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The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10
Ministering: The Reverend Dr. Ajibola Fayeshile
A message of encouragement reminding God’s people that divine joy sustains us through every season
A People Renewed By God’s Word
Nehemiah 8 records a sacred moment in the life of God’s people. After years of exile and hardship, Israel gathers to hear the Law of the Lord read aloud. As Ezra proclaims the Word and the Levites help the people understand it, conviction takes hold. Many weep as they recognize how far they have strayed from God’s ways.
Yet the response of Nehemiah and Ezra is striking. Instead of allowing sorrow to overwhelm the people, they proclaim a word of hope: “Do not mourn or weep… for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” This is not a denial of repentance, but a redirection of it. True repentance leads not to despair, but to restoration.
Joy Rooted in God, Not Circumstance
The joy spoken of in this passage is not fleeting happiness or emotional excitement. It is a deep, sustaining joy rooted in the character and faithfulness of God. Even as the walls of Jerusalem are only beginning to be rebuilt, the people are reminded that their true strength does not come from fortified cities or renewed institutions, but from the Lord who dwells among them.
In the Anglican tradition, we understand this joy as flowing from grace—God’s unmerited favor revealed through His Word. When Scripture is read, preached, and rightly understood, it does not merely inform the mind; it renews the heart and strengthens the soul.
From Weeping to Worship
Nehemiah’s instruction continues with an invitation: “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing prepared.” Joy overflows into generosity, fellowship, and communal celebration. God’s people are restored not only individually, but together.
This passage reminds the Church today that spiritual renewal often begins with honest repentance but must end in joyful obedience. The Word of God calls us to holiness, yet it also assures us of God’s abiding presence and sustaining joy.
A Word for the Church Today
In seasons of rebuilding, uncertainty, or reflection, Nehemiah 8:10 speaks clearly: God does not desire His people to remain weighed down by guilt or fear. Instead, He calls us to draw strength from the joy found in Him. This joy empowers faithful living, fuels worship, and sustains hope for the journey ahead.
As we gather around Scripture, prayer, and the Sacraments, may we be renewed by the same joy that strengthened God’s people long ago—a joy that still holds the power to restore and sustain us today.
Let us pray.
Gracious Lord,
you speak peace to your people through your holy Word.
Turn our sorrow into joy,
our weakness into strength,
and our repentance into renewed obedience.
Fill us with the joy that comes from knowing you,
that we may serve you faithfully
and walk in your ways all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Reverend Dr. Ajibola Fayeshile, 1/10/2026
🎧 Audio sermon coming soon
The Epiphany of Our Lord: Jesus Christ Revealed to the Nations
- Scripture Readings:
- Isaiah 60:1–6
- Psalm 72:1–15
- Ephesians 3:1–12
- Matthew 2:1–12
What Epiphany Celebrates
The Feast of the Epiphany marks the revelation of Jesus Christ to the nations of the world. In the Anglican tradition, Epiphany is not simply a remembrance of the visit of the Magi, but a proclamation that God has made His salvation known to all peoples through His Son.
The word Epiphany means manifestation or revealing. At Epiphany, the Church rejoices that the Light of Christ, once hidden, now shines openly for the whole world to see.
Christ, the Light of the World
Through the prophet Isaiah, God declares:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)
This Light is not an abstract idea; it is Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word. In Him, God enters human history, dispelling darkness and drawing all people into His redeeming love. The Epiphany reminds us that Christ is not revealed by human wisdom alone, but by divine grace.
The Magi and God’s Universal Grace
The Magi—Gentile seekers guided by a star—represent the nations of the world coming to worship Christ. Their presence at the manger proclaims a profound truth: God’s salvation is for all, not for one people only.
As St. Paul affirms:
“The Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6)
In Anglican theology, Epiphany affirms the Church’s calling to be catholic—universal in scope, faithful in doctrine, and missionary in purpose.
The Gifts That Reveal Who Christ Is
The gifts offered by the Magi were acts of worship and confession:
- Gold, acknowledging Christ as King
- Frankincense, honoring Christ as our great High Priest
- Myrrh, foreshadowing Christ’s suffering and death
Even at His manifestation to the world, the Church is reminded that the Christ who is revealed is also the Christ who will redeem through sacrifice.
Epiphany and the Life of the Church
The season of Epiphany shapes the Church’s life in three important ways:
- Worship – Like the Magi, we come to Christ with reverence and humility.
- Mission – Having seen the Light, the Church is sent to bear that Light to the world.
