Sermon 07 August 2022 (Feast of Transfiguration)

How’s your tent? by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Peter responded to the Transfiguration of Jesus with, “Let us put up three tents….” It was a very human response to a very beyond-human experience. We can discern some deeper meaning if we look at Jesus’ remarks which were the precursors to this moment. And what’s with the tents?

Lectionary: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99:1-9; 2 Peter 1:13-21; Luke 9:28-36

Referenced Scriptures: Luke 9:23-27; Matthew 22:32; Hebrews 12:1-2; Matthew 17:9; Mark 9:9; Acts 1:8; Luke 2:19; 1 Corinthians 6:19; John 14:2

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsC1rgRaV1cpRO2BV?e=yLiZFu

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsC7fWtvqblBGi95U?e=xUfMv2

Sermon 31 July 2022 (Proper 13)

Is your faith in vain? by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  All is vanity, all is meaningless. Solomon, the Psalmist, Paul, and Jesus all have something to say about vanity: pursuing things … building, creating, and accumulating abundance … achieving goals … which in the end are worthless, because they do not fulfil the purpose you desire. Are you living a “good” life in vain?

Lectionary: Ecclesiastes 2:18-23; Psalm 49:1-20; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21

Referenced Scriptures: Matthew 15:9; Romans 3:23; Matthew 6:21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Matthew 25:41-43; Matthew 16:25

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsCrHajkrTdPacELX?e=B9XTzO

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsCknuALJEOeQVZTF?e=VE7JH5

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

Sermon 26 June 2022 (Proper 8)

Set your face to God’s destiny by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, the destination His Father set for Him, but His obedience caused those who disagreed to reject Him. Here we see Jesus teaching His disciples how to handle rejection.

Lectionary: 1 Kings 19:15-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5:19-25; Luke 9:51-62

Referenced Scriptures: John 5:30; John 4:20; Luke 23:34; Luke 17:31-32; John 17:20-21

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsA_t_WGqfNnQ9ek3?e=fnrPJJ

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsBA_VicX8G1THznD?e=4chezD

Sermon 19 June 2022 (Proper 7)

To obey is better than sacrifice by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  There is a theme running through today’s readings: obedience by humans and creation. (Note: Most of this sermon was Holy Spirit led and not reflected in the notes. To make matters worse the recording device died at 7 minutes, so the recording isn’t much additional help.)

Lectionary: Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 40; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:22-25

Referenced Scriptures: 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Romans 8:29; Numbers 13-14

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsA7adgvIjk-FLWjl?e=7k5jXu

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRsA3CD6lHcD2XTATq?e=Qjmw7N

Sermon 12 June 2022 (Trinity Sunday)

In unity with the Trinity by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both referred to as our Advocate. Jesus speaks to the Father on our behalf, and He and the Holy Spirit speak to us. They lead and guide us for our good. Our part is to listen, to ask questions until we understand, and then obey His guidance. God the Holy Trinity lives in complete unity, with no jealousy or competition. When we are in unity with God, we will be in unity with each other.

Lectionary: Isaiah 59:15-21; Psalm 29; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:5-15

Referenced Scriptures: John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 15:26-27; John 16:7; 1 John 2:1; Isaiah 59:14; Matthew 10:34; Acts 14:22; Matthew 5:11-12; Matthew 6:24

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrxnxzdIb-gv8_NgF?e=r1hIL2

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrxhBKr-aRy2bBMWY?e=PwUU01

Sermon 05 June 2022 (Pentecost)

The gift of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Acts chapter 2, perhaps the most popular chapter in the Bible for charismatic Christians; but what is actually going on here? Pentecost is not primarily about the gifts of the Holy Spirit but the gift of the Holy Spirit Himself. He is not given to be a slave for us to command, but as Lord (i.e., master) of our life. We are not God’s slaves; we are His children – but only IF….

Lectionary:  Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-35; Romans 8:14-17; John 15:20-27

Referenced Scriptures: Joel 2:28-32; John 4:14; Mark 16:17; 1 Corinthians 14:22; Matthew 26:69-70; Philippians 2:12; Matthew 16:24; John 8:24

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrxTd3jUqIqw9J44V?e=Ke5wjh

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrxXRzFROZN5sNOOe?e=3Xkuv9

Testimony after Mass – Dcn Joshua & Hanna Bautista:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrxM-_9E9z0ifwMA5?e=xHMapV