Tag Archives: Holy Spirit

the Spirit: Helper, Advocate, and Comforter

Posted on 28 May 2023 by Fr. Brench

For Pentecost my church looked at the term “Paraclete” given by Jesus for the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is your Helper. The Spirit is your Advocate. The Spirit is your Comforter.

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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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While they were worshiping and fasting in Acts 13

Posted on 10 June 2020 by Fr. Brench

The 13th chapter of the book of the Acts of the Apostles starts us off with a familiar scenario and pattern. Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, … Continue reading →

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Imagery in Zechariah 14

Posted on 4 October 2019 by Fr. Brench

Zechariah is not an easy book for a lot of people to read;  It is one of the most apocalyptic texts in the Old Testament (after Daniel), which really just takes the challenges of prophetic literature and dials them up … Continue reading →

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Spiritual Gifts: The Basics

Posted on 19 January 2019 by Fr. Brench

an exposition of 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Re-Introduction to the epistle of 1 Corinthians It’s the Epiphany season, and that means we’re back to Saint Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians.  For the past two years we’ve followed this monumental letter … Continue reading →

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How to Spot a Wolf: The Call

Posted on 22 February 2018 by Fr. Brench

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” – Matthew 7:15 The purpose of this series is not to tear down and accuse anyone of heresy, but to cut straight to the … Continue reading →

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Who is God? – summarizing Articles 1-5

Posted on 19 May 2017 by Fr. Brench

The 39 Articles of Religion begin with the absolute basic questions of reality: who is God?  This is the heart of the definition of theology, explaining who and what God is. The liturgy of the Anglican tradition, as ordered in … Continue reading →

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Article 5: the Holy Spirit

Posted on 4 February 2017 by Fr. Brench

This is part of my commentary series on The 39 Articles of Religion.  Article 5 states: V. Of the Holy Ghost The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the … Continue reading →

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Back to Basics: The Strength to Go On

Posted on 16 October 2016 by Fr. Brench

a homily on John 4:46-54 It happens every now and then – you’re tired, you’re discouraged, you’re depressed.  You don’t know how things are going to work out.  Circumstances are overwhelming; life’s burdens have become too much to bear.  What … Continue reading →

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Haggai part 2d: Covenant Promises

Posted on 4 July 2016 by Fr. Brench

Another topic that I left unexplored in my recent sermon from Haggai is that of God’s covenant promises.  Haggai 2:4-5 says: Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. … Continue reading →

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