- Transformation – The Magi returned home by another way. Encountering Christ always leads to a changed life.
Living in the Light of Christ
The Epiphany of Our Lord reminds us that Christ continues to reveal Himself—through the reading of Scripture, the proclamation of the Word, and the celebration of the Sacraments. As the Light of the world, Christ still calls His Church to shine with faith, hope, and love.
“We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2)
May we, like the Magi, recognize the Light, worship the King, and go forth transformed by His grace. Amen.
Closing Prayer (Collect for Epiphany)
Let us pray.
O God,
who by the leading of a star
manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth:
mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith,
may after this life behold your glory face to face;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Reverend Dr. Ajibola Fayeshile – Epiphany, 2026.
Behold the Lamb: Come and See, Follow Me
Text: John 1: 29 – 42
Introduction
John 1:29–42 is not simply a historical account of Jesus’ early ministry; it is a revelatory passage that presents who Jesus is and how we must respond to Him. In these verses, the Gospel of John moves us from revelation to invitation, and from invitation to discipleship.
This passage answers three essential questions:
- Who is Jesus?
- How does He call people to Himself?
- What does it mean to follow Him?
1. Jesus Revealed as the Lamb of God (John 1: 29 – 34)
John the Baptist makes a profound declaration:
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (v. 29)
This title draws from the heart of the Old Testament:
- The Passover Lamb whose blood brought deliverance (Exodus 12)
- The Suffering Servant who was led like a lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53)
- The daily sacrifices offered for atonement in the Temple
By calling Jesus “the Lamb of God,” John identifies Him as the final and perfect sacrifice for sin. Jesus does not merely cover sin; He removes it completely. This points us to the central Christian doctrine of atonement—Christ giving His life in place of sinners.
When John says Jesus takes away “the sin of the world,” he emphasizes the scope of God’s saving work. Salvation is offered to all people, though it is received by those who believe.
John also affirms the pre-existence and supremacy of Christ:
“After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.” (v. 30)
Though Jesus appears after John in time, He exists eternally as the Son of God.
2. Jesus Invites: Come and See (John 1: 35 – 39)
After hearing John’s testimony, two disciples begin to follow Jesus. Turning to them, Jesus asks:
“What are you seeking?” (v. 38)
This question reaches beyond the moment. It speaks to the deepest longings of the human heart. Every person is searching for meaning, truth, forgiveness, and life.
Their response—“Rabbi, where are you staying?”—expresses a desire not just to know about Jesus, but to be with Him.
Jesus answers with a simple yet powerful invitation:
“Come and you will see.” (v. 39)
Christian faith is not merely intellectual; it is relational. True discipleship begins with spending time in the presence of Christ.
3. Jesus Followed as the Messiah
One of the disciples, Andrew, immediately brings his brother Simon to Jesus, declaring:
“We have found the Messiah.” (v. 41)
A genuine encounter with Christ naturally leads to witness. Andrew does not argue or persuade—he simply brings someone to Jesus.
When Jesus meets Simon, He says:
“You are Simon… You shall be called Cephas (which means Peter).” (v. 42)
Jesus knows Simon as he is, yet calls him into what he will become. This moment reveals the transforming power of grace. Discipleship is not self-improvement; it is life changed by Christ.
Conclusion: Our Response Today
John 1:29–42 calls every reader to respond:
- Behold the Lamb – Trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation
- Come and See – Enter into daily relationship with Him
- Follow and Witness – Invite others to encounter Christ and allow Him to shape your life
The Gospel is not merely information to be read; it is a call to be answered.
“What are you seeking?”
If you seek forgiveness, behold the Lamb.
If you seek truth, come and see.
If you seek purpose, follow Him.
Prayer: Collect for the 2nd Sunday of Epiphany
Almighty God,
who in Your mercy revealed Your Son Jesus Christ
as the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world:
grant us grace to behold Him with true faith,
to come and see His glory,
and to follow Him in obedience and love;
that, being cleansed from sin and strengthened by Your Spirit,
we may bear faithful witness to Him in the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
The Reverend Dr. Ajibola Fayeshile, January 18, 2026
From Darkness to Discipleship
Text: Matthew 4: 12 – 23
Introduction
Matthew 4:12–23 marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative—the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. What unfolds in this passage is not only the launching of Christ’s mission, but also a revelation of how God brings light into darkness and calls ordinary people into extraordinary purpose.
This text shows us:
- Where Jesus begins His ministry
- What message He proclaims
- Whom He calls to follow Him
Together, these reveal the heart of the Gospel and the nature of true discipleship.
