October 15th – Les Kovacs
Although my sermon on Sunday concerned the Holy Spirit’s role in spiritual conflict, I don’t want to give the enemy any more ink than I already have. I would rather focus on what the Holy Spirit does for us all the time. I would rather focus my attention on the Giver of Life whose work it is to transform us more and more into likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Trinity is the One who deserves all our attention, aspirations, and adoration. The Holy Spirit is a divine helper, our paraclete, who strengthens and guides us every day. The Holy Spirit transforms our lives by renewing our minds to be like the mind of Christ. He convicts us of our sins and leads us to repentance. Through our repentance, He wipes out what was dirty in us and allows us to bear good fruit. As we allow Him to continue nourishing that fruit, we grow to resemble Jesus more closely. The Holy Spirit works in us through the word of God. He uses the power of Scripture to convict us and influence our way of thinking and opens the way to shape us into godly people. The Holy Spirit gives believers the power to live like Jesus and be bold witnesses for Him. He sends us out as witnesses and gives us the power to do it effectively. The Holy Spirit helps Christ-followers in our weakness and intercedes for us with the Father. He leads, speaks, fills, reveals, teaches, and helps. He sends, forbids, constrains, convicts, and warns. He also gives life (new birth), empowers, sanctifies, and loves. He dwells within, seals (or better yet, is the seal), gives gifts, and grieves with us. Simply put, the Holy Spirit is the divine helper who strengthens and guides us every day. He transforms our lives by renewing our minds to be like the mind of Christ. He works in believers by convicting us of sin and leading us to repentance. Through repentance, He wipes clean any record of our sin and allows us to bear good fruit to the glory of God the Father. As we allow Him to continue nourishing that fruit, we grow to resemble Jesus more. Questions: Have you ever asked the Holy Spirit to help you understand a Scripture passage that troubled you? Have you ever felt unable to pray because of some deep hurt and just let Him hear your groans and cries? Do we always have to like people in order to love them? How does this change your perspective on Christian love?
Read John 14:15-16. Why does Jesus say "If you love me, keep my commands, and...the Father will give you another advocate..."? Why are loving and obeying so crucial to receiving the Holy Spirit? Does your translation have a different word than "advocate" in John 14:16? In your experience, what kinds of things happen when the Holy Spirit comes? Was it unexpected? Or not really a surprise to you? Read Acts 2:1-4. Do you think the believers at Pentecost expected what happened? Were they ready for what God did that day? How do we test if a word or activity is the work of the Holy Spirit or not? Do you see your self as primarily a sinner who sometimes gets it right, or a saint who sometimes sins? Why? In what ways does God assure you that God loves you? Pray: Lord Jesus, thank you for choosing to draw me to yourself. Holy Spirit, I can't imagine being without you. You fill my life with your glory, the glory of our Father in heaven. Help me to spread this, the hope of heaven to everyone, in my family, in my community and everywhere. Amen. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1: 18
Reading: John 17: 20-26 Introduction Last Sunday we resumed our focus on our Triune God, specifically upon the Holy Spirit in the ministry of Jesus, His wisdom and teaching. Looking at 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31 and 2 Corinthians 2, we saw that Jesus’ wisdom and authority came from God empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the wisdom and power of God. This wisdom is powerfully found in the ministry of reconciliation achieved at the Cross, where by God’s power, sin and death were defeated. We then saw how we, as God’s Children and Jesus’ Body (the Church), now carry on this teaching and ministry of reconciliation. We are His ambassadors empowered by the Holy Spirit in us (2 Corinthians 5: 16-21). In Jesus’ teaching, in John 15: 1-13, we saw how this can be achieved by us remaining in Him through obedience. We then remain in His love, secure His joy and bear fruit, to God’s pleasure, as His disciples. The Ministry of Reconciliation At our One Body Worship event (that same Sunday) we continued, to some degree, looking at this Ministry of Reconciliation by focusing on Jesus’ prayer for us (John 17: 20-26). Here Jesus states that He has given us the glory that the Father gave Him (22&24). This glory is evidenced by ‘Unity.’ As we are reconciled to God, through Christ, we share in the communion of ‘His Unity’ with Himself as the Triune God (the relationship between Father, Son and Holy Spirit). If we then have unity amongst ourselves, not only do our individual lives tell the story of reconciliation, but so does the Church. Application So, what is this ‘glory’ that Christ has given us? We can look to three areas of God’s glory in Jesus: the Cross; His relationship with His Father; and His obedience. Jesus’ glory came through the ‘wondrous cross,’ a self-sacrifice that made reconciliation possible and where death and sin were defeated. The witness of His relationship with His Father displayed the truth of this power and wisdom and His obedience enabled Him to remain in His Father and therefore within His love. The Question of Application How does this ‘glory’ then lie within us? When we are reconciled with God through faith in Jesus, and by His grace, we are born again by the power of God, in Christ, through the achievement of that Cross. His Holy Spirit enters us as new creations and we have access to His wisdom; He is in us! The ‘crosses’ we then bear can be to the glory of God. Our relationship, our unity, with Him and our brothers and sisters, can give witness to the truth of this reconciliation and reality. For that to occur we need to remain in Him through obedience. So, we need to ask ourselves: do we give glory to God in the crosses we carry; does our relationship with Him and the Church reflect His glory and truth; and is our obedience enabling us to remain in His love? Do we display His glory? Prayer Echoing Jesus’ prayer we pray for ourselves as we believe in Jesus through the message of the Cross; may we be one, Father, just as you are one. May we remain in you so that the world may believe in Jesus Christ. May we display the glory that you gave your Son and He gave us, that we may be one, brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent the Lord Jesus who has loved us even as you, Father, love your Son, Jesus Christ. May the love you have for Jesus be in us so that Jesus Himself may be in us. Amen Adapted from John 17: 20-26 Praise When I survey Wondrous Cross – Keith & Kristyn Getty At the Cross – Chris Tomlin “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1: 12 Reading: James 1: 2-8 Introduction Last Sunday (24th September) we considered the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ Ministry especially in relation to the miracles that are recorded in the Gospels. We considered that the Holy Spirit always pointed to Jesus as the Truth of God, confirmed Him as the Son of God and anointed Him in His ministry. We considered a five-fold purpose in these miracles, to: glorify God; demonstrate the power and presence of God’s Kingdom; confirm who Jesus is; demonstrate how Jesus fulfills the law and prophets; and to bless people and society. These miracles occurred in three areas; the realm of creation; the physical; and the spiritual. We then shared a wonderful time of prayer. During this prayer time, in follow up conversations and in questions asked, the issues of trials and suffering were prominent. How do we connect these Gospel accounts with our lives today? The Miracle of Life Life itself is a miracle; that the world exists, life is possible and the world abundant, in its provision. As a Christian, a child of God (1 John 3: 1) I believe that this is a pure gift from God in His sovereignty and providence. The reality of suffering, pain and trials is also very clear. For some, a ‘miracle’ is needed every day to survive and continue. We may face: the loss of a loved one; a serious illness; financial difficulties; betrayal; separation; breakdown in relationships; or life-threatening situations. I record these examples because I have experienced them all; I want you to know that I am writing from personal experience not simply a theoretical understanding. I have found the truth and reality of life in and through Jesus to be the answer. When we place our trust in God through Jesus we are ‘born again,’ (John 3: 6-7) and His Holy Spirit enters us and lives within us (1 Cor 3: 16); a miracle of new life and a new relationship. The Holy Spirit can then empower and enable us in our trials to persevere; He can even heal and provide grace that is sufficient for us in our trials and weaknesses (2 Cor. 12: 9). There is an eternal perspective to this matter too - God promises us the ‘Crown of Life,’ eternity beyond this time; a true miracle of life. Application Having this knowledge can encourage us in perseverance and help us to see our situations from a different perspective. Trials and suffering can be something