Changed By God To Make A Difference For God

Why do bad things happen to people? Is this God's justice being executed on sinful humanity? Should we start trying to stockpile good deeds as a kind of insurance policy to protect us from God's wrath? Since Scripture generally refuses to answer our "why" questions, they tend to serve only to distract us and prevent us from seeing what we can really learn from stories like today's gospel lesson about God's response to the world's darkness. Not only that, but the answer we learn may not be what we expect or even want. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about all this and see what you think. Today's Lectionary texts are 1 Samuel 16.1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5.8-14; John 9.1-41.

As we enter the 3rd full week of Lent, have you ever wondered if the Lord is among you and your loved ones? Most of us have, especially when times are tough, and it is a telltale sign that the answer we expect to hear is, "he is not!" Many of us don't really believe God is available to his people or cares for us or has the power to really help us. But that is a false god and not the God of the Bible. It is not the God Paul talks about in our epistle lesson today with its wondrous Good News of life, healing, redemption, hope, and power. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about all this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 17.1-7; Psalm 95.1-11; Romans 5.1-11; John 4.5-42.

This morning Fr. Ric Bowser introduces himself and talks about the primary importance of the family, both for society and for the Christian faith. These days we don't like to use the term patriarchal because many see it as an oppressive form of control. But is patriarchal the same as being a patriarch? Is that how the writer of Genesis used it? More importantly, is that how God meant it when he called Abraham and blessed him so that his family would be a blessing to the nations? Hear what Fr. Bowser has to say about this and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Genesis 12.1-4; Psalm 121; Romans 4.1-5, 13-17; John 3.1-17.

Today we enter the season of Lent, a season of self-examination, repentance, and self-denial. But why do we do all this stuff? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say and see what you think. Tonight's lectionary texts are Joel 2.1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51.1-17; 2 Corinthians 5.20b-6.10; Matthew 6.1-6, 16-21.

What are we to make of the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ appearance changed dramatically and God himself affirmed Jesus as his beloved Son? Could something like this really have happened? To many who live in the 21st century, the Transfiguration is simply a myth. Not so fast, my friend. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say before you draw premature conclusions and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Exodus 24.12-18; Psalm 2.1-12; 2 Peter 1.16-21; Matthew 17.1-9.

God calls his people to be holy. But what does that mean? Are we consigned to a life of joylessness? Must we give up everything we like? Must we retire to a convent or monastery? Check out what Fr. Maney has to say about this subject and see what you think. Maybe holiness is not what you imagined! Lectionary texts: Leviticus 19.1-2, 9-18; Psalm 119.33-40; 1 Corinthians 3.10-23; Matthew 5.38-48.

In a startling passage from the OT, God lays out two choices for his people. They must choose the path that will lead to blessings and life or the path that leads to curses and death. And while a lot of things have changed since then, we are still confronted with the same stark choice today, much as we had to admit it (and do we ever hate to admit it!). What is the solution? As always the solution is Jesus. Check out what Fr. Maney has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Deuteronomy 30.15-20; Psalm 119.1-8; 1 Corinthians 3.1-9; Matthew 5.21-37.

Jesus calls his followers to be light and salt for the world—his light, his salt. Today Fr. Sang asks what your light looks like and how are you being salt to God's broken and hurting world? The Christian faith has been likened to an infectious disease, something its critics would surely agree with. But the contagiousness of the Christian faith is for the healing of the nations. Are you doing your part? Check out today's sermon and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 58.1-12; Psalm 112.1-10; 1 Corinthians 2.1-16; Matthew 5.13-20.

Are you afraid to die? Do you wonder how it will go for you when you meet God face-to-face? Have you ever wondered why God returned to his people in the person of Jesus? If you've ever asked any of these (or related) questions, this sermon from Fr. Maney is for you. Check it out and see what you think. Lectionary texts for the Feast of Candlemas are Malachi 3.1-5; Psalm 24.1-10; Hebrews 2.14-18; Luke 2.22-40.

Have you ever wondered how Jesus can be called the light of the world, especially in the face of all the world's darkness? Have you considered how Jesus is calling you to be his light to a world desperate to see it? What might that look like? If you've ever reflected on these (and similar) questions, check out what Fr. Ron Feister has to say and see what you think. Lectionary texts for today are Isaiah 9.1-4; Psalm 27.1, 4-10; 1 Corinthians 1.10-18; Matthew 4.12-23.