Anglican Orthodox Church
Worldwide Communion
Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
Sunday Report
Today we celebrated the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity Sunday.
On Point
Someone asked, where do the quotes come from? The answer is from the people who uttered them. But, how did you find them? Oh, that. Some from Bishop Jerry, many from Rev Bryan Dabney, a few from other places, some from Rev Geordie Menzies-Grierson, but overall mostly from Bryan. He always has some great ones to share. On to the On Point quotes –
On Temptation – Or Don’t Start
This was the first thing Mark had been asked to do which he himself, before he did it, clearly knew to be criminal. But the moment of his consent almost escaped his notice; certainly, there was no struggle, no sense of turning a corner. There may have been a time in the world’s history when such moments fully revealed their gravity, with witches prophesying on a blasted heath or visible Rubicons to be crossed. But, for him, it all slipped past in a chatter of laughter, of that intimate laughter between fellow professionals, which of all earthly powers is strongest to make men do very bad things before they are yet, individually, very bad men.
Jack Lewis
That Hideous Strength
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 5:9
Those that would learn must see their need to be taught.
Matthew Henry
17th and 18th century English pastor and author
The gospel will not cause peace and agreement wherever it comes. We are not to think it strange if the gospel rends families asunder and causes estrangement between near relations. It is sure to do so in many cases because of the deep corruption of man’s heart. So long as one man believes and another remains unbelieving, so long as one is resolved to keep his sins and another desirous to give them up, the result of the preaching of the gospel must be division. For this the gospel is not to blame, but the heart of man. There is a deep truth in all this which is constantly forgotten and overlooked. Many talk vaguely about unity and harmony and peace in the church of Christ as if they were things we ought always to expect and for the sake of which everything ought to be sacrificed. Such persons would do well to remember the words of our Lord [in St. Matthew 10:34- 38].
JC Ryle
19th century Anglican bishop and author
If you ever look about yourself and find that your country is a Goliath, towering over a small enemy, be afraid. God enjoys letting giants grow, giants like Persia, or our own country, but he always fells them, and he always fells them with something small or petty, a stone, or a ragged bunch of impoverished Greeks with schizophrenic gods. It is a curious thought to consider what God will use to rein in our present predominate unrighteousness.
Douglas Wilson
20th and 21st century American theologian and Christian Classical educator
Omnibus I, p. 132
If ever I reach Heaven I expect to find three wonders there: first, to meet some I had not thought to see there; second, to meet some I had expected to see there; and third, the greatest wonder of all, to find myself there. John Newton– 18th and 19th century Anglican minister and author. There will always be buyers for the new ‘no righteousness’ bibles — babes in Christ who want to be saved, not holy — and some who want to be holy but protest the purging which precedes it. Add to them senior scribes, stuck in adolescence, wanting to be god and hoping God doesn’t mind. Coming next in line are the carnal Christians who would like a corruptible crown NOW, not a ‘crown of righteous’ LATER.
Gail Riplinger
20th and 21st century Christian scholar
New Age Bible Versions, p. 176
Nature is but a name for an effect, whose cause is God.
William Cowper
1731-1800
English hymn writer
The known propensity of a democracy is to licentiousness which the ambitious call, and ignorant believe to be liberty.
Fisher Ames
Massachusetts Ratifying Convention
1788
Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn.
Joseph Warren
1775
Make yourselves sheep and the wolves will eat you.
Benjamin Franklin
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Colossians 2:8
Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.
Plato
423BC to 348BC
Screwtape[1] strategizes with Wormwood, using Time as a weapon:
I had noticed, of course, that the humans were having a lull in their European war—what they naïvely call ‘The War’!—and am not surprised that there is a corresponding lull in the patient’s anxieties. Do we want to encourage this, or to keep him worried? Tortured fear and stupid confidence are both desirable states of mind. Our choice between them raises important questions.
The humans live in time but our Enemy destines them to eternity. He therefore, I believe, wants them to attend chiefly to two things, to eternity itself, and to that point of time which they call the Present. For the Present is the point at which time touches eternity. Of the present moment, and of it only, humans have an experience analogous to the experience which our Enemy has of reality as a whole; in it alone freedom and actuality are offered them. He would therefore have them continually concerned either with eternity (which means being concerned with Him) or with the Present—either meditating on their eternal union with, or separation from, Himself, or else obeying the present voice of conscience, bearing the present cross, receiving the present grace, giving thanks for the present pleasure.
Jack Lewis
The Screwtape Letters
Jesus is the God whom we can approach without pride and before whom we
can humble ourselves without despair.
Blaise Pascal
17th century French mathematician, philosopher and author
Propers
Each Sunday there are Propers: special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding.
The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament. The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the minister as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the ministers and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained minister.
The propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead, except in a White Season, where it is put off. Red Letter Feasts, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent or Lent.
The Propers for today are found on Page 204-205, with the Collect first:
The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.
O |
GOD, who declarest thy almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity; Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running the way of thy commandments, may obtain thy gracious promises, and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle came from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, the Fifteenth Chapter beginning at the First Verse. Paul tells us he is delivering the message he received, the Good News of the Saving Grace of God through Jesus. He points out that if he, who had been Saul the Persecutor of Christ’s Church here on earth could be saved by the Grace of God, then salvation was open to all who would act on their wishes. Thus all who believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus will be saved, if they do not depart from that course.
He recounts the death and resurrection of Jesus; noting the various witnesses to the resurrection, including himself. He goes on to say, if he, who he categorizes as the least of the apostles, not even meet to be called an apostle due to his persecution of the Church of God, can be forgiven and work the Work of God, who cannot?
B |
rethern, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.”
Today’s Holy Gospel started in the Eighteenth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke, beginning at the Ninth Verse. Jesus tells a parable to an audience which apparently consisted of some self-righteous people, which likely fits each of us. The parable is that of a Pharisee[2] and a publican[3] both of whom pray in the temple. While the Pharisee might well have been a “better” man than the publican, he clearly was not the man he thought he was, for he “prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” Quite the holy fellow. The publican, quite aware of how much he fell shot of God’s perfection stood “afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Jesus told his audience, “this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” None of us is truly good, we can only strive to be better and look to our Lord to help us. Only through Christ will we be accounted as just before God.
J |
esus spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Bishop Ogles’ Sermon
We are oft fortunate to get copies of Bishop Jerry’s sermon notes. Today is one of those Sundays. Today’s sermon starts off with the collect, and like always, it will give you a lot to consider in your heart.
Sermon Notes
Eleventh Sunday in Trinity
16 August 2015, Anno Domini
St Andrews Anglican Orthodox Church
The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.
O |
GOD, who declarest thy almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity; Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running the way of thy commandments, may obtain thy gracious promises, and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
As revealed in our Prayer of Collect today, God’s greater virtue and power is demonstrated in His miraculous power to forgive our sins of rebellion and omission. Whatever grace we have is an endowment of grace from God that enables us to keep His Commandments and be accounted righteous by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is thus that we may, with Abraham, attain to the promises made available through the Lord Jesus Christ, and to share, with Him, in the blessed treasures of Heaven. This Collect is unique in specific aspects as are each of the Collects. I wrote a series of devotions a few years back on that uniqueness of each of the daily Collects – their origins and relevance to the Church Calendar, and to our lives. They are gifts to us of the early church fathers, many of whom gave their lives in fidelity to the Word of God.
In the Epistle from 1 Corinthians 15, Paul lays out the means and way of salvation through Christ alone. He, too, had been a Pharisee as we see in the Gospel account today whom Jesus addressed “certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.” (Luke 18:9) In fact, Paul (as Saul) had been a tool of the Pharisees by which many Christian worshippers had been persecuted and murdered. This is the context for the Words of Christ today from the Gospel of St. Luke 18:
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:9-14)
First of all, we note Jesus addressing His remarks to certain men present. Who were these men? Some are in church today. His words were addressed to certain men and women who believed in their OWN righteousness – even to the extent of condemning others and looking down on them. We would call that self-righteousness (and there is no such thing under Heaven). Such would be wise to heed the counsel of Paul to Timothy: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Tim 6:17-19)
Secondly, our Lord is speaking of two DIFFERENT kinds of people (a Pharisee and a Publican) – BOTH went up for the seemingly same purpose (to pray). BOTH went t to the right place for prayer – the House of the Lord. But the similarities end with those two facts. Let us examine, now, wherein the characteristics of these two men diverge, and examine our own hearts to learn if we are like unto one or the other of the two:
The Pharisee
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The Pharisee’s ATTITUDE of Prayer:
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The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself. Intimated herein is that the Pharisee stood proudly, and he prayed out of a false perspective. He did not humbly pray to God, but prayed thus with himself. His words were not directed to God, truly, but for his own personal purposes which are explained further in the text. He trusted that he was righteous just as millions of Christians do every Sunday at worship. Smug and arrogantly they sit in the pew thinking of those others when the word ‘sinner’ is mentioned. They trust too much in their OWN religion and not upon the imputed righteousness of Christ.
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They trust too much in a particular denomination and not the sole grace of God and the sacrifice of His Son.
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They feel like they are not “like those others.”
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We read of how proudly the Pharisee prayed “with himself” – not to God. He prayed that others might hear his boastful words. The contrary is true of the publican who felt himself unworthy to come so near the Temple. He did not lay claim to ANY GOODNESS, or righteous deeds, in his life but only sought mercy upon himself as a sinner.
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The Pharisee’s PRESUMPTION in Prayer: He did not begin by glorifying God, or showing a spirit of repentance for sins he, like us, had surely committed. But, if taken alone, his prayer would have been more fitting than it became when he added his reason for gratitude to God. “ God, I thank thee.” The Pharisee would have been better off to stop right there with that salutation! But he did not!
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The Pharisee’s ARROGANCE of Prayer: For what was the Pharisee thankful?
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The Pharisee boasts of being thankful for what he is not!
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“I AM NOT as other men are” In other words, “I am better than all others. I am good in, and of, myself.”
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I am not an “extortioner““I have never been guilty of such a sin” (but probably was stained badly thereby)
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I am not “unjust” He is being unjust on the face of his proclamation and his indictment of the publican!
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I am not an “adulterer” He may have been one of those guilty Pharisees who brought the Woman taken in Adultery to Christ who left early because of his guilt.
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I am not “even as this publican.” In other words, “I am not a COMMON sinner[4] as is this publican!”