1. Light Dawns in a Dark Place (Matthew 4:12–16)
When Jesus hears that John the Baptist has been arrested, He withdraws to Galilee and settles in Capernaum. This move is not accidental—it fulfills prophecy:
“The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light.” (v.16)
Galilee was considered spiritually insignificant and socially marginalized. Yet it is here that Jesus begins His ministry. God’s redemptive work often starts where the world least expects it.
This teaches us an important truth:
God’s light is not limited by location, circumstance, or reputation.
Jesus deliberately enters places of darkness to bring hope, truth, and restoration.
For those who feel overlooked, forgotten, or burdened by darkness, this passage offers reassurance: Christ comes to where you are.
2. The Message of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:17)
Matthew tells us:
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
This is the first recorded sermon of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel. His message is both urgent and gracious.
To repent is not merely to feel remorse, but to turn—away from sin and toward God. Jesus announces that God’s reign has drawn near in His own person. The kingdom is no longer distant or abstract; it is present in Christ.
This call to repentance is an invitation to transformation. Wherever Christ reigns, lives are renewed, hearts are restored, and hope is reborn.
3. The Call to Follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18–22)
As Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee, He calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John—ordinary fishermen—with extraordinary words:
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Notice three key truths about discipleship here:
A. Jesus Calls the Ordinary
These men were not religious elites. Yet Jesus sees their potential and calls them into His mission.
B. Jesus Calls with Authority
He does not ask them to follow an idea, but Himself. Discipleship is personal and relational.
C. Jesus Calls for Response
They leave their nets immediately. Following Christ involves trust, surrender, and obedience.
Discipleship always requires leaving something behind in order to gain something far greater.
4. The Ministry of the Messiah (Matthew 4:23)
Matthew summarizes Jesus’ ministry in three actions:
Teaching… proclaiming the good news of the kingdom… and healing every disease and sickness.
Jesus’ ministry is holistic. He addresses both spiritual and physical needs. The Gospel is not only proclaimed in words but demonstrated in compassionate action.
This reminds us that the Church, as Christ’s body, is called to:
- Teach God’s truth faithfully
- Proclaim the good news boldly
- Reflect Christ’s compassion generously
Conclusion: Our Response Today
Matthew 4:12–23 calls us to respond in three ways:
- Receive the Light – Christ enters our darkness with saving grace
- Repent and Believe – Turn toward the kingdom that has come near
- Follow Faithfully – Leave behind whatever hinders wholehearted obedience
Jesus still walks among us, still proclaims the kingdom, and still calls people to follow Him.
May we, like the first disciples, respond with willing hearts and obedient lives.
“Follow Me.”
Collect for the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany
Give us grace, O Lord,
to answer readily the call of our Saviour Jesus Christ
and proclaim to all people the Good News of His salvation,
that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of His marvellous works;
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Reverend Dr. Ajibola Fayeshile, January 25, 2026.
Blessed Are You: The Way of The Kingdom
Matthew 5: 1 – 12
Introduction
Matthew tells us that when Jesus saw the crowds, “He went up the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him” (v.1). This is no ordinary teaching moment. In Scripture, mountains are places of revelation. Just as Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai, Jesus now sits as the true and greater Teacher, revealing the heart of God’s Kingdom.
The Beatitudes are not a list of spiritual achievements, nor are they moral ladders we climb to earn God’s favor. They are descriptions of the kind of people upon whom God’s grace rests and the character God forms in those who belong to His Kingdom.
1. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit (v.3)
To be poor in spirit is to recognize our spiritual bankruptcy before God. It is not self-hatred, but humility—knowing that we have nothing to offer God except our need.
Anglican theology reminds us that we are justified by grace through faith, not by works. The Kingdom of Heaven belongs not to the self-sufficient, but to those who cry out, “Lord, have mercy.” Every Eucharist begins here.
The doorway into God’s Kingdom is not pride, but surrender.
2. Blessed Are Those Who Mourn (v.4)
This mourning is deeper than grief over loss. It includes sorrow over sin—our own and the brokenness of the world.
In Anglican worship, confession is never an end in itself. It always leads to absolution and comfort. Those who mourn are blessed because God does not leave them in sorrow. He meets them with forgiveness, healing, and hope.
Godly sorrow is never wasted—it opens us to divine comfort.
3. Blessed Are the Meek (v.5)
Meekness is not weakness. It is strength under the control of God. Jesus Himself is “gentle and humble in heart.”
