260607 AOC Sunday Report

 

Anglican Orthodox Church _sm

Worldwide Communion

First Sunday after Trinity
June 7, 2026

Sunday Report

Sunday

First Sunday after Trinty

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 188-190.

 

The Collect for the First Sunday after Trinity.

O God, the strength of all those who put their trust in thee; Mercifully accept our prayers; and because, through the weakness of our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without thee, grant us help of thy grace, that in keeping thy commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

 

Epistle for First Sunday after  Trinity.   I St. John iv. 7.

BELOVED, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.    

The Gospel for First Sunday after Trinity. St. Luke xvi. 19.

THERE was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is com-forted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

 

On Point:

  The Family Altar

"And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning." John 15, 27.

Because the apostles were with the Lord from the beginning of His public career, saw His mighty works, heard His words and teachings, saw Him alive after His Passion, and witnessed His ascension, they could give direct and reliable testimony concerning His life and His work here on earth. They did so with great zeal and courage after they had received the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, at Pentecost. In the written Word which they have, left us they still speak to us as the chosen eye-witnesses of our Lord, and no power on earth or in hell can refute their testimony.

 But not they alone were called to witness in behalf of the Savior. Every Christian, be he man, woman, or child, has that blessed calling. A witness is called on to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If the Holy Spirit has brought us to know the saving truth as it is in Jesus, it is our sacred duty to bear witness of that truth before friend and foe wherever and whenever opportunity offers, but especially when the blessed name or Gospel of our Savior is attacked in our presence. Then we are not to be ashamed or afraid to confess our faith in Him, in His grace, and in His holy Word. "Whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven." And not only with word of mouth are we to confess Jesus, our Savior, but also by our holy, blameless life. "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Thus St. Peter writes of all Christians without exception. 0 how often we forget this sacred privilege and duty of our spiritual priesthood ! How often we forget to bear witness for Christ as we ought! Let us pray God the Holy Spirit to make us more faithful and more zealous witnesses in behalf of our blessed Lord and Savior.

Stand up ! — stand up for Jesus !

Stand in His strength alone;

The arm of flesh will fail you,

Ye dare not trust your own;

Put on the Gospel armor,

Each piece put on with prayer;

Where duty calls, or danger,

Be never wanting there.

Stand up! — stand up for Jesus!

The strife will not be long;

This day the noise of battle,

The next, the victor's song.

To him that overcometh

A crown of life shall be;

He with the King of Glory

Shall reign eternally!

 

   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

 

Trinity Sunday Video Sermon Summary

Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/06/youtube-video-player_01671841211.html

 You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POA5LvfG-P0

 

Thursday Night Video Devotion: 
Nicodemus – the One who Came by Night

Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/06/youtube-video-player_0766489045.html

 You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn5-czoCPGA

  

  THE GLORY CLOUD

~ June 7 ~

 “And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. ²¹And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: ²²He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the
people.” (Exodus 13:20-22)

            Clouds have always presented impressions of mystery and wonder. As a child, I used to lay among the sagebrush of the field on spring days and wonder what the clouds were made of, where they came from, and where they were going. I pictured airplanes, cowboys, and ballerinas in fancy gowns in my fertile imagination. But clouds do have meaning and are used extensively in Scripture to reveal or conceal, mysteries of God.

            The most profound reference to the cloud in the Old Testament is found in the leading text of this devotion. We see that the Pillar of Cloud by Day and Fire by Night not only led the way for the Children of Israel, but also followed as a defense from those who were the enemy. “And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them.” (Exodus 14:19) That cloud represented the presence of God both leading and following. To the children of Israel, the cloud gave light and cover – to the Egyptians it was darkness and a shield against them. “And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.” (Exodus 14:20) The leading and protective hand of God is a blessing to the elect but a curse to the enemy of his people.

            The one dollar bill (United States) depicts the Great Seal of the United States on the obverse side. Above the great eagle floats the Glory Cloud representing the same cloud that led Israel in the wilderness. Within the cloud are thirteen stars representing the thirteen original colonies arranged in the shape of the Star of David. The Founders felt God was leading the establishment of the American Republic in the same way he led Israel of old.

            But clouds figure prominently in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, too. You will recall the Mount of Transfiguration when Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ in glorified body; but a bright cloud descended and when it lifted there was only the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter, James, and John suggested building three tabernacles – one for the Lord, one for Elijah, and one for Moses; the voice of God emanated from the cloud – “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” (Matthew 17:5) God would have us worship no man by Christ! The presence of Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets which foreshadowed the righteousness of the Lord. Christ himself represented the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets.

