tells the people of Corinth he thanks God they have been the beneficiaries of His Grace, that through Jesus they might have salvation, that through Jesus their sins would in the end be forgiven. He also pointed out that if they would follow Christ in both their words and deeds, as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in them, through their actions, they would be “In every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge…” For by acting on Christ’s words, we not only gain entry in to heaven, but are far more likely to prosper here on earth. This prosperity is not the mega wealth sometimes associated with “prospering”, but rather the surplus of resources over our worldly desires and the true happiness that comes from loving and helping others. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: 26.4pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31.5pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <b>THANK</b> my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today’s Holy Gospel came from the Twenty-Second Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the Thirty-Fourth Verse. Pharisees who had heard how Jesus confounded the Sadducees, feeling they were superior to the Sadducees, came together to confound Him. An expert in the law, of which Pharisees were very fond, asked Him a question, trying to trick Him, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus answered, “<span style="color: red;">Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets</span>.” Thus, He provided the Summary of the Law we hear every Sunday. The Pharisees made their earthly living by providing guidance on how to get around the 613 Mosaic Laws with as little inconvenience as possible. They were astounded when Jesus boiled the intent of those laws down to two sentences. They were much more comfortable getting around laws than complying with ones that might inconvenience them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Apparently tiring of the game with the Pharisees and wishing to confound them instead, Jesus asked them, saying, “<span style="color: red;">What think ye of Christ? Whose son is He?</span>” They say unto him, “The son of David.” For the scripture is clear that He should be of the House of David. As God, Jesus has been from the beginning, so he queried them, “<span style="color: red;">How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?</span>” Not grasping the concept that God was, is and always will be, they could not answer and “from that day forth” no one would “ask him any more questions.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: 26.4pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;">W<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HEN</span></span></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">the Pharisees had heard that Jesus had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him,</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="color: red; text-align: justify;">Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying,</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="color: red; text-align: justify;">What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them,</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="color: red; text-align: justify;">How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Bishop Jack Arnold<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Anglican Orthodox Church Diocese of the West<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a51e9a; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a51e9a;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="color: #a51e9a; font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bishop Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video <a href="https://youtu.be/3bzJ0RCZ5cM" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: underline;">RIGHT HERE.</a><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://youtu.be/3bzJ0RCZ5cM" style="color: purple; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: underline;">https://youtu.be/3bzJ0RCZ5cM</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;"><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0by5VtSBklfy8wElmFjXMD2aqdDlLMp6_n-Bya2LnypGHqpj5PO4e4HewapFilU5zwLlcCLAPjgdsQheCd0bqKas_kLH7vaKfN6ynr40X1-paAajk6YwgKLrU6bm6va9fybKZ0gLeSwA7Rd_UrtbO0Fq8yJBqPXthfRTiTOYrgOgQmZM8nVH_DPpheH7u/s988/231008%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="882" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0by5VtSBklfy8wElmFjXMD2aqdDlLMp6_n-Bya2LnypGHqpj5PO4e4HewapFilU5zwLlcCLAPjgdsQheCd0bqKas_kLH7vaKfN6ynr40X1-paAajk6YwgKLrU6bm6va9fybKZ0gLeSwA7Rd_UrtbO0Fq8yJBqPXthfRTiTOYrgOgQmZM8nVH_DPpheH7u/w179-h200/231008%20Jack's%20Sermon.jpg" width="179" /></a>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span style="text-align: left;">Consider the words of the Collect, “…grant thy people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil; and with pure hearts and minds to follow thee, the only God …”</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When you hear the word GRACE, what do you think of?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>Help;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .5in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>Heavenly dispensation;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .5in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>A gift freely granted;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .5in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>The free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 6pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The word can be any of these, it comes from Middle English: via Old French from Latin <i><span style="font-style: italic;">gratia</span></i>, from <i><span style="font-style: italic;">gratus</span></i>‘pleasing, thankful’ and is related to grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In this case we are asking God’s help, for which He charges nothing, except our faith and loyalty to Him, to withstand the temptations of this world. It is impossible to resist the temptations of this world on our own. The Collect notes our temptations come from three different enemies:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>The world;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>The devil;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>Ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are asking for God’s help to help us resist each of those temptations from those sources.<span> </span>They are the three sources that will give us the most trouble through the rest of our lives. It is not easy to hold off temptations from these three different sources. The devil is constantly looking for ways to derail us from walking on that narrow uphill path towards heaven. The world is also doing the same and of course, our natural inclination as well. We are fighting a three pronged battle. Without some significant assistance and support in this multi front battle we are doomed to lose.<span> </span>This is a very difficult battle for us to fight with multiple enemies including ourselves surrounding us on all sides in this spiritual battle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In order to successfully fight and be victorious in that three pronged battle, we need the<span> </span>help of the Holy Spirit. We need Him to enter in our heart. In order to have Him in our heart, we need to invite Him in and then once He is in, listen to what He says and then ACT upon it. It is not just enough to listen to what He says and go off and do whatever we want to do. That is not being congruent with the Gospel. What we need to do is hear what the Holy Ghost says we are to do and to go out and actually perform those actions. It is action and not just diction that counts in the end.