260531 AOC Sunday Report

 

Anglican Orthodox Church _sm

Worldwide Communion

Trinity
May 31, 2026

Sunday Report

 

TRINITY SUNDAY

The propers are 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 1540’s 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 saint’s 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 in the Book of Common Prayer page 186-188.

 

The Collect for Trinity Sunday

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity; We beseech thee that thou wouldest keep us stedfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities, who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.

 

 Epistle for  Trinity Sunday.   Revelations iv. 1.

AFTER this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. And the first was like a lion, and the second like a calf, and the third had a face as a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created.           

The Gospel for  Trinity Sunday St. John iii. 1

THERE was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus an-swered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

 

On Point:

  In My Father’s House there are Many Mansions – The Family Altar

"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2. 3.

 How all our hearts ought to leap for joy when we hear our blessed Lord giving us this glorious promise! Can we hear it without devoutly praying: "Draw us to Thee, For then shall we Walk in Thy steps forever, And hasten on Where Thou art gone, To be with Thee, dear Savior"? O what bliss, what comfort it is to know from the truthful lips of our blessed Lord Himself that He has prepared a place for His believing and loving disciples where they shall rest from all labor, and sin, and sorrow and be at home with their dear Master forevermore. It is true, we must all confess that on account of our manifold sins we are not worthy of such great joy and glory. But yet are we Christ's redeemed children, washed clean by faith in His atoning blood, and we know that He, our faithful Savior, will keep His promise for the sake of His free grace and mercy in which He delights to save just such poor, guilty, but repentant sinners as we are. He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father in this our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the propitiation for our sins, aye, for the sins of the whole world. Trusting alone in His saving merit, in His effectual pleading with the Father for us, in His unfailing promise, let us daily ask Him to pardon our sins and to grant us His Holy Spirit's aid that we may keep ourselves clean and pure within, unspotted from the world, and ever walk the paths that lead to our heavenly home.

My Jesus is gone up to heaven

To get a place for me;

For 'tis His will that where He is,

There should His servants' be.

I have a God that changeth not:

Why should I be perplexed?

My God that owns me in this world

Will own me in the next.

My dearest friends, they dwell above;

Them will I go to see:

  

 

Jerry Ogles, Presiding Bishop
Metropolitan AOC Worldwide

 We are fortunate to get copies of Bishop Jerry’s you tube links, devotions on the Prayer of the Collect and sermon notes.

 

Bishop Jerry creates videos on various subjects, they last just under ten minutes and this week’s videos are listed below:

Bishop Ogles Blog:
 https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com  

Bishop Ogles You Tube Channel
that is free to subscribe: all of his videos at:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW3bgXBJFomPB5mZ4Oigxg

  

 

  Weekend Video Message from Bishop Ogles

Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/06/youtube-video-player.html

 You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujcngolncQI

  

Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor

Saint Paul's Anglican Church - Diocese of the Midwest Anglican Orthodox Church -Suffragan Bishop of the AOC

 

Morning Prayer – TRINITY SUNDAY

First Lesson: Genesis 1:1-2:3; Second lesson: John. 3:1-15

 ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity; We beseech thee that thou wouldest keep us stedfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities, who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.

You Must Be Born Again

John 3:1-15

¹There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: ²The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 

  Even though Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, so others would not see such an important figure coming to visit this carpenter, Jesus still puts the truth to him. Nicodemus is crediting Jesus with being from God, by the signs and wonders, the miracles that Jesus had being doing with the people. Jesus turns this back on Nicodemus by saying that if he wasn’t born again, he would not see this God or his kingdom.

³Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ⁴Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 

 Nicodemus immediately questions Jesus, this is Nicodemus’ training. He is seeing this purely from a physical way, even after having acknowledged that Jesus was from God, because of the miracles Jesus has been doing all over the region, and yet he still asks how this rebirth can be accomplished. 

Jesus will clarify what he mean, even using a physical example to show Nicodemus why he shouldn’t be amazed.

⁵Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ⁶That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. ⁸The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. ⁹Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

 It appears that Nicodemus is being totally dense, but from the spiritual and historical aspect of this encounter, it is we who are being instructed.  Nicodemus is taking the fall, but Jesus is pointing out to us, the sophisticated reader, that we don’t understand either. If you spend time in the Word of God you will see how what seems to be a mystery will slowly but surely become the truth.  