            There is another cloud of renown that we should mention for it is very important for our spiritual expectations, that cloud that received our Lord Jesus Christ at his ascension. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? ⁷And he said unto them, It not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. ⁸But ye shall receive  power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. ⁹And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. ¹⁰And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; ¹¹Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:6-11)

            It is with the patience and hope of the saints that we keep watch for that same cloud that bore our Lord Heavenly and will, at God’s own time, descend at his return in clouds of Glory.

Bishop Jerry Ogles, Daily Devotion p. 160

 

 

 Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor

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

 

 Holy Communion – FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

The Epistle:1 John 4:7-21; The Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

 O God, the strength of all those who put their trust in thee; Mercifully accept our prayers; and because, through the weakness of our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without thee, grant us help of thy grace, that in keeping thy commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

                                            HYMNS:   #321, 456/57, 375                              

                                               “Who do you follow?”

          What an interesting contrast found in our Epistle and Gospel for this Sunday.

 On the one hand we read about the absolute LOVE of God. He loved us, not that we loved him, and because of his love, he sent his Son to be a substitute or propitiation for our sins. ⁷Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. ⁸He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. ⁹In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. ¹⁰Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

   Wow, God did that for us? Yes, and if God did that for us, then we should love one another. John goes on to write because God’s Holy Spirit dwells in us we will become his ambassadors as such here on earth.  How is that you say?  ‘...know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, ....and we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world...(that) whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him and he in God...’  

 That is how we know that we are to be ambassadors of God here on earth. 

      In these most trying times we should take comfort in the following; 17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. ¹⁹.“We love him, because he first loved us.” 

    Here now is the contrast I was writing about. In our second passage, the Gospel reading, we find the only parable of Christ where names are used.  The name of Lazarus, not the brother of Mary and Martha, another fellow named Lazarus, is in horrible shape here on earth.  We read of his extreme poverty.  He dies and is carried to Abraham’s bosom by angels.  Notice the stark contrast to the description of the rich man’s death.  “...the rich man also died and was buried.”

   But that isn’t the end of the parable. The rich man is in hell. He is in torment and he can see Lazarus, who he surely knew from seeing him at his door day after day begging for just a crumb to eat. Notice the two men have now switched places after death. This is not about karma, or any other ‘what goes around comes around’; no it is about hell. Theologians believe that this is the hell/sheol place that Christ would descent to where he would ‘led captivity captive.’ This time was after his death and before his resurrection. Those saints who died before Christ came and died on the Cross went to this place that is described in the particular parable. 

    I would like to point out some very interesting concepts from this parable. 

 1. Hell is real. It is a place of torment, it is dry and hot AND the person in hell does not die spiritually, they continue to suffer. Have you heard people bragging that they are so bad, that God would not have them in heaven?  In fact they say they want to go to hell to be with there friends. 

 2. Notice something very ominous? The rich man is ALONE!  There are no other people around him. He is by himself, suffering, being tormented.  I think one of the most frightful conditions humans can find themself in is being alone. We do like some time alone, but not days on end, or in the case of Hell, eternity.  

  3. Now is the time of Salvation. We must follow Jesus now, not after we are dead. It is too late by then.

 The rich man, even in his torment, has compassion on his five living brothers. He asks Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to testify to them about the place they will be going if they don’t repent.  What does the patriarch say to the rich man?  They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them.  The rich man is sure that if Lazarus goes back, his brothers will listen.  Abraham assures him that if they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded by one who rose from the dead.

   Wow, in this parable, Jesus is making a very interesting prediction. Even with all the evidence of the resurrection of Christ, people will still not believe. Even with that fact in mind, Jesus still tells us in this parable, that we must follow him today, because after death it is too late. 

   Preaching about hell is not politically correct. The liberal churches say all we need to preach about is getting along with each other and maybe throw some love of God in for good measure. The problem with that is that if I do not warn you the listener, the reader of this message, that there is hell waiting for those who do not turn from their wickedness and live, then I have failed to warn you. That is a very grave mistake on my part, I need to warn you so you do not go the way of the rich man.   

And by the way, this is not saying that having wealth will condemn you to hell.  It is about what you do with that wealth while you are here on earth. Christ had many friends and followers from all strata of life, both rich and poor, common laborer and learned, all parts of society were represented.

