ST ANDREW’S CHURCH
JULY 30 2023

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Give thanks to God and call on God’s holy name.
We will tell of God’s wonderful works!
Let the hearts of those who seek God rejoice.
We will sing God’s praises!
Give glory to God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
We will remember God’s mercy in all our words and actions.

HYMN 440 For all the love — tune 611

on-line: O for a thousand tongues to sing

OPENING PRAYER
God of the past, present and future, we marvel at the wonder of your creation. We praise you for
gardens growing, birds singing, stars twinkling, for shouts of playful joy and restful evening
sunsets. Such delights around us remind us of your goodness. God with us, day by day, surprise
us with moments we will treasure for ever, and with confidence that turns small actions into
projects that make a huge difference. You promise us a life beyond anything we can imagine, a
kingdom marked by grace, love and justice for all. Jesus’ name, by the power of the Spirit
breathing within us, praise you for your loving kindness, and the hope it brings to us day by day.
We will live to serve you, and offer you our love and loyalty now and always. Hear us now as we
confess together ….
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, We confess we are not always merciful people.
We turn away in anger rather than seek solutions.
We criticize those who differ from us in culture or conviction,
rather than seek understanding. We can hold grudges for a lifetime.
Forgive us our failures to live out the mercy we claim from you week by week. Open our
hearts with your great love. AMEN

ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Who is in a position to condemn us? Only Christ – and Christ died for us; Christ rose for us,
Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. This is good news for us. In Jesus Christ, we
are forgiven. So be at peace and make peace with one another for Christ’s sake.
PEACE
May the peace of the risen Christ envelope you today and always

HYMN 442 Speak Lord in the stillness

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Psalm 119:129-136; 
Romans 8:26-39

SERMON . Faith is about delight 
I speak to you in the name of the Trinity
On the World Frustration Index, what do you think the current level is? Of course there is no
such thing as the World Frustration Index . Somone just made that up and I hooked on to it.
Frustration seems to be part of life, and it can be overwhelming at times. What gets us through
it? HOPE: a belief in something better. A belief in a better future, that spills over into the present.
Also – Faith –Faith is being sure about what we hope for, being convinced about things we do
not see…By faith we know that the universe was created by God’s word, so that what is seen did
not come from visible things” (Hebrews 11:1, 3). The Lord created everything by his word. His
word is our sure hope that strengthens us.
Ours is a biblical faith, but it is only insofar as the bible bears witness to the word in Jesus. Psalm
119 luxuriates in the word, the decrees, the ordinances, and the law of God. It is not a psalm of
half measures. The psalmist laments other people’s sins, and of course also their own. However,
Sin is not an occasion for blame or shame or gossip, but for tears. Tears are, like a second
baptism – a cleansing – there’s a reason you feel better after a good cry. The psalmist asks for
God’s face to shine on them. The shining face of God is what calls all things from non-existence
to existence, from selfish sin to abundant and self-giving life.
“Turn to us” the psalmist asks in perhaps their boldest request. The desire is for God’s full
presence, the very light of God’s face. Psalm 119 shows us a faith that is about delight, with
blood and water pumping through to overflowing, full of tears, shining faces and redeemed
slaves.
We know who God is — the one who sets people free. This is not about long past history —
activists have shown that tens of millions of people live in slavery in our world today, bound by
an economic system that prizes low prices above all and petty tyrants who physically restrain and
economically shackle.
Paul is writing to a collective community. He repeatedly refers to the first-person plural (we and
us) and to “those (plural) who” love God. In a culture that tends to read Romans as a roadmap for
individual salvation, we must remember that Paul’s letter does not address the faith or belief of
single believers; it addresses a faithful, corporate body of Jesus-followers—God’s beloved in
Rome.
Paul emphasizes that God will end the present age marked with suffering and establish God’s
good purposes on earth. He assures the Romans that their present realities, such as hardship,
distress, persecution, famine, impoverishment, peril, and war , will cease when the full glory of
God is revealed. God is on their side. Despite how things seem, they are not alone. Paul assures

