{"id":1703,"date":"2017-05-15T23:28:17","date_gmt":"2017-05-15T13:28:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stgeorgeseastivanhoe.org\/wordpress\/?p=1703"},"modified":"2017-05-15T23:28:17","modified_gmt":"2017-05-15T13:28:17","slug":"the-revd-gail-bryce-sermon-for-the-fifth-sunday-in-easter-14th-may-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stgeorgeseastivanhoe.org\/wordpress\/the-revd-gail-bryce-sermon-for-the-fifth-sunday-in-easter-14th-may-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rev\u2019d Gail Bryce \u2013 sermon for the Fifth Sunday in Easter, 14th May, 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"western\" style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>ST. GEORGE\u2019S ANGLICAN CHURCH, IVANHOE EAST<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">8.00 and 10 am 14<\/span><\/span><sup><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">th<\/span><\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> May, 2017<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"right\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><u>Readings:<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"right\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\">Acts 7:55-60<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"right\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\">Psalm 31:1-5, 17+18<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"right\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\">1 Peter 2:11-25<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"TextSection\" dir=\"ltr\">\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>INTRODUCTION<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The sermon today is in the form of a first person narrative. In the first Scripture reading appointed for today from Acts,<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"> (7:55-60,) <\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">we heard that the first Christian martyr, Stephen, was persecuted and stoned to death.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> I will assume the character of Stephen, in this sermon, speaking as though I were Stephen, the man of faith in God\u2019s Son, Jesus Christ. Stephen was so <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>passionate<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> about his faith in our Lord, that he was prepared to give his <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>al<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">l, his <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>life<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">, in order to bring glory to God. St. Stephen has, no doubt, inspired countless lives to give <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>their al<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">l to our Lord, counting their <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>own<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> lives as nothing and counting it all joy to serve God in His Son our Lord Jesus Christ. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Stephen says: \u201cI, Stephen, speak these words to you to encourage you in your very <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>own walk of faith<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> in our Lord Jesus Christ.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>You<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> live in a very different time to when I was our Lord\u2019s servant on earth. We are thousands of years apart in history and culture, but we share the \u201cpearl of great price\u201d, i.e., faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, our Lord and Saviour, <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> I <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>heard<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> God\u2019s Word to my people, the Israelites, when: I worshipped in the Temple, from our \u201coral tradition,\u201d from family and faith traditions and from my teachers.<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Note: Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nzicolaus, (Acts 6:5)\u201dall bore Greek names, probably Hellenistic Jews from the Diaspora, \u201cNew Bible Commentary, P979))<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I knew the Apostles and was utterly inspired by their lives of faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Every one of them, except John, died for their faith. (\u201c<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">More Than A Carpenter\u201d, p.57, Josh McDowell)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>You<\/u><\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>read and hear<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> God\u2019s Word to you in the Holy Scriptures and you have the faith witness of <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>all <\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">the faithful Christians down through the ages, especially those whose faith did not waiver when they were faced with persecution and even death<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> I, Stephen, wonder what the world is like now for you? What oppression does <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>your<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> world need saving from? No doubt there are some aspects of your world which are in need of change. How well do your family, relatives, friends and Nation know and understand the truth that the Saviour of the world, Jesus, has already came to rescue us all from bondage of every kind and paid the price for each of our sins on the Cross?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>JESUS &#8211; THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> Let us look in depth at God\u2019s message to you today from the Gospel of John. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Jesus said to His Disciples: <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>\u201c<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><u>Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me<\/u><\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>.<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(John 14:1)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Jesus is comforting, calming down the disciple\u2019s anxiety and fears which had risen almost to fever pitch! As the first Christian martyr, I can say to you that such comforting words from our Saviour Jesus, are that which give us the courage to continue our journey &#8211; whatever trials we encounter. In the previous chapter, 13, of this Gospel, Jesus has foretold that, a) one of the Disciples will betray Him <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">b) that Peter will deny Him three times and, most disturbingly for His disciples <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">c) that He would shortly leave them <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Disciples, who had left everything to follow Jesus were dismayed, disconcerted, alarmed, insecure &#8211; fearing their future. They didn\u2019t understand what was about to happen. I guess, had any of us been there at that time, we, too, would have found it difficult to grasp the impact of what Jesus was saying. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>You<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> sit at a different vantage point to the disciples, <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>they<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> were in the midst of those world shattering events. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>You<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> see them from afar. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">You <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> what happened. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">You <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> what events occurred in Jesus\u2019 life. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">You <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> the agony our Lord suffered on the Cross to free you and us <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>all <\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8211; <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>all <\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">humanity from the guilt of our sin. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">You <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> the sublime ecstasy that death did not triumph over Jesus. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">You <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> that Jesus rose victorious from the grave. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">You <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> that this is the most profound \u201cGood News\u201d this world will ever know! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">You <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> that God\u2019s love for you expressed in the death and resurrection of our Saviour Jesus, has changed history, hopefully the history of <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>your <\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> life as you have come to know this truth and understood it in your hearts and as you live the new transformed and resurrected life of a Christian. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I, Stephen, can verify for you, that this is what happened to me. I was hungry to <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>find <\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">God, to <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know <\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">God, to know that <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>He is real.<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> God always takes the initiative in drawing us to faith in Him and in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. God draws us like a magnet to Him. He says in His Word: \u201c<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #001320;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span lang=\"en-AU\">When you search for Me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> <span style=\"color: #001320;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span lang=\"en-AU\">(Jeremiah 229:13)<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">A vital teaching from Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, which convinced and convicted me to believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, was that which was read here today at St. George\u2019s. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> The early Christians were called, \u201c<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>Followers of <\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><u>The Way<\/u><\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u201d. In John\u2019s Gospel chapter 14, we can hear Jesus\u2019 reply to frustrated Thomas\u2019 question, that they \u201cdidn\u2019t know where Jesus was going so how could they know the way?\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(John 14:5)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Jesus\u2019 reply was ground breaking, revolutionary, unprecedented, unparalleled when He said those unforgettable words: \u201c<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><u><b>I <\/b><\/u><\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"> (John 14:6) <\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What Jesus said in this statement, I, Stephen, have personally found to be true. I am now living this life with the Father, with Jesus and with all the redeemed, in eternity because God reached out to my life and drew me to follow \u201cthe Way\u201d through faith in Jesus. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><u><b>JESUS &#8211; THE WAY<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">When Jesus said: \u201cI am the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>way\u201d<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">, <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(John 14:6) <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">He was saying that belief in Him is the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>only<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> way we can connect with God in heaven. That <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>He<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">, <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>Jesus,<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> is the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>only connection<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> humanity has with God. \u201cSince Jesus is the revelation of God, there is <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>no other way to the Father but by Jesus<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">.\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(\u201cThe New International Commentary On The New Testament &#8211; John, p.637, Leon Morris) <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Because Jesus is God how can there be any other way to the Father &#8211; God? When we follow Jesus, He leads the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>way <\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">to God, therefore He is THE WAY! Faith in Jesus is faith in God &#8211; they are one.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As I, Stephen, try to imagine the world you are living in, whatever other \u201creligions\u201d there are in your world &#8211; none of them lead humanity to God because Jesus says here that <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>HE IS THE WAY!<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> This was a shattering statement then, because in saying this, Jesus was saying that He was God &#8211; which He is, but to my people, the Jews, this was blasphemy. This fact about Jesus has not changed though the centuries have come and gone. This fact remains true to you today and will be true forever. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>Jesus is the only way to God<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> &#8211; the Son of God has said this and He tells the absolute truth! Does this not elevate Jesus to the highest place possible? Jesus <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>is<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> God, nothing less &#8211; and He is the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>only way<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> to God! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>JESUS &#8211; THE TRUTH<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><b> <\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> Jesus also said; <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>\u201cI am the truth<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u201d.<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(John 14:6) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That Jesus is <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>the \u201ctruth<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u201d reminds us of the complete reliability of Jesus in all that He <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>says, does<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> and <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>is<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>Jesus is God<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">. Jesus speaks the truth. Jesus\u2019 teaching was and is the TRUTH and this pointed His hearers to God.\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Reflections on the Gospel of John, Leon Morris) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>JESUS &#8211; THE LIFE<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> Jesus said: \u201c<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>I am the Life<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">.\u201d <\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(John 14:6<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\">) <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The only life worthy of being called \u201clife\u201d is that life which Jesus brings to us all as a result of our faith in Him, <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>This is full, free, forgiven and abundant life.<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> Ultimately, as I, Stephen, have personally experienced, \u201cthere is no eternal life apart from Christ.\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Reflections on the Gospel of John, p494, Leon Morris)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>JESUS IS GOD<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Jesus enlightened the disciples further, saying unambiguously: \u201cIf you know Me, you will know my Father.\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(John 14:7) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In response to Philip\u2019s request for Jesus to show the Disciples the Father, (i.e., God). Jesus declared: \u201cI am <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>in<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> the Father and the Father is <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>in Me<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">.\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(John 14:9) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Then Jesus extrapolates further by saying: \u201c\u2026.if you do not believe this, then believe me because of the works themselves.\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(John 14:11<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\">) <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In the Gospel of John, Jesus\u2019 \u201cworks\u201d are the miracles or \u201csigns\u201d . A sign points us in a certain direction. Jesus\u2019 miracles are \u201csigns\u201d which point all humanity to the absolute fact that Jesus is God (no one else could do these \u201cworks\u201d). They are evidence that God is at \u2018work\u201d in and through Jesus because <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>He is, indeed, God!<\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What Jesus said about Himself as quoted in John chapter 14 was <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><u>\u201crevolutionary\u201d,<\/u><\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> to the Jews of Jesus\u2019 day. It was revolutionary to their religious experience and their theological understanding. No one had ever claimed to actually be the connection between God and humanity,<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(\u201cBut Don\u2019t All Religions Lead To God?\u201d, p.43, Michael Green)<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">as did Jesus when He said: \u201cI am the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>way, and the truth and the life &#8211; no one comes to the Father but by me.\u201d <\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">No one had actually claimed, nor have since, despite the plethora of religions which existed then or have since come into being, no other person has ever claimed to be the Son of God nor have they claimed to be the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>\u201cway\u201d<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> through whom a person will enter heaven. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> I, Stephen, came to a profound and life changing convicting knowledge that Jesus is the Son of God. That He was the long expected Messiah of my people. You all heard Him say, in the Gospel reading today: \u201cIf you <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know me<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">, you will <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know my Father<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> also.\u201d <\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(John 14:7<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>MY (STEPHEN\u2019S) MARTYRDOM<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Following Jesus\u2019 ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Acts 2:1f)<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> the fledgling church began to grow and to touch more and more lives with the love of God. The message that Jesus\u2019 death on the Cross was for the sins of the whole human race was received with grateful hearts by many who believed in Him, as did I, were baptized and received the Holy Spirit and became Christians, followers of \u201cthe Way\u201d. Our lives were totally turned around and demonstrated God\u2019s love through the care and provision we shared with all our brothers and sisters in Christ, many people were healed as the Holy Spirit enabled us to reach out with His healing touch to others in the Name of Jesus. The apostles chose myself, Philip, and five others, laid hands on us and prayed the Holy Spirit would enable us to help with the work of caring for the needs of our community.<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Acts 6:1-7)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">God filled me with His wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit enabling me to accomplish much for Him and for His glory. Those who debated with me on some of the points of my people\u2019s faith history and \u201cfixed\u201d the gathering by having people stir others to be objectors to what I was saying. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Acts 6:12)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In response to the high priest\u2019s searching question regarding Jesus, I explained our faith history starting with Moses. God emboldened me through the Holy Spirit, to speak the truth that the hierarchy of the Jews had been: \u201ca stiff necked people and that they had forever opposed the Holy Spirit. That they had killed the prophets who had foretold the coming of the Righteous One\u201d, (Jesus<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\">) <\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Acts 7:51f)<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"> t<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I then accused them saying: \u201cyou have become His betrayers and murderers?