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

Sermon 29 May 2022 (Easter 7)

Then the world will know the Father sent Me by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  Today’s readings begin with Paul and Silas choosing God’s will over their own, and end with Jesus praying that we all – we Christians, the Church – would be one. In these we see purpose behind all this as well as an example of how it is achieved.

Lectionary:  Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 98:1-9; Revelation 22:12-17; John 17:20-26

Referenced Scriptures: Acts 16:13; Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:2-10; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Corinthians 12:28-30; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Hebrews 12:25-29; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrw9UHnFKqSU7pRXS?e=YYJmV7

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrxCBcgliHK6hBO_E?e=NExkF3

Sermon 22 May 2022 (Easter 6)

What is a church? A deeper understanding by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  What is a local church? There are many ways used in Scripture to describe what a church is and what it is called to do. But in practical terms, how – in our day and the culture in which find ourselves – how do we live out what the living Word and the Holy Spirit call us to be?

Lectionary:  Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:1-2,22-27; John 14:23-29

Referenced Scriptures: Acts 16:13; Matthew 22:37-40; Matthew 15:8-9; Isaiah 29:13; John 14:15; Isaiah 61:1-4; Acts 2:40-47; James 1:22; Romans 12:1-8

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrwgxk4Ic9PXP-U3P?e=1Zf9VI

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrwmfcHtQdpQ_dZNW?e=L7Vc17

Sermon 15 May 2022 (Easter 5)

You are not what you have not become by Fr. Dana

Simple Summary:  “You are not what you have not become” – Gregory of Nyssa (335-394 A.D.) In recent years we’ve seen great changes in the world and in our lives; in coming years even greater changes will come. If we follow the Holy Spirit even when He leads us in a direction we would rather not go; if we trust in God’s surpassing greatness over our own thoughts and desires; if we allow Christ to prepare us for service and ministry during the challenging times that are to come – then we will not only bear the “peaceable fruit of righteousness” but lasting fruit for the kingdom.

Lectionary:  Acts 13:44-52; Psalm 145:1-21; Revelation 21:1-6; John 13:31-35

Referenced Scriptures: John 11:48; 1 Timothy 2:4; Romans 12:3; Matthew 7:21-23; Galatians 6:3; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Matthew 26:39; Hebrews 12:1-11; Matthew 13:23

Recording – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrwAy-8tg86ayhOCT?e=QcvHkz

Notes – Sermon:  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AvYHlhfoSlmRrwFVA2Xa-LTg6wVH?e=nMvvsu