Over and over again Jesus will explain to his followers that much of what they see can only be explained by the reality of the Divine.  He patiently explains that what to us seems as a knowledge that is unattainable, and yet can be understood with help from the Holy Spirit. The very Holy Spirit Jesus promised his disciples God the Father would send after Jesus ascending into Heaven. That was the event that we studied last Sunday, Pentecost Sunday. 

¹⁰Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? ¹¹Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. ¹²If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? ¹³And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

 Jesus chides Nicodemus [and us] for his/our unbelief. Then he puts the last detail into focus, that he, Jesus, like the image of the serpent that Moses lifted in the wilderness to save those who had been bitten by serpents; would save those who believed when He was raised up on the cross when the time came. Jesus is foreshadowing his death, but also explaining why his death is necessary. 

¹⁴And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: ¹⁵That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

The very next verse encapsulates the whole Gospel, John 3:16.

¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

And so now Jesus wraps up the whole message of the true mission of the Messiah. When you read of the multiple prophecies that predict the coming One, the promised Savior, it is very difficult to deny the true message that God promised. So starting in the Garden and continuing through the dark days of slavery, conquest, and complete suppression, we see a bright golden thread of Hope stretching from the Fall to the Cross. There is hope and it is in Christ Jesus. Believe on Him and be saved. 

Let us pray:

Father, we come to you with humble heart and a broken spirit, raise us up to salvation as you have shown us in your Word today. Give us that true sense of grace to accept what you did for us, because you loved us. You sent us your only Son, to die and to come back to life, so that we, following his perfect example, will also partake of that gift. These things we ask in the Name of the Father, and the Name of the Son, and the Name of the Holy Spirit. Amen

 

O God, who hast taught us that by loving thee and our neighbors we keep all thy holy Commandments: Grant unto us the spirit of grace and peace, that we may be devoted to thee with our whole heart and united to each other with a pure will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 IN Christ alone during Trinity

 +Roy     

  

The Rev. Don Fultz

Rector of St. Peter’s AOC located in the AOC National Office

 We are grateful to have this sermon today from Rev. Don Fultz from St. Peter’s AOC, Statesville NC

  Trinity Sunday

 Unity of the church

Ephesians 4:1-16

Back ground information:

In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul addresses a young church struggling with division between Jewish and Gentile believers and the threat of false teachings. He urges the Ephesian Christians to maintain unity and spiritual maturity by avoiding the following issues which are the root causes:

·        Internal Division: Cultural and religious clashes that can threaten and divide the church.

·        Spiritual immaturity: The church was vulnerable to shifting doctrines and the “cunning and craftiness of men”.

·        The need for Church Leadership: Paul tells the young church that it will need strong leadership to combat deceit. He also tells them that God gave the church diverse gifts to equip the body and build it up in unity and faith.

Paul wrote the letters to the Ephesians while imprisoned in Rome. He had lived 3 years in Ephesus, teaching the new Christians there and laying a firm spiritual foundation. This epistle of Ephesians is divided into two parts. The first three chapters are devoted to doctrine, mostly about what we are to believe. The remaining 3 chapters beginning with chapter 4, our scripture reading are about practical advice and application.

The main idea in these sixteen verses of our scripture text this morning is the unity of believers in Christ. 

This is simply the practical application of the doctrine taught in the previous 3 chapters which He tells us God is building a body, a temple.  

So Paul is going to build on the doctrinal foundation he has laid out and tell us how to live the Christian life at church, in the world, and at home. The easiest place to live the Christian life is at church, and this is where Paul starts his practical instruction. His particular theme is the unity of the church. He says if we are being sanctified by Christ, then we should have progressive unity of the church. Paul uses the human body as a picture of Christian unity. Each part of the body is different from the other parts, yet all make up one body and work together.  

He says if we are to preserve the “unity of the Spirit” we must possess certain necessary Christian virtues.   He lists these as follows:

1. Lowliness:   This word means:  having a humble opinion of one’s self.   Being modest, humble, lowliness of mind.  This virtue is necessary in order to value others around you as Phil. 2:3-4 tells us “³Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves ⁴Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Without this virtue, members in the body begin trying to be the “head” of the body, a role reserved only for Christ. 