In a world driven by power and self-promotion, the meek entrust their future to God. They do not seize the earth; they receive it as inheritance.
The meek inherit the earth because they trust the Giver more than the gift.
4. Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness (v.6)
This is a deep longing—not for personal success, but for God’s justice, holiness, and right order in the world.
Anglican spirituality holds together personal holiness and social righteousness. We long to be made right with God, and we long to see His righteousness shape our communities.
Jesus promises not disappointment, but satisfaction.
5. Blessed Are the Merciful (v.7)
Mercy flows from those who have first received mercy. We forgive because we have been forgiven.
This echoes our daily prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Mercy is the lived expression of grace.
A merciless heart forgets the cross; a merciful heart lives in its shadow.
6. Blessed Are the Pure in Heart (v.8)
Purity of heart is not mere outward morality—it is an undivided heart, wholly oriented toward God.
In Anglican theology, holiness is formed over time through Word, Sacrament, and prayer. The promise is astonishing: they shall see God. Not only in eternity, but in glimpses even now.
7. Blessed Are the Peacemakers (v.9)
Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of reconciliation.
Peacemakers reflect the very character of God, who in Christ reconciled the world to Himself. To be called children of God is to bear the family likeness.
8. Blessed Are the Persecuted (vv.10–12)
The Beatitudes end not in comfort, but in cost. Faithfulness to Christ may invite rejection. Yet Jesus calls such people blessed.
This is not suffering for being difficult, but suffering for righteousness’ sake. The Church has always lived between cross and resurrection, hardship and hope.
The Kingdom belongs to those who hold fast to Christ, even when the world pushes back.
Conclusion
The Beatitudes are not commands to strive harder, but invitations to live deeper. They describe the life of Christ Himself—and by grace, the life He forms in us.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus does not say “Try to be blessed.” He says, “Blessed are you.”
This is the good news of the Kingdom: God meets us where we are and transforms us into who we are called to be.
Closing Prayer (collect for the 4th Sunday of Epiphany)
Almighty God,
who has called us into the Kingdom of your Son,
form in us the humility, mercy, and faith of Christ;
that we, walking in the way of the Beatitudes,
may inherit the promises of your grace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.The Reverend Dr. Ajibola Fayeshile, February 1, 2026.
Salt, Light and the Fulfillment of the Law
Matthew 5: 13 – 20
Introduction
In Matthew 5:13–20, Jesus speaks directly to His disciples about their identity and vocation in the world. Having proclaimed the Beatitudes, our Lord now reveals what a transformed life looks like when lived publicly and faithfully before God.
This passage addresses the Church’s calling to live as a visible witness to God’s kingdom while remaining rooted in obedience to God’s revealed will. It is a message that speaks powerfully to Christians navigating faith in a complex and often challenging world.
“You Are the Salt of the Earth” (Matthew 5:13)
Jesus declares that His disciples are “the salt of the earth.” In the ancient world, salt preserved food, prevented decay, and enhanced flavor. Spiritually, this image speaks of the Church’s calling to preserve what is good, holy, and life-giving in society.
Yet Jesus warns that salt which loses its saltiness becomes useless. This is a sobering reminder that the Church loses its witness not by engaging the world, but by losing its faithfulness. When God’s people abandon truth, holiness, or moral clarity, they no longer serve as a preserving influence.
From an Anglican theological perspective, this calls us to a faith shaped by Holy Scripture, informed by the tradition of the Church, and lived out with pastoral wisdom and humility.
“You Are the Light of the World” (Matthew 5:14–16)
Jesus also names His disciples “the light of the world.” Light reveals, guides, and dispels darkness. The Church shines not with its own brilliance, but with the reflected light of Christ.
Jesus teaches that this light must not be hidden. Faith is not meant to be private or invisible, but lived openly through lives marked by good works:
“Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
In Anglican theology, good works are not the means of salvation, but the fruit of salvation. We are justified by grace through faith, and that faith expresses itself in lives of love, service, and obedience.
Christ and the Law (Matthew 5:17–18)
Jesus addresses a potential misunderstanding:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.”
Christ fulfills the Law perfectly—in His obedience, His teaching, and His self-giving love. The moral law of God is not discarded, but completed and clarified in Him.
This guards the Church from two dangers:
- Legalism, which treats the Law as a means of earning salvation
- Lawlessness, which treats obedience as unnecessary
In Christ, the Law becomes a gracious guide for holy living.
