In Sermons:

Some Profound Heresies

Contributed by John A. Peck on Jan 27, 2010

On the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, a clear look at some distorted teachings on Atonement and Salvation are presented, one by one, and a brief look at the therapeutic nature of Atonement.

Some Profound Heresies Luke 18:10-14 Today, I’m going to teach you some profound heresies! In today’s Gospel, we have two men. This is a short, but important parable. First, the Pharisee. The Pharisee begins his prayer “O God, I thank you that I am not like other ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:10-14

Denomination: Orthodox

Heaven And Hell According To The Bible

Contributed by John A. Peck on Nov 7, 2009

Heaven and Hell in the Afterlife according to the Bible.

Heaven and Hell Sermon for Sun. Nov. 1, 2009 Gospel Reading: Luke 16:19-31 Heaven and Hell according to the Bible Today’s Gospel is the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus and each receiving a foretaste of their life to come at the Resurrection. The Rich Man is still ordering others around ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Orthodox

The Sacred Cow

Contributed by John A. Peck on Nov 3, 2009

We don’t have high regard for cows in our culture. Even the term, sacred cow, is funny to us. However, God has given cows a special place in the Holy Scriptures.

One of my favorite Far Side cartoons shows a herd of cattle standing at a fence, facing a leader. In the background is a large urban city in flames. In the caption, the leader cow is saying, “Evidently, Agent (some number) has accomplished her mission.” Cows. Even the word is funny. We don’t ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:11

Denomination: Orthodox

Redemption And Salvation In The Book Of Tobit

Contributed by John A. Peck on Nov 3, 2009

A short sermon on how the Septuagint Old Testament book of Tobit tells of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Tobit is an astonishing book. It is a part of the Septuagint Old Testament, and therefore only in Orthodox and Roman Catholic Bibles. Until 1929, it was included in Protestant Bibles (in the section called "apocrypha" or "hidden things." I don’t know why they thought it was hidden.) It ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:25-28

Denomination: Orthodox

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Contributed by John A. Peck on Nov 3, 2009

A short Christmas message

During the Christmas season, I confess how much I love to listen to Christmas carols. They calm the heart, and give hope to the soul. The churning mind is quenched, and peace, real peace, seems effortlessly within my reach. How sad it is that so many people find it a time of terrible despair and ...read more

Denomination: Orthodox

Settling Accounts

Contributed by John A. Peck on Nov 3, 2009

A message on forgiveness and settling "accounts" with people in terms of healing relationships.

Today, is the leavetaking of the Dormition, and we are hearing the parable of the king who wished to settle accounts with his servants, so we are taking an account of things. Why an accounting now? School is just starting! That’s true, but as a parent before I send a child to school, I take an ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:23-25

Denomination: Orthodox

The Ultimate Party-Boy

Contributed by John A. Peck on Nov 3, 2009

A sermon on the story of Samson.

"Father, I have a question. It’s about the Bible. Why is Samson such a highly praised figure in the Bible? I mean, he certainly wasn’t an image of virtue, and he didn’t deal well with his own passions. Why is he even in there?" "Well," I said, " what is your impression of Samson?" "Um, he’s a ...read more

Denomination: Orthodox

Why The Wilderness

Contributed by John A. Peck on Nov 3, 2009

Often the wilderness is a dangerous place, frought with danger, anxiety, vulnerability. Out there, we are usually the prey or the victim, but it is also the place where we encounter God.

Why are we meeting God in the wilderness (where else?) We are, generally speaking, city dwellers. We live in cities, towns and villages, but for the most part we stay out of the wilderness unless there is something there for us. But in the Bible, a lot of important things happen in the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Orthodox