Sermon of the Week

1st Lesson: Genesis 3:1-5 2nd Lesson: Revelation 12:3-9, 13-17; 20:1-3 3rd Lesson: Arcana Coelestia 6952.4 Sermon: “The Serpent of Old”

One of the central teachings of the New Church is that the Word has a deeper, spiritual meaning. This meaning runs through every story, every phrase, and even every word. This Sunday we'll talk about this deeper spiritual sense, and why it was revealed only hundreds of years after the Word was written, and the role it plays in the establishment of the New Church.  

This week we continue with the them of the essentials of the New Church, in other words, the core ideas that define what the New Church actually is. Last week we looked at a unique view of God. This week our focus is on life. In the New Church one of the central teachings is that we must follow the Lord's teachings, and it is only through this that we can receive salvation and eternal life. In the book of Revelation we see images of what it means to truly live what we believe and fight mightily to put it into practice.  

Our sermon series for New Church Day is going to be three parts. What's new about the New Church? We're going to look at what's new about an idea of the Lord, what's new about how you live your life, what's new about an understanding of the Lord's Word. The first one about the Lord, which we're going to do this Sunday, is going to be all about the oneness of God. How, when we look at the Lord Jesus Christ, we're seeing the fullness of God. We're seeing the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, all of it together in this one person who we can go to, relate to, have a relationship with, learn from, and worship.  

The relevant lessons were Matthew 13:24-30 on the parable of the wheat and tares, and AC #3993:8-9 on "mediate goods."

When are you going to choose heaven? If you keep putting it off, when are you going to get there?

"Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land." (Exodus 23:30) References: Lessons: John 1:parts; Exodus 23:20-30; Revelation 21 & 22 parts

Sermon of the Week - New Church Audio We are living in an unsettling time. Emotions are high, opinions stronger than ever, and charity wanes. We can think we are right and others are blind. But all of us are blind to some degree, from ignorance and from evil. But the key to seeing is the same - to allow the Lord to heal us with His strong truth and call to repentance, to open our eyes, even to the point that we not only see the truth about life, but our sight is opened to the Lord himself.    Lessons: John 2, 9:1-41; Apocalypse Explained (AE) 475:17 Text: John 9:25

Bryn Athyn Cathedral Luke 24:10-35, AE 617:21, AC 3863:14 Text: Luke 14:25,26

References: Lessons: Isaiah 49:26, Luke 24:13-35, Arcana Coelestia (AC) 3863

Bryn Athyn Cathedral Description: When the Lord's disciples argued over who might sit on the Lord's right hand and left hand in heaven, the Lord called them to think differently about greatness: they should seek to be least, rather than greatest, and to serve, rather than being served (Mark 10). How do we live by those teachings? References: Lessons: Isaiah 53:1-12, Mark 10:32-45, Arcana Coelestia (AC) 1812

Should we pay for something we accidentally break? Do we need to say sorry if we did something by accident? How responsible are we for the things we don't know? Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish virgins will help guide us in answering these questions.

Bryn Athyn Cathedral Text: Psalm 65, Mark 4, CL 137 Genesis 8:22    

Bryn Athyn Cathedral Description: Setting goals, striving to be the best, holding ourselves to the highest of standards; these are all necessary goals, the "fuel" that keeps us going, and yet perfection can't ever be achieved, not in this world or the next. How do we learn to be at peace with this seeming paradox? References: Lessons: Luke 5:27-32, Matthew 19:16-22, HH 158, AC 3200

1st Lesson: Genesis 11:1-9 2nd Lesson: Zephaniah 3:9-13 3rd Lesson: Divine Providence 259:3 Talk: “The Essentials of the Church” (Text: Zeph. 3:9)

When fear departs, hope comes. 1st Lesson: Luke 1:26-38   Talk: “Message to Mary”   2nd Lesson: Arcaana Caelestia 2338   3rd Lesson: Matthew 1:18-24   4th Lesson: Luke 2:8-14   Sermon: “Hope Replaces Fear”  

Rev. Calvin Heinrichs A survey was conducted on how well people knew the 10 Commandments. The findings were a little depressing. Most people were unable to name half of them. However, there was an interesting similarity in almost every response. The one commandment that was almost universally forgotten was the Commandment to Remember the Sabbath. On Sunday, we will explore this Commandment and what it means to keep the Sabbath.

