Topic: Christian Life

Why aren’t we more aware of this idea, the fleeting nature of life? The vast majority of our lives are spent in denial of our mortality, but Scripture constantly reminds us to do the opposite. The refrain from Psalm 90, verse 12 has incredibly wide-reaching implications: “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Psalm 90 sets the tone for all of our other readings this week, and verse 12 is the lens through which to read the other three passages, as well as our entire lives. Admitting that our time on earth is short is uncomfortable, but it’s not morbid. In fact, it’s required for living a proper Christian life. Watch as the Rector discusses the principle of numbering our days.

We are running to obtain God’s promises. And the greatest of God’s promises is that He so loved us that He gave His only begotten son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal Life. We for our sin deserve eternal damnation, but Jesus Christ bore that sin on the Cross, and His righteousness is imputed to us if we only trust in Him. But at the point of trusting is where we get mixed up in our understanding.

American Christians are no doubt incredibly disheartened by the myriad moral shortcomings of their political leaders and the march of the authoritarian state against individual and religious freedoms. But we can take heart, for as the Rector reminds us, earthly leaders will always fall short, but God in Christ will never fail us or let us down.

Joshua commanded the people of Israel, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” In today’s sermon, the Rector reminds us of the urgency of this decision the Christian life today. Do we obey God, or man? Joshua’s words warn us: If we don’t choose now, then by default we will find ourselves looking back after a long series of incremental changes, realizing we renounced the LORD long ago.

Many of us today look around and no longer recognize the world we live in. We see that truth no longer matters, facts no longer matter, and the rule of law is only applied preferentially. Our civilization now runs on the fumes of the faith held by our fathers. Watch as the Bishop-retired discusses how as Christians, we must recognize faith is an action, requiring us to carry on the Faith no matter what, just as our fathers did.

The Apostle Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. Such a way of living requires us to “walk the line”, as the great Johnny Cash song goes. God requires us to meet a high standard in following Christ Jesus. But thankfully, Christ sustains us along the way.

Elder Nathan discusses the Christian struggle between the “Already” (our salvation in Christ) and the “Not Yet” (our final sanctification). What are we supposed to do when we continue to sin, even though we truly want to please God?

Our striving is in vain, if we do not keep the Lord Jesus Christ always before us. And if obedience to Christ is central to our lives, He will empower us to do great things for him.