Good morning and welcome. This is Sunday, September twentieth. Two thousand twenty-six, you are tuned to the live broadcast of a service for the worship of God, which is coming to you from the sanctuary of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia. A live audio stream is available at the Grace Covenant website, which can be found at grace-covenant.org. Just select the radio button, then listen.
Live. Oh, oh, The. Oh, oh, oh. The. The.
Oh. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Good morning, and welcome to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church on this beautiful day. It is wonderful to see everyone here, and we're grateful for those who are worshiping with us online or listening over the radio.
We are grateful for your presence as we worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this morning. Please turn to your bulletin.
So that we can tell you about and you can look and see about the many ministries that we have here, and ways to get involved in the life of Grace Covenant. For those who turned out at the Shalom Farms, that was our last of the year. It's an organization that helps to build communities through growing healthy and sustainable foods. Apparently, that went wonderful yesterday. Yesterday, I was unable to make it.
But I heard that it was wonderful. We also invite you to join us for a Wednesday night supper at six p.m. That's in our fellowship hall downstairs, and we have a wonderful chicken meal for everyone, as well as a wonderful program by the Richmond Red Cross.
So the presenters will be outstanding, the food will be outstanding, and we hope to see you there. We certainly cannot express our gratitude enough for the people who have given toward Feed More. Since January, we've collected over nine hundred, almost nine hundred pounds of food and close to twenty-two hundred dollars in donations. Thank you for your giving. The ladies' morning Bible study, which usually meets on the second Tuesdays in the social room, will be meeting this Tuesday at ten a.m.
from nine forty-five to ten thirty. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mary Gray or Lewis Rosebro. Finally, let us remember to pray for one another. Prayer is powerful, and prayer indeed. Changes things.
We do have a prayer request card in the bulletin, or a card that you can fill out. You can submit that and put it on the offering plate, or place it in the prayer request box, which is in the narthex, or you can submit a prayer request online at www.grace-covenant/resources. We thank you for sharing your prayers for the prayer team to pray over.
Now let us prepare our hearts and minds to worship the living God. Good morning and welcome. Please stand and join with me in the call to worship as printed in the bulletin. Praise the Lord. O my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not His goodness. Praise the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word. Praise the Lord, all His heavenly hosts, you His servants, do His will. Praise the Lord, all His works, everywhere in His dominion. Once again.
Welcome to the live broadcast of a service for the worship of God, which is coming to you from the sanctuary of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1627 Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. This is the 103rd year of radio ministry at Grace Covenant, and today's broadcast is number 5,263. This morning's sermon, entitled "Grace Beyond Merit," will be delivered by the Reverend Joanna W. Sidnor. Assisting in the service today are Rusty Stadler, liturgist; Chris Martin, director of music and organist; and the Reverend Calvin H.
Sidnor IV, co-pastor. Our opening hymn is "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah," which is number two hundred eighty-one in the Presbyterian Hymnal. In my darkest of times, when I am feeling so lost and when I seem to be dying, stars appear, stars appear, and they never fade. In the presence of our merciful God, we do not need to hide our brokenness or pretend that we have loved God and neighbor as we should. Trusting in Christ, who is our peace.
Let us confess our sin and ask God to heal us and forgive us as we recite the prayer of confession as printed in the bulletin. Merciful God, in Your gracious presence, we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves. As we cling to the values of a broken world, profit and pleasures may waste the land and pollute the seas. The fears and jealousies that we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation.
We abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason. And turn them into bonds of oppression. Lord, mercy on us. Heal and forgive us. Set us free for you.
In Jesus Christ. Amen. Friends, we have confessed our sin.
Now, receive the good news of God's abundant grace. Hear the good news. Through Jesus Christ, forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. In Christ, we have redemption through His blood. The forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.
Thanks. Please be seated at this time. Children, three to six, are invited forward for children's chapel. They will be in the fellowship hall for pickup. Following the worship service and youth (age of seven to twelve) are all also invited forward for youth chapel.