that God uses to help and bless us (Romans 8: 28). It can be a time that enables us to truly trust God and grow in our relationship with Him AND we have the reassurance that there is a guaranteed future for us without any of this pain (Rev. 21: 3-4). Prayer, faith and the Church are essential ingredients to perseverance and to overcoming. Our faith in God and prayer and the prayers and faith of our brothers and sisters in the Church for us. The Question of Application What promise of God’s, in Scripture, can you pray, for a situation you or someone else is facing? Prayer Almighty God, at this time, grant us endurance and encouragement and the same attitude of mind that Christ Jesus had. Grant us an inward anointing of the Holy Spirit. In mercy forgive us our sins, release us from suffering and restore us to wholeness and strength. May you, the God of hope, fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in you, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen Praise Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) – Hillsong Worship September 17th – Les Kovacs
Last week, Rev. Kim stated that it was the Lord who raised up the prophets of old and anointed them to carry out His work in calling the people of Israel back into a righteous relationship with Himself as they struggled with the temptations of the pagan cultures around them. Rev Kim pointedly affirmed that these select individuals were not self-appointed prophets. In my sermon from this past Sunday, I asked a rhetorical question about who the modern-day prophets were that could speak to God’s people in today’s culture, and I indicated that we as Christians, we can all be prophets. Notice that I was careful to say that we can all be prophets, not that we are all prophets. These two assertions, that the Biblical prophets of old were not self-appointed but anointed by God, and that we (modern Christians) can be prophets, are both correct. In the Old Testament, God would send His Holy Spirit on specific individuals whom He had called to prophecy to His people. They would communicate His will, His warnings, and His promises to His people. We are familiar with these prophets through the various recorded writings in Scripture attributed to them and about them. The Old Testament also mentions numerous false prophets who were not anointed by God and did not speak for Him, such as Noadiah found in Nehemiah 6:14, or Hananiah found in Jeremiah 28, and several others. They were proven wrong by the actual anointed prophets of God. In the Gospel according to John, we read about Jesus telling His disciples that He after He left, He would ask the Father to send them another advocate. He would send the Spirit of truth, which is the Holy Spirit who would dwell with them and in them (John 14:16-17). All those who know and love the Lord Jesus have the Holy Spirit within them. The Holy Spirit is a direct connection to the Father, and He can speak to you just as He did with the prophets of old, except now He doesn’t need to “come upon” you as He did in the Old Testament, he is already within you. And being God, He will always speak the truth – always. I also said that just because someone says they have a word from the Lord, doesn’t necessarily mean that they are right, or that they are being prophetic. Sometimes our thoughts are just that, our thoughts. Just as in days gone by, if you or someone else thinks they have a word from the Lord, it must be tested. All the prophecies from the Biblical prophets listed in the Old Testament were proved correct and were scripturally sound. If you believe you have a message from God, you must test it thoroughly (1 Thessalonians 5). Pray for confirmation; ensure it aligns with scripture; seek advice from mature Christians. The Holy Spirit who lives within you will not lead you into sin; He will not contradict Scripture; He will not promote division; He will not glorify Himself; and He will not lead to confusion. If the message fails any of these tests, it is not from God, and we are not being prophetic in that instance. However, just because one message might prove to be not from God, doesn’t mean that the next one might not be either. Any message you believe is from God must be tested and if it passes, it may be prophetic, and you could share it with your Pastor or with whomever God leads you. Questions: Have you ever felt a message from God that proved to be prophetic? How did you prove it? Did you act on it? What was the result? 1. Read Deuteronomy 18:14-22. In popular culture, “prophet” and “prophecy” mean predicting the future. In the Bible prophets do much more. Name at least three other things prophets in the Old Testament do besides predict future events.