JC Ryle in his expository thoughts on the New Testament tells us that humility may well be called the queen of all Christian graces.  He says to know our own sinfulness and weakness, and to feel our need for Christ is the very beginning of saving religion.  

It is a virtue which has always been a distinguishing feature in the character of the holiest saints in every age.

Abraham, Moses, Job, David, Daniel, and Paul were all eminently humble men. Not everyone has money to give away nor the time and opportunities for working directly for Christ. Not everyone has the same talent or gifts of speech, or knowledge to do good in the world.   However, all converted Christians should labor to adorn the doctrine they profess by humility.  As converted Christians we should know in our heart the sacrifices that Christ made for us for our salvation. Also, if we are truly converted, we should know God and his infinite majesty and holiness and the teachings of Christ. If we are truly walking in the ways of Jesus, we should strive to be humble at all times.  

In Matthew 18:1, the disciples ask Jesus “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?   In asking this question, the disciples must have thought that their good works were the key to obtaining heavenly statute.  Up to this point in their discipleship, they had only valued what they had accomplished in their earthly life. They like many Christians today were obviously disillusioned about how they must conduct and live their lives in a Christ like manner.  They must have come down to reality, when Jesus told them in verse 3: “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

The truest test and surest mark of true conversion is humility. If we have really received the Holy Ghost, we shall show it by a meek and childlike spirit. Like children, we shall think humbly of our own earthly ambitions and be more dependent on our Heavenly Father. Like children, we shall not seek great things in this world but be satisfied by having food and a Father’s love, we shall be content.

What we all need is a conversion from pride to humility…from high thoughts of ourselves to lowly thoughts…from self conceit to self-abasement.

2.  Meekness: This word can be also translated as gentleness or mildness.  Some people equate meekness to a certain weakness. On the contrary, the word denotes silent, personal, controlled strength.  Moses was a meek man (Num. 12:3), but capable of great strength and boldness.  

Jesus was “meek and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29), but we see where He drove the money changers out of the temple.  Thus it is being meek, even when there is the potential for being harsh, but meekness is more conducive for maintaining unity.

3.  Long-suffering: The idea here is one of patience, forbearance, slowness in avenging wrongs. It is sometimes used of steadfast endurance of suffering or misfortune (James 5:10), but more often, as is the case here, of slowness in avenging wrong or retaliating when hurt by another. When the body consists of members who are not perfect, and often sin against each other, maintaining unity is not possible unless they are willing to endure each other’s imperfections.

4. Forbearing with one another in love: Forbearing is similar to longsuffering…flows naturally out of patience. Means to sustain, to bear, and to endure. It relates specifically to the trials we have as a result of uncharitable conduct toward us by other Christians.   

What makes such “long suffering” and “forbearance” possible?

Paul tells us it is love: love for God and love for people. Those who are forbearing with one another in love are refusing to strike back or be bitter. Indeed, the virtue of love is what binds all these virtues together. (Co 3:12-14)

5. Endeavoring: Displaying these virtues does not come naturally nor easy, nor does maintaining unity. Thus the need for much effort, as Paul uses a word which means “to exert one’s self, endeavor, and give diligence.”

Paul tells us we have to work to maintain unity, but nobody has to create it. It exists already; it is a unity the Holy Spirit has already given to those who are in Christ. All divisive barriers have been removed by the work of Christ on the cross. He has reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God in “one Body.” (Eph. 2:14-16) Now Gentiles can be fellow heirs of the same body. (Eph 3:6) Therefore, the oneness of believers in Christ is already a spiritual reality. Our task is to just maintain unity.                                                                                                                                                    

Paul lists seven elements that bind Christians together, known as the “Seven Ones.” These “seven ones” constitute “the unity of the Spirit” that as Christians we must be so diligent to keep “in bond of peace.” Not one of these is non-essential. They are as follows:

·        One Body: The church of Jesus Christ-The Universal Church of Believers in the “Gospel of Jesus Christ”.

·        One Spirit: The Holy Spirit indwelling everyone

·        One Hope: The shared future of eternal life.

·        One Lord: Jesus Christ as savior and master.