Courage and Surrender by Rev. Jared J Buss     Type of Event: Worship Service: Sermon only Date Recorded: 17 Nov, 2019 Location: Toronto, ON    References: Ezekiel 47:1-12 Mark 10:17-31

Bryn Athyn Cathedral   Preach to Nineveh by Rev. Chris Barber Worship Service: Family (may include music) - 5 Jul, 2020 Jonah was called by the Lord to preach to foreign non-believers at Ninevah. There was a problem though - Jonah didn't want to preach to anyone who was not already of the faith. This week we will look at our inclination to assist only people we like, and how we can find it in our hearts to be servants of all. References: Lessons: Jonah 4, Matthew 5:43-48, Arcana Coelestia (AC) 3993.9

I Can't Complain...Can I? by Rev. Dr. Thane P. Glenn Most of us spend more time complaining than perhaps we should, especially when hardships start to stack up. Should we complain less? Should we feel bad about complaining? Does complaining have any role in our spiritual lives? What might the stories in Genesis of Jacob's and Joseph's trials teach us? References: Lessons: Genesis (Gen) 47:5-9, 50:15-21; Matthew (Matt) 27:45-46; John 19:28-30; Arcana Coelestia (AC) 6097

Bryn Athyn Cathedral  Each new year that comes around completes a cycle of time. The passing of time can highlight a feeling that life is repetitious and that we haven't gained any spiritual ground since the last cycle of time that came and went. However, the Lord is preparing us, slowly filling the empty places in our spirits until they are full. A completed cycle is symbolic of what our Teachings call a “fullness of state” – that moment in which we have been aptly prepared for our continued spiritual journeys, and that moment when, in humility, we are ready to let the Lord in. References: Lessons: Exodus 12:1-11, Matthew 5:17-48 (selections), Arcana Coelestia (AC) 7839

Audio only from a YouTube broadcast made by Pastor Glenn Mac Frazier from The Washington New Church, Mitchellville on Sunday May 17, 2020.   Divine Providence

Bryn Athyn Cathedral  “The Little Things” In Micah's prophesy, Bethlehem is identified as the birthplace of the Messiah. The emphasis placed on this town is its smallness, its seeming insignificance, and yet out of Bethlehem will “come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel” (5:2). This description of the Lord's birthplace contains deep spiritual significance and foretells a spiritual virtue we all need which, in the eyes of the world, seems insignificant and unremarkable but which, in reality, is “the little thing” that counts the most.

Christmas season where we celebrate the birth of the Lord is rapidly approaching and it is useful to us to think about all the things we need to do in order to prepare for His Advent. One key item on each of our checklists should be to REPENT! We will discuss the important role John the Baptist played in preparing people for the Lord's coming.

Boynton Beach, FL (Audio from YouTube video: https://youtu.be/wxgqmhpPGx8)    How the Ten Commandments free us. The Lord's commandments can feel pretty heavy at times. So what makes the Lord's yoke “easy” and His burden “light”?

Bryn Athyn Cathedral Text: Psalm 63: 4 1st Lesson: Exodus 17: 2nd Lesson: Psalm 62: 5-12, 63: 1-8 3rd Lesson: AC 1937

Bryn Athyn Cathedral The Lord's birth marks the beginning of a process often called "glorification." Essentially, it unveils the genuine identity of the Lord – Human. This revelation echoes through prophetic voices, as seen in Isaiah 9: "For to us, a child is born... And he will be called... Mighty God...." The process of understanding God's true nature unfolds through foreshadowing prophecy, followed by the profound experience of witnessing His infancy. Come and see!  

 Worship / Prayer / Meditation    , Charity / Life of Use / Service    , Faith    , Forgiveness / Repentance 

Readings: 2 Samuel 11:1-17, 26, 27, 2 Samuel 12:1-23, HH 526:4, Spiritual Experiences (SD) 2621. By Rev. Louis B. King Recorded on September 12, 1976 at Bryn Athyn Cathedral. See www.newchurchaudio.org for more recordings.    

Readings: Deuteronomy 30, John 14, Arcana Coelestia (Secrets of Heaven) 1382. By Rev. Thomas L. Kline. Recorded on July 12, 1987 at Bryn Athyn Cathedral. For more recordings, visit www.newchurchaudio.org.

Readings: Luke 10:30-37; AE 444:14; HD 87, TCR 410 By Rev. Elmo K. Acton. Recorded at Bryn Athyn Cathedral on May 28, 2017. See www.newchurchaudio.org for more recordings.