</span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So, when Paul writes the people of Corinth, it is not just them, but us, for whom he thanks God we have been the beneficiaries of His Grace, through Jesus we might have salvation, through Jesus our sins would in the end be forgiven. This is true of all Paul’s letters, his messages in them are not just speaking to the people of those churches, but to us, the wider part of the Church in general.<span> </span>The messages are truly timeless and are just as applicable to us now as it was to the readers back in the day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are not made perfect by Jesus.<span> </span>That is a common misconception among non-Christians.<span> </span>It would be convenient if we were made perfect.<span> </span>This is an issue which sorely needs to be addressed in today’s church, to combat the misperceptions of the non-Christians. This is something we need to address in our ministering and preaching. Becoming a Christian does not mean you automatically become perfect. It means you are fully aware of your less than perfect state and how much work you have to do to work your way towards perfection, a state we will never obtain in this lifetime but we will never get close if we do not at least do our best to make our way on that narrow uphill trail.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">People who have the misconception Christians are made perfect are shocked when Christians act less than perfectly; so they just presume the faith is false. Nowhere in the Bible does it say when we become Christians, we are magically made perfect. These people fail to realize Christians are no more perfect than non-believers, as we are all human and all are sinful creatures. We just happen to realize this fact more than non-believers do.<span> </span>The world is blinded by the riches and cares of mammon and Satan and does not realize we do know we are not perfect and are doing our best to follow God’s word. This is an important reason to have our actions match our diction, so those who are lost may see our example and follow it to Christ Himself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are too many Christians who do not have their actions match their diction and these are the ones that non believers see and must presume our faith must be false because of it. This could not be further from the truth. We have to act and have our actions match our dictions in order to show the world that we do have faith in God and Jesus and that even though there are some Christians who have strayed from the path, that does not mean that our faith is a false one. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul goes onto mention that if we do follow Christ in both out words and deeds, as the testimony of Christ is confirmed in them, through our actions, we will be “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">In every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge…</span></i>”<span> </span>We will be enriched significantly by Jesus if we do our very best to follow Him in both word and deed and so will our fellow Christians around us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But, not everyone is content to take Jesus at His Word.<span> </span>After the Sadducees lost their round with Jesus, the Pharisees, feeling they were superior to the Sadducees, came together to trip Him up. However, as we know ourselves, one cannot trick God and if you try, you will fail every time. An expert in The Law, of which Pharisees were very fond, asked Him a question, trying to trick Him, <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Master, which is the great commandment in the law?</span></i><span> </span>Jesus answered, “<i><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red; font-style: italic;">Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets</span></span></i>.” Thus, He provided the Summary of the Law we hear every Holy Communion.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Pharisees made their earthly living providing guidance on how to get around the 613 Mosaic Laws with as little inconvenience as possible.<span> </span>They were astounded when Jesus boiled the intent of those laws down to two sentences.<span> </span>They were much more comfortable getting around laws than complying with ones which might inconvenience them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Apparently tiring of the game with the Pharisees and wishing to confound them instead, Jesus asked them, saying, “<i><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red; font-style: italic;">What think ye of Christ? Whose son is He</span></span></i>?” They say unto him, “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">The son of David</span></i>.”<span> </span>For the scripture is clear He should be of the House of David.<span> </span>As God, Jesus has been from the beginning, so he queried them, “<i><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red; font-style: italic;">How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son</span></span></i>?”<span> </span>Not grasping the concept that God was, is and always will be, they could not answer and “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">from that day forth</span></i>” no one would “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">ask him any more questions</span></i>.” They realized they could not trick him with any more questions and it only made them look bad when He answered them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There have always been and always will be people who want to pick nits with the intent of avoiding doing what should be done, thus making it seems acceptable to do what they want to do.<span> </span>You can see people every day who fill the shoes of the Pharisees, insisting on complying with arcane and useless rules and regulations while studiously avoiding doing what God so clearly asks: to be a Christian and do as Christ asks us to do.<span> </span>There are even those in the Christian faith who dutifly nitpick every world written in the Gospel in a vain attempt to find a loophole to get around doing what they are supposed to be doing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">People are always going to try to avoid doing what God wants us to do, that is in our nature. We can see this today in our country, as it replaces God with the rule of man. We are to be Christians, not “good”, to do what God asks, not <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Go with the Flow!</span></i><span> </span>When you think about being a Christian, consider these quotes from GK Chesterton:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.1pt 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .5in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>The word <i><span style="font-style: italic;">good</span></i> has many meanings. For example, if a man were to shoot his grandmother at a range of five hundred yards, I should call him a good shot, but not necessarily a good man. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span>A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span> </span>G. K. Chesterton </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">(1874-1936)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are called to a new and different life, we ask the Lord, in His Grace, to lead us and follow us, to keep us always.<span> </span>Our goal is to do the Lord’s will, not to avoid 613 laws or to replace Him altogether.<span> </span>To do what is right, no matter how hard that may be and be humble. This is the summary of what the Christian life should be all about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Action, not diction, is what counts.<span> </span>It is by your actions you are known.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: MS Mincho; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Be of God - Live of God - Act of God<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>Haphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560748219250900159noreply@blogger.com0