·        One Faith: The core truth of Christianity (The Gospel)

·        One Baptism: The outward sign (water immersion or sprinkling) of inward faith.  Water Baptism follows repentance of sins and then Spiritual Baptism (Born Again) (Luke 3:3, Luke 3:21, John 3:3) It also identifies the believer with the church. Galations 3:27-28 says “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.   There is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:  for ye all are one in Christ.”

·        One God:  The Holy Trinity, One God in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Father of all Creation.

Unity does not mean uniformity. These two words are often confused but have fundamentally different meanings. Unity means harmony and oneness of purpose. Uniformity means sameness and conformity. God gives different gifts to different people to build up the church. These gifts that Paul is speaking about seem to be more functional in nature than Spiritual gifts (i.e., speaking in tongues, performing miracles, healing, etc.)

·        Leadership roles: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Bishops, pastors, and teachers.  Apostles and Prophets were foundational. Their roles were necessary for the establishment of the church. (Eph 2:20)  These are no longer required today. Evangelists are “bearers of good news”.  Their work does not involve “laying the foundation” of the church but rather building upon that which is already laid. Therefore, their work continues to this day leading sinners to Christ. The nature of the work of Bishops, pastors, and teachers follows the work of evangelists.   

They all play an important functional role in spreading the Gospel with their teaching and ministry work. 

·        Equipping Saints: Leaders train regular believers for minister work.

·        Building the Body: Every member functions like a body part to help the whole group grow.

Some believers have the gift of preaching while others have the gift of leadership. Not everyone has the same gift, and not everything we do will satisfy us 100%  of the time. Not all gifts may be equally exciting, but are equally important!  However, everyone works together and are firmly planted on the foundation of their faith in God and in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! 

The ultimate purpose of this unity is protecting believers from false teachings.   This will happen by the congregation having more of the following attributes:

·        Maturity: Moving away from false and misleading spiritual teachings taught in younger years.

·        Stability: Not being swayed or tossed around by new religious trends in worship, etc.

·        Truth in Love: Speaking honestly while still maintaining deep affection towards others.

If a church can maintain unity, it can grow and prosper and be successful in spreading the Gospel.  Therefore, we all should be willing to do any role that we are called upon to do according to our God given gifts.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen 

Rev. Don Fultz+

                                               

                           

                                                                                

Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s AOC Vicksburg, Mississippi  

We are always grateful to get these wonderful sermons from Rev. Bryan, they keep us on our toes!

Sermon Text for Trinity:

In our epistle lesson for today, the apostle John opened chapter four of Revelation by stating, After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. In the three preceding chapters, St. John had been given messages for each of the seven churches in Asia Minor. But within that last message directed to the church at Laodicea we are given Christ’s position relative to the people in that church when he said, Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:20-22).

 But God’s “open-door policy” is exclusive much to the chagrin of Modernists and their errant cousins. As our Lord explained in St. Matthew’s gospel: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (7:13-14). Ergo, you cannot just live your life the way you want to apart from God’s word written and then expect him to accept you into his kingdom as is without acknowledging your sins before him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 We have been admonished in the scriptures to keep the moral laws of God and live in accordance with the same. And our Articles of Religion (Article VII) tell us that “Although the Law given from God by Moses, as touching Ceremonies and Rites, do not bind Christian men, nor the Civil precepts thereof ought of necessity to be received in any commonwealth; yet notwithstanding, no Christian man whatsoever is free from the obedience of the Commandments which are called Moral.” But in our  observation of the Moral Law, we are not doing so merely as a work which saves us. Our obedience is confirmation of our faith in the Lord who is the source of our salvation. Without our faith, our works are without value. Remember what Lord said as recorded by St. Matthew (7:21-23): Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day. Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. We therefore work to affirm our salvation not to gain our salvation. Witness the words of St. Paul in his epistle to the Romans, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose...them he... called... he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified... Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?... For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (8:28-39). Ergo, God’s kingdom is restricted to those who are called according to his Purpose. (Romans 8:28).