A Righteousness That Exceeds (Matthew 5:19–20)
Jesus concludes with a challenging statement:
“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
This is not a call to stricter rule-keeping, but to deeper transformation. The Pharisees emphasized outward conformity, but Jesus calls for hearts renewed by grace.
True righteousness flows from a living relationship with God—one marked by humility, faithfulness, mercy, and obedience shaped by love.
Conclusion
Matthew 5:13–20 reminds us that the Church exists not for itself, but for God’s glory and the world’s good. We are called to be salt that preserves and light that reveals, living faithfully under Christ’s lordship.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are invited to reflect His light, walk in obedience, and bear witness to the kingdom that has come near.
Closing Prayer (collect for the 5th Sunday of Epiphany)
Almighty God,
who has called Your Church to be salt of the earth
and light to the world:
grant that we may walk faithfully in obedience to Your will,
that our lives may bear witness to the grace of Christ
and bring glory to Your holy Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
The Reverend Dr. Ajibola Fayeshile, February 8, 2026.
Ash Wednesday – Returning to the LORD
Introduction
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent — a solemn and grace-filled season of repentance, renewal, and preparation for Easter. In the Anglican tradition, this day is not about ritual for ritual’s sake. It is about truth — truth about who we are, and truth about who God is.
It calls us to return to the Lord with humble hearts.
1. The Biblical Foundation of Ashes
The use of ashes in Scripture is deeply connected with repentance and mortality.
Throughout the Old Testament, ashes symbolize grief over sin and recognition of human frailty:
- Genesis 3:19 — “For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
- Job 42:6 — “I repent in dust and ashes.”
- Daniel 9:3 — Daniel turns to the Lord “with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.”
- Jonah 3:6 — The king of Nineveh sits in ashes in repentance.
Ashes remind us of two fundamental truths:
- We are mortal.
- We are sinners in need of mercy.
On Ash Wednesday, when the minister traces the sign of the cross on the forehead and says,
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,”
we are hearing not merely a poetic phrase, but an echo of Genesis — a reminder of the Fall and the consequence of sin.
Yet even this solemn reminder is framed by grace. The cross traced in ashes speaks louder than the dust itself.
2. The Call to True Repentance
The appointed Gospel for Ash Wednesday is often Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21, where our Lord warns against outward religiosity without inward transformation.
Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches that prayer, fasting, and almsgiving must not be performed for human applause, but before the Father who sees in secret.
Ash Wednesday is not about public display. It is about sincere repentance.
The prophet Joel captures the heart of the day:
“Rend your heart, and not your garments. Return unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful” (Joel 2:13).
God is not impressed by ashes on the forehead if the heart remains unchanged. The external sign must point to internal contrition.
3. The Significance of Lent: A Journey Toward the Cross
Ash Wednesday begins a forty-day pilgrimage. The number forty recalls:
- Israel’s forty years in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2)
- Moses’ forty days on Sinai (Exodus 34:28)
- Elijah’s forty-day journey (1 Kings 19:8)
- Our Lord’s forty days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–2)
Lent mirrors Christ’s wilderness testing. It is a season of self-examination, discipline, and spiritual reorientation.
In the Anglican liturgy, we hear the solemn exhortation:
“I invite you, in the Name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent…”
This invitation is not to gloom but to grace — not to despair but to renewal.
4. Mortality and Hope
Ash Wednesday confronts us with death.
Hebrews 9:27 reminds us:
“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
The ashes tell the truth: life is brief. Time is precious. Eternity is real.
But the cross traced in ashes proclaims something greater.
Christ has entered our dust.
Through His death and resurrection, mortality no longer has the final word. As St. Paul declares:
“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Ash Wednesday is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of a journey that leads to Easter.
5. Repentance in Anglican Theology
In Anglican teaching, repentance is not self-punishment. It is turning back to God. It involves:
- Contrition (godly sorrow for sin)
- Confession (naming our sins honestly)
- Amendment of life (seeking transformation)
The General Confession in the Book of Common Prayer captures this beautifully:
“We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep…”
But it does not stop there. It continues:
“Have mercy upon us… Restore thou them that are penitent.”
Repentance is always met by mercy.
6. Practical Implications for Today
Ash Wednesday calls us to:
1. Self-Examination
“Search me, O God” (Psalm 139:23–24).
2. Prayer
Deepened communion with the Father.
3. Fasting
Training the body and soul toward dependence on God.
4. Generosity
Redirecting our love toward neighbor.
These practices are not ways to earn salvation. They are responses to grace.