2. From Deuteronomy 18:14-22, we can build a “working definition” from what Moses says about prophets. As you read this, are there any surprises, or aspects of prophecy you didn’t know about? • God raises up prophets, as he did Moses. Prophets are not self appointed. • God puts his own words in the prophet’s mouth. Our own human words do not count as prophecy. • The prophet will tell Israel everything that the Lord God commands them to say. Therefore, the prophet must be heeded. • Those who do not heed the prophet’s message will be held to account by God. • Anyone who presumes to speak a word that God has not commanded, or has spoken in the name of other gods, will be put to death. • One test of a prophet is whether or not what the prophet says actually happens or not. • If a prophet says such and such will happen, but it does not, that is a false prophet, and we need not be alarmed about it. (Optional question: which of these apply to New Testament prophets, or Christian prophecy today? Which don’t?) 3. Why were pagans gods/idols/cults such a threat to Israel? Why couldn’t Israel just “live and let live”? 4. Read I Kings 19:9b-18. Elijah is in crisis. He is on the run for his life from Jezebel, whose prophets he has killed. He flees deep into the desert, to Mt. Horeb (Mt. Sinai). God asks him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Since God already knows, why does God ask him that? Why is it a good question for God to ask us in a crisis? What do you think of Elijah’s repeated answer? 5. In Exodus 19, God met Moses and Israel at Mt. Sinai, and spoke to them from the mountaintop out of thunder, lightning, thick cloud and smoke, the mountain trembled and a great trumpet sounded, as he gave Moses the Ten Commandments. When Elijah is at the same mountain, at I Kings 19:11-13, God was not in the mighty wind, the earthquake, or the fire. Instead came a still small voice, a gentle whisper. Why are these so different? What can we learn from this about how God reveals himself to us? 6. When God spoke to Elijah, God gave the prophet 3 new tasks, to anoint two kings and to anoint his own successor, Elisha, as prophet. But before he is swept up to heaven, Elijah only accomplishes the 3rd one. Why did God do this? Personal question: has God given you a “life task” to complete? “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1: 7 (KJV)
“For as a he thinketh in his heart, so he is.” Proverbs 23: 7a (KJV) Introduction Last Sunday we resumed our focus on our Triune God, specifically upon the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life. I detailed the following characteristics of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is God – 2 Cor. 3: 17-18, Is. 40: 13, Gen. 1: 2; He is a Person –John 16: 13-14; the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and is sent by the Son – John 14: 16-17a & 16: 14 – 15; and the Holy Spirit gives life – Job 33: 4 & John 6: 63, 3: 5-8. It was my focus upon how the Holy Spirit empowers our life as His children that seems to have connected most with you and that I will build upon today. The Holy Spirit Empowers Life Once we acknowledge our need of God in our hearts the opportunity is there for us to repent and put our trust in Him through faith in Jesus Christ and God’s grace. Repentance leads to re-birth and re-entry into God’s Kingdom. This brings about the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 38) who then enters our hearts and makes His dwelling within us (1 Cor. 3: 16); we become a new creation (2 Cor. 5: 17). I then explained how the Holy Spirit takes from God and makes His truth and thoughts known in our hearts; we can begin to think like Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 2: 12 & 16). The Holy Spirit then imparts God’s wisdom and understanding to us which helps us know His will (Col. 1: 9). God then causes us to act and will in line with His purposes (Phil. 2:13). Application How does this work in practice and reality? The more time we spend in His Word, in prayer and with our brothers and sisters the more we grow. God calls us His children (1 John 3: 1) and we begin our new life in Him as spiritual babes; we need to grow (1 Peter 2: 2). It is in these spiritual practices that we get to know God more and grow in Him – like any other relationship. The more we think about what is right, pure, noble and praiseworthy (Phil. 4: 8), the more we have a mind of peace (Roms. 8: 6), the more we have the mind of Christ. This changes us to be more like Jesus and impacts what we do in a cycle of blessing. To Ponder The Proverb listed above tells us that what we think about ourselves, so we are. This can range from positive to negative, from arrogance to humility, from love to hate. God is calling us to see our true selves as His children, our identity in Him. He has given us His Holy Spirit, and in so doing enables us to have His empowerment, love and sound mind (2 Tim. 1: 7). So, how do you think about yourself? How might you take these thoughts under control until they are obedient to Christ so that they bless you and give you peace (2 Cor. 10: 5)? God loves us deeply and desires to have peace with us and to impart His peace to us. Let’s learn to think like Jesus. Praise Sound Mind – Melissa Helser June 28th - Rev. Deacon Chris Barnes
