Sermon 28 January 2018  (Epiphany 4)

Is your faith worth sharing? by Fr. Dana

• Speak in God’s name only what He is speaking – Deuteronomy 18
• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom – Psalm 111
• Do what is best for others, not what is most pleasant to you – 1 Corinthians 8
• Faith without love profits nothing – Mark 1

Simple Summary:  If everything this Psalm claims is true, then it is wisdom to have a healthy, respectful fear of the Lord.  Jesus does only what He sees the Father doing, and thus only speaks what He hears the Father speaking; we should do likewise.  Knowledge puffs up self; love builds up others.  Even demons have faith, but without love.  “Do not boast of that faith which puts you on the same level with demons.” – St. Augustine, On the Gospel of St. John.

Lectionary:  Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, 10-13; Mark 1:21-28

Referenced Scriptures:  John 5:19; John 15:15; Matthew 16:16-17

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnDxzTo9Embmp4svb

Sermon 21 January 2018  (Our Lord the Giver of Life)

Sanctity of Life? What’s the big deal! by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  The Spirit gives life. Child sacrifice to Ba’al Moloch (Molech) profanes the name of the Lord. It brought judgment on Israel, and continues to bring judgment. There is forgiveness and restoration after judgment.

Lectionary:  Jeremiah 31:10-17; Psalm 10; 1 Corinthians 15:19-26; Matthew 18:1-5  (sermon not from lectionary)

Referenced Scriptures:  John 6:53-54, 61-63; Leviticus 18:1-3, 21, 24, 28; 20:1-5; 1 Kings 11:1-2, 4-5, 7, 31; Zephaniah 1:4-5; Jeremiah 32:26-29, 32-41; Psalm 127:3-4

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnDtt5vinccCvDyya

Sermon 14 January 2018  (Epiphany 2)

We are a family, but we are also an army by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  God has been surveying this church. The time of analysis is finished; the time to design and build has come.

Lectionary: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19; Psalm 139:1-5, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 6:13b-20; John 1:43-51

Referenced Scriptures: Hebrews 2:11; Ezekiel 37:3; Ephesians 6:12;

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnDpNR_uLH3vgJGyJ

Sermon 07 January 2018  (Baptism of Jesus)

Jesus’ baptism was an epiphany by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  An epiphany is a revelation.  Jesus didn’t need John’s baptism of repentance, but submitted out of obedience to the Father’s plan.  The Holy Spirit confirmed Jesus’ identity to John the Baptist through a revelation.  Jesus demonstrated His love for us through His choices to obey.  We each need a fresh epiphany of His love … and our choices will reflect our love for Him.

Lectionary:  Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-38; Mark 1:4-11

Referenced Scriptures: Matthew 3:13-17; John 14:8-9; John 1:32-34

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnDm9wCETQBghtZi4