the Romans that even though the world seems unmanageable at times, God is faithfully at work
in the world making it good.
We too might feel like we have reached the breaking point, unable to see an end to the present
sufferings of the world. We might even feel helpless and at a loss for words, unsure about what
or how to pray. In this moment, Paul assures us—God is listening.
Verse 28 continues Paul’s reassurance. He tells the Romans that despite their present
circumstances, all things are included in God’s plan. He writes, “we know that all things work
together for good for those who love God, who are called according to God’s purposes.”
Paul’s reassurance should not be mistaken for a theology in which one’s positive actions result in
positive life outcomes. Nor should we hear in Paul’s words that all things that happen in life are
good in and of themselves. A promotion at work is not the result of diligent prayer. A personal
tragedy is not a gift from God. On the contrary, this verse explains to the Romans that God is
presently at work in the world transforming it for God’s purposes.
Paul did not write these words from an ivory tower; in fact, if anyone could or should have
questioned the love of God, it is Paul. It’s not that Paul never wavered. He knew the dark night of
the soul. His heart had trembled with fear, with doubt and indecision. He wasn’t immune from
terror and misgivings. I suspect he too occasionally contemplated the world frustration index.
Paul lived through an incredible lot of difficulty
“I have been put in jail more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again
and again. Five different times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten
with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked… .. I have faced dangers from
flooded rivers- from robbers–from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles.–
danger in the cities, and on stormy seas….- from men who claim to be Christians but are not. I
have lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights. Often I have been hungry and thirsty
and have gone without food. Often I have shivered with cold, without enough clothing to keep me
warm.” Yet” Paul writes, “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who
loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the
present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all
creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I challenge you to name any sickness, any suffering, any tragedy, any disaster, any demonic
force or power, or any sin that is stronger the love of God in Jesus Christ. Name one.
Paul’s audience, in the end, is not singular persons of faith, but his message is singular in
scope—God, he affirms, is at work in the world. It is a message of hope for all who are loved by,
encouraged by, supported by, equipped by, and empowered by God. Our guarantee from God is
that nothing can happen that God cannot redeem
Paul states that God takes all of our decisions, all of our choices, all of our circumstances,
everything that happens to us and around us, and works them into the mix of our lives in such a
way that it will help transform us into being like Jesus.

Jesus loved the unlovable, listened to them, cared for them, wept for them and gave them hope.
Jesus spent a lot of time in prayer – his refuge, his source of strength. Everything he said and did
was consistent with God’s will and character; he honored God and glorified God in every
moment of his life.
We do face difficulties in our lives. Challenges arise. Problems present themselves. There may be
times in our lives when we question the Lord. His wisdom for us? His love for us? It is a
question we hear, “How can a loving God…?” People wonder what is happening when things do
not go their way. “ALL things work together…” Struggles come and go. Still we know the Lord
delivers us. Time and again. Our faith grows. “…you know that the testing of your faith produces
patient endurance. And let patient endurance finish its work, so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:3, 4).
Hidden at the end of verse 28 is a helpful reminder—we are called according to God’s purpose.
The work is not God’s alone. We are called to join God in the work of making the world good.
What does this work look like? It looks like walking in the way of the Spirit (verse 4); it looks
like modeling our lives according to the image of Christ (verse 29).
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid. Then in
his joy he goes and sells all he has and buys that field.” “Where your treasure is, there your heart
will be also.”
St. Paul revealed what his heart treasured. Today we hear his soaring declaration of the hope that
sustains him: There is nothing – in all of creation – that can separate us from the love of God
through Christ Jesus our Lord!
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or
famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor
demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ
Jesus our Lord.”
But what if ??– we ask, “What does the love of God separate us from?” Would the answer be
the same? I suspect Paul would list the things in the second half of verse 35: hardship, distress,
persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and the sword. We certainly know who and what can be
against us – employers, bosses, competitors, children, spouses, in-laws, co-workers, peers,
enemies, and all types of spiritual forces. Whatever weighs you down – let it go. It seems we
still have a lot of work to do.
From the moment you are called , your life is FOR GOD. Your work – in office or garden,
kitchen or school, your relationships, your play, and your dreams – all belong to God. God is
working in you and through you to accomplish his purposes. Now, if you love God, that’s a
wonderful, exciting prospect. If, on the other hand, it sounds pretty grim or confining, maybe
you’d better rethink the answer to the question – whether or not you really love God – whether
or not you work for and with him

