Sunday, October 31, 2021

AOC Sunday Report - Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity


Happy Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity as the seemingly endless Green Season gets closer to the end.

The AOC Sunday Report can be downloaded RIGHT HERE.

There are great sermons this morning from Bishops Jerry and Roy, as well as Revs Jack and Bryan.  They are always different, they are always at least very good.  Rev Jack's can be seen on video RIGHT HERE.

Ever week, we say there are a lot of people who need your prayer, this week is no different.  Please take a little time to pray for the people on the list and for those on your own list.  Start with Shamu, Jim, Laurie, Tricia, Lori and Maddog, work out from there.

There is a super EPIC week ahead.  If you think not, rethink after opening your heart to the Holy Ghost.

Godspeed,

Hap
Church of the Faithful Centurion
Descanso, California
United States of America

Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity


Rev Jack's sermon can be seen on video RIGHT HERE!

 

Sermon - Rev Jack Arnold

Church of the Faithful Centurion - Descanso, California

Todays sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and talked, as is oft the case, of the need for action, not simply diction and are all tied together.  Todays propers really put to lie the concept of the hermit Christian.  When we talk about them, look how the Collect talks about the Household of God, what Bishop Cranmer styles as the Church, and how Paul speaks of the benefits of fellowship and joint prayer.  If that were not enough, see how Jesus reminds us of the need for forgiveness and patience, things you only need if you interface with others.

 


Consider these words from the Collect:

 

… keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name …

 

In the Collect we ask the Lord to keep His household, (that would be the Church or us) in continual godliness (that is to keep Him as our leader and follow Him and the principles of Scripture), so that with His Help we can have as smooth a path as practical and serve Him in happiness. It also says through His protection we might be free from all adversities and to do good works for Him. By being free of adversities, it means in times of adversity God might give us the guidance needed to soar through these adversities and do good for Him.

 

This is only possible if we listen to the Scriptures and apply them with the help of the Holy Ghost.  Without the help of the Holy Ghost, we cannot have His Protection and will not be able to keep on the straight and narrow uphill path towards heaven.

 

Saint Paul follows this same thought in his Epistle when he thanks the Philippians for their fellowship and talks about how their bond through Christ have strengthened his faith as a result which enabled him to continue doing good works for the Lord. He expresses his wishes for the Philippians to do the same and to keep growing in heart, soul and spirit, with their judgement and knowledge increasing as they allow the Holy Ghost in their hearts more and more.

 

Paul also wishes the Phillipians would approve of godly things and their holiness would increase as they walk more and more with God. He is basically wishing for them to continually grow in wisdom through reading of the Holy Scriptures and then applying them in their day to day actions. It ties in nicely with the collect asking for God to keep the Church in continual godliness. Our Lord accomplishes this by having our bonds strong in the church, He keeps us in that continual godliness. The more we love the Lord, the more it will show through in our actions and our judgment.  So, let us keep loving the Lord, so our actions and judgment will align His!

 

Which brings us to the point of the Gospel, in which Christ tells Peter about forgiveness and how we must be ever patient with our fellow humans, and if they are repentant, grant them that forgiveness, no matter how many times they might err and vex us.  It doesn’t matter if we want to or not, if they are truly repentant then we must forgive them, regardless of how we want to do otherwise. This is important as if we hold the evil of non-forgiveness in our hearts, it is to our own detriment.  We would not be following the words of the collect of staying in godliness if we were to not forgive. For as God forgives, so must we forgive those who are truly sorry. 

 

Holding non-forgiveness in our hearts is as bad for us as holding a grudge against an individual. It acts as like cancer to our soul, eating away out our soul turning it from bright white to a dark black. We must not allow this to occur and if somebody is truly sorry for their misdeeds, we must forgive them. Else we will not only hurt them by not forgiving them but we will also hurt ourselves. It is best for both parties involved if we can forgive them.

 

We can only forgive those sins against us, for those that are against God, only God can forgive. Remember, we can forgive them for personal trespasses against us, but through God’s power, only He can grant absolution of our sins, not us.  Nowhere in Scripture does Christ tell Peter humans have the power to forgive sins, as the Roman Catholics claim they have, but rather God must forgive sins, but we can tell others God has forgiven them. 