 So he wasn’t calling out those of wealth. No he was pointing out that no matter who you are...you will have a reckoning with God; if you do not turn from your wickedness, repent, and turn to God. He sent his Son to save us from our sin, we must accept that gift and as stated above, repent and be saved.  

    So what is our main message today? God is love. His love is demonstrated by God sending his Only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us and to lead us to life, that is eternal life. 

The very real description of Hell the Christ gave us in this parable makes it most expedient that we not delay seeking God’s salvation.  One of the most devious methods that Satan uses to delude the lost is the idea that there is plenty of time to make a move towards righteousness. While in fact, Satan really doesn’t want the lost to even think about the need to seek redemption, he wants the lost to remain lost.

 We only have one opportunity to get right with God, now is the time of salvation, not after we die, because then it will be too late. Now is the time of salvation.

   Beloved, who do you follow? Is it the god of this world, or is it God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit?

Let us pray:

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him; Have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 THE peace of God, which passeth all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. 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

  First Sunday after Trinity

 “Parable of the Wise and foolish builders”

Matthew 7: 24-27; Luke 6;47-49

In todays text, we have come to the conclusion of the longest recorded message in Scripture that our Lord preached: The Sermon on the Mount. The simple truths that our Lord shared in these passages lie at the very core of our Christian being. If we are to be all that the Lord desires us to be, we must learn to apply and live out the principles He has given us in this Sermon.

In this last passage, we come to Jesus’s  parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders. I am not an expert on construction, and this is certainly not an exhaustive list on the subject, but we must ensure we apply the principles our Lord shares in these verses as we seek to build our lives for Him. When we stop to consider this passage, we find it applies to all people. Whether we make our living in construction or not, we are all builders. Each day we live we are building something that will one day be evaluated by the Master Builder. We must build properly if our structure is to endure. 

Let us consider this morning the contrasts our Lord presents as we think on this Parable. As we look at these verses, keep in mind that they apply to each of us. In verses 24 and 26,  Jesus reveals the construction of the two different types of  builders.

First, Jesus speaks about the Wise Builder in verse 24: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: There are a couple of interesting attributes that we need to consider. 

As we ponder the wise builder, it would be beneficial to contemplate what Luke’s gospel records about this man. Luke 6:48a says: “He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock.” There we find that he “digged deep.” It appears Jesus was speaking generally of the Jordon River Valley and the Galilee region, specifically the rugged terrain and dry river banks common to first-century Palestine. In these regions flash floods could be incredibily destructive. The sandy and loose topsoil in this landscape meant builders had to deliberately dig through the dirt, sometimes up to 30 feet to hit solid bedrock before laying their foundation. This builder would not have had all the modern machinery that one would have access to today. Clearly this was hard work and reveals the effort this builder put forth to ensure a solid foundation. 

We too must ensure that we are willing to put forth the necessary effort to build our lives upon a solid foundation. I am not talking about working for or earning our salvation, but being committed unto the Lord and seeking Him in every aspect of life. Many today are seeking an easy route to heaven. They want to go to heaven when they die, but they are unwilling to make any sacrifices or labor for the Lord. We must dig deep and wide in the faith and lean upon the Lord, and avoid the lures of the world. 

Jesus said this builder was wise in his building. There are a couple of details in the text that reveal his wisdom.  We know that he dug deep and wide in order to find a solid foundation.  He wanted a foundation that would support the house when the storms of life came. We too must ensure that we are building our lives and our hopes upon the Rock, Jesus Christ.  Paul tells us in 1 Cor.3:11: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. “Many today are placing their trust in the things of this world.   They are depending upon their hard work and effort to pay off in the end. Our lives must be built upon Christ! 

The Wise builder placed his faith and trust in the foundation, more than in the house. He wanted to build a house that would endure.   He wanted to make certain his house would withstand the storms. He was building something that would last into the future, not something temporary and fragile. What a striking picture our Lord draws of the religion of the man who not only hears Christ sayings, but does Christ’s will. Such a religion may cost him much. Like the house built on a rock, it may entail on him pains, labour, and self-denial. To lay aside pride and self-righteousness, to crucify the rebellious flesh, to put on the mind of Christ, to take up the cross daily—all this may be hard work. But just like the house built on a rock, such religion will stand.

Far too many are building upon the sinking sands of this life. They are placing their faith and trust in things that will not endure. They live their lives hoping that somehow it will all work out in the end. We must build our lives upon the Lord if there is to be any hope of an eternal future. We do not know what storms may come our way, but if we are built upon the Rock, we can endure.

