Tag Archives: Baptism

Feeding

Posted on 10 March 2024 by Fr. Brench

a homily for Grace Anglican Church upon the 4th Sunday in Lent, 2024, by the Rev. Matthew Brench Introduction As the Biblical narrations and teachings regarding sorrow and affliction are never without elements of hope and joy, so too in … Continue reading →

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Moses was really afraid (Exodus 4)

Posted on 24 February 2024 by Fr. Brench

For those following the Daily Office Lectionary, today (24th of February) is St. Matthias Day, which interrupts the regular readings through Exodus in favor a special lesson for this commemorative holy day. But for the purposes of this devotional walk-through … Continue reading →

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A Roadmap for Conversion

Posted on 27 December 2023 by Fr. Brench

There are many ways to conceptualize the extremely-important task of “making disciples”, as Jesus commanded us to do. This is just one such approach, which I happen to find helpful. Three things are going on here at once: Let’s parse this … Continue reading →

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Marriage Vows For Eternity

Posted on 16 January 2022 by Fr. Brench

Introduction Two weeks ago we heard primarily from Ephesians 1 about how God “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” and we explored how that long 11-verse sentence spells out different aspects of that … Continue reading →

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A House Redeemed – Joshua 2

Posted on 4 June 2021 by Fr. Brench

In today’s daily lectionary reading from Joshua 2 we come across the familiar story of Rahab the harlot, who protected the Israelite spies from the King of Jericho. She lies on their behalf to keep them safe from harm, helps … Continue reading →

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(Re-)Introducing Jesus

Posted on 9 January 2021 by Fr. Brench

This is an excellent time to look at the words we just heard from the beginning of the Gospel of St. Mark and take a fresh look at who Jesus is.  I mean, sure, everyone in this room has been … Continue reading →

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If you have been raised with Christ

Posted on 12 April 2020 by Fr. Brench

This is my Easter Day sermon, 12 April 2020.  You might first want to check back on my Holy Week reflections leading up to this moment: Palm Sunday: “The Suffering Servant Foretold“ Wednesday: “Judas: What was he thinking?“ Maundy Thursday: … Continue reading →

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The Bible is a book of Paul’s Epistles

Posted on 24 July 2018 by Fr. Brench

This is part ten of sixteen in a series, “The Bible Is…“ A brief survey of the New Testament quickly reveals that, by title count, one man authored large chunk of it: 13 of 27 books – nearly half – … Continue reading →

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What are the sacraments? – summarizing Articles 25-30

Posted on 12 October 2017 by Fr. Brench

The six Articles of Religion pertaining to the doctrine and discipline of the sacraments can be described as “Classically Protestant.”  This stands in distinction to the course of modern Protestantism particularly in America.  The Anglican position on the Sacraments was … Continue reading →

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Article 27: Baptism

Posted on 14 September 2017 by Fr. Brench

This is part of my commentary series on The 39 Articles of Religion.  Article 27 states: XXVII. Of Baptism Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby Christian men are discerned from others that be … Continue reading →

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