The parable illustrates what happens to those who are forgiven, but yet turn around and do not forgive their neighbor (in this case, a debtee) for their sins and have thus abused their forgiveness from Our Lord. If we follow this person’s path, we will find ourselves in a poor spot in eternal life; not only the eternal life, but our temporary life here on earth would be made more miserable by our abusing of the forgiveness. Let us not be like that fellow, but let us forgive our neighbor, if he is truly sorry and willing to repent and re-start the friendship, and turning a new leaf so to speak. 


If God has been so good to forgive us, why should we not inform others God can and will forgive them of any sins against Him or us for that matter? It would be truly selfish not to do so and to go against what He has commanded us to do, in spreading the Word to all nations. This is why the Gospel is called the Good News, because God has forgiven us for our sins and sent His Son to die for us, that we might have eternal life instead of eternal damnation. This is the ultimate forgiveness, accounting us as perfect, when we are anything but.  

 

Today’s propers speak of the power of Our Lord in forgiveness and how we must remember our bond with our fellow Christians in Christ, especially in times of great sorrow or trouble and use that to strengthen us in our day to day lives. We must always remember there are others in our heavenly family who are struggling along with us. With the help of the Holy Ghost and our bond with Christ, we shall not fail.


The Collect’s prayer, Epistle and Gospel tie together, laying out, detailing and reinforcing the same message, ultimately.  We have to be willing to forgive others, tell them about God’s forgiveness, and not turn around and commit the grave error of not forgiving others as God has forgiven us for our sins. We have to act more like God each day, though we are not and never will be perfect. If we try our utmost best, that is all we can do.


Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail.  The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.


The time is now, not tomorrow.  The time has come, indeed.  How will you ACT?


It is by our actions we are known.


Be of God - Live of God - Act of God

Sermon Notes - Forgiven and Unforgiving - Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity - the Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide - 31 October 2021, Anno Domini


The Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity

 

The Collect.

 

 

L

ORD we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

C

AN two walk together, except they be agreed

(Amos 3:3)

 

            This Collect well summarizes the first five verses of Psalms 46: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early

 


            First, we note the Church is not ours, but is the Household of God into which we are privileged to be called and chosen. It is not a prison, but a fortress. So what is the difference? Both a prison and a fortress are constructed of strong stone walls, high and guarded. Both enclosed a space to be occupied by a particular population. There are attempts at both to break through the walls and gates. …..the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. (Matt 11:12) It may be possible to break through the walls of a prison, but not through the walls of the Church: …..upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matt 16:18) The Church, our fortress, is designed to protect against the evils of the world; but a prison (the world) is designed to keep its occupants in bondage.

 

            Secondly, we note the Church is to be in continual Godliness. We are not to enjoy moments of weeks of revival of Spirit and then sink back into mediocrity, but we are to continually practice Godliness! Sir Edmund Bowes states the matter in lovely and reliable terms: 

 

·      What is Godliness? Conformity to the mind and will of God, - having the heart and eye turned towards God. 

·      See such expressions as, a good conscience towards God, (1 Peter 3:21)

·      faith to Godward(1 Thessalonians 1:8)

·      trust through Christ to God-ward, (2 Cor 3:4)

·      alive unto God, (Romans 6:11)

 

See how references to God is interwoven with Holy things? We read of:

 

·      Godly sorrow

·      Godly fear

·      Godly sincerity

·      Godly zeal

·      Godly men

·      Godly edifying

·      Doctrine according to Godliness

·      Godly Seed

·      Godly jealousy

·      Etc. 

 

In the New Testament, the word GODLINESS is used frequently by St Paul, and by him chiefly in 1st and 2ndTimothy, - ten times in ten chapters. Was this because they were (with the Epistles to Titus) probably the last he wrote? As if the nearer he came to the end of his course, the more he viewed things with reference to God and Godliness. 

 

I believe all Christians grow wiser in Lord with advancing age. The sanctification process is being worked out in their lives in time to be ready and desirous to be rid of the troubles of the world and go to the blessings of Christ.