7. The Cross in the Ashes
Perhaps the most beautiful truth about Ash Wednesday is this:
The ashes are placed in the shape of a cross.
Yes, we are dust.
Yes, we are sinners.
Yes, we shall die.
But the cross declares:
- Sin is forgiven.
- Death is defeated.
- Christ reigns.
The One who formed Adam from dust has Himself taken on flesh. The One who pronounced judgment has borne judgment. The One who says, “You are dust,” also says, “You are redeemed.”
Conclusion: Return to the Lord
Ash Wednesday is a call home.
It is the Church’s loving summons:
Return.
Repent.
Renew.
Rejoice in mercy.
The ashes remind us that we are dust.
The cross reminds us that we are redeemed.
As we begin this holy season of Lent, may we not merely wear the sign of repentance outwardly, but experience the grace of renewal inwardly. May our fasting deepen our hunger for righteousness. May our prayers draw us nearer to the heart of God. May our repentance lead us not to despair, but to the joy of forgiveness.
And so, we pray with the Church through the ages:
Almighty and everlasting God,
who hatest nothing that thou hast made,
and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent:
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts,
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.The Reverend Dr. Ajibola Fayeshile, Ash Wednesday February 18, 2026.
Grace Reigns
Romans 5: 12 – 19
Introduction
Beloved in Christ,
Romans 5:12–19 is not meant to leave us discouraged — it is meant to leave us astonished. Yes, Paul speaks of sin and death. But he does so only to magnify something far greater: the triumph of grace.
The message of this passage is not “Adam ruined everything.”
The message is: Christ has more than restored it.
I. The Reality We All Feel
Paul tells us that through one man — Adam — sin entered the world, and death through sin.
We do not need convincing that something is wrong with our world. We see it in broken relationships, injustice, anxiety, and mortality itself. Anglican theology, in Article IX of the Thirty-Nine Articles, soberly affirms what Scripture teaches: humanity is fallen.
But notice something encouraging:
Paul does not begin this argument in Romans 5. He has already declared in verse 1:
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The diagnosis of sin comes after the declaration of peace.
Why? Because the Christian life does not begin with despair — it begins with grace.
II. Two Humanities — But One Greater Head
Paul places two figures before us:
- The first man, Adam.
- The Second Man — Jesus Christ.
Through Adam came condemnation.
Through Christ comes justification.
But Paul is careful with his language. He says:
“Much more have the grace of God… abounded for many.”
Much more.
Grace is not equal to the Fall — it surpasses it.
Adam’s trespass affected us without our choice.
Christ’s obedience invites us into a new destiny.
You are not trapped in Adam’s story.
In Christ, you belong to a new humanity.
III. Grace Is Greater Than Your Past
Paul says that one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift brings justification.
Notice the contrast:
- Trespass → condemnation
- Free gift → justification
This is sheer mercy.
In Adam, we inherit what we did not earn — a fallen nature.
In Christ, we receive what we did not earn — righteousness.
That is why Anglican worship is so joyfully honest. We confess our sins clearly — and then we hear the absolution pronounced with authority:
“Almighty God… hath given power and commandment to his Ministers, to declare and pronounce to his people… the Absolution and Remission of their sins.”
We are not left in guilt. We are lifted into grace.
IV. The Reign Has Changed
Paul speaks in royal language:
- Sin reigned in death.
- Grace now reigns through righteousness.
Beloved, your life is not under the dominion of sin anymore. If you are in Christ, grace is your reigning king.
Death may still exist, but it no longer rules you. Condemnation may whisper, but it no longer defines you.
Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.
Not barely enough.
Not reluctantly given.
But super-abounding.
V. The Obedience That Secures You
Paul says:
“By the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.”
Where Adam disobeyed, Christ obeyed perfectly.
Where Adam hid, Christ stood firm.
Where Adam grasped, Christ surrendered.
Where Adam brought shame, Christ bore it away.
And here is the comfort:
Your salvation rests not on the strength of your obedience, but on the perfection of His.
This is the heart of Anglican Reformation faith:
We are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone.
Your assurance is not fragile — it is anchored in Christ’s finished work.
VI. Baptized into a Better Story
In Holy Baptism, we are grafted into Christ. We are joined to the Second Adam. We move from the old humanity into the new.
You are no longer merely a child of Adam.
You are a member of Christ.
An heir of the kingdom.
A citizen of a reign where grace rules.
This means:
- Your past does not have the final word.
- Your failures are not ultimate.
- Your weakness does not disqualify you.