They will return to the worship following the sermon, and we have childcare for children under the age of three in room one hundred and one. We thank God for our children. Let us pray, Lord God, may Your Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. The psalter reading this morning comes from Psalm 145, verses 1 through 8.
Listen for the word of the Lord. I will extol you, my King and God, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. The might of your awesome deed shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness. They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Good morning. Our New Testament reading comes from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter twenty, verses eight through sixteen. Listen again for the word of the Lord. When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, "Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first." When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage.
Now, when the first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, "These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us." Who have borne the burden of the day in the scorching heat, but he replied to one of them, "Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you." Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me, or are you envious because I am generous?
So the last will be first, and the first will be last. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Let us pray. Almighty God, be present with us through the power of your Holy Spirit.
And use me as your vessel to speak the truth that we might grow in your word and wisdom through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now let the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable to you, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. Today's sermon title is "Grace Beyond Merit." Imagine you're waiting on a big promotion at work. You meticulously prepare for every meeting. You go the extra mile on projects and stay late when needed.
All the while, daydreaming of the promotion or at least the bonus you will receive. But when the the day finally comes, your boss surprises you. With a mug, a coffee mug, and not just any old coffee mug. The mug says "World's Okayest Employee." This is a humorous reminder of what, while we work towards reward, sometimes God gives us exactly what we need, even if it's not what we expect. Such is the case in today's passage, where Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard, revealing the radical nature of God's grace and illustrating how God's grace subverts human expectation about reward and fairness.
God's grace is not earned or observed, but are deserved, but freely given to all who answer His call, regardless of when they join His work. The last hired receive the same wage as those who worked all day. This highlights God's generosity and the nature of His kingdom. The parable functions as a reminder that God's kingdom operates on principles that define that defy human logic and understanding, and invites us to adopt a new perspective on grace and value. In the previous chapter, Jesus spoke to the crowds that gathered, teaching them how to live with lives focused on God.
Afterwards, the crowds dispersed, and Jesus directed his teaching to his disciples. Here, he began to speak to them about the kingdom of God, instructing them on the way they are called. They were followers and members of Jesus' community. His disciples were set apart from the rest of the world. Jesus spoke to them in this parable of the laborers in the vineyard.
It was usual and customary for vineyard owners to go to the marketplace and hire day laborers to harvest the grapes. This particular owner, he went to the marketplace throughout the day. When evening came, the owner of the vineyard told his manager to summon the laborers to receive their wages. The owner gave the manager specific instructions to call the laborers, beginning with the last hired, and then going to the first. Paying the laborers their wages in the evening was also usual and customary.
You see, day laborers belong to the lowest class of society, grouped with peasants and slaves as the poor. They occupied an extremely vulnerable position in society, and were very dependent upon their daily wages just to make ends meet.
So they were paid at the end, at the day's end. Which was in keeping with Scripture, because Deuteronomy 24 and 15 says, "You shall pay them their wages daily before sunset, because they are poor and their livelihoods depend upon it." So the laborers came, and those who were hired around 5 p.m. near the end of the day came first, and each of them was paid a day's wage.
Now, when the first hired came, they thought they would receive a higher pay, naturally, because they worked all day. But they too received the daily wage. Can you imagine their surprise when they received the same pay as those who had only worked an hour? On one hand, it is human nature to expect more when we do more, right? And surely, that is what would be demanded in today's society.
We would make a fuss for equality in this situation. Pay me for the length of time that I worked, or else.
However, the nature of God's grace is seen in the owner's actions. The owner begins the payment process by paying the last workers first, giving them the same pay. As the first hired, this mirrors the nature of God's kingdom, where earthly measures of effort and reward are overturned by divine generosity. It invites us to see God's grace as abundant and not limited to our human expectations. The owner's action is a is a clear illustration.
