Sermon 24 July 2022 (Proper 12)

The road to success in Jesus is sacrifice by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  “God is on high. You exalt yourself, and He flees from you; you humble yourself, and He descends to you. … He recognizes what is lowly from close at hand in order that He may raise it up; what is high, that is, what is proud, He knows from afar in order that He may bring it down.” – Caesarius of Arles (470-543), Sermon 210.2. Our Colossians reading says we put off our old self “ruled by the flesh” … but have we really? Do we seek what is awesome – worship, signs, wonders – to feed our egos and excite our senses? Or do we give ourselves in worship and service so that He can make it awesome, so that He (not us) is lifted up … and He will draw all men and women to Himself?

Lectionary: Genesis 18:20-33; Psalm 138:1-8; Colossians 2:8-14; Luke 11:5-13

Referenced Scriptures: Matthew 6:33; Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Mark 16:17-20; Acts 4:23-31; Acts 14:3; John 12:32

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsCjBt-2Z-vaz3bJp?e=rk4pTP

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

Sermon 17 July 2022 (Proper 11)

Claiming the ground God gives by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Too many self-proclaimed “Bible teachers” use Joshua 1:3 as a promise that Christians can claim whatever they wish and God will give it. If you look at the context, however, it’s abundantly clear this is not the case. God described in detail the boundaries of the land He was giving them, and everywhere within those boundaries He would fulfil His promise. Anyone stepping beyond those boundaries had no basis for expecting God to give it to them. This has particular meaning for St. Stephen’s CEC at this time, because it seems clear God is speaking to us. We must prayerfully discern what He is saying: is He giving us land? if so, where? are we ready to go in and possess it – are we willing to make the sacrifices necessary to obey? Let us pray!

Lectionary: Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15:1-5; Colossians 1:15-23; Luke 10:38-42

Referenced Scriptures: Joshua 1:1-9; Isaiah 59-60; Joshua 6:1-27

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

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsBnEpY6Ul02fkXxX?e=j86y3N

Sermon 10 July 2022 (Proper 10)

The path to God’s prosperity is obedience by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Our Scriptures describe to us God’s plan for prosperity. It involves trust and obedience, with Christ as the head over all, everything driven by love.

Lectionary: Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Psalm 25:1-22; Colossians 1:13-20; Luke 10:25-37

Referenced Scriptures: Deuteronomy 30:1-8; Romans 10:5-10; John 14:6; Psalm 141:9; Romans 12:2

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsBc7CuknaZxTVesD?e=EGlU4a

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsBY4T2mrP7Ta3Law?e=YKYku7

Sermon 03 July 2022 (Proper 9)

Live God’s best life for you! by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Today’s readings deal with destination – where God is leading us, both as individuals and as His people. They’re not concerned only with where we will end up, but how we get there: the route, the journey. Along the way we are faced with the question: who defines what your “best life” is?

Lectionary: Isaiah 66:10-16; Psalm 66:1-20; Galatians 6:12-18; Luke 10:1-3, 17-20

Referenced Scriptures: Revelation 21:2-4; Romans 11:16-24; Psalm 46:4-5; Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Matthew 23:15; Isaiah 53:7; Daniel 3:17-18; Matthew 16:18; Luke 4:18; Matthew 16:22; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Peter 2:4-8

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsBOs9Y6RM3BUw75g?e=p6Azwi

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsBI5dr4w9fsxQklx?e=0auFDE