Sermons by Fr Donald Perschall
Being Blessed: Happiness is not the Christian’s goal, but the blessing of God
The secret to being blessed is to let go of what we think we want and to accept where God has planted us and to trust Him fully that he has a plan for our life. Then we choose to do our part to fulfill it under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Certain qualities of life such as comfort, peace, integrity, and real fulfillment are assured to those who are willing to listen to God and follow…
Turning point: Leaving all to follow Jesus to fish for people
To leave family and job to follow Jesus seems counter-intuitive behavior. The Great Commission, Jesus’ last command, calls every follower of Jesus to go teach and make disciples by our life-style and words. 70% of Americans are not involved with church. But our task is not to fill up church pews, but to fill up heaven with souls who have accepted the Good News.
The Baptism of Jesus by John: Even though he was without sin, he identified with our humanity
And like that baptism marked the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, so baptism marks our new beginning. Baptism is not the finish line, but baptism, after receiving the Holy Spirit’s power, marks the launching of our ministry to do God’s work by His Spirit.
Jesus is the Light that has come to chase away the darkness around us and in us
The Wise Men followed a star to the place where the Christ Child was. Jesus came to give light so that we do not have to stumble in the darkness without hope. He gives us light and hope.
The Epiphany House Blessing: Inviting Jesus into your home for 2023
Father Don explains the symbols to write a chalk blessing. This is a specific blessing for the home that is traditionally done each year on Epiphany (also known as 3 Kings Day or Twelfth Night) that is done on the front door of the house and uses symbols drawn with blessed chalk. This is called the chalking the door, and is practiced by many Christians including Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and more!
A Covenant Is More Than a Resolution: John Wesley’s Renewal Covenant
Our New Year’s resolutions are usually gone by February. We are helpless; that is why God sent us a Savior so that we can have the life He intended. To remind us of our Covenant with God, John Wesley led his church in a New Year Covenant.
The Angels Sang for a Baby Born to Bring Peace to our Broken World
The baby in the manger gives us peace that we might bring peace to the brokenness in the world. As we listen to Christmas songs beyond December 25, let them encourage us to live out God’s peace and joy which we receive from Christ.
The Sweet Baby’s Hands Became Scarred: the real story of Christmas
What happened to your hands, Jesus? God gave the Law; He shook mountains and sent prophets; but to bring us back to Himself he had to send his Son to die in order to save us.
Joseph wasn’t just a quiet figure: he was a holy man of the Word who was open to God speaking to him
Joseph was a man of the Word of God and also open to God speaking directly to him and then obeying, led by the Word and the Spirit, faithful in all manner. As modern Christians we often tune God out. Are we willing for God to speak to us through his Word and Spirit–and obey?
Does God Care About Evil in the World and in Our Lives? We wonder just like John the Baptist
Hearing what Jesus was doing, John, in prison and in chains, was wondering if Jesus was really the promised Messiah. God manifested himself as Jesus so we would know that he is with us. He tells us not to fear or be dismayed for “I am with you and will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah tells us of a coming world ushered in by the Prince of Peace. But how do we live today?
How do we manage in a less-than-ideal world? Our battle is with sin. Jesus Christ overcame sin at the cross. Until His return we need to daily confess our sin and repent as our part in living the Kingdom until Christ returns.
Jesus says “Get ready, do not ignore the signs; I am coming again!”
The Bible teaches that our life here on Earth is all about preparing for the coming back of Jesus and being with him. We want to hear Jesus say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to go today. We need to be ready!
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