Sermons at All Saints Anglican Church

What does it take for civilized people to forget compassion, humility, and conscience? This sermon confronts the uncomfortable truth that even those who consider themselves “good” are far closer to spiritual collapse than they imagine. Set in the joy of Easter yet grounded in the reality of human weakness, it explores why repentance is not only for notorious sinners, but for every soul that falls short of divine love. Through Scripture, personal reflection, and a striking real-life story of people unraveling under pressure, the message points to the only true hope for humanity: the mercy of God revealed in the crucified and risen Jesus Christ.

In this thoughtful sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Easter, Bishop Robert Hammond reflects on the Book of Common Prayer’s petition that God would “teach our unruly wills” to love what He loves and direct our affections toward the true joys found only in Christ. The sermon emphasizes that the ultimate purpose of the Church is to draw people into Christ and make them more Christ-like. Amid the “sundry changes” and uncertainties of life, believers are reminded that God alone remains constant and faithful. Bishop Hammond also points to the coming celebrations of Ascension Day and Pentecost, reminding believers of Christ’s promise to send the Holy Spirit—the Comforter and Spirit of Truth—to guide and strengthen His people.

Christ did not die and rise for Himself, but for us—so that our sins might be forgiven and we might share in eternal life. Through faith and baptism, we are united with Him: we die to sin and begin a new life in righteousness. For now, we live in the “little while” between Christ’s ascension and His return. This life includes struggle, sorrow, and opposition, yet it is marked by hope. Jesus promises that our sorrow will be turned into joy, and that the glory ahead is greater than anything we can imagine. This hope calls us to live faithfully. Our choices matter—not only for ourselves, but for others who may come to know God through us. Though we do not yet see Christ, He has not left us. He will return, and when He does, our joy will be complete and everlasting.

Humanity often forgets God and trusts in its own power, like people who, after mastering nature, forget their dependence on it. Like sheep without a shepherd, people who turn away from God risk confusion, danger, and spiritual emptiness. Yet God is the Good Shepherd, not a tyrant. He cares for His people, sustains them, and in Christ gives His life to save them. True wisdom is recognizing our need for Him rather than chasing temporary things that cannot give lasting life. The call is to turn back to God, trust in His care, and follow Him, knowing that in Him alone are true life, beauty, and salvation.

Jesus calls His disciples to bear witness to Him and share the message of salvation with the world. The Church is not a social group but God’s instrument, belonging to the Lord and sent to proclaim His unchanging truth. As a congregation, believers are called out of sin and gathered together as one body—no one can live the Christian life alone. The Church is like a family, where members support one another rather than abandon each other, following Christ’s example of patience and mercy. Through the parish, God continues to care for His people by giving His Word, the sacraments, forgiveness of sins, and many blessings. All of this is part of the rich grace entrusted to the Church, which believers are called to receive with gratitude and share with others, so that all may come to eternal life in Christ.

Mary Magdalene believed she had lost everything when Jesus died—He had given her new life, and without Him, nothing seemed to remain. Even the thought of His lifeless body was a last comfort, and when it was gone, her grief felt complete and hopeless. Yet her despair reflects a deeper truth about humanity: we feel lost without God. But unlike us, God never loses hope. Out of His love, He sent His Son to restore us—not only to forgive, but to give us new and greater life. The resurrection of Jesus transforms everything. What seemed like the end becomes a new beginning: death is not the final word, and in Christ, hope is never lost. What Mary thought was the loss of everything was, in truth, the beginning of eternal life—for her and for all who believe.

True healing, true renewal, becomes possible when we forget ourselves and act for the sake of others who need us, who need our help, and our love. Let us never forget that there is no one who needs love more than those who have no love within them.

Explore the powerful meaning behind Jesus feeding the 5000 and His declaration as the Bread of Life. This sermon reveals how faith in Christ leads to eternal life, spiritual growth, and lasting joy.

Is peace on earth truly possible—or is war part of our fallen nature? This compelling sermon explores Cain, human sin, the Canaanite woman’s great faith, and the hope of redemption in Christ. Discover why true peace begins with humility, repentance, and trust in God’s mercy.