Christ’s obedience speaks louder than Adam’s failure.
VII. An Encouraging Word for Today
If you feel the weight of your sin — remember: grace abounds more.
If you feel discouraged by the brokenness of the world — remember: a new humanity has already begun in Christ.
If you feel spiritually weary — remember: your standing with God does not rise and fall with your emotions. It rests on Christ’s righteousness.
The Gospel is not merely that we are forgiven.
It is that we have been transferred from one kingdom to another — from condemnation to justification, from death to life, from Adam to Christ.
Conclusion: Grace Reigns
Romans 5 is not a gloomy theology of human ruin.
It is a triumphant proclamation of divine restoration.
Adam may have introduced sin.
But Christ has inaugurated grace.
And grace does not merely repair what was broken —
it establishes a reign of righteousness that leads to eternal life.
So lift up your hearts.
You are not defined by the first Adam.
You are secured by the Second.
Closing Prayer – Collect for the First Sunday in Lent (BCP 2026)
O Lord, who for our sake did fast forty days and forty nights;
Give us grace to use such abstinence,
that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit,
we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness,
to thy honour and glory,
who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
The Reverend Dr. Ajibola Fayeshile, 2/22/2026
Counted Righteous
Romans 4: 1 – 12
Introduction
What makes a person right with God?
Is it good works? Religious effort? Spiritual heritage?
In Romans 4, the Apostle Paul takes us back to Abraham — the father of faith — to answer that question once and for all.
“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:3)
That word counted changes everything.
Not earned.
Not achieved.
Not deserved.
Counted.
Righteousness Is a Gift, Not a Wage
Paul explains that if righteousness came through works, it would be like wages — something owed to us. But salvation is not a paycheck. It is a gift of grace.
“To the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” (Romans 4:5)
Notice the beauty of that phrase: God justifies the ungodly.
He does not wait for us to clean ourselves up.
He does not justify the nearly perfect.
He justifies sinners who trust in Him.
That is grace.
The Joy of Forgiveness
Paul also quotes King David:
“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven… blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” (Romans 4:7–8)
Here is the great exchange of the gospel:
- Our sin is not counted against us.
- Christ’s righteousness is counted to us.
This is why the Christian life begins not with pride, but with gratitude. We come before God not trusting in our own righteousness, but in His mercy.
And that brings deep joy.
Grace Comes First
Paul reminds us that Abraham was counted righteous before circumcision — before religious rituals or outward signs.
Faith came first.
Grace came first.
This means belonging to God has never been about background, ceremony, or performance. It has always been about trusting His promise.
That door is still open.
Abraham is called “the father of all who believe” — not just one nation, but all who place their faith in the Lord.
What This Means for Us
This passage is wonderfully freeing.
If you feel spiritually inadequate — righteousness is a gift.
If you carry guilt from the past — your sin can be forgiven and not counted against you.
If you are tempted to rely on your good works — remember, salvation rests on Christ alone.
Faith is simply the empty hand receiving what God graciously gives.
And what God counts as righteous, He does not revoke.
Living in the Freedom of Grace
Because we are counted righteous in Christ:
- We serve out of gratitude, not fear.
- We obey from love, not pressure.
- We rest in assurance, not anxiety.
Our confidence is not in ourselves — it is in Jesus Christ.
Abraham believed the promise of God.
We believe the fulfillment of that promise in Christ crucified and risen.
And that faith is counted as righteousness.
Grace humbles us — and then it lifts us up.
Believe the promise.
Receive the gift.
And walk in the blessed freedom of being counted righteous by grace alone.
Conclusion:
Romans 4 leaves us humbled — and wonderfully assured.
We bring no righteousness of our own. We cannot earn God’s favor. But in Christ, God declares the ungodly righteous through faith. Our sin is not counted against us. Instead, Christ’s righteousness is counted to us.
That is grace.
And because it is grace, we can rest.
Because it is grace, we can rejoice.
Because it is grace, we can walk forward in confidence — not in ourselves, but in our Savior.
As we continue this holy season, may we live not as those striving to earn God’s love, but as those who already have it in Christ. May faith take deeper root in us. May gratitude shape our obedience. And may the Spirit strengthen us to follow where Christ leads.
Closing Prayer: Collect for the 2nd Sunday in Lent (BCP 2019)
Almighty God, who sees that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves;
Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls;
that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body,
and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Reverend Dr. Ajibola Fayeshile, March 1, 2026.
