This Week's Sabbath and Christmas Message

MERRY CHRISTMAS

This Holy Celebration is a time of joy and reflection. It is a time of remembrance and thanksgiving…

A time of thankfulness for a Child brought into this world – that would change history, and our salvation.

I would like to share with you a recent conversation I had with a young man of science:

As a scientist he was trying to disprove the elements of the Holy creation, and other things – using the “testable and reproducible” techniques of the “scientific method”.

He thought me, and others like me, to be foolish for believing in something we have only read about, and believed based on the testimony of others…

He valiantly quoted many statistics and research from highly notable scholars and intellectuals stating how “they” were the source of truth because “they” could prove their results…

Impressive I thought…

“So were you there helping with the research?” I inquired…

“No” – he replied…

“So you performed the research yourself?” I continued…

“Well, No” he responded…

“In other words – you are taking the word of someone else, and placing credibility on other people’s work that you only hear about, read about, and study for – based ONLY on the value you place on their opinion?

“…well – yes I guess…”

I commented – “it sounds to me like you use faith too, only in something other than religion”…

“Faith” he asked? Puzzled at my statement…

Our conversation transformed to my reassurance that no one is ever able to convince another of a truth – one has to seek truth in order to find it…

Faith is a belief of that truth, and a hope for assurance that your choice is correct.

I may never know if my words have, or ever will change his belief, but it did cause him to think – and gave me a great story to illustrate my Christmas point…

Nearly two-thousand years ago a baby was born. He taught a message. He died on a cross for our salvation. These are facts well documented.

What we believe from these facts are the things that matter in our accepting His sacrifice and saving graces.

The fact remains – I for one place my credibility on those who have passed down the legacy and teachings of our Savior. I trust those who wrote His words so we can learn His ways. I place my belief in the words of those who have no other interest than the salvation of my soul.

I believe in Him – the one who opened a door to our Father’s kingdom, and leads us as a Shepherd would lead His Sheep to salvation.

Believe in whatever you will, in science, in transcendental meditation, or in any of the many religions available. Whatever you pick is what your choice and path will be – no one will be able to change your mind…

My choice is Jesus Christ.

I love it when this special day is celebrated on the Sabbath.

Just like the young scientist who placed his belief in the unseen teachings, and messages he himself never confirmed – he places his trust in those who deliver the message he believes in – that’s his choice.

I have – like many – placed my trust on the credibility of someone who gave His life for me, who lived His life for me, and remains the King and Savior of this world now and forever more.

The Lord warns against seeking a “sign” in order to gain a “sure knowledge”, because He wants us to trust by our faith. Science teaches that in order to believe you “must” be able to prove and be able to duplicate your results…

I guess that theory works in the world of inventions and practical implementation, but…

“… I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent” (1st Corinthians 1:19).

The scientific method in its attempt to explain our eternal salvation doesn’t quite “add-up”. Logic has a place in solving mechanical problems and farm work… but lacks a little when it comes to your spirituality…

The choices we all make determine what will happen to us forever…

As you read Isaiah 7:14, and Luke Chapter two (the first 14 verses), look beyond the type and print – and gain the feeling of appreciation of for a little baby – born in the most humble surroundings because – He being mightier than the most powerful of royalty needed nothing more than a human body to dwell in to complete His earthly mission.

Christmas is a magical season. There is an energy of goodness that abounds throughout our communities and neighborhood squares. There is so much peace and joy, laughing and sharing – in that we all share the hope of our living Savior.

Christmas is a miraculous time to celebrate a beginning.

Christmas is a wonderful time of sharing our warmth and love to others in honor of a mighty King who was born in a stable.

Christmas is a celebration of a mission that transformed the world from hopelessness into optimism.

Christmas is a quiet reflection of giving.

This season of thoughtfulness reach out to others. Reach out and give a little something to a shelter, to an aid kitchen, or to a rescue mission. Reach out an embrace those who are living in the humble circumstances of need – and pray we may serve the King of the Highest, our King and Savior Jesus Christ, to love one another, and keep His commandments…

Let us pray:
In humility our Father in Heaven; we bow our heads in reverence to Thee: open our eyes to behold Thy gracious hand in all Thy works; that rejoicing in Thy whole creation, we may learn to serve Thee in gladness; for the sake of He whom all are saved unto Thee: in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: so mightily spread abroad with Thy Grace through the Holy Spirit: may all people be gathered in their homes under the banner of the Prince of Peace as Thy children of one Father to whom all dominion and glory now and forever will be; take away our arrogance and redeem us in the name of He who we honor in celebration this Holy day. Look on us with compassion as we in harmony this day bring joy to our brethren that we may all in Christ join as one to praise thy Holy name. Father we beseech Thee to comfort those serving in our Armed Forces, their families and loved ones; bless them with their needs, with safety, watch over them with Thy ever present strength. This day may we open our hearts with generous compassion toward our neighbor, and follow the teachings and commandments of He in whose name we pray; even Jesus Christ, Amen.

God Bless…

Reverend Jack

Planning Now for Christmas Eve - And - Christmas Day Services... and Thank you for your kind thoughts...

