Changed By God To Make A Difference For God

How may we as a nation find common ground in the midst of our differences? How may we, even during challenging and uncertain times, create spaces for dialogue and reconciliation? Jesus came to this world to reconcile us with God. It is that ministry of reconciliation that encourages us to create spaces for healthy and productive dialogue. It is that ministry of reconciliation that urges us to remain faithful to our vocation of love where we reject sin while embracing the sinner. Check out what else Fr. Sang has to say about the Christian's ministry of reconciliation and be changed by the word of God as you do. Lectionary texts for today are Deuteronomy 30.15-20; Psalm 119.1-8; 1 Corinthians 3.1-9; Matthew 5.21-37.

In our OT lesson from Isaiah today, the Lord takes his people to task over their worship. Apparently they seek after the Lord and his ways and delight in drawing near to him. They seek God's righteous judgments and humble themselves before God. In response, God calls them rebels and sinners. Wait. What? What's going on here? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and be challenged to become true worshipers of the one true and living God: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 58.1-12; Psalm 112.1-10; 1 Corinthians 2.1-16; Matthew 5.13-20.

Today we celebrate the presentation of Christ at the Temple in Jerusalem. But what's that all about and why should we care? It's about being wise. Check out what Fr. Sang has to say and let it help transform you. Lectionary texts for today are Malachi 3.1-5; Psalm 24.1-10; Hebrews 2.14-18; Luke 2.22-40.

The apostle Paul tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12.2). But what does that mean and how do we let that happen? Check out what Fr. Bowser has to say about it all, especially his thoughts on the "Sacred Way," and then let the Spirit begin to transform you by the renewing of your mind. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 9.1-4; Psalm 27.1, 4-12; 1 Corinthians 1.10-18; Matthew 4.12-23.

Who is the Servant in our OT lesson from Isaiah? Is he Israel? The prophet? Someone else? Why should we care? Christians would answer, of course, that Jesus is the Servant, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. That's the good news. But it's not the whole story because we who follow Jesus are called to be servants as well, in the manner of Jesus. But we protest. How can we possibly do that being the ragamuffins and losers we are? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and decide to be part of a new year's resolution that really matters, and not just for 2017! Lectionary texts for today Isaiah 49.1-7; Psalm 40.1-11; 1 Corinthians 1.1-9; John 1.29-42.

This week's sermon considers what it means to find something precious and of immeasurable worth, even if we didn't purposely go looking for that thing. The revelation of God put before our eyes changes our perception of ultimate reality, and causes us to joyfully wonder what exactly we have seen and have come to know. Check out what else Deacon Gatwood has to say and be enriched. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72.1-15; Ephesians 3.1-12; Matthew 2.1-12.

St. John tells us that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1.5). But our experience often claims otherwise. We live in the darkness of the threat of terrorism, of loneliness, of addiction, of fear, of alienation. So what do the NT writers have in mind when they make claims like this and what does it have to do with the celebration of Christmas? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and take hope. Your God reigns and is with you. Lectionary texts for tonight are Isaiah 52.7-10; OT Canticle—from Isaiah 11; Hebrews 1.1-12; John 1.1-14.

As we near the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus, we are reminded that we are a people who must wait. We wait for good things and sometimes we wait anxiously for other things. Like Joseph, when he was confronted with the reality of a pregnant fiancee, we are sometimes afraid. But fear not, for we are promised Emmanuel, God with us. Check out how Fr. Sang develops this theme and take hope. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-8, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25.

Waiting patiently isn't always our biggest strength, especially when we know there is a good gift waiting just ahead. Advent is a time of waiting, but it's the one for whom we wait that brings the real joy. Seek after him who gives joy in abundance. Check out what else Deacon Gatwood has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 35.1-10; The Magnificat (Luke 1.46-55), James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11.

Advent is a season of hope and anticipation for all Christians. But why? What is the nature of our Advent hope and how do we know that our hope is not just some human invention designed to pacify us in the living of our days? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 11.1-10; Psalm 72.1-7, 18-19; Romans 15.4-13; Matthew 3.1-12.