 The universalist doctrines of Baalianity are vanities taught by charlatans posing as ministers of the gospel who are, in reality, ministers of death. Therefore, those teachings include, salvation for all regardless of their faith in Christ; or a works-based theology that endorses a “do what thou wilt but harm no one” approach to salvation; as well as any theological principle much like Gnosticism whereby you can write your own ticket to heaven. As St. Paul warned St. Timothy in his second epistle, For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having turned unto fables. (4:3-4). And where do we find sound doctrine one might ask? The apostle Paul tells us in II St. Timothy, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (3:16) So it does not take a degree in rocket science to understand that last statement and only the willfully unbelieving would attempt to challenge it. We who are called of God are thus expected to have a ready answer for the faith that is within us so that all may have an opportunity to hear our witness and be edified by the same. And on that account, let me encourage you to be faithful in your worship of the Godhead. Some may worship in their homes while others may worship in a traditional church building. It does not matter where it is for our Lord has said, that where two or three are gathered in his Name he would be in their midst.

 Another thing I would suggest is that we all study God’s word written that we might better avoid the snares of our adversary. The Bible tells us that the Devil wanders about seeking whom he may devour so it is important that we be aware of his offerings much as he tempted our Lord in the wilderness. We should also be merciful and forgiving. Having a spirit devoid of revenge and hatefulness closes the door on Satan’s evil intentions for us. And finally, watch for our Lord’s return and pray always for your fellow saints in this life. Our Lord said he was coming back to collect his own so be prepared and be alert to his return. So when it is your time to depart the precincts of this life either by being called above as part of the great homecoming, or in death, you may rest assured that your trembling soul will be welcomed through God’s open door with the words, Well done thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I shall make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. (St. Matthew 25: 21)

 Let us pray,
Father, aid our witness that we may always to speak the truth of thy word written to all in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Have a blessed week!
Bryan+

 

Rev. David McMillan

AOC Minister at Large - Alabama

We are Fortunate today to have a sermon from Rev. David McMillian.

 

Trinity 2026

 I begin with this illustration, ---St. Augustine on the Trinity

One day when St. Augustine was at his wits' end to understand and explain the Trinity, he went out for a walk. He kept turning over in his mind, "One God, but three Persons. Three Persons--not three Gods but one God. What does it mean? How can it be explained? How can my mind take it in?"

And so he was torturing his mind and beating his brains out, when he saw a little boy on the beach. He approached him to see what he was doing. The child had dug a small hole in the sand. With his hands he was carrying water from the ocean and was dumping it in the little hole. St. Augustine asked, "What are you doing, my child?"

The child replied, "I want to put all of the water of the ocean into this hole."

St. Augustine asked, "But is it possible for all of the water of this great ocean to be contained in this little hole?"

And then it dawned on Augustine, "If the water of the ocean cannot be contained in this little hole, then how can the Infinite Trinitarian God be contained in your mind?"

---for the Christian, humble prayer is most needed when discussing this with others.  One in Three, Three in One.  All are Divine, but separate persons.

We approach the Trinity subject today thru the open door in heaven. Rev . 4:1

1.  He looked and saw a door that did not open, but was open already. "was standing open" perfect participle" had been standing open and continues open.

"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." Rev. 4:1

This word for door, greek is the same as John 10. I am the door. Who is the Door? entrance, gate

John 10:7 "I am the Door of the sheep,"  Jesus said, truly and truly 

Not the human Jesus only but the one who rose again and sits at the right hand of God.  The human Jesus is not able to save us alone.  We need a Divine Savior to take away all our sin and carry us to the heart of the Father pleading His righteousness on our behalf.

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 OF FAITH IN THE HOLY TRINITY

THERE is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts, or passions; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the Maker, and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there be three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  39 Articles of Religion

2.  Our individual and corporate faith leads us to (a vow) to worship 4:11 and the rest of the chapter in the vision we too see thru John's apostolic vision of what is happening right now .

a throne, one sitting upon the throne....a rainbow about the throne. ²⁴living creatures about the throne in white garments with crowns of gold.

On the throne an emerald to look upon. Holy Holy Holy is the Lord  God Almighty, who was, who is and who is to come.

God is worth worship. Worthy is the Lamb....ch 5, and   He is eternal just as God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.  

ST Patrick used the shamrock to try and explain the trinity. It seems like a good illustration.

We worship no person except Him.  We acknowledge Him to be the Lord.

All of us are human and need Him. We need Him now and forever in the place called heaven where worship is going on continually. Our worship is not perfect here, but one day we will see Him face to face and our worship will be what it ought to be forever in heaven, forever and ever. 