Isn’t that an accurate depiction of so many in our day as well? They are building their lives with no foundation at all. They start out building upon the ideas and promises of this world, but there is no depth, no strength, no support or security in their lives. There is nothing to cling to or hope in when the storms of life rage. These projects require less effort and make a quick showing, but in the end they will not endure. 

Here is what Jesus said: “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand.” Those around him may have thought that he was wise and prudent, saving time and money as he built, but it was all a foolish effort. He depended on his own wisdom, but would eventually find out that his wisdom was lacking. 

We must  also consider that the foolish builder took no thought for the future. He was only consumed with the presence. He wanted to build his house quick, with the least amount of effort, taking no thought for tomorrow. 

 Our world is filled with those who make the same foolish decisions. They are living life only for today.  There is no thought for the future. They are not concerned with building a life that will be found acceptable in eternity through Christ the Lord. They are only concerned with pleasing themselves and living in the moment. Many have no spiritual foundation, building only upon this earth and the fleeting hope it gives.  

 Each of these builders would eventually face a severe storm. The rains would fall, the floods would come, and the winds would blow. Keep in mind that one was built upon a rock (a picture of Christ) and the other was built upon the sand. Each faced a traumatic storm. 

Regardless of our foundation, we will all face storms and trials in this life. There will be times when the storms are severe. There will even be times when we will wonder how we will survive. Facing the storms and adversities of life are common to all people. The Christian is not immune, and the lost are not the only ones who face them.  Job 14:1 says: “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.”

These storms may not have been exactly the same, but they shared the same characteristics. Each of the builders faced driving rains, rising floods, and relentless winds. Their storms were very similar. Living upon this earth, we all face similar trials and storms. We have endured some very difficult times as of late, especially Hurricane Helene.  These storms have affected all of us. There is no escape from the trials of life. They will come, and in many ways, they will be similar to the adversities that others face. The main difference lies in the foundation. The believer has an Anchor that is sure. When the storms come, we can rest in the peace and assurance of Christ our Lord. 

The storms tested the buildings that each of the men had built. They revealed what they were made of, and more importantly, what they were founded upon. Notice the contrasts. 

Mat.7:25 says: “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” The wise builder’s house did not fall because it was built upon the rock. It endured because of the foundation! Luke 6:48 reveals that “the storm could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.” Isn’t that what we desire? We need to build our lives so that we are secure in Jesus. When the storms come, we will be able to stand in Him. 

Matt.7:27 says: “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Luke 6:48 says that: “against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” When the storm began to rage in its fury, the house immediately fell. It literally crumbled in the face of the storm. Surely, we all want to build lives that will endure.

Those that are not built upon the rock will immediately fall when tested, but those built upon the rock will endure in Christ. 

“²⁴Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:... ²⁶And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand.” These are actually the closing comments to the sermon Jesus preached that day.

He speaks of those who hear His words and do His commandments as being wise and those who hear His words and choose not to obey them as being foolish.

He reveals that they are responsible to respond to all that He has taught them in the Sermon on the Mount. “These sayings” speak of the message in its entirety. They must not pick and choose which portions were acceptable, but submit to all of His teaching. 

He has given us His Word for our benefit, but it is ultimately up to us to hear and obey. Many today treat God’s Word like a buffet. They pick and choose those portions they like and leave the rest. I pray that we will take the lessons our Lord has taught us in this Sermon and apply each of them to our everyday lives. If we are to build our lives upon the Rock, in such a way that they will endure the storms, we must heed and obey His Word. 

In Closing, let us always remember and obey all of the teachings of Christ, especially His great Sermon on the Mount.  Also, we should be not only hearers of God’s word but doers also. We are saved by the grace of God and not works. But as St. James tells is in James 2:26: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” 

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 The First Sunday after Trinity:

In our gospel lesson, we read our Lord’s warning that, 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. (St. Matthew 7:21) Our modern world possesses many similarities with the ancient world from whence Christianity came. For instance, a tiny minority today controls a sizeable portion of the wealth and political power in this and every land. And like then, our own time has been marred by strife between countries and nations, as well as between ethnicities within the same. Consider also that prior to the birth of our Lord, the Roman Republic had been undone by the very men who desired to possess it. And with its demise, a new institution— the Roman Imperium— arose like a Phoenix from the ashes of the old republic. And finally, the world that Christianity came from was dominated by idolatry and paganism. That is patently the case today in America and other places that used to call themselves “Christian.” There are any number of so-called deities that have replaced the LORD our God— money, fame, sports prowess, political acumen, et cetera.

