My second visit to ‘Jesus Junction’ in Atlanta’s Buckhead District… this time to The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip… serving Atlanta and the World!
Definitely felt like worshiping in a Cathedral with grand processions, entering the sanctuary for communion, and the Cathedral itself being such a grandeur setting!
Such meaningful First Timothy reading & Gospel reading from Luke (see below) and thought-provoking preaching by The Very Reverend Samuel G. Chandler!
Here are my notes from Reverend Chandler’s Sermon: In the name of God: The Father, Son, & Holy Spirit… the gospel is clear that we can not serve two masters “but of course we all do…” The word ‘Mammon (Dictionary.com: New Testament. riches or material wealth. Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:9,11,13; a personification of riches as an evil spirit or deity.) in Deuteronomy “meant heart, soul, and all your money”… “not many of us set out to do wrong; but we get there… “money does have the power to change people… college football… in of itself is not so bad… money is just a piece of paper… an e;electronic digit… institutions. Hospitals, schools, churches use money for good…
Gospel Parable where Jesus praises dishonest manager who fudged the books to make friends (develop relationships)… deeper lesson… money/gold is not the final station (in life)… relationships/friendships should be our Gods!
Currency; the ‘current’ of a river; engaging and enjoying relationships… the Church has a right to talk about money… right relationships… holy relationships… trust, faith, and long term commitment… when Jesus talks about money he is really talking about relationships! Stewardship…
Reverend Chandler shared a story of approaching an Old Southerner to support the church… “You just want my money, right? “No we want your heart!”
“Use money but do not let money use you! Money is at our service, we do not serve money!”
“God of Holy Relationships!”
My thoughts and spiritual awakenings:
In the name of God: The Father, Son, & Holy Spirit… while I agree that there is one God for all; including a conversation with a Muslim in Israel this past winter; in reality my God includes Jesus, the Resurrection, and The Holy Spirit. Note how Reverend Chandler greeted his congregation!
Yes, it can be very confusing, especially in dynamic, excitement-filled, and first-time-through situations between the secular world and God’s Kingdom on Earth and in Heaven…
How do I use money or does money use me? How about you?
Very thought-provoking Scriptures and sermon!
How do I live a life of compassion, love, and mercy first from the inside-out!
What a spiritual experience! Splendid Love, Wisdom, and Worship!
TROML Baby (an exclamation of Joy & Gratitude)!
1 Timothy 2:1-7: “”First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, 2 for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. 3 This is good and pleasing to God our savior, 4 who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race,
Christ Jesus, himself human, 6 who gave himself as ransom for all.
This was the testimony at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed preacher and apostle (I am speaking the truth, I am not lying), teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Luke 16:1-13: “Then he also said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. 2 He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ 3 The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ 5 He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ 7 Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred kors of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ 8 And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.
“For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. 9 I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 10 The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. 11 If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? 12 If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours? 13 No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
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