We are asking for all who wish a Christmas Eve Service to make your requests early so we can plan ahead to fulfill as many requests as possible.

To reiterate: we provide services to All Who Request – NOT just only to those of the Anglican Faith…

If you have had previous services – you still need to contact me. I do not automatically assume you will be receiving services based on previous engagements – we need to keep in contact due to schedule changes and other commitments.

Christmas Eve is on Saturday: I will be available in the morning and later in the evening…

Christmas Day: time is already spoken for in the earlier part of the morning by my family… I am free from 9 to 12, and then 3pm to 8pm

Thank you all for the kind thoughts of support – it has been quite a struggle the past few weeks. Along with my wife’s illness – we had to care for our dog Buddy that became ill, and then passed away… it is never easy to lose our dear little companions – thank you for your kindness.

God Bless…
Reverend Jack

This Week's Sabbath Schedule - Weekly Verse - Ask Reverend Jack - And Thank You Again For Your Support And Prayers

Things are settling down a little, and I intend to get back to a normal routine soon. Thank you again for your support and prayers.

Meanwhile – this week’s schedule will be our normal routine – and available for appointments Friday and Saturday evening, and Communion on the Sabbath.

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel”.

To answer the question in conjunction with our weekly verse: why doesn’t Isaiah just calls Jesus by name in this prophesy?

Simple – to make his point – he did. The title Immanuel means through interpretation “with us is God”. How much more poignant can you be than by stating one of the members of the Holy Trinity – God our Savior Jesus Christ – is coming Himself to this world – by saying his name will be “God is with us”…

Help us keep Christ in Christmas by celebrating such a Holy Day in the appropriate manner…

God Bless…
Reverend Jack

Thank You For Your Prayers - Weekly Verse - Sabbath Schedule...

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17).

I have been asking our Father in Heaven for help in treating my wife. I have faith He will deliver if – we do our part…

Not only in obeying the commandments, and all He asks, but in doing all our part in seeking the right help in the temporal world as well.

I would like to thank all the doctors and hospital staff for what they have done for my wife this past week.

We are continuing to seek divine help in ongoing treatment so she can return to full health.

I know we have been blessed with excellent help from those who have been treating her.

We will be available after 8pm on the Sabbath…

If you try my cell phone and can’t get through – leave a message – I will get back to you…

Thank you all for your prayers!

God Bless…
Reverend Jack

This Week's Sabbath Schedule - Prayer Request - Weekly Scripture Verse, and Ask Reverend Jack

“How does the Lord protect us from temptation when we are allowed the choice of ‘free-will’?”

If it is your choice to ask for deliverance from temptation – the Lord will bless you with that deliverance.

Once again let’s turn to the book of 2nd Peter, and once again in chapter two… (Verse 9)…
“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the Day of Judgment to be punished”
The secret lies in – do you want to be delivered from evil – is this your choice?
If the answer is yes, then you have already exercised you “free-will” to follow Christ and choose the correct path in following Him.
There is no shame in needing divine help in resisting the ways of the world – or as it says “being vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked”…

(Verse 11) “Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord”.
Take heart, that you wanting to make the choice to ask for help is the right thing. It does not interfere with your choice, it protects and enhances it. If you in your heart have made the choice – God will honor your desire and grant your wish, and protect you from the evil of the world.

This week I would like to invite for our prayer request – a special person in my life.

My wife Lori has been diagnosed with cancer, and we would like as many to join with us in prayer – so her upcoming surgery goes well, and that her follow-up treatment will prevent this insidious disease from gaining any advantage over her.


Thank You

God Bless…
Reverend Jack

This Week's Schedule - Early (again)... and another "Ask Reverend Jack"

This week’s answer to our question of choice we’ll address from the book of 2nd Peter… (Chapter two):

(1) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction
(2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
(3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you; whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
It goes on to say those who lead the children of God to Christ will be blessed…

The question regarding “how can you tell who is a false teacher and who is truly going to represent Christ?”

The false teacher is not going to outwardly deny God and our Savior Jesus Christ – or maybe at times they will…

The key is – they are going to be stealthy and sly, and often very clever with words, expert at debate, and will cleverly lead using correct doctrine in wrong ways to lead away from the path of righteousness…
In other words they will not bring forth good fruits (Matt 7:16), while even professing to do so…

In verse three quoted above – “with feigned words make merchandise of you” – will use the power of position to manipulate in order to control and gain advantage.

If you want to detect the “false teachers” you are going to need some help. Talking will help – get on your knees and ask the one who knows all, and He’ll guide you.

True ministers of Christ will never lead you away from truth. Always use the “map” to refer what you need to see when traveling through the areas false teachers are lurking. The Bible will give you insight to what you need to be looking for – and calling upon the one who drew the map will add in seeing the truth – helping you navigate past the obstacles of false doctrine – even when it’s disguised as true principle.

There’s a reason we call them “wolves in sheep’s clothing… you just need to find the right “sheep-dog”…

“He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1st John 2:4).