“…and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” – Revelation 4:8  

Reginald Heber was a man of intense love for the truth of God’s Word. Nicknamed “the man of letters,” Heber was constantly writing to others to encourage and exhort them in truth. (from enjoyingthejourney.org)

Born on April 21, 1783, Heber attended Brasenose College, Oxford. His work in poetry and song won him two distinguished awards during his college tenure. Upon the completion of his college work, he was appointed as a minister in the small town of Hadnot. This work was one that he gave his entire being to. He delighted in his work. He cared deeply for the people in his congregation. Further, Heber labored tirelessly to meet their spiritual needs and care for their emotional sorrows.  

However, this pastor understood that the greatest thing he could do was preach to them the truth of God’s Word. His wife recounts that he would have family devotions daily and then retire to his study for 7-8 hours. No doubt this disciplined study of the Bible, cultures, history, and the like, created a cavernous well from which he could draw in his poetry and hymn writing. 

While ministering in Hodnet, Heber wrote a hymn or a poem for every Sunday of the year. This was significant in his day because of the overall lack of hymns in the Anglican Church. Heber believed that the church needed more hymns and throughout his life would see many introduced into corporate worship. Of course, his church benefited the most from this work. As He prepared for the Sunday known as “Trinity Sunday” he produced the mighty Hymn Holy, Holy, Holy. Millions have been helped by this mighty hymn throughout the years! 

However, this man’s passion for Christ was not merely in word. His famous poem From Greenland’s Icy Mountains reveals a burning passion for lost souls within the ministering heart. Thus, in spite of his chronic bad health, he accepted the call to become the Bishop at Calcutta. He would spend 3 years feverishly working to spread the gospel and train Indian men in the Word of God. However, his failing health and the harsh condition of India proved to be too much for Him. He passed away while visiting another church in Trichinopoly. He was only 42 years old. 

Truly His life serves as a great reminder to not simply love God in word but also in deed. Let us all labor for our thrice holy God today! 

1.  Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.

Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

 

2.  Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,

casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,

which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

 

3.  Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,

though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,

only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,

perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

 

4.  Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky and sea.

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

  David D. Mc Millan+                                                                              
 Pastor, & Chaplain (Major), US Army, ret. 

 

AOC Worldwide Prayer List –

I have received updates from a few and those will be the first added to the list. Please send all prayer requests and updates to aocworldwide@gmail.com for future reports. If you would like to be removed from list just respond with remove in the subject line.

 Prayer Needed:

Beverly Tatum – Fall, injured shoulder, Howard Tatum – cancer Treatment, caretaking

Yves Mera – Vascular Leukopathy was detected, stage 1; possible blood clot carotid artery

Ryan – ex-muslim to be baptized – keep safe from Evil forces

Camella – Breast Cancer

Chelsea – expecting Baby in July (Baby heart issues, will need 3 surgeries right after birth, finance problems, pray for Zach – Chelea’s husband and the baby

Donny – hospitalized due to multiple strokes and inability to speak, pray for David and Anne, family who are helping him in recovery

Dan Fordice – pray for his family who are mourning Dan killed in a plane crash

Mike Gettinger – traveling to the Vietnam wall and family at home awaiting his return

Kristen – surgery went well, continue praying for Recovery

Yves Mera: A Vascular Leukopathy was detected, stage 1 and possible clot in the carotid – TBA

Betty Davis: stroke, hospitalization and praying for complete recovery

Deborah Johns – heart issues – pray for heart strength & strong blood oxygen levels for surgery

Ben Hancock – treatment for colon cancer

Rev. Geordie:  needs prayer for medical issues

Debbie Grimes: colon cancer – surgery

Man, who is a friend of many – Brain Cancer

Bobby Effinger – recovery from heart surgery and ongoing heart issues

Steven – recovering from surgery on scar tissue compressing his Spinal Accessory Nerve

Brannon – hospitalized due to chronic unknow source of muscle spasms – 3 year old

Rency – 2 year old suffering from RETTS Syndrome

Joseph Broddie – recurring throat cancer

David Williams – serious cardiac issues – pray for David and wife Sherie for coping with changes

Jack Williams – had to enter long term care due to vascular dementia – pray for wife Karen

Colby Landry – cancer. Please pray for his wife, Leah and their family at this time of trial.

