06/14/2026
The Third Sunday After Pentecost – June 14, 2026
Today is June 14, 2026, the Third Sunday After Pentecost. The congregation at The Solid Rock Anglican Church in Winter Haven, Florida, enjoyed listening to a reading from the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. A lovely sermon was delivered by our Priest-in-Charge, Reverend Father Gabriel Ipasu.
Father Gabriel reminded us that the battle belongs to the Lord. He spoke about the American soccer team and how wonderfully they have been playing. We all hope they will make it to the finals. Professional teams work hard, practice diligently, and remain committed to winning because they know that preparation leads to victory.
In sports, however, only one team can win. For Christians, the outcome is different. The moment we commit ourselves to following God, practicing His teachings, and keeping His commandments, victory is already assured. All we must do is follow the Lord and walk the path He has prepared for us.
Our goal is to reach the finish line and declare the victory that is ours through Jesus Christ. We know that what awaits us at the end of the race is the glory of Heaven and an eternity with our wonderful King, Jesus.
God has given us a rule book and guidebook—the Holy Gospel. It is filled with instructions that help us achieve this goal. Without God’s guidance, a Christian believer is like someone driving a car blindly. Without rules and direction, the outcome can be disastrous.
We read in Scripture, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” Matthew 9:37. Every day we see how desperately the world needs more of Jesus. Many believers are falling away from Christ. The number of new Christian clergy leaders is declining, and prayer is sadly being removed from many areas of society. We need laborers who are informed, educated, and willing to follow God’s instructions.
The same authority that was given to Jesus has also been given to us. We are called to heal the sick, cast out demons, give to the poor, and feed the hungry. These are not merely suggestions; they are instructions from our Lord.
As followers of Jesus, we are told, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Jesus teaches us that we will sometimes face suffering, and therefore we must be prepared. If we follow His instructions, we will be ready.
Some suffering must occur in our lives so that we can learn, mature, and grow stronger in faith. Some battles we must learn to walk away from. Other times, Jesus fights the battle on our behalf. Sometimes, after enduring hardship, we emerge victorious and claim the victory that God has prepared for us.
In the mighty name of Jesus, if we persevere, endure the entire race, and faithfully follow His instructions, the Lord will see us through, and we will be saved. We all carry different crosses, but we must not become distracted by what the other team is doing. Instead, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and on the victory that awaits us at the finish line.
A Prayer for Resting in Christ’s Victory
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the ultimate victory won for me through Jesus Christ. When the world feels overwhelming, remind me that the battle is already in Your hands. Because of His sacrifice, I am more than a conqueror.
Fill me with Your peace and help me walk each day with confidence in Your unfailing love. Strengthen me to follow Your instructions, endure life’s challenges, and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus until I reach the finish line You have prepared for me.
In Jesus’ holy name.
Amen ✝️