Of the kingdom's upside down values, where God's grace is not measured by time served or accomplishments, but is freely given to all. This was not the sediment of the workers who were hired first. It was far from it. They were enraged, so enraged that they lashed out and complained to the landowner, saying, "These last worked only one hour, and you gave them the same pay. We worked all day long in the heat of the day under the burning sun, and you made them equal to us." The reaction of the first laborers is classic.
Their reaction reflects common human tendencies toward jealousy and entitlement. They grumble against the vineyard owner, giving us a picture of how we might feel when others receive blessings we believe are undeserved. In light of their reaction, we are challenged today to rethink. Our perceptions of fairness by embracing a kingdom mindset, prioritizing love and generosity over competition and envy. Friends, the context of this parable.
Is the calling of the Gentiles, and later the Apostle Paul testifies to it in Ephesians chapter three, where he said, "This is the reason that I am a prisoner for Christ Jesus, for the sake of you Gentiles. For surely you have already heard the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation." It has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit that is the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. The gospel should be preached to the Gentiles. They should receive it and be admitted to equal privileges and advantages with the Jews. They should be fellow citizens with the saints.
The first laborers grumbled at the owner. The complaints of these early workers reveal our tendency to equate fairness with justice. And our grievances can be blind to those, and not give joy or feel joy for those who have success. This point challenges us to celebrate another success and to understand that everything we receive is an act of God's grace, not a right. By focusing on God's generosity.
We learn to let go of comparisons and bitterness. This is grace that goes beyond merit. This is what grace for all looks like in Christ. No one is undeserving. In His community, everyone is cherished, regardless of their start time.
Brothers and sisters. True greatness in the kingdom of heaven originates from God's boundless grace, which invites everyone to participate in His blessings, regardless of their past or when they came to faith. Salvation is the same for all faithful servants of God.
So, what does that mean for us today? When the owner responded to one of the grumbling workers, he did so with grace, pointing out the fact that he had done nothing wrong. He merely honored the agreement established at the time of hiring. When he responded, he simply asked, "Did you not agree with me for the daily wage?" Think about a time. When you wanted more than the original agreement.
Now imagine a businessman who strikes a deal to provide a service at a set price. After the agreement is made and the work is done, he suddenly demands more money, claiming that the original price doesn't reflect the value of the service. This is exactly how the first laborers felt in this parable. Long hours work deserves more pay, regardless of the agreement. That was their thought.
However, the lesson taught here reminds us to honor our commitments rather than seeking to renegotiate when it benefits us. It calls us to integrity and faithfulness in our own dealings with others. Today, this parable illustrates for us. The fact that God hires laborers not because He needs them or their services, but as the charitable and generous God who keeps poor at work in the kindness to them, to save them from idleness and poverty, and to pay them for working for themselves. The giving of a whole day's wage to those that had not done a full day's work is designed to show that God distributes His rewards by grace and sovereignty, not out of debt.
The vineyard owner told the first hired to take what they agreed upon and ponder the fact that as the owner, he had the right to do what he wanted. Their grumbling caused the owner to ask, "Are you envious because I'm generous?" Envy, brothers and sisters, is a terrible thing. When we envy someone's success or covet their worldly possessions, we open the door to feelings of resentment and discontent because we want for ourselves what others have attained. Envy can make you miserable. And make you grumble about things you wish you had.
God gave the tenth commandment for a reason. Exodus twenty and seventeen says, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female slave, ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." We must trust God's wisdom and goodness in all circumstances. He is our provider. His grace is sufficient.
Therefore, we are called to rejoice in the grace given to others.
So the last will be first, and the first will be last. Why did the owner pay the workers in reverse order of hiring?
Well, this was indeed a teachable moment. I believe Jesus designed the order in this parable, the last being first and the first last, because his disciples needed to hear that no matter when you answer God's call, the grace is the same. Also, if the first that were hired received their pay first, then they would not have seen that the last received the same pay. The first had to go last. They had to witness the last hire receive the same pay rate, and they had to grumble in order to be corrected and see grace in action.
