Service Notes
In this challenging and timely sermon, the Very Rev. Tom Purdy exploresSt. Paul’s warning about “itchy ears” from the Epistle to Timothy—our tendencyto turn away from the truth and instead surround ourselves with voices thattell us exactly what we want to hear.
Through vivid, modern stories of Jake avoiding the doctor, Kate walkingaway from hard conversations over lunch, and Bob leaving his church when asermon clashes with his politics, Fr. Tom shows how easily we can choosecomfort over transformation. He connects this to the wider decline of theChurch, the temptation to soften or avoid difficult teachings just to keep“butts in pews,” and the danger of treating God like a vending machine or SantaClaus.
Drawing on the Gospel’s persistent widow and Jesus’ call to persevere inprayer, Fr. Tom invites us to see spiritual discomfort—the “itchiness” we feelwhen the Gospel challenges us—not as a problem to escape, but as a sign thathealing and growth may be underway. Just as wounds itch when they are healing,so our hearts may “itch” when God is mending what is broken and reshaping us inlove.
This sermon calls us to:
- Stay rooted in Scripture and the truth of the Gospel
- Resist the urge to flee when teaching makes us uncomfortable
- Remain in loving relationship even when we disagree
- Trust that God is at work in the itch, leading us toward deeper faith and wholeness
Watch, reflect, and consider: where might God be inviting you not to runfrom the itch, but to let Him heal your heart?
#ItchyEars #HonestFaith #VeryRevTomPurdy #ChristChurchFrederica#EpiscopalChurch #GospelTruth #PerseveranceInPrayer #FaithAndGrowth#ChristianTeaching #ScriptureAndLife #SpiritualGrowth #ListenForGod
If this message challenges or encourages you, please like, comment,and share this sermon so others can join the conversation.
Stay connected with the life and ministry of Christ Church, Frederica:
🌐 Website: www.ccfssi.org
📅 Service Schedule: https://ccfssi.org/schedule/
📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/christchurchfrederica
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccfssi/
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGeJ6Cfh8hdECg2F8wBhmXw