Reconciled to God
Paul tells us that we “rejoice in our sufferings.” This might make sense as we read through the Book of Romans, but when we encounter suffering in this world, how is it possible to rejoice? The answer, according to St. Paul, is that we have hope. This hope is not for a trouble-free life here and now, but a hope that is grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This week, Fr. Ben Williams continues our series in the Book of Romans. Join us as we look at the implications of being reconciled to God.
The Faith of Abraham
Who was Abraham and why does Paul make such a big deal about him in Romans? This is a significant question when it comes to understanding the gospel. Paul points out that Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. When we think of righteousness, we often think about obeying certain rules and adhering to a set of laws. Abraham was counted as righteous 430 years before God issued the Law to Moses. This week, Fr. Ben Williams continues our series in the Book of Romans with a sermon on 4:13-18. We are reminded of the good news that we do not earn God’s love; instead, it is a free gift of grace.
TEXT
Justified by Faith
The life and ministry of any church should overflow from the gospel. But there is a growing lack of confidence in the faith once delivered to all the saints. Have we gotten it wrong through the years? Is the gospel really what we think it is? This summer, we will be spending time in the Book of Romans, which is St. Paul’s most extensive writing on the gospel. This week Fr. Ben Williams begins our series in 3:21-31, where we learn that we are justified by faith.
The Treasury: Generous Stewardship
Are you rich? As Christians, we are all more wealthy than we think. Even if we do not have financial means, we have been entrusted with the greatest treasure of all: the gospel of Jesus Christ. This week concludes our sermon series on our core values at Mission Saint James. Fr. Ben Williams challenges us to take inventory of our treasury as we look at Jesus’ parable of the Talents. How we steward our finances indicates who we wish to please: the master or ourselves.
The Roof: Missional Mercy
When Jesus was approached by a lawyer who wished to test him, he asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus’ reply was the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan was a neighbor to a man beaten, stripped, and left for dead because he showed him mercy. As we continue our series on our core values, Missional Mercy serves as the roof of the house we’ve been constructing. It is because God has shown such great mercy to us that we are freed to show mercy to others. This is our calling, our mission, our work, and our vision.
The Front Door: Relational Hospitality
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” These are the words Jesus will say to those who have shown hospitality to the least of these. As we continue our sermon series on the core values at Mission Saint James, Fr. Ben addresses Relational Hospitality by looking at the hospitality Abraham showed the Lord in Genesis 18. As the Jesus has shown hospitality to us, we are to show hospitality to one another and to the stranger as well.
The Inhabitants: Communal Discipleship
The culture of a home is determined by its inhabitants. This week we continue our sermon series on our core values with Communal Discipleship. It is our prayer that Mission Saint James would have a welcoming culture as we seek to conform our lives to the Lord Jesus together. Remembering that Jesus is the Way and that his path led to the cross, we too must prepare for a life of self-sacrifice for the sake of others.
The Walls: Anglican Spirituality
What is the vision for Mission Saint James? For our second weekly service, Fr. Ben Williams shares our second core value, Anglican Spirituality. Buildt upon the firm foundation of Biblical Orthodoxy, we explore the floorplan of our home, which centers around Holy Communion, includes praying the Daily Office, and leads us to a rich life of prayer.