It was a teachable moment. The disciples had to learn that grace is for all. And some Bible scholars make this parable a caution to the disciples who had boasted of their timely and zealous embrace of Jesus. They had left all to follow him, but they needed to be intentional about keeping their zeal. They needed to press forward and persevere, or else their good beginnings would not prevail.
That they seemed to be first would be last.
Sometimes those that are converted late in life. Outshine those converted earlier. The apostle Paul is a prime example. He outdid those that were in Christ before him, and there is something of a close relationship between the parable of the prodigal son, where he returns from his wandering and is as dear to his father as his brother who never went astray. Jesus' twelve disciples.
We're the first, but not the last. God's invitation is about grace, not merit. Brothers and sisters, Matthew twenty twenty and one begins this parable with these words: For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. What we learn from this parable is that in God's kingdom, the value of the of the world are turned upside down. Those who appear to be last in terms of achievement and status or recognition may be honored beyond what they deserve.
It reveals God's radical grace, inviting us to reshape our understanding of reward and value. It points to the greater reality of salvation through Jesus, where the last and the least are welcomed into eternal life without regard of how long they have been following His path. Much like the criminal who hung on the cross beside Jesus, who said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." This parable exemplifies God's unbounded grace through Scripture, culminating in Christ's sacrifice for all. Therefore, as Christians, we must recognize and confront feelings of entitlement in comparison with others. We must remember that God's grace does not operate on a merit-based system, but is freely given.
By understanding this principle, we cultivate gratitude and humility in our lives, as well as deeper appreciation for God's unearned grace, beloved. When we trust in the God whose grace goes beyond merit, then we can live a Christian life that leads to the kingdom of heaven. Amen. Amen. God invites all to come and experience this amazing grace that is for all.
And if you want a life filled with God's grace, then accept Christ as your Lord and Savior today. This is the invitation to discipleship in Christ. Amen. Now, if you are able, I ask that you please stand as we sing hymn number three eighty-nine. Oh, Jesus, I have promised, found in the blue hymnal.
You are listening to the live broadcast of a worship service at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. You have just heard this morning's sermon entitled "Grace Beyond Merit," which was delivered by the Reverend Joanna W. Sidnor. The congregation will now join in singing "O Jesus, I Have Promised," which is number three hundred eighty-nine in the Presbyterian Hymnal. All that we see and seem is empty and illusory.
Out of a mist of flesh, a mist of dream, a strange creation. We sing a new creation, and we know my soul. Oh, Jesus, have mercy on me. And on the morning shall I stand and see, and Jesus I have promised to serve me here on the greenest of the grass. I have learned.
Brothers and sisters, having heard God's word proclaimed and responded in song, let us affirm what we believe together, using the Apostles' Creed as printed in the bulletin. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Please be seated.
And let us join our hearts and voices together in prayer. We thank you, Lord, for gathering us today once again to worship you and sing your praises. You have been faithful to us, and your grace is always sufficient. We give thanks for the blessings of today, of the past, and Our future in the body of Christ. Thank you for your unfailing love and compassion in hearing and answering our prayers for the world and for ourselves.
Have mercy on this wayward world, O Lord, in which we live—a world full of sin and hurt, a world full of conflict. Tragedy and death. Help your people, Lord, to humble themselves, to pray, to seek your face, and turn from their wicked ways, so that you might hear them from heaven, and forgive their sins and heal their lands. Lord, we ask that you bless the leaders of nations, that they may be reconciled to one another. That there may be peace here on earth.
Hear our prayers, O Lord, for all who suffer tragedy, sickness, and death. We ask for the healing of the sick. We ask that you comfort those who mourn the loss of loved ones, and we ask, O Lord, to give courage and perseverance to those. With new diagnoses, bless, O Lord, the incarcerated, that they will come to know You and love You through a repentant heart. Encourage, Lord, individuals who feel hopeless.
Enable them to feel Your presence and grow their faith, so that they might have hope in Christ. Our Savior, have mercy, O Lord, on the homeless and the abandoned. We ask that you provide all the basic necessities for them, and give them the support systems to help them get back on their feet. We ask that you care for widows and widowers, Lord, orphans and the elderly. We ask that you protect them in their homes and around the community.
