Changed By God To Make A Difference For God

Paul wrote the following to the churches in Galatia, "For freedom Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5.1). But what kind of freedom is Paul talking about? Freedom to sin? Freedom to do something else, or freedom from something else? And what does any of this have to do with the stern demands of Jesus found in our gospel lesson today? To understand the answer, you have to understand why God created his image-bearing creatures and became human on our behalf. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 2 Kings 2.1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77.1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5.1, 13-25; Luke 9.51-62.

How does one reconcile the requirements of the Law with the grace of Jesus Christ? Do the requirements for circumcision and other practices prescribed by the Law require our following if we are to truly be a part of God's covenant? What is it that we must do to be saved in Christ? This sermon explores what it means to be saved by grace, and what we can make of the Law after the Christ-event. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 19.1-15a; Psalms 42-43; Galatians 3.23-29; Luke 8.26-39.

In our epistle lesson, Paul talks about being justified by faith in Christ. But what does that mean? More importantly, what does that look like as we live out our lives? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 21.1-21a; Psalm 5.1-8; Galatians 2.15-21; Luke 7.36-8.3.

What are we to make of the so-called miracles in our OT and gospel lessons this morning? Why are they there? Did they really happen? Are they there to remind us that only the favored in God's eyes get special treatment while the rest of us are are on our own? Not so fast, my anxious friends. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 17.8-24; Psalm 146; Galatians 1.11-24; Luke 7.11-17.

What things are worth remembering and honoring? This is the time of the year when we remember those who have fallen in battles on behalf of our nation. They have made a sacrifice with their lives. Jesus, too, has made a sacrifice, but it is more unlike our human sacrifices than it is alike. Jesus' sacrifice was THE ultimate sacrifice for all people, everywhere, at any time. He gives to us freedom that is so much higher than what we will ever know apart from a life spent with Jesus. Check out what Deacon Gatwood has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are 1 Kings 18.20-39; Psalm 96; Galatians 1.1-12; Luke 7.1-10.

Christians are the only ones who worship the one holy and undivided God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. No other religion worships this the one true and living God. But what does that mean? What does it mean for us on the ground who try to live out our days faithfully? Check out what Fr. Sang has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Proverbs 8.1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5.1-5; John 16.12-15.

Today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, the promised coming of God's Spirit on his people. But many churches pay no attention to this fantastic promise and event. Why is that? Why should Pentecost be a big deal to every Christian? One word: Power. Check out what Fr. Bowser has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 2.1-21; Romans 8.14-17; John 14.8-27.

Today is Ascension Sunday, the day the Church celebrates Jesus' ascension into heaven. But what's that really all about? We celebrate the Ascension because it proclaims and affirms that Jesus is Lord and nobody else is. But what kind of Lord? Let's be honest. If Jesus is Lord he is a different kind of Lord we expect or want. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about it all and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 16.16-24; Psalm 97; Revelation 22:12–14, 16–17, 20–21; John 17.20-26.

Bishop Roger Ames is our guest preacher this morning. We worship a God who makes himself known to us and who is always active in our lives and his world. But sometimes we don't believe that or miss God's presence and activities all around us and in us. Check out what Bishop Ames has to say about it all and see what you think. It's a game changer when you realize we worship a God who comes. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 16.6-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21.10, 21.22-22.5; John 14.23-29.

This morning we baptize a new person into Christ's body, the Church, and we will pour water over her. As with any sacrament, there is more than meets the eye than just the splashing water. In fact, the water itself is changed and at least one scientist has demonstrated this! Listen to what else Fr. Bowser has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Acts 11.1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21.1-6; John 13.31-35.