Sermon 26 September 2021 (Proper 21)

God gives to all, but not all receive by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Jesus warns that anyone who “causes one of these little ones—those who believe in Me —to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” Then He immediately addresses the things that cause you to stumble, and thus shows that when one causes others to stumble it is most often because that one is stumbling themselves. This is critical, because Jesus came to heal the sick, not the well. If we think we are well when we are not, we will miss Jesus’ offer of healing for our bodies, our souls, and our ministry.

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

Referenced Scriptures: Mark 2:17; Mark 6:1-6a; Luke 14:20; 1 John 3:9; John 1:29; Luke 14:16-24; John 7:37-38

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrA2203m90ghXWgwK?e=kXVDh0

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrAzqi4FmCBxXQDk6?e=qltOTw

Sermon 19 September 2021 (Proper 20)

Wisdom and arrogance can’t live together in one mind by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, impressed God with his selfless humility. He chose wisdom over riches, wealth, honor or life. His proverbs instruct us to search for wisdom as we would for treasure. But beware of arrogance: it can lead even wisdom astray.

Lectionary:  Proverbs 2:1-9; Psalm 54:1-7; James 3:13-18; Mark 9:30-37

Referenced Scriptures: 2 Chronicles 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 2:14; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:5-6

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrAhtXJ34Zg2GKjjZ?e=Uqgy8G

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrAcyJrHQ1eo7FUZP?e=6WfKn9

Sermon 12 September 2021 (Proper 19)

Are your ears open to the Lord? by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Last week we saw Jesus heal a man who was deaf and could barely speak, but once healed he could speak plainly. The same spiritual truth applies to every Christian today. In order to speak God’s Word clearly we must allow that Word to be planted in our hearts and bear fruit, not least of which is cleansing our hearts from all that is not His. Only then will we be able to speak the untarnished Truth. Every Christian is called to this; every Christian is called to be Jesus’ disciple.

Lectionary:  Isaiah 50:4-11; Psalm 19:1-14; James 1:19-22; Mark 8:27-35

Referenced Scriptures: Luke 9:51; Hebrews 1:10-12; Isaiah 6:6-7; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Matthew 12:34-37; Matthew 28:18-20

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrAN962lkIT2Od8Gm?e=zAgRUN

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrAKcpSxN0M3A1ezY?e=ph4KGa

Sermon 05 September 2021 (Proper 18)

Ephphatha: Be opened! by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Christ will come to save you, and He will come with divine retribution on that which holds you captive. What is holding you captive? What keeps you from hearing the Truth? If you hear only what you want to hear, then you will teach only what you want to hear … and that is a perversion of the Gospel. If you wish to bear fruit for God, then know that greater fruitfulness comes from deeper roots. Jesus must open your ears and your heart to hear the Truth, receive the Truth, and be changed by the Truth. In the Name of Jesus Christ, “Ephphatha!”

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

Referenced Scriptures: James 3:2; Matthew 15:21-28; Luke 9:23-25; Matthew 7:5; Leviticus 23:23-24; John 6:44; Luke 13:6-9

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!BPYHlhfoSlmRrAHIoEIsVE9dYVK6?e=gJIUrD2-MEyt7nrkBYAiFw&at=9

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!BPYHlhfoSlmRrAAujDN9c6_Hgc3C?e=1v_MeBp7NEmR1IMX0SVvhQ&at=9