Readings: Psalm 34, Matthew 6:25-34, True Christian Religion (TCR) 68 By Rev. Christopher Barber. Recorded on February 26, 2023 at Bryn Athyn Cathedral. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears.” (Psalm 34:17) “When people live according to the Ten Commandments, they acquire for themselves righteousness-not the righteousness of the Lord's redemption, but the Lord Himself as righteousness.” (True Christian Religion 96) 

By Rev. Ryan Sandstrom. March 17, 2024. Ivyland New Church, Pennsylania; www.newchurchaudio.org

Readings: Jeremiah 29:4-14, Matthew 21:18-22, Arcana Coelestia. By Barry Halterman. Recorded at Bryn Athyn Cathedral on February 22, 2004. Visit www.newchurchaudio.org for more recordings.  

Readings: Judges 11:29-40, 1 Kings 12:26-33, AE 391:29. Micah 4:2 Sermon by Rev. Kenneth Alden. Recorded on May 17, 2015 at the New Church at Boynton Beach, Florida. Visit www.newchurchaudio.org for more recordings. To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings: Genesis 16, John 8, Divine Providence 145 Sermon by Rev. Douglas Taylor. Recorded in Bryn Athyn, PA (Pendleton Hall) on October 16, 1988. For more recordings visit www.newchurchaudio.org. To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings:  John 17, Divine Providence 220. Sermon by Rev. E.C. Acton. Recorded at Bryn Athyn Cathedral on August 27, 1961. For more recordings visit www.newchurchaudio.org. To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings: Genesis 20, Mark 9:36-50, Arcana Coelestia 3436 Sermon by Rev. Kurt Hyland Asplundh. Recorded at Bryn Athyn Cathedral on August 29, 2004. For more recordings visit www.newchurchaudio.org. To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings: Mark 8, 9, 10:portions, AC 1812 Sermon by Rev. Chris Bown. Recorded on February 15, 1998 at Bryn Athyn Cathedral. For more recordings visit www.newchurchaudio.org. To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings: Numbers 13, Isaiah 41:portions, Apocalypse Revealed 424. Sermon by Rev. Arne Bau-Madsen Recorded at Bryn Athyn Cathedral on May 11, 2003. For more recordings visit www.newchurchaudio.org To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings Matthew 6:25-34, 7:1-5; True Christian Religion 6; Arcana Coelestia 6384 Sermon by Rev. Erik Buss. Recorded at Bryn Athyn Cathedral on August 9, 2020 at Bryn Athyn Cathedral. Visit www.newchurchaudio.org for more recordings.   To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings: Exodus 23:20-33, John 15:9-17, Arcana Coelestia 1947:3 Sermon by Rev. Prescott Rogers Recorded in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania (Pendleton Hall) on May 10, 1987. For more recordings please visit www.newchurchaudio.org To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings: Genesis 9:8-16, John 8:1-11, Arcana Coelestia (AC) 868 Sermon by Rt. Rev. Peter M. Buss, Sr. Recorded at Bryn Athyn Cathedral on October 18, 1992, www.newchurchaudio.org To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings: Psalm 8, 55; Matthew 6:26; Revelation 12:14 Sermon by Rev. Derek Elphick. Recorded on July 9, 2023 at Bryn Athyn Cathedral. See www.newchurchaudio.org for more recordings. To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings: Genesis 11:1-9; Revelation 21 (parts); Apocalypse Explained 701. Sermon by Rev. Walter Orthwein. Recorded on July 2, 2006 at Bryn Athyn Cathedral. For more recordings visit www.newchurchaudio.org. To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings: John 4: 1-26, John 4: 27-42, Doctrine of the Sacred Scripture 20, 21, 22. Sermon by Rt. Rev. Willard D. Pendleton. Recorded at Bryn Athyn Cathedral on September 9, 1973. For more recordings, visit www.newchurchaudio.org. To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

What is the most unique thing about the New Church? Maybe the teachings on marriage? Maybe the view of the afterlife? These are certainly distinct teachings, but other religions believe in an afterlife, even if the details are different. Other religions have wisdom to share about marriage, even if the specifics are diverse. No, the most distinct difference in the New Church is that we teach that the Second Coming not only will happen, but has already happened. Sermon by Rev. Calvin Heinrichs. Recorded at the Westville New Church on February 11, 2024. For more recordings visit www.newchurchaudio.org. To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration 

Readings: Matthew 24, Last Judgement 73,74 Sermon by Rev. Geoffrey Howard, recorded in Bryn Athyn, PA at Pendleton Hall on June 4, 1989. See www.newchurchaudio.org for more recordings. To receive our Daily Inspiration email each day in your inbox: https://newchurch.org/ncadailyinspiration