Archive for 'Podcast'

This sermon begins by taking a look at the Levitical Holiness Code, and asks the question: What were the reasons for the distinctions between clean and unclean animals, food, and people? The answer may surprise you, and has to do with the development of Creation Order Theology (still a popular way many Christians look at the world, despite Jesus’ teaching against it, and this story in Acts). This way of looking at the world had become so ingrained in Jewish ...

Why was the message of Jesus so explosive in its day? Looking at Acts 2, Father John explores the experience of the early followers of Jesus on the Day of Pentecost – and what it means that each person had direct access to the presence and power of God through the Holy Spirit. This new way of relating to God no longer required extensive rule-keeping and direct mediation from the Temple priesthood. Listen for an encouraging message about the gifts ...

In this sermon, Father John provides an extended exegesis of the story of the Ethiopian eunuch found in Acts 8. We learn critical lessons from the activity of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early Christian community to include those traditionally excluded from the Hebrew faith. Listen, and find encouragement – you may be surprised at just how inclusive the early Christian were, and how we must follow their example!

Starting a new sermon series exploring the experience of the early Christian communities in Acts, this sermon begins with the reality check that the church is an imperfect place. We are bound to encounter conflict and even hurt feelings because wherever broken people gather – there will be brokenness. But conflict can be a good thing if it exposes issues we may wish to neglect. Conflict can lead to stronger relationships  if we react to it appropriately. Listen as Father ...

In the context of a combined service with Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, Greencastle Presbyterian Church, and Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Father John addresses the meaning of living as a community following the risen Jesus. He explores the notion that people of faith ought to be about tearing down walls between people rather than building them up. In the wake of recent attempts by Indiana lawmakers to enforce a “religions Freedom Restoration Act,” which opened the way for discrimination based ...

How do you handle life when things become really stressful? Many times, the greatest stress we encounter comes from other people, who anger, frustrate, or betray us. In this sermon, Father John looks at the example of Jesus and how he responds when people create the greatest crisis in his life: his execution at Golgotha. His response of “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do,” reminds us that we do not need to waste our time on the ...

Do we have a responsibility to share our faith? This important question is the topic of today’s sermon. In this last installment of our sermon series on the lives of Elijah and Elisha, Father John explores the story of the siege of Samaria – and the good news shared by the lepers outside of the city wall. Jesus main message was described as “Good News” – and he commissions his followers to share it with the world. But how do ...

On International Women’s Day it is appropriate that we encounter the story of the Shunamite woman. Father John explores how her generosity touches the prophet Elisha, and how this ultimately creates a cycle of blessing where she receives a child. For those of us who have know strong women of faith, the story of the Shunamite woman reminds us of the generosity, faithfulness, and bold action that such women have exemplified for good in the world.