Sermon 26 November 2017

Investing in Christ’s Kingdom: Prayer by Fr. Dana

• The Lord cares for His sheep; He will judge between the “takers” and the “givers” – Ezekiel 34
• It is a joy to be the flock under the Lord’s care – Psalm 95
• The One who cares for the sheep is the One who has dominion over all – 1 Corinthians 15
• Jesus administers eternal judgment to both givers and takers – Matthew 25
• Faithful servants invest in the Master’s work; prayer is the place to begin

Simple Summary:  We cannot love our neighbors via words alone.  We cannot sit on the sidelines and refuse to participate (Jesus’ parable of the talents, Matthew 25:14-30).  Every Christian is called and equipped to pray.  Through prayer the Holy Spirit touches people in places your hands cannot reach.

Lectionary:  Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 95:1-7a; 1 Corinthians 15:21-28; Matthew 25:31-46

Referenced Scriptures: John 14:15-18; Matthew 22:39; John 15:13; Luke 9:23; Revelation 3:16; Matthew 10:42; John 14:12; Luke 9:11; John 10:10; Matthew 10:8; Luke 10:1-12; Mark 16:17-18; 2 Corinthians 4:7

Recording –  St. Stephen’s CEC, London:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnAGAZ0NqNB2sz1BX

Recording – St. Andrew’s mission, Edinburgh:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnAIsbUe3cCiS6n-e

Sermon 19 November 2017

Teach us to number our days by Fr. Dana

• The great day of the Lord will be bitter, not sweet – Zephaniah 1
• Our days quickly pass and we are gone – Psalm 90
• The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night – 1 Thessalonians 5
• A parable that teaches us how to number our days – Matthew 25

Simple Summary:  Do not be complacent.  Ask God to help you number your days: consider your choices and actions, focusing your efforts on those that will make an eternal difference whether your remaining days are few or many.

Lectionary:  Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Psalm 90:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30

Referenced Scriptures: Revelation 3:16; Psalm 11:2; Zephaniah 2:1-3; 2 Peter 3:9

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnAAzO81QbIYLBJb0

Sermon 12 November 2017

The peril of thinking we are fine when we are not by Fr. Dana

• The day of the Lord may not be what you expect: Amos 5
• You may not have all the oil you need: Matthew 25
• Persist in asking and you will receive Him who supplies all good things: Luke 11:5-13

Simple Summary:  Pray.  Ask God not for what will fulfil you or make you happy, but for what will make an eternal difference in the lives of everyone around you.

Lectionary:  Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13

Referenced Scriptures: John 4:14; Luke 11:5-13

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRm3_OwA4tgxOrCuWl

Sermon 05 November 2017

Rebuilding the church by Fr. Dana

• We are not what we once were
• God’s vision is greater than our past
• We must each do our part, and each one’s part is different
• We can’t be half-hearted and accomplish God’s vision
• As we build we must protect and care for one another

Simple Summary:  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (by being faithful to His vision), and Love your neighbor as yourself (heal the wounded and rescue the lost)

Lectionary:  Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-9; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 5:1-12  (sermon not from lectionary)

Referenced Scriptures: Nehemiah 4

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRm34c-hkaX3pEGtI9

Recording – George Monteflor reflection on homily:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRm32I8HFVyp0lN4dU