The Thirst, the Truth, and Transforming Grace
John 4: 5 – 26
Introduction
The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is one of the most beautiful encounters recorded in Scripture. It begins with an ordinary moment—a weary traveler resting beside a well—but it becomes a life-changing meeting between a searching soul and the Savior of the world.
In this passage, we see a powerful movement of grace. The conversation unfolds in three stages: human thirst, divine truth, and transforming grace. These three movements reveal the journey that many people experience when they encounter Christ.
1. The Thirst of the Human Soul
The story begins when Jesus stops at Jacob’s well in Samaria. A woman comes to draw water, and Jesus asks her for a drink.
At first the conversation seems simple, but Jesus quickly points to something deeper:
“Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give will never thirst.”
Jesus is speaking about the deep spiritual thirst that exists in every human heart.
People spend their lives searching for something that will satisfy that thirst. Some look for fulfillment in success, others in relationships, possessions, or recognition. Yet these things, good as they may be, cannot ultimately satisfy the soul.
The Samaritan woman herself had experienced this. Her life had been marked by broken relationships and disappointment. Like many people, she had been searching for something that would bring lasting peace.
But the truth Jesus reveals is this: every earthly well eventually runs dry.
Only Christ can give what He calls living water—the grace of God that refreshes the soul, forgives our sins, and brings us into eternal life.
This is the first great truth of the Gospel: we are thirsty people in need of living water.
2. The Truth That Confronts the Heart
As the conversation continues, Jesus says something unexpected:
“Go, call your husband.”
With these words, the discussion moves from general conversation to personal truth.
Jesus reveals that He knows the details of her life—that she has had five husbands and is now living with a man who is not her husband.
At this moment we see something important about the way Christ works in our lives. He does not only address our thirst; He also addresses the truth of our hearts.
The woman’s story reminds us that God knows us completely. He knows our struggles, our failures, and the parts of our lives we would rather keep hidden.
Yet notice something remarkable: Jesus does not expose her life in order to shame her. Instead, He speaks with gentleness and patience, leading her toward understanding.
Conviction in the Gospel is never meant to crush us; it is meant to open the door to grace.
The woman then asks a religious question about worship. Should people worship on Mount Gerizim, as the Samaritans believed, or in Jerusalem, as the Jews taught?
Jesus lifts the conversation to a higher level:
“The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.”
Here Jesus reveals that the coming of the Messiah will transform worship itself. No longer will worship be confined to a particular mountain or temple. Through Christ, people everywhere will be able to approach the Father.
True worship is not merely about location or ritual; it is about a living relationship with God through the Spirit and the truth revealed in Christ.
3. The Transformation That Comes Through Christ
Finally, the woman speaks of the coming Messiah. She says:
“I know that Messiah is coming.”
Then Jesus makes one of the most remarkable declarations in the Gospel:
“I who speak to you am He.”
In that moment the woman realizes she is speaking with the promised Savior.
This is the turning point of the story. The woman who came to the well carrying her burdens has now encountered the One who can give living water.
And later in the chapter, she runs back to her town to tell others about Jesus.
The woman who had likely been marginalized in her community becomes one of the first witnesses in Samaria. Her encounter with Christ transforms her from a seeker into a messenger.
This is what the Gospel does. When people truly meet Christ, their lives begin to change. The living water He gives becomes a spring of life within them.
A Word of Hope for Us
This story is not only about the Samaritan woman; it is about all of us.
Like her, we sometimes come to the wells of life carrying our burdens and searching for satisfaction.
But the good news of the Gospel is that Jesus meets us there.
He meets us in our thirst.
He speaks truth into our lives.
And He offers the living water of His grace.
Through Him we receive forgiveness, renewal, and a new beginning.
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, the story in Gospel of John 4:5–26 reminds us that Christ meets us exactly where we are. He meets us in our thirst, speaks to us in truth, and brings about transformation through His grace.
Like the Samaritan woman, we often come to the wells of life carrying our burdens, our disappointments, and our unanswered questions. Yet Christ does not turn us away. Instead, He offers us living water—the life of God that refreshes the soul and leads us into true worship.
May we come to Him with open hearts, drink deeply of His grace, and allow the living water of His Spirit to renew our lives. And having been refreshed by His mercy, may we go out into the world as witnesses to His love and salvation.
Let us conclude with the Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent (BCP 2019)
Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
May the living water of Christ continue to flow in us and through us, bringing hope, healing, and new life to a thirsty world. Amen.
The Reverend Dr. Ajibola Fayeshile, March 8, 2026.
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