 

            Thirdly, we note God is our Fortress and Protector. Though we fear Him as a child fears to disappoint a loving Father, we do not fear Him as an enemy who wills to destroy our souls. The enemy of our souls remains without the Fortress (Church, or should) and cannot gain an entrance by breaching our strong walls. Well did the good Martin Luther sum up the protecting power of God and His Church in his greatest of all hymns – A Mighty Fortress is our God. That hymn is powerful because it incorporates, in its every line, biblical truth. 

 

A mighty fortress is our God,

a bulwark never failing;

our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

 

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side,

the man of Gods own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth, his name,

from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

 

And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

 

That word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

Gods truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever.

 

            Lastly, we note the Church is to be characterized by devotion and good works. If the Church is the Salt of the Earth, it must be shaken often else it will clog together and not be able of being applied sparingly. If the Church becomes clannish, with little groups forming with personal agendas here and there, it will become like that salt shaker whose salt has hardened and become unusable. Have you served your salt today?

 

The Epistle

 

I

 thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:3)

 

The Gospel

 

T

HEN came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.  (Matt 18:21-35)

 

Peace of mind is one of the fruits of forgiveness. Even when we are sure in our minds that we have been irreparably wronged, there is a sore spot in our hearts that says, FORGIVE.

 

            The wrong done you will not result in the loss of an arm, or of one’s life. Go to that person who has wronged you. He is hurting more than you are. Frankly forgive him in the same way Christ forgives you. 

 

A tree grows and produces fruit because of the outward benefit the leaves provide through the process of photosynthesis to the inward tree, just as the inner tree gives growthe to the leaves. If we take away the leaves, the inner tree will die. Forgiveness is the leaves of the tree of our hearts.

 

Peter seems to be the spokesmen of choice for the disciples. He is fearless in being open and frank. One of the others most likely planted the question in Peter’s mind – most likely Judas – the least forgiving of all. So Peter frames the question in a manner consistent with the law of Moses. He feels that seven times is a large number, but Christ gives him an answer that is intended to indicated that, like love, there should be no bottom to our forgiveness.

 

There are three stages of forgiveness consistent with the manner in which God forgives.

 

1.     When a brother, not one of the world, offends me, I should forgive that person in the silent chambers of my heart , but not yet openly.  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Eph 4:32) The bitterness of unforgiving spirit is then taken from our own hearts.

 

2.     I do not inform him of my forgiveness for him since that would not be consistent with the manner in which God forgives. I must go to him, in love, and rebuke him for his offense. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.   (Luke 17:3)

 

3.     Immediately upon the friend’s apology, you must inform him that he is forgiven. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.  (Luke 17:4)

 

B

UT I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matt 5:22-24) 

 

There are reasons for righteous anger and indignation. It spurs us to action to remedy a wicked circumstance such as rape, murder, molesting little children, etc.

 

We now have the parable of the Kingdom involving a King, God the Father.

 

A

ND when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 

 

            In the days of this accounting, the amount of ten thousand talents was an enormous amount – more than $20,000,000.  The King in this story represents God. The debtor – you and me. Without the remission of our debts (sins) we are sold off into slavery and bondage to Satan. In fact, we sell ourselves out to that merciless master.

 

            We may deem it a simple thing for a great King to forgive even an enormous debt, and feel that we are justified in demanding the last cent owed us by a poor man; but though God is a great King, He has a great Heart and is willing to forgive. It was no simple thing for Him to forgive our sins and remit them. It cost Him the life-blood of His only Begotten Son! 

 

            A minister was discussing forgiveness with some school boys one day. One of the boys was incensed that his friend had struck him on the playground. The minister asked, ‘Jimmy, do you think, in view of the Scripture passage we just read on forgiveness, that you could find it in your heart to forgive another boy who hurt you, or struck you, on the playground?’ Jimmy responded, ‘Y-e-e-s-s, Sir, I suppose I could,’ and then added, ‘I could if he was bigger than me!’ Well God is bigger than all of us. But He desires that we love others as a measure of our love for Him.

