This is a sermon given for this modern time during the festal time of the Holy Apostles.
"...For if in this life of the flesh, my efforts bear fruit." (Philippians 1:22) Yes, St. Paul actually says "IF." He writes that he is unsure of the results of his efforts. The great apostle, the great builder of the church, the great teacher, St Paul was unsure of the results of his efforts, even though he definitely saw congregations form and seek spiritual food - indeed we have that evidence in his amazing spiritual instructions in the letters he wrote to them.
It was the Holy Spirit that continues to give life to these teachings and to us. Fr. John-Brian gives important teachings about the Holy Spirit and its place in Apostolic Succession.
The Spirit is like a breath or a wind. See Genesis 2:7 and Ezekiel 37:9 in addition to the gospel ordinations and the Holy Spirit coming to the Apostles by Jesus after the resurrection and at Pentecost and Acts records the Spirit coming to them again.
"As long as breath is in me, the Spirit of God is in me." Job 27:3
In this sermon, Fr John Brian describes the Trinitarian formula for restoration, a transformative understanding of the Trinity to bring us to our created purpose and essence.
Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.
This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syriac Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday June 29, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.
Please pray for the mission chapel and all who attend services there.
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