While history does indeed tell us that the Christian faith grew in spite of the obstacles which were arrayed against it; even so, the Devil has influenced many souls to accept his alternative “gospel” as opposed to the one preached by the apostles. Thus by the latter half of the first century A.D., we find the apostles warning their followers about those who would seek to divide, confuse and distress the faithful. Consider the words of the apostle Paul to the Ephesian elders: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them (Acts 20:28-30). And St. Jude advised the faithful, to contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares...ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ (3-4). Thus it would behoove every faithful minister to warn their congregation about any person or group who would put forth the name of Christ without adhering to his teachings. One of the first such heresies was Gnosticism. The late Dr. Jesse Hurlbut observed that the Gnostics of the first century A.D. “... believed that out of the supreme God emanated a large number of inferior deities, some beneficent, other malignant…that [Christ was] one of those ‘emanations’... They [also] interpreted the Scriptures in an allegorical manner, making every statement mean whatever the interpreter saw fit.” The modern versions of Gnosticism are little different. They deny the existence of the Trinity; the divine nature of our Lord; the personage of the Holy Ghost; the eternal punishment of the wicked; as well as the atoning work of our Lord on the cross. They also employ selected Bible tenets apart from their intended meanings as found in Scripture. While claiming the name of Christ, their principles are framed in the form of, “I want...etc.”. In short, it is the church of “ME”. A “ME” church styles its precepts in terms of the individual. In other words, “It is the world the way I want it; the church the way I want it; relationships the way I want them; and of course, morality the way I want it.” Ergo, it should not be at all surprising to the observant Christian that many of the cults and New Age religions of today are derived in some degree from Classical Gnosticism.

And this belief system is older than most of its adherents might imagine. The prophet Isaiah presented us with the specifics as to where such ideas originated when he wrote, How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God... I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (14:12-14). That last phrase, I will be like the most High, was passed on to humanity at the fall in the Garden of Eden. When Satan entered the serpent and seduced Eve to sin, he lured her in with these words, Ye shall not die; for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (Genesis 3:4-5). Ever after, God expected mankind to do what was good because he knew the difference between good and evil. But the desire to be as gods has been one of the principal motivators which has fueled mankind’s rebellion against his Creator. And with that in mind, God has set forth within the pages of Scripture the dismal record of profane man’s efforts to create religious paths to suit himself.

Let us begin with Cain. Now Cain offered God what he wanted him to have as a sacrifice and not what God desired. (Genesis 4:1-7). The children of Israel had Aaron fashion an idol to satisfy their fleshly minds apart from the commandments which God had given to them (Exodus 32:1-7). And, on account of their specious reasoning, Korah and Dathan opposed the leadership of Moses in spite of the fact that God had expressly called him to lead the people (Numbers 16:1-3). The wicked and willful nature of man is exemplified in the Book of Judges (21:25) wherein it was written... every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Unregenerated men, after having received the gifts of God, will, nevertheless, turn to their own reasoning in order to justify their intentions rather than trusting in God’s promises much as Jeroboam did when he turned away from the promises of God to make gods for the children of Israel to worship (I Kings 12:26-33). And just like Jeroboam, foolish humanity continues to buy into the Devil’s scheme of creating gods for themselves as if their works were somehow superior to those of the Creator (Isaiah 44:8-20). The false choices of the unregenerate will result in God’s wrath being poured out upon them. And if our worship does not follow his commands then we are in danger of the judgment (Jeremiah 7:17-20; 9:12-14; 23:25-36; Ezekiel 8:1-18; Daniel 9:13). God has warned us in no uncertain terms that those who would substitute the commandments of men for those of our righteous and holy God are vain in their imaginations, and will be despoiled (St. Matthew 15:1-9; Romans 1:21; Colossians 2:8, 18-23)

The foolish nature of unconverted man has time and again opened him up to spiritual deception by the forces of darkness. In such a state he may use the name of Christ all the while denying that Christ is the Saviour and Redeemer kinsman of mankind (I St. John 4:1-14; 5:1-13). The error of the wicked will eventually become so complete that they will not even entertain the desire to repent when faced with the very wrath of God which will fall upon them (II Thessalonians 2:1- 12; Revelation 9:20). Some may ask, “Do those who are now in such a state possess the opportunity to repent and turn unto God in the name of Jesus Christ?” Of course they do. As long as they are in this life, repentance and acceptance are open to all who have sinned against God’s word and commandments. There will however come a time when their decision will be finalized and such will occur either at their deaths, or when the Antichrist comes with his mark: because all who accept it will face an eternity of torment (Revelation 14:9-11)