\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Acts 7:52<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">) It wont take much for you to imagine that this was too much for them. Their anger became red hot and they ground their teeth at me.<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Acts 7:54) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\">I can only encourage you by saying that at that moment, God encou<\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">raged me by showing me His glory and I actually saw Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father.<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Acts 7:55)<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So profound and wonderful was this sight that I gave voice to it in front of the entire Jewish Council and others who had gathered there. This was too much for them &#8211; <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>they<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> were the \u201cexperts\u201d who knew all <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>abou<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">t God, but did not <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know Him<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> or obey His laws with all their hearts.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Their rage was <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>so great<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> that they dragged me out of the city and began to stone me to death.<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"> (Acts 7:58) <\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As my life blood was draining away with each stone which penetrated my flesh, God gave me similar words to my Lord\u2019s when He was on the Cross dying for my sins, yours and those of the entire world, \u201cLord Jesus, <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>receive my spirit<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">.\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Acts 7:59, (Luke 23:46<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">)) My strength was so sapped that I fell to my knees and gave voice to: \u201cLord, <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>do not hold this sin against them<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">.\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Acts 7:58) \u201cForgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.\u201d &#8211; Jesus &#8211; Luke 23:34) <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">These were the last words from my last breath that I uttered.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">You may well ask, question, ponder why I would so willingly give up my life for my faith in Jesus Christ. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I can simply say, Jesus gave <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>His<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> life for <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>m<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">e so that I can have full and abundant life &#8211; greater love has no one than this. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The sacrifice of my spilt blood, has been the source of many a person coming to true faith in our Saviour, <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>FAREWELL<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">After my earthly life was taken away from me by those who were angered by the truth about the Son of God, my garments lay at the feet of a man named Saul. You know him as Paul, whose transformed life, once he had been encountered by the Son of God, became the greatest missionary for Jesus the world has ever known. He once wrote in one of his letters: \u201cI want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(Philippians 3:10)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I feel compelled to say to you that it should be \u201cthe burnping desire of every Christian to <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>know God better<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u201d to know the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>truth<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> about God therefore to increase in faith in Him.<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">(\u201cBe Transformed\u201d, p.30, Warren Wiersbe)<\/span><\/span><b> <\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As I bid you farewell, I thank you for hearing my story. May you be as powerfully convinced as was I about the truth that Jesus is God, for this is the \u201cpearl of great price\u201d which people all over the world are searching to find. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">May all who search find the Son of God, Jesus, Who <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><u><b>is <\/b><\/u><\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>Way,<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>Truth<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> and the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>Life<\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">. \u201c<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Lord be with you!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"right\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\">The Rev\u2019d. Gail Bryce<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"right\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\">14<\/span><sup><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\">th<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-family: 'Century Gothic', serif;\"> May, 2017<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ST. GEORGE\u2019S ANGLICAN CHURCH, IVANHOE EAST FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 8.00 and 10 am 14th May, 2017 Readings: Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-5, 17+18 1 Peter 2:11-25 In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen! INTRODUCTION The sermon today is in the form of a first person narrative. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-churchnews"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Rev\u2019d Gail Bryce \u2013 sermon for the Fifth Sunday in Easter, 14th May, 2017 - St George&#039;s East Ivanhoe Website<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stgeorgeseastivanhoe.org\/wordpress\/the-revd-gail-bryce-sermon-for-the-fifth-sunday-in-easter-14th-may-2017\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Rev\u2019d Gail Bryce \u2013 sermon for the Fifth Sunday in Easter, 14th May, 2017 - St George&#039;s East Ivanhoe Website\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"ST. GEORGE\u2019S ANGLICAN CHURCH, IVANHOE EAST FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 8.00 and 10 am 14th May, 2017 Readings: Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-5, 17+18 1 Peter 2:11-25 In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen! INTRODUCTION The sermon today is in the form of a first person narrative. 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