God Bless…


Reverend Jack

This Week's Sabbath Schedule (The Late Shift)... And another "Ask Reverend Jack"

How and why do I get along with my Mormon neighbors so well? I really don’t want to focus on me, but this is a fair enough question as it can refer to Anglicans in general…

First – I do not think of them as an opponent. Refer back to my sermon on the many paths we as all Christians take – being cooperative and helping each other…

Second – we have all agreed to the foundational principles of Christ, following slightly different practices; agreeing that we all have our own way of doing things.

Third – in spite of our differences, those who follow Christ’s teachings will strive to uplift each other, bear each other’s burdens, and not debate any differences. Most who know me know – I’m a huge advocate of all Christian faith’s uniting to one purpose, while traveling our different paths.

In regards to my “You-Tube” channel, and one of the songs I have “favorited”…

The question about the little “Mormon” hymn “Love At Home”… it isn’t really a Mormon hymn at all. Written by John Hugh Mcnaughton in Caledonia New York, 1860, also known as the “Civil War Poet” – he authored only one other hymn, but focused more on his poetry.

This song loved by so many, was adopted into the Mormon hymnal – while also used by many other faiths as well.
If you look at the many hymnals from all denominations of faiths, you’ll find more than two-thirds within each of the contents are universally shared by most Christian religions.

Amazing Grace, for example, is one that (I believe) all faiths use – and is also a favorite to many “non-believers” as well…

Just because most Christian faiths share many of the same principles, practices, geographical region, or even music: doesn’t mean we are the same religion, we are very different – it simply means we just get along as Christ intended.




This week I’ll be available for Sabbath Communion on our late schedule, and Most of Saturday evening for our preparations.

God Bless…


Reverend Jack

Veterans Day Message Will Be Posted on Thursday the Tenth (10th)

Just a reminder we will be posting our Veterans Day Message in conjunction with our Sabbath Day Message early.
We will post it on Thursday evening in order to make it ready for our observance of honoring our Veterans.

God Bless…

Reverend Jack

Under edit 12

The focus on Christ, and asking for His continued help, listening to the Holy Spirit… all with the continued prayer for strength in overcoming temptation will be a good start, and you’re right – it’s not easy.
We all struggle with and must ask for help in overcoming the daily grind, and relentless temptations.
This is the key – how bad you want it. How strong is your desire to find, follow, and obey the Lord?
We often answer our own question within the questions themselves; but I’m always here to help… and we can all learn together.

God Bless…
Reverend Jack

This Week's Verse, and Weekend Schedule... Choices and Equality

For this week’s verse, we’ll look to Second Corinthians chapter eight, verses 12 through 14:
“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
For I mean not that other men be eased, and you burdened:
But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality…”
In other words: if you are of a willing mind to serve God, and your fellow participants too agree “with a willing mind” to join cooperatively – that you all look after one another so the needs o all are met.
Equality does not come in the form of one totally supplying the needs of those who don’t produce or participate – it says here that each will contribute according to the abundance – that equality comes by the choice to join with others of a like mind, that through cooperation all the needs of those participating will be met.

This weekend is looking pretty booked up, but as always, I will be available for any surprises that pop up…

This week’s Sabbath Message on the main forum will be about equality and choices… again…




Coming up for the following week-end honoring Veterans Day: our Sabbath Message will be posted earlier on Friday 11-11-11…

Once again I have compiled a message I hope will inspire us all to honor our heroes who selflessly sacrificed their time, talents, and even their lives to protect our liberty…

Please Join me in honoring them on 11-11-11…

Let us keep in our prayers this week a request to comfort parents who lost a son in combat. Join me in solemn thanksgiving to those who gave all to keep us free.

God Bless…

Reverend Jack

This Week's Verse

This week’s verse will come from the book of John – chapter 12, verse 26… “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my father honour”.

I’ve had a busy morning, but will be available this evening, and all day Sunday.

… Remember to read the Bible… it’s user friendly, and we provide “tech-support” every Sunday…

God Bless…

Reverend Jack

This Week's Verse - and Weekend and Sabbath Schedule...

I would like to thank all who kept me in their prayers while I was ill this past week. What was originally thought to be something bad was diagnosed as something that can be treated with medication. Thank you.
This week’s verse will come from 2nd Corinthians 1:6…
“And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation”.

Thank you again, we’ll be available Saturday evening, and by appointment for Sunday services in the morning, I’m prescheduled for speaking in the later afternoon and evening.
God Bless…
Reverend Jack

Debate is Contention - NOT The Love of Jesus

I want to remind how important it is to refrain from debate – especially toward differences in doctrine… we all have our opinion – it’s Ok.

We may travel differing paths following one Shepherd, and it’s up to the various “sheepdogs” to keep the followers of Christ on that path…

It doesn’t mean we have to argue about the steps we take on that path…

What better way to show Christ we love Him than by uniting as Christians…

God Bless…

Reverend Jack

This Week's Bible Verse...

This week’s verse from St. John 16:13

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come”

 

God bless…

Reverend Jack

 

Celtic Christianity - A Light To The World

“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46).

I encourage all to share their light – and it will be poured out upon you in abundance…

 

God Bless…

Reverend Jack

Under Edit 5



Under Edit 4