Belonging to God – is the source of our security. God is not going to let anything get in the way
of his purposes. He is not going to let anyone mess up his agenda. As the old song says, “He’s
got the whole world in his hands.” If we love God, and are called according to his purposes, we
have been justified, and we will be glorified
This is the great treasure of God’s kingdom. It’s the blessed assurance that God’s love envelops
and embraces us with a love that will not let us go.
If we belong to God now, we have also belonged to him since before the beginning of the world,
and will belong to him at its end. “And those whom he predestined he also called; and those
whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
Friends, this is our great treasure. Nothing in all of creation can separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord. May that knowledge increase within you. May it carry you though all
things, both good and bad. May it shape your days and your destiny in the joy and peace of this
sure and certain hope. Our delight is in the faith that we know comes from God’s face shining upon
us always AMEN

HYMN 474 The love of God comes close

OFFERING
God surprises us with treasure hidden in familiar places, and pearls of great price, found through
faithful searching. Let us offer back to God some of our treasure in gratitude for all we have
discovered through our faith in Christ.
DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost

OFFERTORY PRAYER
God of all true treasure, we offer our gifts with thankful hearts, knowing you keep providing
what makes life truly rich. Bless these gifts so that your goodness is multiplied to touch the lives
of those in need, for Christ’s sake. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
God of the seeking heart, we search for truth in a world filled with hidden agendas. Send us your
Holy Spirit to guide us to the treasures hidden in your Word, for the sake of Christ who is the
Way, the Truth and the Life for us.
Lord Jesus Christ, We offer you our thanks this day for you are the true source of peace and
healing for us in a world that feels out of joint so often. Today we pray for those who face
choices and decisions about their health: for those trying to follow good diets and exercise
enough; for those waiting for appointments or wondering if they should make another call; for

those who find caring for their health frustrating, and for all feeling pain or anxiety as they wait
for healing and peace….. God, in your mercy, Guide us in our choices and challenges.
Lord Jesus Christ: We offer you our thanks this day for you are the true source of wisdom and
generosity in a world struggling to make ends meet. Today we pray for all who face choices and
decisions about their finances: or those struggling with bills and budgets; for those torn between
covering necessities and enjoying a treat; for all who have few choices because resources are
limited, for those who have many choices and want to make them wisely.
Lord Jesus Christ: We offer you our thanks this day for you are the true source of love and
forgiveness in a world full of criticism and self-doubt. Today we pray for those facing choices
and decisions about relationships: for people we ought to call but just haven’t; or those with
whom we feel a grievance but haven’t worked it through; for those we’d like to invite into closer
relationship but haven’t yet found the courage; and for those we miss dearly and need to tell how
much we cherish them.
We pray for the millions of people around the world who are victims of human trafficking. We
pray for those who fight systemic racism. Too often our narratives about poverty blame those
who are struggling, rather than looking at the systems that reinforce inequality, racism and
economic vulnerability. Stop-gap measures like charity or temporary programs to help people
“get back on their feet” may provide some relief but don’t address the underlying structural
problems.
As a renewed Canadian Liberal cabinet begins to learn all that is placed in their realm of
responsibility, lead and guide them in their discussions and decisions so it benefits the people
across this great country. Help us to identify programs and policies that tackle economic
inequality and encourage the government to meet its poverty reduction targets.
Today we pray for the earth and its well-being. Encourage us to care for the earth in our
everyday lives so its resources last for coming generations. As wildfires continue to decimate
our forests and grasslands, we give you thanks that firefighters from other countries have
travelled far to bring help to our firefighters who have become stretched, and exhausted.
Keep them all in your hand of protection, ….. For families who have loved ones die in fire and
flood, we pray you will uphold them with your comfort and the support of those around them.
Gracious God you have heard our shared prayers voiced today Be with …………. Thanks for
…..
Yet there is much in our hearts kept in secret and so we lift them now to you in the silence of
this holy place …………
Lord Jesus Christ: We offer you thanks this day for you are the source of rest and right
relationship for God’s whole creation. inspire us to live out our good intentions in our choices
big and small so that your kingdom may come on earth. not by disaster but through discipleship.
For it is as your disciples we pray:
THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our
debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and
the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

HYMN 461 Be thou my vision

BENEDICTION
This week think of the Holy Spirit breathing with you, in every deep breath before exertion, and
in every long sigh of frustration or satisfaction. Let your breath remind you that God is with you.
And may the deep love of God never let you go, the friendship of Christ hold you steady, and the
company of the Spirit fill you with strength and courage to face each new day.
CLOSING SONG

Lead me Lord, lead me in your righteousness
Make your way plan before my face
For it is you and you God only
Who makes me dwell in safety.

Threefold Amen