So what should the faithful Christian do to avoid God’s coming wrath? First of all, one should heed the warning of St. Paul who said: Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (II Corinthians 6:14). The unequal yoke exists because the Devil isn’t interested in simple parity with God. He desires supremacy. No regenerated person will find safety or comfort for his soul amongst those who have rejected the Godhead. Those who find themselves in such fellowship ought to forthwith get themselves hence. As the apostle Paul warned, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. (II Corinthians 6:17). In plain language God is saying: “GET OUT NOW!” for each day you remain within that body, you are likely to fall prey to further deception.

Secondly, beware of false prophets and teachers who have a mere appearance of righteousness, but are inwardly ravening wolves (St. Matthew 7:15). False ministers are also described as hirelings because they are insincere. When temptation and trial come, they will disappear leaving their congregants to fend for themselves (St. John 10:12). Such persons long ago surrendered to the adversary and will not stand up for the truth of God. And they have sought to trap as many unsuspecting souls as they can in Satan’s scheme of things.

Thirdly, avoid the sins of the flesh (I Corinthians 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:3-7). The apostle Paul noted in his epistle to the Romans that those, who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them (1:32). So, one does not have to commit a particular sin to be guilty of it. One need only approve of those who commit the same. God will judge your tolerance for evil as an acceptance of evil.

Fourthly, put on the whole armor of God and stand ready for battle against the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:10-18). There is a great spiritual war going on around us and we all must choose a side. If you choose to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, then you will face persecution and tribulation, nevertheless you will triumph with our Lord at his coming and receive the gift of everlasting life in his kingdom. If you reject his free gift of salvation, you will, by default, wind up in the camp of the evil one and will be forever lost in the fires of perdition. Donning the whole armor of God will protect you in this fight. You must understand that in this conflict there will be no surrender, no negotiation, and no pity. You cannot placate God, and you certainly cannot placate the Devil except to purchase a momentary pleasure which will result in an eternity of heartache and misery (Revelation 20:11-15)

Finally, we must attempt to rescue those who have fallen into pit of false religion by contending for the faith through our witness on our Lord’s behalf (St. Jude 3); by praying for and beseeching God to give them repentance that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (II St. Timothy 2:26). That means reaching into the fire and pulling as many out as we can (St. Jude 22-23). To aid us in this cause, we must ask the LORD for an in-filling of the Holy Ghost, for only through his presence within and around us will we be enabled to truly serve our Lord in his harvest. The day of Christ is at hand and we need to be instant in season, out of season. We need to reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (II St. Timothy 4:2). So be in prayer and read your bibles and do not hesitate to ask God for assistance. We have friends and loved-ones who are in danger and need to be warned. We cannot quit now regardless of how late the time is for only the Father knows the day and the hour of our Lord’s return. We should not be about condemnation but about reclamation. Yes, we must warn the unregenerate about the terror of the Lord, but the central message to them ought to be about being made right with God and following his path to eternity. Therefore, be Bereans (Acts 17:10-11); be watchful (St. Luke 21:36); be ready (St. Matthew 24:44); and be armored (Ephesians 6:10). If we will keep the commandments of our Lord, we will be blessed and our works will have value in his sight.

Let us pray,

Holy Father, pour upon us the Holy Ghost the Comforter, that being so filled we will fight the good fight of faith and help rescue those who have been ensnared by the false religions which Satan has established to cloud men’s minds; and this we ask in the name of thine only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have a blessed week!
Bryan+

 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:

Charlie Carlisle – kidney dysfunction

Donny Clark – hospitalized for stroke – Anne – overseeing his care

Alice Raymer – discharged from the hospital yesterday following a TIA

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

Yves Mera – coronagrapshy scheduled to assess need for surgery, heart- coronary 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

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,- difficulty with new treatment, 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 wickedness of men before conversion is no bar to their regeneration and reconciliation to God. The blood of Christ and the washing of regeneration can purge away all guilt and defilement. 
Rev. Matthew Henry

 Though modern-day America has become overpopulated by heathen and luke-warm Christians, only those who are called by HIS name, with serious intent, will suffice in prayer. All the false professors and legal idiots do not need to offer prayer at all for no one would hear them
The Most Rev. Jerry L. Ogles