Persecuted Christians – subject to persecution and imprisonment for their faith.

Bobby Bryan – suffering with cancer and cardiac issues.

For an increase in the true faith in Jesus Christ here and across the globe.

USA – Leaders, citizens, military, first responders – President Trump & all Cabinet Members Safety

David – needing Hip transplant

Ophelia – crippling arthritis pain

Dennis Potrikus – fall with bad knees – recovering his rehab

Donna – ongoing radiation and Chemotherapy. Pray for successful remission

Roy – Bulging disc – upcoming surgery

Michelle – metastasized lung cancer – treatment stopped due to low hemoglobin- pray increase in

Dave – COPD – breathing issues – getting used to using oxygen – shortness of breath

Bryan and Lisa – adjusting to son moving away from home for ease of travel to employment

 

Extended Issues need continued prayer;

Laurie with long Covid Symptoms – Extreme exhaustion, heart palpitations, breathing problems and unstable blood pressures are constant worries causing depression to settle in.

Malcom Allred – Cancer Treatment

 Keep Praying for the following:

Shamu-health issues, Jan Jessup-neuro dementia, AOC USA, AOC Missions – Myanmar,
Harper-IBS,  Jim Sevier- God’s Peace, Linda – multiple myeloma, Donna-chemotherapy,
Alicia-caregiver, Sophie, Colin and Lori Beall – cancer, Malou – cancer, Archie- CHF,
Eloise, Janice, Katie, Bobby, Myra Cox, Faye Miller,

 Points to Ponder:

Another thing I would suggest is that we all study God’s word written that we might better avoid the snares of our adversary. The Bible tells us that the Devil wanders about seeking whom he may devour so it is important that we be aware of his offerings much as he tempted our Lord in the wilderness. We should also be merciful and forgiving. Having a spirit devoid of revenge and hatefulness closes the door on Satan’s evil intentions for us. And finally, watch for our Lord’s return and pray always for your fellow saints in this life. Our Lord said he was coming back to collect his own so be prepared and be alert to his return. So when it is your time to depart the precincts of this life either by being called above as part of the great homecoming, or in death, you may rest assured that your trembling soul will be welcomed through God’s open door with the words, Well done thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I shall make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. (St. Matthew 25: 21) 
The Rev. Bryan Dabney+, excerpt sermon Trinity 2026

There are scores of things in the world around us which few can understand or explain, yet no sensible man refuses to believe. How this earth is ever rolling round the sun with enormous swiftness, while we feel no motion; how the moon affects the tides and makes them rise and fall twice every twenty-four hours; how millions of perfectly organized living creatures exist in every pint of pond-water which our naked eye cannot see— all these are things well known to men of science, while most of us could not explain them for our lives. And shall we, in the face of such facts, presume to doubt that God is everywhere present, for no better reason than this, that we cannot understand it? Let us never dare to say so again. How many things there are about God Himself which we cannot possibly understand, and yet we must believe them, unless [we are] so senseless as to be atheists!                                                                    The Most Rev. J. C. Ryle

The more deceivers and deceits abound, the more watchful the [faithful] must be. Delusions may so prevail that even the elect may be endangered thereby. Two things [we] must beware of: Professors should take care not to lose what they have gained... [and] that they lose not their reward...                                                                                                     Rev. Matthew Henry

 The Five Solas are five Latin phrases that arose out of the Reformation to summarize the Reformers’ theological convictions about the essentials of Christianity as opposed to the Roman doctrines of works oriented salvation. These doctrinal points are presented in the Thirty Nine Articles of Religion and the Westminster Confession as well as other leading Reformation confessions. [They are]: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone): The Bible alone is our highest authority. Sola Fide (faith alone): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Sola Gratia (grace alone): We are saved by the grace of God alone. Solus Christus (Christ alone): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King. Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone): We live for the glory of God alone. In a certain sense, there is only One Sola— that is Christ. If you have Christ, you have all of the other four Solas. “... Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3:11). His Person is the fullness of all our need— “... the Way, the Truth and the Life!” (John 14:6). The Five Solas are merely a compilation of the completeness we enjoy in Christ our Savior, Redeemer, Lord, and King.
The Most Rev. Jerry L. Ogles– (Introduction to The Five Solas of the Reformed Faith , p. 7).

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