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The Pharisee boasts of being thankful for what he DOES!
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“I fast twice in the week“
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“I give tithes of all that I possess“
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In TRUTH, the Pharisee was none of what he claimed as his own:
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In truth: He was a liar! Though he claimed otherwise, he was precisely as other men are – a sinner. (Romans 3:23)
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He was an extortioner. (Matthew 23:14, Mark 12:40)
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He was unjust. His very attitude and self-opinion of himself proved this.
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He was a worse man than the publican for the publican realized his need to which the Pharisee was blinded of his own.
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He did not fast to satisfy a Godly purpose but only for the purpose of show and boasting.
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He did not tithe of all he had for he kept his heart from God by not surrendering it to Him. (Luke 20:25)
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He had a religious zeal, but not according to the Bible. “….they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:2-3) Now let us look at the Publican: “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.“
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The Publican[5]
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The publican knew who he was – a lost sinner and condemned.
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The publican knew his place with God without mercy – at a distance!
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The publican knew how he felt – guilty, ashamed and needing mercy.
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He knew WHAT he needed – MERCY.
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He knew how to attain mercy – repent, confess, and call upon the Lord.
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He knew of his salvation – went down to his house justified.
There is a great secret revealed, too, in this Parable – sin causes a great separation from man and God. The only means to bridge that separation is repentance and confession of sins. When we have betrayed or hurt a close friend, do we not avoid looking them in the eye until we have reconciled ourselves to that friend? We may not speak to that friend for months due to our guilt. The friend may not even be aware of our guilt, BUT WE ARE! When we forget God, we live according to our own prerogatives. This free will always leads to sin. That sin raises a wall between us and God. Suddenly, we are ashamed as was Adam in the Garden. We cannot tear down that wall with our good deeds, but only by our tearful cries for mercy!
Do we mark our offering envelopes at church with large letters to show our great tithing? Do we embellish our prayers with beautiful words that do not come from the heart, but from a proud mind? Do we attempt to seem so close to God that publicans cannot approach Him? Do we admit our unworthiness apart from God’s grace? Have we known that the very moment we feel that we are “good enough” is the very moment that we are NOT? Do not be a pharisaical hypocrite, but be a humble sinner who lays claim to grace and mercy in God.
Which of the two are we most alike – the Pharisee, or the Publican?
Better be a lowly Publican than a proud Pharisee! AMEN!
Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold – Time and Action
Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California
Today’s sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and talked, as is oft the case, of the need for action, not simply diction.
Consider the words from the Collect, wherein we ask God … who declarest thy almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity; Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running the way of thy commandments, may obtain thy gracious promises, and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; …
Once again, this Collect is kind of a follow-on to the last few weeks’ Collects. First, we acknowledge God’s power which is manifested not in terror but in mercy and pity on our failures. This is important to note; with all the power in and of the universe, God chooses to manifest His Power in showing infinite mercy and kindness to us, not in causing us more tears. He is far kinder to us than we could ever possibly deserve. We would expect Him to be otherwise, given our fallen nature. Rather than be unforgiving and unmerciful, He is there to comfort and help us. He does not act as a human would in His position, but rather being a merciful and mindful God to us. He realizes our struggles and gives us resources to us to help with those struggles. Thus, the Collect goes on to ask His Help in following His Commandments that we might gain the good that comes from that following. And we would hope that we recognize the good that comes from that following and choose to repeat doing the following as opposed to going astray such as our tendency is.
As imperfect creatures of free will, the norm is to choose what we want, not what we need, then we come to calamity. We are each grievous sinners, some worse than others, none better. Yet, we come before God all equal. In equally big trouble, some more, none less. We are all equal by the fact that we are hopeless sinners without the saving grace and faith of Christ. It is only through faith we are saved. And not our faith, but the faith of Christ that dwells within us.
This is the point Saint Paul is making when he says that first he gave unto us[6] that understanding he got directly from God as to the role of Jesus Christ. He recounts some of the factual information about Jesus’ time here on earth after the crucifixion, the descent into hell and the resurrection. He is confirming that the story of the Gospel as told to him. He notes the various witnesses, still alive or recently passed away. He makes the point that we must spread the gospel so that others might believe. He tells us we are saved by faith alone.
Our faith? Partly, but not chiefly and not first. Then whose faith is it that we are saved by?
We are saved by the perfect faith of Christ, our only mediator and advocate before the Father. It is not by our faith, but the faith of Him who dwells within us, that of Chirst. Without Christ, we could not have any faith to begin with. The perfect faith of Christ allowed a single sacrifice to be made at one time, to right the account the sins of all mankind for all time. This is the faith that saves us and our faith in Him allows Him to operate in us. If we do not have faith in Him, He cannot enter into us with His faith. That is why those who do not have the Holy Ghost in them do not believe in Him. One of Paul’s points in today’s Epistle was that if he, the previous Chief Persecutor of the church could be saved by Jesus’ that option was available to each of us. Anybody who is able and willing to can be saved by Jesus. They just need to repent and turn back to Him. All we need to do is repent and follow. Thus, we need to Lead, Follow or Get out of the Way towards Christ and God’s grace.
The other point is that Jesus is real, He is Who He says He IS. He is not a fictional character, he is not a great teacher. He is THE SON OF GOD and He came to save us: body, heart, mind and soul. There is no other way to view Him that makes as perfect sense as this. Just as we are real sinners, He is a real Savior. You cannot have the Holy Spirit within you and say that He is not the Son of God. Likewise, you cannot say He is the Son of God without the Holy Ghost in you.
If that is not enough to turn your heart, consider the parable of the publican and the Pharisee related by Saint Luke. The man who was proud of his performance was not the example Jesus chose for the one justified, rather the one who acknowledged his failures and asked God for forgiveness and help. Think of these examples and who would we rather be like, the publican, or the Pharisee? Remember, the Pharisee’s job consisted of finding clever ways around the 613 Mosaic Laws. The publican was looking for help in actually following two:
Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith.
T |
HOU shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. BCP Page 69
And, just as importantly, he was not looking for ways around those two laws, he was looking for help to follow God and forgiveness when he fell short.
Let us ask God for the help we need to follow His Will. For we must have His Help to act as we must here on earth!
Action counts. For by their actions ye shall know them.
Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.
The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you ACT?
It is by our actions we are known.
Be of God – Live of God – Act of God
Bishop Dennis Campbell’s Sermon
Bishop Dennis is a brilliant speaker. He is able to take biblical precepts and make them perfectly understandable, even to me. Oft he provides the text of his sermons and I take the utmost pleasure in passing them on:
Law and Grace
Romans 6:14
Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
August 16, 2015
The Bible says much about being under grace, instead of under law. But it also talks about obedience to God’s law, and about answering for sins, even for Christians. How do these two, seemingly contradictory things relate to us, who believe in Christ, and are trying to live for Him? How does being under grace affect us when we stand before God in judgment, and when we receive our rewards in Heaven?
Before we try to answer this question, let’s talk about what it means to be under the law of God. In its most basic sense, being under the law means to be required to keep the moral law as it is summarised in the Ten Commandments, and in the admonition of Christ to love God “with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind,” and to “love thy neighbour as thyself.” In this sense, we are all under the law because its standards and demands are true goodness, and will never pass away. Idolatry, theft, adultery, and murder will always be wrong. Godliness, honesty, sexual purity, and respect for life will always be right, forever.
In another sense we are all under the law because we are all transgressors of it. The well known words, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23) are part of the conclusion of a long passage that shows that people who have never heard the Gospel and never read the Bible, are without excuse for their sins because God is revealed in nature, and because at least part of the truth of God is known by them. But they hold the truth in unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18). They suppress the truth they have about God, and they make up gods according to their own likings and preferences. Then they live in accordance with the ways of their idols, instead of in accordance with the ways of God. This means that, even though some people don’t have or know the full revelation of God given in the Bible, all have some revelation of God and His will. Their problem is not that they don’t have the full revelation. Their problem is that they don’t live according to the revelation they have. Those who have the Bible, are also transgressors of the law of God. We have it, we know it, but we don’t obey it fully and joyfully as we should. So, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
In yet another sense, we are all under the law because we are all condemned by it. Whether we understand it or not, or agree with it or not, or like it or not, we are without excuse before God because we have all failed to obey the light we have. SI want to say again, some people don’t have the Bible, but they have some knowledge of good and evil, and they fail to live up to that knowledge. Some do not believe the Bible, but they still have some standards, and they also fail to live up to their own standards. Some have the Bible, and earnestly try to live by its teachings and standards, but they also fail. Thus we are all living proof of Romans 3:23, “all have sinned.” Just as darkness has no fellowship with light, and ungodliness has no fellowship with Godliness, God, who is perfect goodness, has no fellowship with evil. It is the very antithesis of His Being. Sin is evil, therefore God has no fellowship with it, and, by definition, He has no fellowship with those who commit it. Just the opposite; He is angry at sinners. He hates sin. Those who commit sin are under His wrath. As another well known verse of Romans puts it, “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23).
Now let’s talk about what it means to be under grace. In order to understand this, we need to know what grace is. Grace is God’s decision to do good to us, in spite of our sins and unworthiness. The wages of sin is death, meaning the second death, which is the lake of fire forever. Everything God does, short of throwing us into the lake of fire and brimstone, is grace. When you think of it this way, even the troubles and catastrophes of life are part of God’s grace. If a tornado destroys a person’s home, he is still enjoying God’s grace because he is not suffering in hell for his sins. If debilitating illness strikes a person, he is still enjoying God’s grace because he is not suffering in hell for his sins. If a person is a drug addict, or an alcoholic, or on skid row, or on death row, he is still enjoying the grace of God because he is not suffering for his sins in hell. If you are not a drug addict, if you are not an alcoholic, if you are not a criminal, if you are not on skid Row or death row, it is only because the grace of God has kept you from falling into these sins and situations. The saying, “there but for the grace of God go I,” is absolutely true. If you are a Christian it is only because of the grace of God, who has enabled you to hear and believe the Gospel. If you make it to Heaven, it will be only because the grace of God keeps you from falling away from the faith. It will not be because the tenacity and strength of your faith keeps you hanging onto God; it will be because God holds you in His Almighty Hand, and nothing is able to pluck you out of it.
Usually, when we think of grace, we think of what God has done in Christ to forgive our sins, and to restore us to fellowship with Him, and to give us a home in Heaven forever. To be under grace means to be the beneficiaries of the forgiveness and restoration God has accomplished for His people in Christ. It means that we do not stand before God under the law, which, as we have already seen, condemns us. We stand before God under grace, which accepts us through Christ’s work, and treats us as though we have not sinned. Under grace, God takes guilty sinners’ sins upon Himself and dies for them on the cross. Under grace God’s Holy Spirit allows guilty sinners to hear the Gospel of Christ, calls us to believe the Gospel, and even enables us to believe the Gospel and trust in Christ. So, God effects our forgiveness by paying for our sins on the cross. God applies the results of Christ’s death to us by enabling us to hear and believe the Gospel by faith. God receives those who have this faith, as though we had never sinned. Those to whom God effects forgiveness by the sacrifice of Christ; applies forgiveness by enabling us to hear and believe the Gospel, and receives as though we had never sinned, are now under grace, and remain under grace, forever. We will never be under law again. We will never fall back into condemnation because of our sins.
What I have just briefly described is wonderful beyond words. We won’t really be able to appreciate what this means to us until we stand in Heaven and see the glory of God with our own eyes, and know the joy and peace of God in the fullest sense. Until then we see in part and know in part. What we see and know is wonderful, but still only partial. In Heaven we will know as we are known. If the partial knowledge we now have produces joy and peace in us, think what the full knowledge will do in us. But there is still more to being under grace. Under grace, God remakes us in the inward person. He reforms your nature, your character, your personality, your soul. In other words, whatever it is that makes you you, and whatever it is that forms your values and choices and attitudes and personality is rebuilt by God, so that you become what the Bible refers to as transformed, a new creature, or, raised to new life in Christ. In its simplest terms, God transforms you from living for yourself to living for God. He turns you from a person who demands that God love and accept you on your terms, to a person who loves and accepts God on God’s terms.
Now we come to the question of how all of this applies to how we will fare on the Day of Judgment, since we are not perfect and none of us fully loves or obeys God. I stress here that the transformation of our being is a life long process. It is often painful, and it is never completed while we are here on earth. And it is sometimes difficult to tell who is a true believer, and who is an unbeliever. This is because it is possible for an unbeliever to act and talk like a true believer, and because true believers often fall and sin, and act like unbelievers. We don’t have a soul MRI that enables us to tell one from the other, but you can tell which one you are, because a true believer follows a course of life that genuinely seeks to grow closer to God and obey Him more completely. An unbeliever may be good and religious, but the course of his life is different. The true believer’s spiritual compass is set on God, and he moves consistently toward that point. Yes, he veers and strays off course sometimes, but his general direction is toward God. The unbeliever’s compass is set on something else. That something else may be very similar to God, in the same way magnetic north is very similar to true north, but his compass is not set on God. Therefore his progress is not toward God, and God is not his intended destination.
One thing we can say is that the true believer does not obey God’s commandments out of mere duty, fear, or a sense of morality that tells him this is the way a person ought to live. He obeys God because he loves God. He does the things God loves because he loves them too. He pursues Godliness because he, himself is Godly. He has been made new. The transformation I spoke of a few moments ago, has happened to him. He is a new creature, and he must live according to the nature of the new creature. George Gershwin wrote, “Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly.” We may well add, Christians gotta live Godly lives. We live in accordance with who and what we are.
Let me close with this important point; how will failures and sins affect true believers on Judgement Day? Will we be punished? Will our Heavenly rewards be diminished? Instead of a mansion in glory will we get a shanty in some Heavenly slum? While there is much we don’t know about what God is going to do on Judgment Day, or how He is going to do it, we do know that those who are under grace will always be under grace. I believe our sins will be reviewed, but not punished. The review will reinforce to us that we have sinned and come short of the glory of God. It will show us how far short we fell, and how often. And it will show again the great glory and mercy of God who redeemed us by bearing our sins in Christ. We will be shown that we deserve hell, and this fact will be graphically and undeniably imprinted on our beings. But we will be given Heaven, in all of its glory, Nothing will be withheld from us. Everything God is and has will be ours to enjoy forever.
—
+Dennis Campbell
Bishop, Anglican Orthodox Church Diocese of Virginia
Rector, Holy Trinity Anglican Orthodox Church
Powhatan, Virginia
www.HolyTrinityAnglicanOrthodoxChurch.org
www.lifeinthescriptures.blogspot.com
Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s Sunday Sermon
We are fortunate to have Bryan’s Sunday Sermon. If you want people to come to The Truth, you have to speak the truth, expouse the truth and live the truth. This is really a good piece and I commend it to your careful reading.
Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
Do you feel justified in your faith? As a Christian, you ought to because our Lord has paid the price for your sins so that you need only confess them in his name to the Father to be cleansed of them. Our justification then comes solely via our faith in Christ. Still, there are those who believe that you have to work to be saved and that following the Law— even in a selective understanding of its principles— is required of all who would be made acceptable to God. No my friends, we are not saved by keeping the Law and let me explain why. Awhile back, I saw a chart detailing the differences between the Law of Moses and the Grace of God via Jesus Christ. This chart was taken from a tract entitled Law vs. Grace by George and Donna Brady and Steve Roberts. The items were arranged in a columnar format with the points regarding the Law on one side and those for Grace on the other. Each item was written in clear and concise language making it an effective teaching tool for both gospel preachers and Christian educators. Consider the following selected points:
Law Came through Moses.
Grace Came through Jesus Christ. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (St. John 1:17).
Law Requires perfect performance.
Grace Based on Christ’s performance. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all (St. James 2:10). For if by one’s man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
Law Kills.
Grace Gives life…. for the letter [of the law] killeth, but the spirit giveth life (II Corinthians 3:6). Law: shuts every mouth before God. Grace: Opens every mouth to praise God. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be guilty before God (Romans 3:20b). But by [ Jesus Christ] therefore let us offer the sacrifices of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).
Law Put a great distance between God and man.
Grace Reconciles us to God. Therefore the LORD God sent [Adam] forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken (Genesis 3:23). Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature… And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ… (II Corinthians 5:17-19).
Law Written on stone. Grace: written on our hearts. And [the LORD] declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the Ten Commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone (Deuteronomy 4:13). Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart (II Corinthians 3:3).
Law Not based on faith.
Grace Through faith. The law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them (Galatians 3:12). For by grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Law Does not justify.
Grace Justifies us. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16a).
Law Has an end.
Grace Has no end. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth (Romans 10:4).
The Articles of Religion(BCP pp. 603-611) cover much of what has been discussed. Article XI states in part:
We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by faith and not for our own works or deservings.
In actuality, our sinful natures have rendered us powerless to stand and justify ourselves before a righteous and holy God. As St. Paul noted in his epistle to the Romans: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one… Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God… But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested… by faith… being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. .. (3:10-25). And in today’s epistle we find the following: Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Romans 8:33-34). Without a doubt, our Reformation and Anglican fathers embraced the concepts of “justification by faith alone, in Christ alone” based upon these and other passages of Scripture.
Consider also the words of the apostle John who noted in his first epistle that whosoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith… Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and the blood… And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth… If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself… And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son (5:4-12). We are therefore justified by the atoning work of our Lord Jesus Christ. And as we have received Christ, so too do we receive the Comforter who witnesses to us that we are in fact heirs with Christ in his glory (Romans 8:16-17). Our justification to God then is based not on any works we might do, but is entirely based upon the one oblation of our Lord who shed his blood to wash away our sins.
The law was a works-based system God gave to the children of Israel as part of his covenant relationship with them. St. Paul tells us in his epistle to the Galatians the law was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made. That seed was Jesus Christ who is our Mediator. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus… and if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (3:19-29).
Some think that simply following what they term “The Big Ten” is all that they need to do to be made right with God. They may admit that Jesus is the Son of God, but they do not seem content to let him be their Redeemer. They look at their lives with a selective consciousness that highlights their so-called good deeds, while overlooking the very evil which dominates their existence. They believe that having done a few good things here and there will make them good people in the eyes of God. They have forgotten that they have sinned against God and are thus negligent in confessing those sins to the Father in the name of his only begotten Son. Sadly, many would rather pat themselves on the back for those things for which the world has applauded them in the false belief that they have been justified to God through them.
Please keep in mind God provided the law to remind us of our sinfulness. St. Paul affirmed such in his first epistle to St. Timothy when he wrote: But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully, knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners… and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine (1:8-10).
Instead of seeking to justify ourselves, we ought to trust in him who justifies us through his own shed blood. God has provided the gift of redemption and reconciliation through his only begotten Son. His sacrifice has the power to wash away our sins and put us in good standing with God the Father. Sadly, many Christians do not possess such an understanding of this important tenet of our faith. The Devil would like nothing better than for each of us to abandon the biblical concept of justification and hop on his works-equal-salvation bandwagon. He has been hard at this game for a very long time, and he persists in its use because it has been a successful tactic. He would like nothing better than for as many Christians as possible to buy into his version of the Works Progress Administration so that he might get them to turn away from the truth of God’s word.
CS Lewis once penned an excellent example of the above in the Screwtape[7] Letters:
The real trouble about the set your patient is living in is that it is merely Christian. They all have individual interests, of course, but the bond remains mere Christianity. What we want, if men become Christians at all, is to keep them in the state of mind I call Christianity And. You know— Christianity and the Crisis, Christianity and the New Psychology, Christianity and the New Order… If they must be Christians let them at least be Christians with a difference. Substitute for the faith itself some Fashion… Work on their horror of the Same Old Thing… [this] is one of the most valuable passions we have produced in the human heart— an endless source of heresies in religion, folly in counsel, infidelity in marriage and inconstancy in friendships.
Think about how the modernists have altered the Parable of the Net— as Rev. EM Bounds once noted— changing its dynamics so that their goal has become an effort to change the sea, not catch the good fish that are in it. And on this account, they have rejected the notion that there are good fish and bad fish in favor of saving every fish (Matthew 13:47-50). They have also developed a set of doctrines which they refer to quite disarmingly as “customs and traditions. ” But the mere fact that a set of practices and behaviors have been around for a long time hardly warrants their unqualified acceptance within any church. Even during the time of our Lord’s earthly ministry, the Pharisees had their own man-made traditions which often ran counter to what he had taught. Thus it should not be surprising that these demonically inspired cadres and teachers — who have been ever mingled with the true worshippers over the millennia— have endorsed such religious practices and tenets which have the appearance of biblical truth, but do not match up with such in verbum.
Regenerated Christians beware! Accept nothing but the unvarnished word of God as written, and not as interpreted by those who have the hiss of the serpent under their breath. If God’s word written has set forth the matter at hand, do not add to it or take away from it. Be a Berean. Search the Scriptures and compare, but do such in a prayerful manner. Pray for God’s Spirit to guide you. Remember, we work because we have been saved. We work because we have already received God’s free gift. And we labor because we are justified by Christ: for it is through him and him alone that our works have any meaning.
Let us pray:
O |
gracious Father, who has regenerated us via the working of the Holy Ghost; grant to us such a measure of thy Spirit that we, ever growing in thy love and service, will always give thee thanks for thy salvation through the blood of thine only begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and these we ask in his most blessed name. Amen.
Have a blessed week, Bryan+
After Church Hospitality
We would like some pictures of your after service gatherings. Come on! Help out!
People in our Prayers – http://faithfulcenturionprayerteam.blogspot.com/
Why? Prayer is an extremely important activity.
It is not that God knows not our needs, for He surely does. Yet, Jesus commanded us to ask God for those same needs. In addition to the obvious of asking God for help, offering thanksgiving and the like, prayer helps us focus our thoughts on how we might do God’s work.
The Prayer Team of the Anglican Orthodox Church was established to help our members and fellow Christians pray for those in need and to give thanks as well for the blessings we have been granted.
Who can be on the list? Do I have to be a member of the Anglican Orthodox Church to be prayed for?
No! The only qualification to be on the list is that you want our prayer team to pray for you. We are Christians and are happy to pray for you, no matter who you are. If you want help from God, you are our kind of people.
What is the commitment from the prayer team?
Each member of the team will pray for the desired outcome at last once per day.
How do I get myself or someone else on the prayer list?
You can email one of the prayer team leaders: Jack – jack@faithfulcenturion.org or Dru – dru@ faithfulcenturion.org, or call the office at (619) 659-3608 or fill out a prayer card at your church.
What should I ask for?
Depends on what you want. Some people merely want God to be asked to heal their ills and be mentioned by their first name, others want a specific outcome and / or have more of their personal information known to the team. Ask for what you want. It is your desire and need for prayer the team is attempting to meet. For typical examples, see the list below.
Updating the Team
If you are on our prayer list, or if you have submitted a person that you have asked us to pray for, please update one of the team members or Hap in person, by telephone or email. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is nice to give thanks!
Please note that on the yellow (maybe green or orange if you get an old one) cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the prayer team. Those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, you can ask that their names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Hap will know to pray for them.
Prayer List Notice – If you have someone on the prayer list and their needs have changed, please let us know. We’d like to update our prayers to reflect the need and most important to give thanks!
Travel
Rev Bryan and Mrs. Dabney are on travel this week to Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, to bring their son Thomas there to finish his Bachelor’s Degree.
Move
The Thomas Family is now in Okinawa for a second short tour. Please pray for this new assignment to go well for Kurt and for Mary and the kids to make new friends.
Departed
Susan Morley passed away the evening of 1 August 2015, after three weeks in a coma due to an aneurism, then a recovery, then after about ten days she gave up the ghost. Please give thanks for her time here on earth, for a safe passing and for comfort and strength for her family, in particular her husband Charles[8], as they adjust to the temporary separation that they might let God carry their sadness, fear and worry.
Nearing the end of their time here on earth
Charles has tonsil cancer; his treatment was stopped in June 2015. The tumor was too large and prevented surgery. Charles is unable to ingest nutrition and he is in a great deal of pain Please pray for him as he prepares to go home to be with his family who have gone before him. Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Phil and his family who will of necessity remain behind.
Phil was taken off life support on 2 April 2015. Please pray for him as he prepares to go home to be with his family who have gone before him. Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Phil and his family who will of necessity remain behind.
Maggie is nearing the end of her time here on earth. Please pray for Maggie and her husband Dub as she prepares to go home to be with her family who have gone before her. Pray for the faith of her family to build and the transition to be good.
Alan is a victim of metastasized colon cancer already destroying his liver. His youngest sister has put aside her hard-earned career to care for her brother in these days on earth. Please pray for him as he prepares to go home to be with his family who have gone before him. Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Alan and his family who will of necessity remain behind.
Saundra is in ICU with congestive heart failure after a heart operation. She is aged and frail. Saundra is near the end of her time here on earth. Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Saundra and her family who will of necessity remain behind. Pray for the love of God to stay foremost in their hearts.
Polly is in hospice care with dementia and spinal stenosis. Please pray for her as she prepares to go home to be with her family who have gone before her. Pray for the faith of her family to build and the transition to be good.
In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan
Dick has a metastasized Merkle Cell carcinoma just under his sternum carcinoma for which all treatment has been exhausted. His faith in the Lord is great and he is ready to be with Him. Pray he will be encouraged to not give up until it is his time to go and that his time here on earth with his family will be good.
Janet has had a blood borne cancer for several years. Her faith in the Lord is great and he is ready to be with Him. Pray she will be encouraged to not give up until it is her time to go.
Holly has had Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer and now it is in her spine. Please pray for guidance for the medical personnel treating Holly, for a miraculous remission; that Holly’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Holly and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror. Pray for strength and courage for Holly.
Tim was on a kidney transplant list and started dialysis and was taken off the transplant list for a heart problem that required stents, while putting in stents a leaking valve was found. A port was put in and something happened and it has to be redone. In several days he will have a valve replaced, after heart surgery and recover he will go back on the transplant list. Please remember him in prayer in the days and weeks ahead. Pray he will put his worry on God’s shoulders so he might be at peace and rest. Pray for those treating him that they might pay attention and do their best.
Marilyn has been diagnosed with non-operable pancreatic cancer. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Marilyn’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Marilyn and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.
Kathy, Don Patton’s sister, has reoccurring abdominal cancer which has not responded to treatment so far, they are nearing the end of the know treatments, with one course left to try. Please pray for guidance for the medical personnel treating Cathy, for a miraculous remission; that Cathy might put all her sadness, fear, worry and terror on God’s back so that her remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Cathy, Don and their family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry. Give thanks for the great courage and trust in God made manifest in Cathy.
June found she has a recurrence of colon cancer, which is now Stage Four, that is it has spread. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that June’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help June and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.
Cindy has been diagnosed with an aggressive malignant brain tumor. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Cindy’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Cindy and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.
Leon McKay suffered a stroke a few weeks back that has left him unable to speak and while undergoing evaluation the doctors also found he has a very aggressive cancer. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Leon’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Leon and his family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.
Rev. Thomas Brooks is not improving and being kept alive by artificial machines. Please pray for a miraculous recovery and if that not be God’s Will, a rapid passing to home. Help Thomas’ family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry
Ronnie has kidney cancer that has spread and the surgeons are very concerned. Please pray the medical team to formulate a successful treatment plan and for a miraculous remission; that Ronnie’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Ronnie and family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.
Levi was cancer free for 4 years and just discovered he has kidney cancer. Levi has a great deal of faith and said whether he is healed or God takes him home he will be fine. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Levi and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders. In particular, please pray for pain relief; Levi is 22 years old.
Ray Daley is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and served his country during the Korean War era. Ray is taking chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Meanwhile his son Trevor is in the hospital in a coma and seems to have lost the will to live.
Pat has been under treatment for colon cancer for sometime. He has had major complications the last few days and your prayers will be appreciated by family and friends.
Dorothy had pneumonia, on checking her lungs they found tumors which permeated the lung area. Further investigation found a primary site in the colon, with the lung being secondary. It would appear there is no viable treatment at this time. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that her remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Dorothy and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.
Becky has fourth stage metastasized lung cancer and is not doing well with chemotherapy treatments. Please pray for Becky and her husband as they are together during this difficult time in their lives.
Jane has fourth stage cancer and is not doing well. Please pray for Jane and her family as they are together during this difficult time in their lives.
Colleen has been battling pancreatic cancer over the last year and it has now spread to one of her lungs. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
Christine has cancer of the colon, which spread to her liver; she is receiving chemotherapy and is having difficulty eating. Please pray for the medical team treating her to pay attention and do their very best; pray also for confidence in our Lord for Christine and her family.
Todd and Kenny have both been fighting osteocarcinoma for over five years and have been told their time here on earth is nearing its end, absent a miracle from God. Both are ready to go home and leave the pain, but would like to stay. Please pray for them and their families.
Homebound or Infirm
James is on oxygen all the time, this is bothersome to him and terrifying as well. Please pray for James to put his worry, his bother and his terror on the Lord. Pray for strength and guidance for James and his family. They suggest this verse, “I am thine, save me, for I have sought thy precepts.”
Joan has had serious medical problems that have kept her confined. Please pray her health will remain stable.
Norma, Sara’s mother is in a state of deteriorating health, both physically and mentally, with both dementia and Alzheimer’s. She is slowly drifting away, though she still recognizes Sara and prayer gives her a sense of peace. Please pray for both Sara and her mother to put their cares and worries on God’s shoulders so they can deal with the many problems involved.
Surgery
Shamu had successful surgery on 7 July 2015, for a disruptive colon. The colon has been removed, she gives thank for the surgical team being open to guidance, paying close attention and doing their very best. She is back in the hospital for an additional surgery to to a site infection. She is in great need of God’s Help for healing. Pray the surgical team will be open to guidance, pay close attention and do their very best. Please pray now for Shamu to trust in God, let Him carry her worry. Pray she will recover to the point her internals may be rebuilt.
Marcia has had a biospy of a mass in her breast which indicated a tumor that must be removed. Pray the surgical team will be open to guidance, pay close attention and do their very best. Pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Marcia and her family.
Edware is having his fourth back surgery (in the last four years) Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Edware and his family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.
Jeff has been undergoing surgery, chemo and radiation since October for pancreatitis and Pancreatic cancer. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Jeff, his wife and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.
Albert had a pacemaker installed recently. He will require surgery soon for a leaking heart valve and has just been told he has esophageal cancer. Pray he will turn to God and come to know Him on a more personal basis as the days go by.
Jane underwent heart valve repair surgery on 3 July 2014. Please pray for full recovery. Pray also Jane and her family to put their worry on God’s shoulders.
Mario has early-diagnosed prostate cancer and had surgery. Pray for complete remission and that Mario and his family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.
Eddie has upcoming bladder surgery. Please pray for the surgical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Eddie and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.
Testing and Treatment
Barbara had a cataract operation and which found Macular Degeneration. Her other eye is dimming and shadows have come up. Pray doctors will discover the problems and healing will come and her eyesight will improve.
Melanie Zimmers had an angiogram on 10 August 2015, which turned out clear, but there are problems. Her heart’s has only a 20% ejection fraction, with no symptoms. They hope medications can get the fraction to above 45 percent or mechanical changes will have to be made. Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Melanie and her family, particularly her husband Mike. Pray also for a full recovery for her.
Helen was admitted from her doctor’s office 15 July 2015, as the result of a blood test, to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital with an extremely high white blood count. She and her husband are very active in the ministry of their church and are asking for believers to pray for them and their family, as they are facing very serious problems in the days to come. Please pray for guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Helen and her family. Pray also for a full recovery for her.
Cynthia Olufson (Melanie Zimmer’s sister) had an infection in the Harrington rods put in her back 25 years ago. It appears antibiotics are doing the job, she is still concerned about the rods needing to come out. Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Cynthia and her family, particularly Melanie. Pray also for a full recovery for her.
Vickie has been falling and passing out and hurt herself. Pray the medical team treating her will find out the problem and bring it to an end.
John Thornell, Colonel, USMC Retired Pilot is recovering from a heart related event which began on Tuesday 19 May 2015, when he noted some chest pain while playing golf. He skipped lunch and went home for a nap. About 0100 the next day, fully recognizable chest pain developed, four aspirin, one EMT battle (in which the losers apparently got the rights to bring John to the wrong place), one full on back from zero paddle battle, two surgeries and three stents later, John is in ICU wanting out, but because his blood pressure is so low (he is a runner, turns out it is just like it was a month ago) they don’t want to let him out. Please give thanks for all this coming together so John is still with his family here on earth. Pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for John, his wife Linda and kids Skyler and Remi. Pray also for a full recovery for him.
Steve Thornell is undergoing cancer treatment at University of California Irvine, please pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Steve and his family. Pray also for a full recovery for him.
Red Thornell has mass in his neck, which appears likely to be cancerous. He has had a biopsy on 22 May 2015 and expects the results after a PET scan on Tuesday 26 May 2015. While there is an infection, his temperature is now normal; he is not for he sleeps 19-20 hours a day. Please pray for trust in our Lord for Red and his wonderful wife Vickie as they try to get through this nightmare.
Elma has been suffering with headaches for a long time. Doctors have not been able to discover the reason for them. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Elma and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for her that they might find the best treatment method to banish the headaches completely.
Corissa has been diagnosed with a blockage. As soon as the Physicians determine the exact problems they expect Major Surgery will proceed.
Barbara Apple was more or less bedridden after a fall. She was hospitalized in great pain and had been transferred to a skilled nursing facility where they hope to be able to control the pain level. Pray for inspiration for those caring for her that they might find the appropriate treatment. Please pray for Barbara to put her trust in the Lord, look to Him for strength and for her to gain energy so she does not lose the mobility she has; pray for a full and rapid recovery. Please pray also for her husband Bob who is taking care of her that he might be comforted and strengthened in this time of stress.
Bob Apple was at the hospital picking up his wife Barbara to bring her to the skilled nursing facility when he experienced chest pain. Barbara’s release from the hospital was delayed until Bob underwent an angiogram and had his medication adjusted. Please pray for comfort and strength for Bob and his continued healing.
Deborah has had a stroke, she is doing much better and out of the hospital. She has a problem with anemia and is taking supplements for that. Pray our Lord will be close to her and her family. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Deborah and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for her that they might find the best treatment method to allow her to heal completely.
Rev. Steve Boardman has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. Pray that Jesus will be close and comfort his family and members of his congregation.
Hang So Ryu has cancer. Please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very best. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for him and his family, as well as physical strength.
Olivia, age7, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma. The prognosis is good at this time, please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very best. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Olivia and her family, as well as physical strength.
Paul has been hospitalized recently several times because of persistent high fevers. He is being tested and checked by physicians and seems to have a slight scoliosis, a node and Schuermann’s disease. Please pray it will be discovered how to treat these problems and healing will begin so he will be inspired to continue his education.
Carol Anne needs God’s comfort and healthy test results as she is anxiously undergoing tests related to previous hysterectomy and experiencing symptoms in the surrounding area.
Jennifer has some lumps on the right side of her neck; they have grown and multiplied. In the last few months she has been having problems swallowing. Jennifer has an appointment with specialist in several weeks to try and discover what it is. She is having a great deal of anxiety as she waits for her Doctors appointment and will appreciate your prayer for anxiety and health.
Rick has heart problems. Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating him that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment. Pray for help for Rick and his wife Wanda to keep their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.
Clay has melanoma. Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating him that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment. Pray for help for Rick and his wife Pam to keep their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.
Atina has been diagnosed with skin cancer, which turned out to be a melanoma. A routine CT scan found a 9mm (3/8 inch) lesion in her left lung. The melanoma appears to be spreading; they need to remove the offending tissue and test the sample. Pray for guidance for the medical people treating her that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment. Atina’s faith is being tested, she has difficulty in praying and accepting the outcome, she wants what she wants and is perplexed about her faith in Jesus. Pray for help for Atina to keep her trust in the Lord and let Him carry her worry.
Evelyn has been diagnosed with bone cancer. Pray for guidance for the medical people treating her that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment. Pray for help for Evelyn to keep her trust in the Lord and let Him carry her worry.
Stacy has Multiple Sclerosis and was hospitalized for what turned out to be food poisoning. Pray for trust in God for Stacy and Chris as they deal with Stacy’s illness.
Liz Strauch had a pineal cyst, which in the end responded well to a surgical draining last year. Since November 2013, similar symptoms have returned. A CT Scan turned up what is thought to be either a new cyst or an enlarged pineal gland. More testing, including an EEG is in the works. She can no longer work. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Liz and her family, in particular her husband Ken and sons Caleb and Nathan; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Liz to heal completely.
Faye is in the hospital because she is weak has been receiving blood transfusions. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Faye and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Faye to heal completely.
Tom has heart and kidney problems. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Tom and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Tom to heal completely.
Harold has had a severe stroke. He is now home, but his family is looking for a rehabilitation facility to help him recuperate. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Harold and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for him that they might find the best treatment method to allow Harold to heal completely.
Joe has had a preliminary ALS diagnosis. Pray the final diagnosis will something that will allow him to continue taking care of his devoted young family. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Joe and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.
Mark Wilson’s breathing seems to be under control at present, he is getting oxygen, which is a huge blessing for which he is grateful. Pray for God’s guidance for the doctors and medical people treating him that they might figure out a way to treat him that will work and not adversely affect other parts of his body, particularly his oxygenation levels, kidney and liver function. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mark, as well as for his family.
Preston is reacting poorly to recent neck surgery and now has problems with his liver count; Physicians feel that dialysis will help. There may be a blockage in the bowel and an operation might be necessary. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best to determine how to help Preston and for a good outcome. Pray also that Preston and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders while Preston does his best to facilitate a return to good health.
Erica has a non-malignant Brain Tumor which cannot be surgically removed due to the size and location. They are going to attempt chemotherapy. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Erica, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.
Brenda is in the hospital because of bleeding on her brain. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Brenda, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.
Mackenzie is a young girl with leukemia. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mackenzie, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.
Mack has had diabetes most of his adult life. Circulation in his legs is very bad and doctors are considering amputation. Please pray his medication will help and he will not face amputation. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mack and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.
Michael has been diagnosed with lung cancer recently after making it through gastro intestinal cancer last year. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Michael and his wife Gayle; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.
Ken Strauch has been tired and is anemic, he had a colonoscopy which found a pair of polyps which were removed and are being tested. Just for good measure they found he has a hiatal hernia with ulcers, basically part of his stomach is pushed up into his esophagus and is bleeding from there. Sounds like there may be surgery involved. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Ken and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.
Adriano is in the hospital due to high sugar and high blood pressure. He is very weak and will appreciate your prayers.
Heather recently found out she has cancer. Please pray for peace of mind for her and for the medical team treating her will be guided to the right solution.
Jim has had an aneurism and blood clots. Pray that healing will come.
Georgia has liver and pancreatic cancer. The doctors are evaluating whether to do surgery and how to tackle the disease. Georgia is a faithful Christian and appreciates your prayers. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Georgia and her family.
Lana’s doctor found something on her lymph nodes and ovaries. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Lana and her family.
Healing
Amelia Perez had a small stroke on 11 July 2015 and drove herself to the emergency room, she was admitted for three days, had her carotid artery opened up and is recovering. Amelia’s faith and spirit are strong. Please give thanks for the progress so far, for her continued and full recovery and her faith to continue to support her. Pray also for her family who are still quite worried for her.
Jon has Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma There is good news in that he is in remission; however the chemotherapyis producing neuropathy in his legs so that it is a challenge for him to get around. Please pray that he will be as comfortable as possible; he has been a Marathoner runner so this is especially difficult.
Margaret, from California, fell and broke her on 7 July 2015, while visiting her daughter in Arizona. She will stay in Arizona for the rehabilitation and return to her home when able. Furthermore, Margaret is in good spirits; however she will be away from her church family which is important to her for an extended period of time.
Ashley broke her wrist. Pray for full and complete healing of her wrist and patience and trust in God while it heals.
Cindyis very ill, she is young and has children, she and her family need your prayers that they might stay close to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as she heals.
Diana, age 15, broke her leg while in school and now has a cast on. Pray she will adjust and be healed soon
Bernie Coogan had a stroke near Christmas time. He is undergoing physical and speech therapy at a rehab facility where his wife works. Bernie is doing pretty well, his speech is a bit slurred, but his mind is clear. He is still Bernie. Bernie, his wife JoAnn and their family would appreciate your prayers for a full and rapid recovery as they maintain full trust in the Lord.
Amy has melanoma in her lungs, liver and kidneys; they have found a treatment for her that has a high success rate however the side effects are debilitating. Please pray she will be able to tolerate the side effects and the treatment is successful. Amy has full trust in the Lord, but would still appreciate your prayers.
Debbie is just beginning chemotherapy for cancer of the lymph nodes. Prayer she will be able to tolerate the therapy acceptably and remain strong as she remembers the Lord is with her at all times.
Liz had a massive stroke at age thirty-seven. The prognosis is good but she has a long road ahead. . Please pray for guidance for those treating her, for trust in our Lord for Liz and her family, for healing.
Ebick is suffering from a severe ulcer but the Doctors cannot give her the proper dosage of the medicine due to her six month pregnancy. Please pray doctors will find an alternative avenue for treatment or that God will provide.
Stan is going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer. He is elderly and the treatments are tiring him. Please pray for his wife Marvelene as they do this together.
Meg recently found out she had heart problems causing low blood oxygen levels, loss of focus resulting in an emergency room crisis. As a result of the symptoms she made errors on the job that caused her to lose her job. She is grateful for the excellent medical care she has received and optimistic, feeling with God’s intervention in her life her health may be reversed and a new job will become available.
Donald is in the hospital and had his leg amputated on 14 April 2014. Pray he will adjust and healing will begin.
Lucius Dabney (father of Rev Bryan Dabney) is now at home recovering from an infection. Please pray for a complete healing of the infection and return to health.
David has many concussions and unable to go to school, read books, watch TV and has headaches and migraines. He has trouble sleeping and his family will appreciate your prayers for this 10 year old young man.
Gladys has breast cancer and has had a lumpectomy. She needs to take a year off of her work to have chemo treatments.
Alwin Jack has had a stroke and recently has had a relapse. Please pray for those who treat Alwin that they might chose the best possible treatment and pray for peace of mind for Alwin during the recovery phase.
Carolyn has Multiple Sclerosis with complications. Pray Carolyn and her children will be close to our Lord Jesus Christ as they and family members help to ease the problems.
Jeong was in an auto accident and sustained a serious back injury. Please pray for a full and rapid recovery.
Gil Garcia is back in the Long Beach VA Hospital. It is quite a trip for Mary, so please pray that he will recover fully and quickly. Pray for strength for Gil and his wife Mary as they deal with the stresses of Gil’s paraplegia and the general aging process.
Mary Garcia had surgery, she is home, but not healing as well as she hoped. Please pray for her continued healing.
Bill had malignant growth removed from a lip last month and seems to be experiencing a re-growth of the cancer. He asks your prayer for the medical team treating him and for peace of mind for himself.
Hank has osteoporosis, which has caused him a great deal of pain and inconvenience in the past few years. Pray for his healing and that his medical bills will be met.
Evelyn is an elderly woman who has had problems with her eyes and is now blind. It appears some sight will return shortly, pray for that to happen!
Joanne has begun kidney dialysis as a result of kidney failure due to extensive chemotherapy. Additionally she cares for an adopted drug addicted baby who is now nine years old. Please pray for her to keep her faith, to let the Lord carry her worry and concern and to give her strength. Pray also for those treating her that they might pay attention and do their best.
Mr. N. Anand is in the hospital and is seriously ill. He is being encouraged to pray for repentance of his sins and to depend upon our dependable God for a cure and recovery of his health. Pray that he will be a strong witness for Christ.
Jacob has been going through some dental procedures and has some pain and aggravation with the numbness. Please pray for comfort and strength for him, as well as for guidance for the medical team treating him that they might pay attention and do their best.
Bud and his wife for their continued welfare and enthusiasm. Bud has been advised of an aneurism in his heart of a size not mandating immediate surgery. This comes at a time when he has sole care of his wife who recently broke two vertebrae and thereafter sustained pneumonia.
Virginia has Sinus and Allergy problems giving her severe problems. Pray that the Doctor will discover why it continues and find a cure.
Steve Thornell had a brain aneurysm, which was found before it burst. He is home from the hospital and working hard on recovery. He lacks energy from seven days in the hospital. His doctor told him he has to make serious life changes. One of the two main arteries in the back of the head is now completely closed. He must take blood thinners, he has thick blood and recent chemotherapy made it worse. Steve has always operated at 110 percent, he needs help to slow down. Please pray for trust in the Lord and a full and rapid recovery. Pray for peace of mind for Steve and his family.
Arlen is receiving treatment for lung cancer and recently experienced a ruptured colon during treatment. She is alone in Oregon but does have a friend who has traveled a great distance to be at her side. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Arlen.
Oscar discovered some time ago he had blood clots in his leg and lung. He has been treated for them and has not been cured. He now will be facing surgery. Please keep him in your prayers.
Angela had an ischemic stroke (clot).Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Angela. Please pray also that she and her family might put their worries on our Lord’s back so she can work hard towards recovery.
Nora had a stroke mid February 2013. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Nora. Please pray also that she and her family might put their worries on our Lord’s back so she can work hard towards recovery.
Linda has been hospitalized for several days with a gastrointestinal problem. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Linda.
Dester is suffering from unknown skin and diseases. Please guide the medical team treating him to find out what the problem is and cure it. Pray also for Dester to trust in the Lord.
Lee has Arterial Fibrillation, sheis doing much better and she and her family thank you for your prayers. Her pain level is high and some medications have bad side effects. Please continue her in Prayer in the weeks ahead as she heals.
Nell recently adopted two children and has just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
Mary Lou has been suffering with seizures. She was in the hospital with a 24 hour monitor and is being sent home from the hospital with two medications and orders to return in 2 months for another MRI to review whatever is going on in her brain. Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating her, as well as peace of mind and trust in God for her and her family.
Kathleen has spent the last two weeks in the hospital. She has been diagnosed with colitis, shingles and possibly colon cancer. Pray she will be comfortable and begin to heal.
Rachel has Mitochondrial Myopathy. This is a hereditary disease of the muscles and they do not have a cure for it. Part of her pain is her family does not believe she is indeed ill, as she appears to be just fine. Please pray her family will learn the truth and be supportive of her; pray also the medical people treating her will find the right measures to minimize the disease. Most particularly pray for Rachel’s trust in God.
Nicolas is in the hospital with serious symptoms of a heart disorder. Please pray for peace of mind for him and guidance for the medical team looking for the cause and cure.
Juanita is a young girl who was in a coma because of a blood disease. She has not come out and is gaining strength. They are awaiting results from blood samples. Her family thanks you for your prayers and asks that you continue.
George had foot surgery. Please give thanks for the surgery and pray for a full and rapid recovery.
Nellie is in the emergency room of a hospital in a great deal of pain. Please pray for peace of mind for her and guidance for the medical team looking for the cause and cure.
Lauralee Meade underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving. A further anomaly has been discovered and she had additional preventative radiation treatment. Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Bill, Sara’s husband, had a third abdominal surgery on 22 November 2011, to remove a tumor. Bill is doing better keeping the doctor’s instructions, for which we are all grateful, including taking chemotherapy once a day for one more year. He has decreased the consumption of alcohol and eating at least mostly properly. Please pray for help for him to continue do all this. Please pray also that Bill might turn his heart outward to help those around him, as well as live a long and healthy life to the honor and glory of God. Pray also for peace of mind for Bill and his wife Sara.
Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) has had another chest infection, perhaps viral, this one is pretty bad. Please pray for her full and rapid recovery and for her ability to breathe to return quickly. Please pray for continued peace of mind for Mrs. Kay and her family. Give thanks for her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude.
Matt Alcantara, age 16, came back with ZERO SCANS again in August 2014! Matt has Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), a very rare and often lethal form of cancer with limited treatment options. This is a disease that is about 90 percent fatal in a couple of years. He has no hip joint on one side, but he walks and swims! Courage? Guts? You bet! Please also give thanks for the great faith of Matt and his entire family. Their faith and trust is a wonderful example for each and every one of us. But, now is not the time to stop praying. Actually, it never is the time to stop praying!
Judith Clingwall is afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She is currently in Laurel Place, an extended care facility in Surrey, British Columbia. Judith’s condition has worsened recently. Please pray for her to take an active part in her own life, for her strength, peace of mind, trust in God and remission of the disease so she might return home to her family. Pray also for strength for her husband Martin as he deals with all the problems and stress of Judith’s situation.
Vince (age 15), reoccurrence of Osteosarcoma, recent testing found a nickel sized tumor in his lungs. The doctors are consulting with a specialist in Houston. Please pray for guidance for the medical team and for peace of mind for Vince and his family.
Healing and Patience
Diane spent a month in the hospital because of an inability to breath., due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) apparently from chronic bronchitis. She is home, still very weak and learning to live with this progressive disease. Pray she will let the Lord help her be calm in her new circumstances and that healing will come.
Kym (43) has various hip problems which seems to be related to osteoarthritis. And, her mother Ruth is in the early stages of dementia. Pray for guidance for those treating both of them, as well as patience and trust in the Lord for both of them.
Christopher has had problems with his leg for some time. Now he has to have it casted and it will stay that way for what to him seems an interminable time. Pray for patience and peace of mind for this young man who has much he wants to do.
James for the Lord’s healing of health issues and give a remedy for many personal challenges at the moment
Thanksgiving and Continued Healing
Mary had a cataract operation early the morning of Tuesday 16 June 2015, which went well. Please give thanks for the surgical team being open to guidance, paying close attention and doing their very best; give thanks for the great result and pray for continued healing.
Sandy Patton had an ovarian cyst removed on 9 June 2015. Surgery went well, on pathological testing there was no sign of cancer. After a day, she went home and is resting and recovering! Please give thanks for the great result and for the surgical team being open to guidance, paying close attention and doing their very best. Pray for continued recovery and peace of mind and trust in God for Sandy and her family.
Herb McCormick (1st Sergeant, USA Retired and dear friend of Bishop Jerry) had throat cancer surgery on 12 May 2015 at Emory Hospital, Atlanta. At 86, it was major surgery with little hope of survival. Herb survived the surgery, which went very very well and is now gaining strength rapidly, having gained 15 needed pounds since the surgery. Please give thanks for good outcome and pray for a full recovery.
Peggy had very successful surgery for a torn Rotator Cuff on 30 April 2015. Please give thanks for the medical team paying attention and doing their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Peggy and her family will be able to let God help them as she recovers. Peggy and her family thank you for your prayers.
Carolyn, (Charlie McCormack’s mom) was hospitalized with a blood clot in her arm, she is back home and doing well. Please pray the clot will continue to abate without damage to her system. Give her trust in the Lord and peace of mind for her and Charlie, too.
Daisy Lee is recovering from necrotizing fasciitis, which manifested on 30 January 2015, causing the loss of her right arm and her left hand, as well as parts of both feet. This is very very hard, but Daisy has kept her faith. As she becomes more well, less in people’s thoughts and prayers it will be a lot tougher for her. Please pray for strength for her and her family and friends as time moves on. Her family is thankful for all the support they have received during these past couple weeks and hopes all will continue to pray for Daisy’s speedy recovery.
Pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Daisy’s family, her husband and children Tiffany and Chris.
Michael Lenahan known to all as Bullet was hospitalized on 18 March 2015, and had a stent placed in a cardio artery. All went well and he is recovering nicely. Please give thanks for the great result and pray for a complete and rapid recovery for Bullet.
Janet Jessup had a stroke on 3 July 2014 and heart problems that were causing huge issues for her. They seem to have gotten her stabilized and she is going home from the hospital. Please join the entire family in giving thanks for this wonderful development. Please pray for those treating her to find the appropriate treatment and for trust in God and peace of mind for Janet and her family, in particular her husband of 43 years, Rev Roger Jessup, retired minister of Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Orthodox Church.
Arch Crittenden has Multiple Myeloma (cancer cells in bone marrow); without this treatment life expectancy is one to two years. The treatment has apparently been effective. Arch and his lovely wife Kathy ask that you pray for their trust in God to remain strong and for a good outcome.
Sam had surgery on his entire large intestine that had become infected. At the time of the operation he was just hours away from a complete organ shutdown. He had had turmoil in his life over the years. Sam is now in the ICU and his Minister visited him and explained to him God had given him another chance for him to make things right with his Lord. Pray for his good health and his spiritual life with Jesus.
Marv Rogge had successful heart valve replacement surgery on or about 20 December 2014. Other than a desire to chew his food way too much, Marv is doing great, up and about. Please join Marv, his lovely wife Marian and the rest of the family in giving thanks to God for the great result. Pray for a full and complete recovery.
Ian had surgery to remove excess skin rendered a nuisance by controlled lost of 200 pounds. Please give thanks for the successful result and for those treating him to have paid attention and done their very best on the lengthy surgery, taking the best possible care of him. Please pray for his continued recovery and strength for his Mother who will be in charge of his after care.
Jenniffer had surgery for breast cancer on 15 October 2014, which seemingly went well; please give thanks for that. She has had other complications which preclude her from making a full recovery in particular, the reconstructive surgery seems to have gravely affected her back muscles and nerves, resulting in both very limited mobility and extreme pain, the drugs are making her terribly sick; please pray those will be overcome. Pray for help for Jenniffer to keep her trust in the Lord and let Him carry her worry and concern as she recovers. Please pray also for strength and courage for her family as they try their best to help her.
Mary Thornell has been battling colon cancer for three years now, she is currently treating at the City of Hope. Things seem to be going well, the numbers seem headed in the right direction. Please pray for guidance for those treating her, as well as strength, guidance and peace of mind for Mary and her husband Jim, as well as daughter Janice and son Jimmy, as she undergoes treatment.
Jim Thornell (Jet) seems to have recovered from the five stomach ulcers and now is dealing with blocked coronary arteries and taking care of Mary. Please give thanks for the great result and also for the strength, guidance and peace of mind our Lord gave Jet and his wife Mary, as well as daughter Janice and son Jimmy, as he underwent treatment.
Elma is suffering from cancer. She was taken home from the hospital on the advice of her Doctor. We were asked to pray that Elma’s remaining time here on earth might be good and that Elma and family might put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry. Since then, Elma’s Bishop told us a great Miracle of the Lord is working over Elma. Doctors sent her home to die, but now she seems to be doing all right. On behalf of her, thank you for all of your prayers. Please continue praying for her complete healing.
Dennis has heart problems; now the medical people treating him discovered a large mass on his liver which turned out to be a cyst! Please give thanks for this great development and pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Dennis and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that the contemplated surgery might go well.
Dwight had major oral surgery, for which he gives thanks. He is recovering slowly and asks your prayers to speed the process.
Mike is a veteran who has served his country when she called. Please pray he will open his heart to God so He can make Mike’s crooked road straight and pull him towards the summit rather than to the pit.
Dick’s left arm was amputated after treating for Merkel Cell carcinoma over a year ago. He has met with the oncologist’s and reviewed the CAT scan. Good News! The tumor has been reduced in size—it was down to one half the size that it was in September and there was no indication of a new tumor in the chest area. Dick wanted the Prayer Partners to know and join him in thankfulness to our Lord. Please join Dick and his family in giving thanks to Our Lord Jesus Christ for his recovery as well as for their trust in God.
Carol Stone, the sweet wife of Mike Stone, recovered far better than expected from a severe brain bleed, but fell recently and broke her hip. She still requires 24 hour care, which Mike provides with little help.
Business
Mark’s business is in difficulty. He works in a shrinking field, of which he is one of the country’s true masters, but there is little work available. He asks that you pray that he can find a way to survive in his industry, which he loves and needs his talents. Pray he can find new sources of business and new ways of doing things, perhaps someone to partner with to better use his talents. Pray also for those who work for and with him that they might do their best to help.
Financial Guidance and Employment
Anne is unemployed and just interviewed for a position. Please pray she will be employed, if not at this position then that this interview will lead to better prospects. Pray for her ot be encouraged and strengthened by the Holy Ghost.
Doug recently became unemployed from his job of 18 years. He has been applying for jobs, but unable to get one at this time. His wife is working; this is not enough for the family. Please pray he will find employment with a firm that will be able to use his considerable skill and hard work to benefit both the firm and the family.
Catherine and Lewis are at a low ebb due to a struggle for employment. Your fervent prayers will be appreciated.
Lori is considering a potential change in her employment. Please pray for God’s guidance in considering all aspect of her potential work.
Sara is concerned about the future with her company. She would appreciate prayers for her continued employment and that her firm might find more and better ways to use her considerable skills.
Financial Guidance and Healing
Clark is in need of salvation; for God’s Will to be done in his life. Pray his family will be blessed with the financial miracles that come from doing His Will.
Timothy and Sharon had their home foreclosed the morning of 15 April 2014. They are experiencing spiritual, emotional and financial crisis at the current time. Please pray for God’s guidance as to how they might handle the financial difficulties in which they have found themselves and more importantly have them draw closer to God and each other.
Linda, Rick, Christian and Sawyer are a family experiencing spiritual, emotional and financial crisis at the current time. Please pray for God’s guidance as to how they might handle the financial difficulties in which they have found themselves and more importantly have them draw closer to God and each other.
David and Lorna are having financial problems. They are trying to find a smaller home which may be more affordable. Lorna has had an ongoing battle with brain cancer, her trips back and forth to the hospital have drained their finances to the point they sometimes struggle to have enough food in the house. Pleaser pray for Lorna’s healing and guidance on how they might handle the financial difficulties in which they have found themselves.
God’s Strength and Peace of Soul
Tommy Dunning is facing his first Christmas following the death of his only son to cancer. Please pray he can concentrate his heart on what he had and will have in his son through God.
Guidance
Paul recently had his large toe amputated due to diabetes and is having a difficult recovery filled with fear about dying. He recently accepted Jesus as his savior and his family Rosie and Brenda are very grateful. Pray for strength for both Rosie and Brenda who are staying by his side through it all encouraging him on.
Steve is addicted to alcohol, pain pills and gambling. Pray for wisdom, courage and strength to stick with treatment and follow God’s plan for his life
Eli has some mental issues and has lost his way. He was admitted to the hospital for psychological evaluation to get a proper diagnosis and medications and has been discharged. He has yet to come to grips with the demons chasing him. Pray he will return to the Lord and his family. Eli’s brother Carl has gotten little to no support from the family, he being the one to get Eli into treatment. Daughter Katie seems to be the least helpful. Pray they will ask God to send the Holy Ghost in to straighten things out and they will listen when He speaks to them. The family has been open to the Prince of Darkness and needs help.
Debbie has family problems that must be dealt with and she asks God’s guidance in making the correct decisions and how to stand.
Edward (45) had the opportunity to meet with a Christian during the conversation she discovered Edward had some background about God but thought He was not relevant to this day. Edward asked many questions about the Bible and was surprised at the answers and continued to ask questions. They both went their separate ways and the Christian told Edward that she would pray for him. Will you join in prayer for Edward, please?
Michael and his Family ask your prayers for wisdom as they are under trial and affliction to follow the law of the land and yet honor God in so doing.
Flora is in remission with cancer, but has high blood pressure and fatigue. Flora’s Mother recently died and this has caused added stress. Please pray that she will be able to let God carry her worry and sorrow so she can do the things she needs to do.
Elizabeth and Gunner need your prayers for their general well being. Pray that they might see the Light of the Lord and let Him guide their lives. Pray they might open their hearts not only to the Lord, but to each other to become one in Him and happiness.
Eli has lost his way both spiritually and mentally, please pray for him and his parents Ed and Barb, who are having great struggles seeing their son, go through these afflictions having brought up in a Christian home. Please pray his parents can find a way to help Eli.
Mitten has a Christian talking to him about Christ. Mitten does not believe and does not seem to care. Please pray Mitten will see the light.
Kristen, Rickey and their two children ask you to pray for grace, wisdom and understanding as they attempt to cope with infidelity, separation and possibly divorce as a result of backsliding from the Lord into the World.
Aaron has a problem seeing is where his life should be leading him. Please pray that he can listen to his father Paul and those around him who want him to work hard and obtain a real education now rather than just coast towards oblivion.
Helene and her family ask your prayers for them as they deal with the loss of Alan, husband and father.
Stephanie seems to be very deeply into post partum depression after her baby was born prematurely. Please pray for her Mother in Law who is going a great distance to help Stephanie and her new Grandson. Pray that Stephanie will be able to direct her attention outward, rather than inward.
William is an elderly man living with his Son and Daughter in-law. William is causing trouble in the family because of his demanding ways and continually using bad language. The family is at wit’s end to know how to handle him and will appreciate your guidance and prayers.
Caitlin is in the grip of the Prince of Darkness; she thinks there is escape from reality in drugs. The saddest part is that reality is not as she sees it. Her family is despairing as they can do nothing to help her and ask that you pray for the Holy Ghost to enter into heart and show her the need for change before it is too late.
Nathaniel is in spiritual turmoil. His family and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help to heal his heart.
Sam and her two children that have been living in a shelter and are to lose their place there. Please pray a place will be found they can stay in and recover.
Please pray Darlene will surrender her life to Christ.
Norrie is facing daily exams in the weeks ahead. Pray for calmness and concentration and to do the best possible.
Jonathan is addicted to drugs. He is now in jail awaiting trial. His parents and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help to heal addiction.
Beth is suffering from ungodly treatment in her marriage. Please pray God will guide her in her behavior, actions and thoughts that she might be able to lead her husband to God so her marriage might prosper to the benefit of them.
Jeanette has had many members of her family die from diabetes and several are near death now. Jeanette does not know the Lord and is despondent and perplexed about her family and herself. Please pray she can open her heart to allow the Holy Ghost in to bring her knowledge and understanding.
Dr. Elizabeth Raj is teaching a biblical approach to the psychological problems facing many in our society today. She is battling against the growing influence of worldly psychology adopted by the churches themselves. Elizabeth constantly stresses answers are found between the covers of that precious Book, the Holy Bible. Please pray for encouragement, strength, fortitude and courage for her.
Abigail is a teenager who has behavior problems. She feels she is in an area of mental darkness. Please pray that she might look to God for help and not within herself.
Sara asks that you pray for guidance for her as she deals with the stresses of her family and life. Pray that she can separate those things which she can affect from those things which she cannot and give her grace to accept that she cannot do everything and can only change those things within her control. She asks for God’s help for her business so that she might remain gainfully employed while keeping up with the needs of her mother and husband and healing her own problems.
Jacquie to open her heart to God and accept His Love and Grace.
Hap asks you to pray he might be able to trust God will help him make the right decisions at the right time and not to worry uselessly, to change those things he can change, accept those things he cannot change, sleep well to be able to do the correct things with a clear head and that he will open his heart to the Holy Ghost so that His Light can penetrate into the far corners of his heart and eradicate the darkness lingering there.
School Challenges
Destiny, Blake and Janet
Anglican Orthodox Church
Kenya
The Anglican Orthodox Church is making plans for establishment of a presence in Kissi, Kenya. There are six parishes, a total of 161 members, 68 adults, 93 children with two ministers:
- · Raphael Ondara
- · Johnson Otara
- ·
Please pray for the church there and guidance for the people involved.
India
Nepal has experienced a 8.3 earth quake and it has reached India where we have members of The Anglican Orthodox Church. Please pray now and continue your prayers as they experience the many problems
Indonesia
Please pray for the Lord’s will regarding the establishment of an AOC church in Indonesia.
Pakistan
We are reminded that one of the founding principles of the Anglican Church is its national churches. While not a theological principle, it is nonetheless one of the critical elements of our way; we join Bishop Jacob in celebrating the independence of Pakistan:
Dear Bishop Ogles & AOC family,
Greetings from Pakistan. On 14th August we are celebrating Independence Day. The Government of Pakistan officially celebrate August 11 as Minority Day. This year on 11th August the President of Pakistan arranged a very nice function to mark Minority Day in President’s House. It was my honor that the President of Pakistan extended an invitation to attend this function. It was first time I as Bishop of Anglican Orthodox Church of Pakistan attended the function. There were two hundred guests from all over Pakistan who attended this function. Later a very good dinner was served.Thanks God that the Lord provided this chance to witness and represent AOC in very high level. May the name of our Lord be glorified.
In Christ’s alone,
+Ernest Jacob
Bishop of AOC Pakistan
The forces of evil are strong in Pakistan. The force of God stronger. Pray for our Christian family there.
Pakistan is affected by heavy rains and flood. Some of our members who live near canals or creeks also affected. Last Saturday flood water came into the St. Paul Anglican Orthodox Church building located at Jamrud in Khyber Agency called tribal area. Jamrud is 15 miles away from my home town Peshawar. The church building was filled with water and damaged the carpet. We do not have benches in this church and people sit on the floor during church service. Last year we replaced old carpet with new one and this year flood damaged the new carpet again. Due to this incident the Sunday Service could not be held. Please pray for our priest Rev. Razzaq and members who are working hard to clean up the church building and let it dry so that they can have service on Sunday. Some houses located near this building also damaged due to rains. Please pray for these dear members who are facing this hardship.
In Christ’s alone,
Bishop Ernest Jacob
The Anglican Orthodox Church of Pakistan
Serbia
Rev. Igor Djurcik leader of Anglican Orthodox Church in Serbia asks us to pray for his students. He has excellent young people in Belgrade who are having services and classes on the Bible.
Philippines
Please pray a Minister will be found who would like to serve in Tabuk, in the Philippine Islands. The Anglican Orthodox Church has an established Church there and in the surrounding areas and need a Shepherd to lead the flock.
Diocese of the Epiphany
Saint Paul’s, Moberly, Missouri would like your prayers that the Holy Ghost might enter more fully into their hearts so that they might be more effective in spreading the Word of God.
Atlanta
Bishop Jerry was in Atlanta, preaching at a church who has in attendance many members of another church founded in 1887 that has closed. Many of those are older, in their late 70s and early 80s. Please pray they will see this is a parish where they can be one with other believers. Please pray the Holy Ghost might enter more fully into their hearts so that they might see their way to come together.
Diocese of Virginia
Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Orthodox Church is under a lot of stress. We all are, but they need even more prayer. Rev Roger Jessup, their wonderful minister, had to retire as he was so pressed by the duties of a primary care giver, in addition to all the worries of this world. Pray for trust in God for each member of the parish and for them to find economic relief.
Armed Forces & Contractors
Dustin (Middle East)., Kristyna Thomas (Army – Camp Walker – Taegu / Daegu, ROK), Airman Donny Patton (USAF – Hulbert Field, Florida), Jordan Brown (USMC – Fleet Marine Force – Pacific), Trevor Jennings (USAF – KC-10 Boom Operator – New Jersey), Trevor Di Marco (USN – Whidbey Island, EF-18 Pilot), Kurt Thomas (USN – Camp Foster, Okinawa), Ethan (US Army Airborne – Southwest Asia)
For Our Country
Our country has lost its way. Over half the people that vote, voted for a government that promises them things it cannot deliver in return for their souls which it can, will and does take. Our foreign policy backs the rise of Islam, we turn our backs on those who would follow God and arm those who murder them. Pray God will raise up a leader from among the people who can turn the country’s course 180° and attempt to come back to God. Pray the people will recognize that they are headed down a smooth wide road into the pit, a road that will get smoother and smoother, steeper and steeper until the only possible way is down. Down, into the depths of the pit. Pray people will recognize there is:
- · One True and Triune God who is goodness in and of Himself
- · All religions are not equal
- · All ways of life are not equal;
- · The Bible holds the Key to Life;
- · All rights come from God, not the State;
- · Good;
- · Bad;
- · Evil;
- · Right;
- · Wrong;
- · Allah is the Devil;
- · Abortion is no more than sacrifice of children to Baal.
Pray this recognition will not come too late. Pray we will, each of us, do our duty to God, Country and Family, putting His Honor above all.
Persecuted
The Islamist group (ISIS) just took over Quaragosh, the biggest Christian city in Iraq; 164 men, women and children were beheaded. People ask where is God? The real question is where are the people to enforce God’s will. Pray the people of the world will see Allah for who he is, the Devil. Pray for those who remain behind that they might find a way to safety.
Around the world, Christians are under attack, not only in the Muslim world, but from Hindus and others in India. Also, they are under continual attack in the name of “Separation of Church and State” in the western world, as it becomes actively atheist or pro-devil buddy. Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.
Education
Thomas Dabney is attending Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, to finish his Bachelor’s Degree. Please pray for Thomas to focus on education and do his very best at school.
Various Special Requests
Nicholas will enter the Georgia Police Academy on Monday 29 June 2015, to begin his training and certification process as a Police Officer. Pray for strength, courage and persistence for him.
This is a horrible time for the people of India, Christians in particular; they are having problems with Hunger, Bank Closings, Transportation and Schools not functioning. Pray for the Leaders and Members of our Church in Eluru Andhra Pradesh. Pray their basic needs will be met and God will be close to them in this time of need.
We ask that you pray, please ask God that the Holy Ghost might give you insight into how you might make the lives of your friends and family better. Remember helping others is not just those who you don’t know!
Thanksgiving
Aleyda had surgery on 7 August 2015 for difficult and painful kidney stones. All went well and she is home. Please join her in thanking God for the great result.
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
23 August 2015 – Twelfth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
30 August 2015 – Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
6 September 2015 – Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity – Holy Communion – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
13 September 2015 – Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
[1]Remember, Screwtape is one of the Devil’s minions, a supervisor at that, so when he advises his student what to do, it is the polar opposite of what God wants. In his case, God is The Enemy! The patient? That is YOU!
[2]Pharisee – One of a sect or party among the Jews, noted for a strict and formal observance of rites and ceremonies and of the traditions of the elders, and whose pretensions to superior sanctity led them to separate themselves from the other Jews.
[3] Publican 1. (Rom. Antiq.) A farmer of the taxes and public revenues; hence, a collector of toll or tribute. The inferior officers of this class were often oppressive in their exactions, and were regarded with great detestation.
Literally a Publican is one who farmed the taxes (e. g., Zacchaeus, Luke 19: 2) to be levied from a town or district, and thus undertook to pay to the supreme government a certain amount. In order to collect the taxes, the publicans employed subordinates (5: 27; 15: 1; 18: 10), who, for their own ends, were often guilty of extortion and peculation (defrauding the public by appropriating to one’s own use the money or goods intrusted to one’s care for management or disbursement; embezzlement). In New Testament times these taxes were paid to the Romans, and hence were regarded by the Jews as a very heavy burden, and hence also the collectors of taxes, who were frequently Jews, were hated, and were usually spoken of in very opprobrious terms. Jesus was accused of being a “friend of publicans and sinners” (Luke 7: 34).
[4] More likely he is an uncommon sinner!
[5]Notice how much more simple the analysis of the Publican! Solutions to complex problems are normally quite simple; but not what we want to hear.
[6]Though Paul was writing to the people of Corinth, the information is just as applicable to us, perhaps more so now than ever before.
[7]Remember, Screwtape is one of the Devil’s minions, a supervisor at that, so when he advises his student what to do, it is the polar opposite of what God wants. In his case, God is The Enemy! The patient? That is YOU!
[8]Charles is an AOC Bishop and has been a constant companion and caregiver for Susan.