Sermon Trinity VI July 28 2019 Fr. Michael Cawthon

Sermon Trinity VI July 28 2019 Fr. Michael Cawthon

Trinity 6 2019

We are dead unto sin our Epistle tells us

and alive unto God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Collect tells us to

Love God above all things.

And Jesus warns his disciple’s in the Gospel reading

that unless their reightousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees

that they will not enter into heaven.

This applies to us today.

As we look around the world we see “religious leaders” who preach and say one thing and then they do not, they preach humbleness and are arrogant,

who say one thing and do another,

and it is usually they who are anxious to update an old and so called outdated book, and make it something it is not (anything other than a Just God.

The Book we call the Holy Bible.

My friends, let me be a clear as possible

your standard for your relationship with God must be Jesus Christ and He alone –  not any “religious leader.”

Be not impressed with fancy, entertaining, and words that excite,

because it is your heart that God wants.

Heighten emotions will not save you, for they often confuse you  – often they lead us astray,

but a heart full of Love for Him is what we must believe and show in our lives to be with Him for eternity.

Customs and Traditions are important and are used to maintain His Word, through His Church,

as the words were given originally given and interpreted;

And it is His Church, yesterday and today, that we are told simply that we are:

dead to sin through His death,

and now we are to be “anew’d” as we

“walk in a newness of life.”

My friends –

LIFE;

that is what our faith gives us,

life is what we seek

and it is through Christ that we truly live.

Our past – is dead (!) and means little

in contrast to the newness of life in Christ.

Our disappointments are small when compared to His love for us…

Past sadness, disappointments and heaviness, (we are to let them go) …

Joy and great Glory that is our future

If we will only put our trust, our faith –  in Him.

Sadness and heaviness is not where God wants you,

but standing – standing strong in Faith.

The words “Fear Not” are used 331 times in scripture – Old and New testament.

And we can say those words “Fear Not” simply because our God is greater than any sin,

and He can overcome any of

our sins…so tell me…..

what have we to fear?

I have had fun the last few weeks speaking of Bobby McFerrin (you remember, an Early Church Father – well not really,) but his song…

Don’t Worry Be Happy,

and then last week spoke of us being able to smile

even in pain and misery

because we know our future with Christ…

Today, we told to use our heart to Love God,

and if we do so,

our righteousness shall exceed others:

those who define their love of God

with words, sayings, and deeds.

Yes my friends,

feed your hearts with the Love of Christ,

and watch your love for him,

as it begin to replace the sinfulness and doubt that is within,

thus freeing space for the Spirit

to Grow and feed you,

with good things.

With His Spirit entrenched within your heart,

your past, regardless of how painful it may be,

will begin to fade away

as you begin this new journey with him.

Doubt me?

Well don’t listen to my words, but to His:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

He has come to bless each one of you as He came to bless Melchizedec; and as He (Abram) in whom all the families of the earth should be blessed, Gen. 12:3.

He came not only to purchase blessings for us, but to pour out and pronounce blessings on us!

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Yes, in a few minutes you will hear Him say

“Come unto me, all ye that travail and heavy Laden (burden.)

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

(But do not mistake and form a wrong notion of happiness;

For it is not of our own delusions,

As we run for the shadows in which to hide as the world defines happiness as:

Blessed are they that are rich, and great, and honorable in the world;

they spend their days in laughter and amusement, and years in so called pleasure…which is only temporary…

So, this is Not so, for:

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

(a peaceable disposition:

as to make a lie, is to be given and addicted to lying,

so as to make peace, is to have a strong and hearty affection toward  peace itself.)

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

For to suffer for Christ is to live with Christ … forever.

All of us are to Rejoice,

and be exceeding glad:

for great is our reward in heaven:

Ye are the light of the world.

Jesus came not to destroy the law, or the prophets:

For He says “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

From the lips of Jesus,

He teaches each of us how to control a corrupt heart

and how to heal a broken heart,

And how to build a healthy heart.

He has told us,

now we must listen.

We must believe and

We must learn.

We must walk with others who seek this same path.

To surest way to fail, is to walk the path with those

who seek things of this world.

Avoid them and leave that path,

and return to your neighbors in Christ.

Look to your left and right, in front and behind, there they are…

walk with them for they are your true friends.

This church, is so full of love and of Christ, that it awaits each of you,

strengthen your heart and then share it with others.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,

and shall teach men so,

he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:

but whosoever shall do and teach the commandments,

the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

So we are not “beat ourselves up” when we fail,

But when you break one of these least commandments

take it to Christ with a penitent heart,

with hearty repentence

and flee from that corrupt path

and return to the road of righteousness.

Christ’s Church is here to assist you, use it often.

All is OK!!!!

Fret not but…..

now come and receive the Body and Blood of He

who loves you

who died for you,

and lives for you

and who continues to make prayers for you in heaven.

Come unto Him.

The hour cometh and now is……