The Rev. Gail Bowman Hebrews Chapter 2.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In View of God’s Mercy

Have you ever noticed that our judgments and opinions are so much better when they have perspective?  That is why we are wise to breathe, disengage, smile, think and/or close our eyes and pause before we respond to the many questions and demands that surround us. 

 

Paul, in Romans 12:1-2, says:  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

 

I love that little phrase “in view of God’s Mercy.”  It  tells me that God is up to something good.  He always surprises me with the ways that he has withheld judgment on those whom I deem to be in need of his correction.  Because in His wisdom he has left many, including me at times, in the darkness of our dissent so that in perspective we can see the depth of God’s mercy.

 

Let’s take time to think about the level of mercy we have been given.  It is from that vantage point that we have the grace to offer other mercy, while having the courage to become living sacrifices; sacrificing our desire, greed, hunger, pride, and selfishness, and living for Christ with a transformed mind.

 

Here’s to a transformed and power filled life!

 

Blessings

Dan

The Rev. Daniel C. Morgan

 

Fr. Christopher - New sermon series on Hebrews

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

     No Turning Back, No Turning Back

 

“No turning back, no turning back”…

It was part of the refrain of the popular song of the Renewal in the latter part of the 20^th century – I sang it nearly forty years ago!  It says a lot about the one way journey with Jesus.  He is directing us to go with him and He is going to lead us forward in His kingdom.

Sometimes we are weak and we don’t feel like going on.  It is tempting to take a breather, to sit down, to just stop for a while.  It is tempting to consider an easier way or perhaps just to blend in.  Obstacles are getting too tough.  Relationships are strained.  Advancements at work are non-existent.  Certain “friends” and acquaintances are now avoiding you.  Stress is higher and your tolerance is lower.

 

That is exactly the time for the message of the Letter to the Hebrews.  It is all about the superiority of Jesus, who is described as “the author and perfecter of our faith” (12:2)  The message of Hebrews is also about making every effort to go forward, persevering with steadfast love for Him.  There is no turning back.  The blessing at the end of Hebrews is as follows:  “may the God of peace…equip you for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. AMEN.” (13:20-21)

Onward!

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

1st Peter Chapter 5 verses 5 - 10

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Enduring

In the Year to Trust

 

Next week we will begin our first chapter in the book of Hebrews.  This epistle focuses upon Jesus Christ being superior to everything and everyone else as the Son of God.

 

I can think of no other theme to concentrate upon at a time when so much seems to be changing, and forces rise as anti-Christ.  One of the many great verses of this letter is “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” [Hebrews 12:23]

 

We do not grow weary and in Christ we will endure in the Year to Trust.

 

I’m looking forward to keeping our eyes on Jesus and reading the Word of God together!

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

Fr. Christopher 1st Peter Chapter 4 verses 7 - 19

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

What are We Going to Do?

 

In the face of waywardness by the Episcopal Church leadership, I am often asked what we are going to do?  It is a question I like to answer.

 

St. Paul’s is continuing in its commitment to Jesus Christ, to know Him and to make Him known.  We continue to stand on the teaching of the Bible about morality and will not go along with the proposed changes.  We remain in communication with the leaders of orthodox Anglicanism in North America.  And while we think globally, we act locally.  We will continue to serve the people God leads us to reach with the love of Jesus Christ.  We remain in The Episcopal Church to bear witness to Him.

 

We are also praying for the Bishop of Connecticut Andrew Smith, for the Diocese, for The Episcopal Church, and for the Anglican Communion.

 

What are we going to do?  We are going to be the Church of Jesus Christ!

 

In His love,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

Fr. Christopher 1st Peter Chapter 3 Verses 1-9

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The True Grace of God

 

The short but powerful book of I Peter has numerous themes.  The life and duty of the Christian is portrayed in the face of suffering and persecution.  There is glory, hope, and courage offered by Jesus Christ as we follow “in his steps” (I Peter 2:21).

 

Most of all, this wonderful book is about the grace of God which is offered in Christ.  Peter starts the letter with the greeting (in chapter 1, verse 2) “Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”       It is grace that we need most and it is grace that is lavishly offered as we love God.  Peter describes the Lord in chapter 5, verse 10 as the “God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory in Christ.”  We find our greatest need met in the God of all Grace.

 

Remember that grace is favor with and from God.  It is His mercy and love which we do not deserve and cannot earn, but must simply receive.  It’s interesting that the two New Testament books we are reading this summer, James and I Peter, quote the same Old Testament scripture:  “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

 (Proverbs 3:34).

 

Knowing that we are loved by God helps us live the life of grace.  We go easy on others, forgiving them.  We seek forgiveness from God and others.  We surrender ourselves and our agenda to God.  Peter concludes his letter stating his purpose in writing in chapter 5 verse 12,  “I have written to you briefly encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God.  Stand fast in it” 

 

My the Lord bless you with His true grace as you are a reader and “do-er” of His Word!

 

Your brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector