The Greater Works of God
What does it mean for us to do the “greater works” Jesus promised, and how can our ordinary labor be part of God’s work? In this Pentecost sermon Fr. Ben Williams explores how our everyday labor can either be self-serving or be transformed into “the works of God” through faith in Christ.
Who is Jesus?
Who is Jesus? This age-old question has been asked for nearly 2,000 years. This week, in Mission Saint James’ first episcopal visit, Archbishop Foley Beach shares God’s Word from Jesus’ high priestly prayer to answer the question: Who is Jesus to you.
At Home with God
At Mission Saint James we long to be a place for the wanderer to dwell. In other words, we want to be a spiritual home. But what is a home? It is a place of security, belonging, stability, and so much more. No matter how great a home may be, our hearts are restless until they rest in God (St. Augustine). This week, Fr. Ben Williams shares a message that no matter what, God’s children are already at home with God.
Known by Love
What is love? This question plagues each generation, but Jesus gave us the ultimate picture of love when he suffered on behalf of sinful human beings. Join us at the Last Supper with Jesus as we hear anew the mandate to love as he has loved.
Made to Be Known
Have you ever felt like a nobody? Have you ever been in a situation where no one knew who you were? In John 10:27 Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” This week, on Good Shepherd Sunday, Fr. Ben Williams focuses on this verse with the encouragement that we are all made to be known, not only by others, but especially by God.
Get In the Boat
Does our daily labor make any difference in the world? Are our careers and hobbies merely for our survival and enjoyment? This week, we join the disciples for breakfast on the shore with the risen Jesus Christ. After a night of fruitless labor, Christ leads them to a miraculous catch. As we go along our lives, plying our trade and casting our nets, we may encounter the voice of the risen Jesus Christ telling us where the fish are. As missionaries, we rely on the leading of Jesus to be fishers of men, women, and children. Let’s pull in our catch and bring the lost to sit down for breakfast with Jesus.
A Peculiar Commission
Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the Great Commission in different ways. However, John’s Gospel is unique. On this Second Sunday of Easter, Fr. Ben Williams looks at a passage from John 20 and highlights what is peculiar about the fourth Evangelist’s post-resurrection commission from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Taking Up Life
After 40 days of letting go of those sins, habits, and desires that keep us from taking up our cross and following Jesus, the day has finally arrived. It is time to take up life. At our Great Vigil of Easter, we enter into Eastertide being reminded that those who are in Christ are raised to new life.
Letting Go of Control
What is control? Why do we seek it and what happens when we lose it? When we lose control or realize we do not have control, we become anxious. On this final Sunday of Lent, Fr. Ben Williams continues our series on letting go of those things that keep us from picking up our cross and following Jesus. Join us as we approach Holy Week by letting go of control.
Letting Go of Fairness
We hate to hear it, but life isn’t fair. We learn to live with this until tragedy strikes, we lose a job, or even a loved one. How do we make sense of the unfairness in life? As we continue our series this Lent on letting go of those things that keep us from picking up our cross and following Jesus, Fr. Ben Williams shares how we benefit from the unfairness of God’s grace in the gospel.
Letting Go of Easy Answers
When Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, he was tempted by the devil to take the easy way out. This came after a 40 day fast when he was at his weakest point. This week marks the first Sunday of Lent, a season of fasting and penitence for Christians all of the world. Fr. Ben Williams offers some guidance in the practice of fasting as well as challenges us to identify the easy answers that keep us from following Jesus in our own lives.
Seen Too Much
Have you ever tried to convince someone of something you cannot prove? This was the constant predicament of the apostles and anyone who has desired to share the gospel. This Sunday marks the end of the Epiphany season by commemorating the Transfiguration of Jesus. The apostles Peter, James, and John experienced something on the mountain that day that they never got over. This week, Fr. Ben Williams encourages us to remember our own experiences with Christ as we persevere in the faith.
Sown in Grace
What does Jesus’ resurrection have to do with the unity of the church? This is the question St. Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 15. As he addresses several questions that are dividing the Corinthian church, he grounds his arguments in the gospel: the death and resurrection of Jesus. This week, Fr. Ben Williams shares an encouraging word to remind the faithful that we are all splendorous wildflowers in the God’s garden of grace.
To Build and to Plant
How can we say that the Church is unified when there is so much division? This is the question on St. Paul’s mind as he wrote 1 Corinthians. The church in Corinth had let their own personal interests get in the way of unity and he wanted them to understand that Christians are united by the one Holy Spirit. Therefore, they were to seek the good of the whole Body of Christ. This week, Fr. Ben Williams continues our series in the book of First Corinthians and explains why St. Paul regarded the spiritual gift of prophecy to be far more beneficial to the building up of Christ’s Church than any other gift.
The Gifted Church
Have you ever lacked something you needed? Have you ever cried out to God asking him to provide? What do you do when he seems to ignore your cries? This week, we continue our series in 1 Corinthians where St. Paul encourages the Church to supply what others lack. Christ has gifted his church to be his Body on earth so that “the members may have the same care for one another.” Join us as Fr. Ben Williams suggests that God has already provided what you lack through someone sitting on a pew nearby.
Our Place in the Choir
Where do you fit into the body of Christ? Are you a foot or a hand, eye or ear? The Apostle Paul says that we are all gifted by the Holy Spirit to participate in the life of the Church. This week, Matthew Wright delves into St. Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts. Just like a choir, we are capable of far more together, as a body, than we are all alone. Where is your place in the choir?