Grace Anglican Church Gastonia, NC

We hear of ourselves being salt and light, but how is it that we are made into these things that Jesus calls us? And what does Jesus mean by us needing to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees and Scribes? Father Jeremiah considers these things in this sermon on Matthew 5:13-20

Image: Christ’s Sermon on the Mount: The Parable of the Lily, public domain, found at: https://loc.getarchive.net/media/christs-sermon-on-the-mount-the-parable-of-the-lily

Too often, we cling to that which God has not given to us, but what happens when we cling to what is given, seeing it as the place of blessing? Jesus’ Beatitudes reveal to us not how to be blessed, but that God is blessing his people in the midst of their lives.

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Jesus left Nazareth to extend his ministry throughout Galilee in order to fulfill prophecy. What happens when the light enters dark places? What happens when this Light calls others to his side as disciples? Father Jeremiah explains Matthew 4.12-22 for us in his sermon today.

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Why does John the Baptist delight in pointing his own disciples to Jesus? What does John understand about Jesus that others had not grasped yet? And just why does the Holy Spirit come to rest upon Jesus at his baptism? Father Jeremiah considers these things in his sermon for the Second Sunday of Epiphany.

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Why did Jesus go to John the Baptist to get baptized? Was it needed for Jesus himself? Or did he do it for a greater purpose? Father Jeremiah considers why Jesus was baptized and how that changes us today.

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St. John tells in the first chapter of his Gospel that the Word was with God, the Word was God, and the Word became flesh. God has become man he declares. And out of that, humanity receives three gifts that John brings forward. Father Jeremiah preaches about these gifts and their importance to our salvation in this Christmas Day sermon.

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When the angel appeared to the shepherds, he told them that the Messiah had been born and a whole host appeared and declared the peace had come and was coming because of this birth. This glorious event reminds us that Jesus came to bring true peace and redemption to humanity by being born as a man.

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How does Joseph respond when he discovers Mary is pregnant? How does he respond when he learns her pregnancy has been caused by the Holy Spirit? He responds with righteousness and faithfulness before God! He is a quiet man who strives to do as God commands and takes on the task of being the earthly father of the Messiah, who he knows to be more than an ordinary man.

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John the Baptist’s disciples come to meet with Jesus and ask him about his messiahship and Jesus simply points to his words and actions instead of giving a direct answer. Why does he do this? What does he mean when he goes on to say that the violent are laying hold of the kingdom? All of this goes together as we consider the. nature of repentance and who is repentant in most cases during Jesus’ ministry.

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