Faith Speaks — Reverend Neil Taylor — Sermon Podcast

Read Isaiah 64:1-9a, Psalm 80, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Mark 13:24.

As we come to the Advent worship season, it can be enjoyable to ride this wave of enthusiasm and expectation as we revel in the flourishes of the season like the advent candles and the steady influx of Christmas cards and gifts.

But in preparing for Advent, we miss something crucial if we overlook the fact that there is a deep wound at the heart of Advent; God’s groaning and limping creation still waits for its healer to appear in glory. As Christians, we still await the reality we only know by faith. To use the language of this week’s epistle:

1 Corinthians 1:7 “[That we] eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The word “revelation” is translated from the Greek word apokalypse. Advent is a time when we wait for the apocalypse.

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist — who was preparing the way for the Messiah—and as soon as John, the Precursor, pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, he who takes away the sins of the world!” Andrew immediately sought to follow Jesus along with another disciple of the Baptist who was almost certainly the man who would become St. John the Evangelist. The one who would write down the details of the encounter for us in the first chapter of his gospel.

Read Matthew 25:31-46 

Jesus describes the final judgment of the world as a shepherd separating the righteous sheep from the unrighteous goats. The shepherd distinguishes between the two groups by examining their sacrificial love toward the “least of these, my brothers.”

Read Matthew 25:14-30

5 Life Lessons from the Parable of the Talents

The Parable of the Talents teaches us valuable life lessons that can strengthen our relationship with God. In this parable, we learn the importance of using our gifts for His glory and God's varying expectations for His children based on their abilities. Here are five key lessons we can learn from this parable.

1. God has gifted and entrusted us with blessings.

In applying these lessons from the Parable of the Talents, we can align our lives with God's expectations, grow in our faith, and use our gifts to bring Him glory. Let us strive to be faithful stewards of the blessings entrusted to us and fulfill our purpose as children of God.

Read Matthew 25:1-13

There have been a lot of predictions about the end of the world and if and when the Second Coming will happen. The scriptures teach us that Jesus Christ will return. However, the Savior taught, “You do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42).

Whether He comes today or years from now, Jesus told us to “Watch” and prepare ourselves. Through the parable of the Ten Virgins (Bridesmaids), He impressed the importance of unwavering diligence in preparation for His coming. Will you be ready? Are you like the wise or the foolish women in the story?

Week Five — Disciple

Read Matthew 9:9

How do you see yourself? A masterpiece or a mess? Survivor or struggler? Advocate or critic? Getting perspective on how God sees you might give you a new view of yourself.

Week Four — Salt & Light

Read Matthew 5:13-16

How do you see yourself? A masterpiece or a mess? Survivor or struggler? Advocate or critic? Getting perspective on how God sees you might give you a new view of yourself.

Feast Day of St Luke

Today is the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, the physician and companion of Paul whose gospel contains the most extensive biography of Jesus.

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Week Three — Overcomer

Read Romans 8:31-32, 35, 37

How do you see yourself? A masterpiece or a mess? Survivor or struggler? Advocate or critic? Getting perspective on how God sees you might give you a new view of yourself.

Week Two — Masterpiece

Read Ephesians 2:1-10

How do you see yourself? A masterpiece or a mess? Survivor or struggler? Advocate or critic? Getting perspective on how God sees you might give you a new view of yourself.