Sermon 30 Sep 2018

For such a time as this by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary: What is God showing to us, His people, through the story of Esther?

• We have an enemy, satan, who seeks our destruction
• Satan hates us because we are obedient to God
• Satan uses people of authority against us
• God will deliver us, but He chooses people to bring it to pass: “if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place”
• Shall we respond with a three day fast?
• We must be courageous: “if I perish, I perish”

Who knows whether we have come to this moment in this place in the kingdom of God for such a time as this?

Lectionary: Esther 7:1-10; Psalm 124:1-8; James 4:11-12; Mark 9:38-50

Referenced Scriptures: Esther 4:1-16

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnRNgW9V5KOTP10Ft

Sermon 23 Sep 2018

Receive, believe, achieve by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary: Jesus Christ’s ministry on earth had two parts: preaching/teaching, and demonstrating.  The liturgy of the Mass is in two parts: the liturgy of the Word (spoken/heard), and the liturgy of the Table (the Word incarnate).  We are called to conform to His image, so we must declare the written Word and demonstrate the incarnate Word.  The Word only has power as it is received, believed, and acted upon – all three.

Lectionary: Proverbs 2:1-9; Psalm 54; James 3:13-18; Mark 9:30-37

Referenced Scriptures: Romans 8:28-29; Mark 6:45-52; Luke 24:13-32; Matthew 26:41; 1 Samuel 17:47

Recording – Exhortation after worship:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnREOHd7ed6alD10Y

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnRLZ2d1hUpDHC0FG

Illustration used at the end of the sermon:  https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-gird-up-your-loins-an-illustrated-guide/

Sermon 16 Sep 2018

Whose light are you carrying? by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary: Jesus is the Light of the world.  We are called to bear the Light of Christ.  We can choose to light our own fire and walk in its light, or we can deny ourselves and take up our cross.  Being a disciple means taking up our cross daily and never laying it down as we walk through the day.

Lectionary: Isaiah 50:4-11; Psalm 116:1-19; James 1:19-22; Mark 8:27-35

Referenced Scriptures: John 1:1-12; John 12:35-37; Isaiah 6:6-7; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 9:23; Philippians 3:13-14

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnQy0m1b5OuWq59y5

Sermon 09 Sep 2018

How desperate are you? by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary: The Syro-Phoenician woman was desperate.  She sacrificed her pride and dignity to fall at Jesus’ feet, pleading earnestly like a common beggar.  Jesus’ response seems harsh, but it accomplished three things:

• It tested the woman’s faith, which passed the test
• It challenged everyone else’s faith: is answered prayer worth the humiliation?
• It declared to all Jesus’ followers what He had spoken: when you ask, never give up

Lectionary: Isaiah 35:4-7; Psalm 146:1-10; James 2:8-13; Mark 7:24-37

Referenced Scriptures: Matthew 6:21

Recording – Sermon, and ministry time with Lloyd Cornell:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnQsOEbOj8aIG9gFD

Sermon 02 Sep 2018

Pure and undefiled by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary: A person cannot be defiled by something that touches only their outside, or even by something that comes from outside and goes inside.  If someone tells an evil lie about you, it doesn’t defile you in the slightest … but if you retaliate, your words can defile you.

• The enemy tempts you in order to kill you
• God tests you in order to purify you and make you stronger

Lectionary: Deuteronomy 4:1-9; Psalm 15; James 1:13-18; Mark 7:14-23

Referenced Scriptures: James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:6-7; James 4:7-8,10

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRnQmuHcZLsH2aRIuV