What happens in the church when we allow money to divide us? In this sermon, Father John explores the story of Lazarus and the Rich man, considering how both rich and poor alike can view money as a dividing “gate” between people. Jesus calls us to overcome such separations as his followers.

It should not surprise us that we are called to suffer as Christian. This sermon is a theological exploration of the function of suffering as understood by Jesus and his earliest followers. The authors of the New Testament seem to assume that those who belong to Jesus will suffer in this life – but why? What is the purpose of this suffering? Father John explores two main functions of suffering in the life of believers – and how we can face such with the knowledge that we are suffering “with Christ.”

In this sermon, Father John explores the story of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as examples of people whom God used because they stood by their convictions. So often in life we merely have preferences, even in our ethical and spiritual lives. While preferences are fine in many areas of life, some areas of life call us to exhibit true convictions deriving from our beliefs. Listen and be challenged to follow Jesus’ call on our life to live true to our convictions.

This sermon is a response to the events in Charlottesville, Virginia over the past weekend. In this sermon, Father John points out the sin of White Nationalism, and discusses why we must name it and condemn it in our society.

In today’s sermon, Father John explores another fear that can paralyze us in life: Fear of rejection. Looking at an often overlooked story from the life of Jesus found in Mark 3, we explore how Jesus faced rejection when he encountered it, and note that he gives two key examples that we can follow in our own lives when we face it too. Listen and be encouraged to live into the love of God!

For the last few Sundays of the summer we explore overcoming fear in our lives, beginning with the fear of failure. In today’s sermon, Father John looks at the story of Gideon and the 300 soldiers who routed the entire Midianite army – doing so mainly by means of their faith in Gideon and in God. Following their example, we are challenged to focus on faithfulness rather than “success” as the measurement of being good stewards in the circumstances of our lives.

In this “check in” homily with the parish, Father John addresses an accusation that has been leveled against him and the Episcopal Church in general – that of being “false prophets” for teaching that women can participate in any ministerial order men can, and that LGBT people are fine just as they are in God’s eyes (among other issues). Today we approach such accusations by talking about HOW we discuss such issues – this is not a sermon where we defend the issues themselves. By pointing to Jesus’ own test for determining whether a person is a “false prophet,” Father […]

Looking at a fascination story from Acts 8, today’s sermon focuses on a man named Simon who thought he could purchase the power of God from the apostles. Often people approach acquiring spiritual power in the exact same way – entering into a transaction with God in order to get what they want. Father John explores our need for spiritual power, and how we receive it as a gift of grace from God – in our final sermon installation on the Holy Spirit. The first minute of this recording is lower in volume than the rest due to Father John using […]

How does the Holy Spirit help us grow spiritually? In today’s sermon, Father John explores what sociologists of religion have described as the three stages of spiritual development in humanity: 1. Religion as a means of getting what I want, 2. Religion as rule-keeping, and 3. Religion as transformational relationship with God. Continuing our study of the Holy Spirit, we look at Jesus’ intention for his followers as they strive to be good people, full of the marks of God’s presence and power in their life. Listen and be encouraged!

We continue our sermon series exploring the identity and role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Considering Jesus’ statement that, “When the Spirit comes, it will guide you into all truth,” (John 16) this sermon identifies four ways that we can experience the leadership of God in our lives. The question is not, “Is God speaking?” … the question is, “Are we listening?”