Month: October 2023

August 20th, 2023, PENTECOST 12A

In the sermon, “Great is the Mystery of Faith,” Fr Dennis expounds on the themes of persistence, unity and faith. Using the biblical story about the Canaanite woman who persistently approached Jesus to heal her daughter, the Vicar illustrates that not only was her persistence admirable, but so was her faith. Her bold act of faith led to the woman’s daughter being healed and Jesus extending his ministry beyond the Jewish community.

Simultaneously, the Vicar uses the interaction between the Gentiles and the Jews, who were expelled from Rome, as context to showcase arguments within the Christian community. The underlying disagreement surrounding adherence to Jewish customs created a divide. To quell this dissension, Paul reminded both camps that the love of Christ Jesus binds them inseparably; no disobedience is too great to be covered by God’s mercy.


Further, Fr Dennis introduced an analogy of the Jonagold apple, explaining its reliance on cross-pollination from other trees to bear fruit. He paralleled this process to Christians’ need for external influences for growth and productivity.

The preacher reiterated the outward expression of faith through action, emphasizing that a faith devoid of action leads to an unproductive existence. He summoned Christians to trust in God’s mercy over their righteousness.

Concluding, Fr Dennis underscored that faith, when influenced externally by God’s love and others’ needs, brings forth growth, just as the Jonagold apple does through cross-pollination. His sermon emphasized the importance of unity amongst Christians and the broadening of Jesus’s ministry to all of humanity.

sermon.tech

Summary:

Rev’d Dennis discusses the importance of persistence and unity in the Christian community.

He uses the story of the Canaanite woman and Jesus, as well as Paul’s letter to the Romans, to emphasize the need for faith to extend beyond boundaries. The analogy of cross-pollination with the Jonagold apple is used to illustrate the importance of external input and stimulation for growth. The sermon emphasizes that faith should lead to action and unity, not just individual righteousness.

Discussion Points:

In this section, there will be a question arising from the sermon/address, followed by a ‘context’ quote, and a challenge in terms of applying the teaching to our lives.

What role does humility play in the story of the Canaanite woman and how does it apply to our own faith?

• The woman’s humility allowed her to access the life-giving power of Jesus and symbolizes the inclusion of all people in Jesus’ ministry.
• How can practicing humility help you grow in your spiritual journey and improve your relationships with others in your Christian community?

Why is it important for faith to be outward and lead to actions that bear fruit and bring glory to God?

• Dennis emphasizes that faith without action and unity can lead to a sterile existence, producing nothing that gives life to others.
• What are some ways you can put your faith into action and make a difference in the lives of others?

In the letter of Paul to the Romans, how does he address the divisions between Jewish Christians and Gentiles?

• Paul emphasizes that nothing can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus and that God’s mercy extends to all.
• How can you work towards bridging divisions and healing wounds within your own faith community?

How does the Jonagold apple analogy relate to the importance of unity within the Christian community?

• The Jonagold apple tree requires cross-pollination from other trees to produce fruit, just as Christians need external input and unity to experience growth.
• How can you promote unity and collaboration with others in your own church or Christian community?

What does the story of the Canaanite woman teach us about persistence and faith in Jesus?

• The Canaanite woman persisted in her request for Jesus to heal her daughter, even after he initially rebuked her.
• What is an example from your own life where persistence in faith led to a breakthrough or answered prayer?

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