 

 The debtor in the parable pleads for patience. Apparently, the King has long exercised patience with this man, and there is no more time for it. God’s Spirit will not always strive with man. And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh (Gen 6:3) God cannot renew an unwilling spirit to reconcile that spirit to His own Spirit of Righteousness. Those whose hearts are not full of love and forgiveness do not belong to God.

 

 

B

UT the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

 

            See how this unworthy servant has received such a mighty forgiveness, and at enormous cost (as you and me through the blood of Christ) – yet cannot forgive even a small debt (100 pence or three months average wage at the time) of a fellow servant of less means. He will sell him into bondage! This is not God-like. This is not Christ-like! This is very much like the devil that deceived Eve.

 

            You may have had a dear friend spite you in a small matter, but the resentment has built in your heart – it has grown beyond the proportions of a normal Mustard Tree and taken over your whole heart. You are weary day by day and avoid even looking into your dear friend’s eyes. He is hurt by your behavior, but who suffers more: the offender, or the victim. Seeds of wrath in the heart bare trees of hatred and misery. 

 

            We have all fallen so very short of the righteousness of God that it is completely beyond our sight, but Christ gives us the means to assume that righteousness of His own. He forgives our sins, washes us clean, and is ever ready to renew our hearts when we repent of every offense. He suffered intensely for you and me. Can we not overlook the smallest infraction by a friend?

 

            The criminal has no rest of conscience in constantly contemplating his being discovered. Many would find greater joy in confessing their faults and paying debt than in whiling away in constant fear. The sinner suffers no such dilemma. The King stands at the ready to forgive promptly and completely every sin confessed, and those unthought of sins unconfessed. We need only remove the shroud of false pride and bitterness, empty our hearts of hate, and come to Him seeking forgiveness in repentance. There is no cost to the sinner for such a benefit for the cost has already been paid by the King’s Son. If you have resentment and hate in your heart growing from unforgiven offences, open you heart to the Dipper of Love in God’s Hand and forgive all. Then you may have rest to your souls. Amen.

Saturday, October 30, 2021

The Two Sowers - a Devotion for 31 October 2021, Anno Domini


 

A

NOTHER parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn(Matthew 13:24-30)

 

            Our Lord provides a very stark contrast between two sowers – the first, the Son of Man; the second, the devil. Every good and perfect gift from Eden until today has been sown by our Lord Jesus Christ from the Father of Lights. (see James 1:17)  Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Word, the very Word from 1st Genesis to 22nd Revelations. All righteousness is by virtue that proceeds from Him as sown in the hearts of men and women. 

 

            John the Baptist, and all the prophets of old, have prepared the soil (hearts) for reception of the good seed of the Sower after a divine silence of more than four hundred years from Malachi to the coming of the Lord. The soil had laid fallow for those years of silence and darkness; but such soil will yield a greater harvest once the good seed falls from the Sower’s hand.  Unfortunately, the briar and weeds of sin need no cultivation and, therefore, the heart of man is mingled already with the bad seeds of sin ere the devil ever sows anew.

 

            The Lord sows His Seed during the hours of Light, openly and profusely. He is the Great Sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2) and we are beneficiaries of that Source: But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation(1 Thessalonians 5:4-8)

 

            The Sower of the Good Seed sows in the field of His own possession, yet, even there, the enemy seeks always to intrude and infiltrate just as before at Eden.

 

            Now, we turn to view the Sower of Tares. Not only do the tares not produce any fruit whatsoever, they also crowd out the fruitful stalks of nourishing wheat. The fruit of the devil produces no good thing but creates chaos and destruction wherever his seeds are sown. He is a liar and the father of lies. His lies began at Eden when he misquoted Scripture and finally flatly denied Scripture. He still is busy doing so.

 

            The Sower of Tares is the Enemy, or devil. He sows in fields to which he does not own title, but always another’s field. He does not concern himself with uncultivated fields since his seed already flourish there, but in the fields where he has not labored in preparing the ground.