Be present with them and remove all loneliness. Lord, we ask for your blessing upon the church, the church universal, Lord, and the local church, that we might be your humble disciples in the world and in our community. Give us courage. To spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, give us courage to spread it to friends and neighbors and strangers, that we might meet all where they are, and that all might turn to you and find assurance of eternal life in Christ. Help us to worship you, O Lord, with our lives.
To seek you, O Lord, in all our decision making, and to glorify your name for every blessing you have given us. Hear our prayer, O Lord. Hear our prayer for the world, for our nation, and the community. As we close this prayer with the prayer you taught your disciples to pray, 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, and 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. Let us now give thanks to the Lord with all our being. In the company of the upright, let us honor God for the blessings and goodness we have received. Responding to God's invitation, I invite each of us to offer our gifts today for the work of the ministries of worship and Christian education, for ministries of fellowship and congregational care, for ministries of service to our neighbors near and far. And as the ushers pass the plates, please place your prayer requests, your attendance cards, and offering on the plate.
And for those who are joining us from home, we encourage you to continue your financial ministry by sending your gift to us at www.grace-covenant.org/give online, or send it in the mail, or send it through your bank. Please give as the Spirit leads you, and to God be the glory for the many blessings of our lives. Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said." Blessed are the dead who said, "I said, I said."Calling us all, unless we bless. Here comes the king. Here comes the king.
Here comes the prince. Here comes the king. Who did not groan? Did thy mercy surround it? For these and others, how blessed is he!
How blessed are they! How blessed are they! Amen. The. Oh, oh, Great God, how precious are these moments!
These moments we behold. These are the happiest moments. Great God, and hold me close. O God, most merciful and gracious, of whose bounty we have all received, accept this offering of your people. Remember your love for those who have brought it.
And for those whom it is given, and so follow it with your blessing, that it may promote peace and goodwill among all peoples, and advance the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Please remain standing if able as we sing hymn number five twenty-five. Here I am, Lord, found in the blue hymnal. I will stand by my Lord.
I will be strong. I will be free. I will be strong. I will be free. I will stand by my Lord.
I will be strong. I will be free. I will stand by my Lord. I will be strong. I will be free.
I will stand by my Lord. I will be strong. I will be free. I will stand by my Lord. I will be strong.
I will be free. I will stand by my Lord. I will be strong. I will be free. I will stand by my Lord.
I will be strong. I will be free. I will stand by my Lord. I will be strong. I will be free.
I will stand by my Lord. I will be strong. I will be free. I will stand by my Lord. You shall find me here, my love.
This is our home. I am with you all the time. I will hold the beating heart. I will hold the beating heart. I will stand beside every street.
I will stand by my dear ones beside me. I will be my friend. Oceans deep, beyond the moon, beyond the moon, I will be with you. I will. Friends and guests, please join us immediately following worship for refreshments and fellowship in the social room.
Brothers and sisters, just as the vineyard owner generously gives to all workers, regardless of their time spent, Christ offers us salvation and eternal life freely to those who may have come to Him later in life, as well as in years earlier. This is God's grace for all. God's grace goes beyond merit.
Now receive the blessing, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. Be with you all. Amen. Oh, oh, Oh, oh, Oh, oh, For the past hour, you have been listening to the worship service at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia. Please join us again next Sunday through our radio ministry or in our sanctuary.
At sixteen twenty-seven Monument Avenue, your announcer today has been Gary Flake, and the audio technician was Steve Kemp, with assistance from Ethan Revely. Please join us this week for Wednesday night supper at six p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Our program will feature Brooks Cowart from the Richmond Red Cross, and dinner will be chicken and sides from Canastas. This service streams live and can be accessed through the Grace Covenant website, which is Grace-Covenant.org.
We now return you to the Truth Network on WLES 590 AM and 97.7 FM.
