Changed By God To Make A Difference For God

Today St. Augustine's Anglican Church celebrates the sixth anniversary of our founding here in Westerville, OH. But who or what is the church? The short answer is that the church is the people of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. But what does that mean and why should we care? Check out what Father Maney has to say about it all and hear the Good News that really is the only game-changer in life. Lectionary texts for today are Revelation 21.9-14; Psalm 122; Hebrews 12.18-24; Matthew 21.12-16.

Listen to Father Philip Sang's sermon for Trinity 10A, August 20, 2016. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 45.1-15; Psalm 133; Romans 11.1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15.10-28.

The world in which we live grows increasingly chaotic and we look around and wonder where God is in the midst of it all. Our skepticism is fueled, in part, by the lie that posits God is nothing more than an absentee and uncaring landlord. The end result? We are in it on our own. That isn't good news, folks. Human solutions to the problems of our world and our lives will at best be incomplete and at worst be utter failures. There is much that is out of our control, much as we want to believe otherwise. We search in vain for solutions, any solution. But there is only one solution available. Check out what Father Maney has to say about it all and then resolve to get know know better the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has conquered the evil of Sin and Death on our behalf, even while we were still God's enemies, so that we have the hope of real life and new creation starting right now, not the fear of death and destruction. Lectionary texts for today are 37.1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105.1-6, 16-22; Romans 10.

Jacob the heel grabber. Jacob the swindler. Jacob the swindled. Jacob the fearful. Jacob, now Israel, the limping blessed. Jesus feeding 5000 people with just five loaves and two fish. What does it mean to have enough and to be blessed? The Lord works mighty acts in unusual ways to prepare the hearts of his people to lived a blessed life. Check out the rest of what Father Gatwood has to say about this and be refreshed and renewed. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 32.22-31; Psalm 17.1-7, 16; Romans 9.1-5; Matthew 14.13-21.

St. Paul makes the astonishing claim that Christians or more than conquerors through Christ who love us. But we look at our world and the lives of many Christians, not to mention our own lives, and see something quite different. What's going on? Check out what Father Maney has to say about this and then resolve to give your life to the One who can and does make you more than a conqueror through his crucified and loving power. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105.1-11; Romans 8.26-39; Matthew 13.31-33, 44-52.

In last week's epistle lesson, St. Paul spoke boldly and declared that those who have a relationship with Christ, and only those who have a relationship with Christ, no longer need fear God's just condemnation. God himself in the form of God's Son has taken on God's own punishment on their behalf. Now what? What should we expect? Paul answers us in today's lesson. You are heirs of God by virtue of Christ's cross. And as God's heirs your inheritance will be that of suffering and redemption. Say what, Paul? Check out how Father Maney develops Paul's thinking and find real hope in the process. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 28.10-19a; Psalm 139.1-12, 23-24; Romans 8.12-25; Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43.

Listen to Father Ric Bowser's sermon for Trinity 4A, Sunday, July 9, 2017, at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Columbus, OH. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 24:34–38, 42–49, 58–67; Psalm 45.10-17; Romans 7.15-25a; Matthew 11.16-19, 25-30.

Since we are saved by grace, and not of our own deeds, can we carry on living as we ourselves see fit? Can we do whatever we want? If Grace abounds more where sin is present does this give to us a license to do whatever we would choose to do? St. Paul says, "No way!" This week we look to what the new reality is in and through our salvation in Jesus Christ, and what life in a new kingdom looks like. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 21.8-21; Psalm 86.1-10, 16-17; Romans 6.1b-11; Matthew 10.24-39.

Carl L. is our guest preacher this morning and tackles the thorny question of how God sees us. Check it out and count on being edified. Lectionary texts are Genesis 18.1-5, 21.1-7; Psalm 116.1, 10-17; Romans 5.1-8; Matthew 9.25-10.23.

Today is Trinity Sunday where we look at the nature of God in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Say what? Despite the deep mystery of the Trinity there are some very practical things about God in three persons that can help Christians and those who seek the one true and living God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, better understand the heart of God and to live according to God's purposes. Check out what Father Maney has to say and let your understanding of our triune God help make a difference in your life. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 1.1-2.4a; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13.11-13; Matthew 28.16-20.