 

            The Sower of the Good Seed sows in the open and has no purpose of concealment; however, the Enemy chooses his best hour as the hour of darkness while men sleep. The field is the Church itself. Men cannot forever go without sleep and the opportune time for sleep is during the night when good works are less commonly efficacious. The Church sleeps during the hours of darkness which come upon it with the regularity of the ages, so, it must work vigorously while the light of day remains to compensate for the evil works that prosper in darkness. 

 

            The sowing season for the Church is now. The produce of the land has failed due to the profusion of tares in our field. We have overslept the morning hours while evil has run rampant in our land. It is high timethat we stop compromising with the Enemy bearing harmful seeds and stand strong as men and women with moral backbone against his malicious work in our Church. We cannot extract the tares from among the wheat, but we at least are able to strengthen the healthy wheat stalks with an abundance of the Water of Life and the nourishing fertilizer of the Bread of Heaven. Failing to do so will render our church and our land worse than a wilderness. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. In the end, it is the work of the Lord to separate the wheat from the tares. Let us busy ourselves in nurturing the good for that day.

Trinity 22 Collect - a Devotion for 31 October 2021, Anno Domini


 

The Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity

The Collect.

 

L

ORD we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

C

AN two walk together, except they be agreed

(Amos 3:3)

 

            This Collect well summarizes the first five verses of Psalms 46: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early

 

            First, we note the Church is not ours, but is the Household of God into which we are privileged to be called and chosen. It is not a prison, but a fortress. So what is the difference? Both a prison and a fortress are constructed of strong stone walls, high and guarded. Both enclosed a space to be occupied by a particular population. There are attempts at both to break through the walls and gates. …..the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. (Matt 11:12) It may be possible to break through the walls of a prison, but not through the walls of the Church: …..upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matt 16:18) The Church, our fortress, is designed to protect against the evils of the world; but a prison (the world) is designed to keep its occupants in bondage.

 

            Secondly, we note the Church is to be in continual Godliness. We are not to enjoy moments of weeks of revival of Spirit and then sink back into mediocrity, but we are to continually practice Godliness! Sir Edmund Bowes states the matter in lovely and reliable terms: 

 

·      What is Godliness? Conformity to the mind and will of God, - having the heart and eye turned towards God. 

·      See such expressions as, a good conscience towards God, (1 Peter 3:21)

·      faith to Godward(1 Thessalonians 1:8)

·      trust through Christ to God-ward, (2 Cor 3:4)

·      alive unto God, (Romans 6:11)

 

See how references to God is interwoven with Holy things? We read of:

 

·      Godly sorrow

·      Godly fear

·      Godly sincerity

·      Godly zeal

·      Godly men

·      Godly edifying

·      Doctrine according to Godliness

·      Godly Seed

·      Godly jealousy

·      Etc. 

 

In the New Testament, the word GODLINESS is used frequently by St Paul, and by him chiefly in 1st and 2ndTimothy, - ten times in ten chapters. Was this because they were (with the Epistles to Titus) probably the last he wrote? As if the nearer he came to the end of his course, the more he viewed things with reference to God and Godliness. 

 

I believe all Christians grow wiser in Lord with advancing age. The sanctification process is being worked out in their lives in time to be ready and desirous to be rid of the troubles of the world and go to the blessings of Christ.

 

            Thirdly, we note God is our Fortress and Protector. Though we fear Him as a child fears to disappoint a loving Father, we do not fear Him as an enemy who wills to destroy our souls. The enemy of our souls remains without the Fortress (Church, or should) and cannot gain an entrance by breaching our strong walls. Well did the good Martin Luther sum up the protecting power of God and His Church in his greatest of all hymns – A Mighty Fortress is our God. That hymn is powerful because it incorporates, in its every line, biblical truth. 

 

A mighty fortress is our God,

a bulwark never failing;

our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

 

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side,

the man of Gods own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth, his name,

from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

 

And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

 

That word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

Gods truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever.

 

            Lastly, we note the Church is to be characterized by devotion and good works. If the Church is the Salt of the Earth, it must be shaken often else it will clog together and not be able of being applied sparingly. If the Church becomes clannish, with little groups forming with personal agendas here and there, it will become like that salt shaker whose salt has hardened and become unusable. Have you served your salt today?