Over the last ten weeks, we have focused on our Lord Jesus Christ. These ten weeks have also coincided with a time of discernment for our church. Our sermon topics have connected with our prayer themes, and we have reflected on several questions along the way. These reflection questions have encouraged us to examine ourselves, while also challenging us to expand our understanding of Christ’s call to His church. Now that we have reached the end of this sermon series, let us re-visit some of those reflection questions. Reflection Questions:
Please always feel encouraged to share any reflections/revelations you have with a ministry leader at St. Aidan’s. Note: The blogs will take a break during the summer months and will resume at the beginning of September. June 21st - Rev. Deacon Chris
Last Sunday we heard about the difference between “Saturday people” and “Sunday people”. The lives of Jesus’ followers on the Saturday before the Resurrection, were very different with how they lived following the Resurrection. Without the Resurrection, we may understand Christ to have done a heroic act on the cross. We may even see it as the ultimate act of love in the universe. But there is no power in that thinking or knowledge. “He Is Risen” is a one-word sentence in the original. This one brief word announced the greatest miracle ever realized on earth. It is the door to understanding Jesus Christ. It is the gateway to move from the mundane existence of a Saturday person to the abundant life of a Sunday person. The Resurrection of Jesus is the only truth that matters, and it makes all the difference to our lives. When we live like Sunday people, we live as authentic followers of Christ. This then makes all the difference to those that the Lord Jesus brings us in contact with. Sunday people live in the historical, intellectual, and emotional reality of the resurrection. Alongside the empty tomb and the witness of God’s Word, it is Sunday people who form the greatest argument for the Resurrection with the way we live. Sunday people are arguments the world can understand and desperately needs. Reflection Questions:
June 7th – Les Kovacs
Scripture Verses: Revelation 19:11-16 I’d like to delve a little deeper into Jesus’ victory in the Final Conflict. In the book of Revelation, we catch a glimpse of the final conflict between good and evil, between the forces of darkness and the victorious Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. The imagery used by St. John in the Book of Revelation 19:11-16 is awe-inspiring and powerful. He presents Jesus as the conquering King, riding on a white horse, ready to bring ultimate victory and establish His eternal reign. In these few verses, he reveals three facets of Jesus’ identity. The Warrior King: John portrays Jesus as a mighty warrior, called Faithful and True. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood and leading the armies of heaven. He is described as having eyes like a flame of fire and wearing many crowns on His head. This imagery highlights His authority, power, and sovereignty over all creation. We are reminded that Jesus is not only the gentle Savior and loving Shepherd but also the triumphant Warrior-King who will put an end to all evil and establish perfect justice. The Word of God: John reiterates that Jesus is called the "Word of God." He uses that same description for Jesus in the opening verses of his Gospel account of Jesus' life on earth. It is a title reminds us that Jesus is the living embodiment of God's truth, power, and wisdom. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus spoke with authority and performed miracles that demonstrated His divine identity. As the Word of God, Jesus is the final and ultimate revelation of God to humanity. In the final conflict, it is through His powerful word that victory is achieved. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords: John declares that Jesus has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: "King of kings and Lord of lords." This proclamation affirms that Jesus is the supreme ruler over all other powers and authorities. No ruler or dominion can stand against Him. His victory is not just for a moment or a season but is eternal and everlasting. Jesus' reign is absolute, and His authority is unmatched. When we reflect on these verses, we can take great comfort and hope in the fact that Jesus' victory in the final conflict is guaranteed. The battle has already been won by His sacrificial death on the cross and His triumphant resurrection. The forces of evil may seem strong and intimidating at times, but they are no match for the power and authority of our victorious Savior. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live in the reality of His victory in the final conflict. We do not need to fear or be anxious about the battles we face in this world, because we serve a victorious Savior. We can take hold of the truth that Jesus is the Conqueror, that His victory is rooted in His Word, and that His triumph has eternal importance. As we align our lives with Him and His Word, we can walk in confidence, knowing that the ultimate victory belongs to our Lord. We can live as people of victory, shining His light in a dark world and proclaiming the triumphant name of Jesus to all who will hear. Questions: Does Jesus’ victory over death and sin impact the way you live your life every day? How? How do you reconcile John’s description of Jesus as the Warrior King with His title as the Lamb of God? |
Preachers BlogIn 2024, each week's blog is a follow-up reflection written by the preceding Sunday’s preacher to dig deeper into the sermon topic and explore engaging discussion questions. Archives
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