κήρυξον τὸν λόγον

[Introduction] Where did everyone go? This is the question of the day in churches all over the country. As we just heard in our second reading for this Fourth Sunday in Lent, the Holy Christian and Apostolic Church was growing in leaps and bounds after Pentecost. Those who welcomed the Word ... or we could say Jesus, because Jesus is the Word ... [They] were baptized, and about 3,000 souls were added that day . And they adhered to the apostles’ doctrine and to the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. Then reverential fear came to every soul, and many wonders and signs came through the apostles. All of those who had faith were together, and they had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and property, and distributing it to all, as any had need. Every day, continuing with one desire in the temple, and breaking bread in each home, they all received food in joy and with sincerity of hearts, praising God and having grace toward the whole [group]. ...

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the woman from Cush that he had taken as his wife ... And (Miriam and Aaron) said, Has YWHH surely only spoken with Moses? Has he not also spoken with us? And YHWH heard it (vv 1-2). [Introduction] As Christians, we would like to think that within the church, jealousy, envy, and sinful human pride simply don’t exist. We would like to believe that petty squabbles and childish arguments do not exist within our doors. We would like to imagine that all church workers will always get along perfectly with everyone, that they will always be the most humble people in the world, and will only speak well of one another in the kindest possible way ... right?  But the fact is, we are all sinful. We are all cursed with pride. We all fall short of the glory of God. We are jealous, envious, and sinful human beings ... who need to constantly hear the call to repent. Not even those who are called and ordained are immune to the influence of original s...

Then it happened, when the demon was cast out, the deaf-mute man spoke, and the crowd marveled (v 14).  [Introduction] Today, for the third time in three weeks, we hear about our Lord’s victories over Satan.  Two weeks ago, we were reminded of the confrontation that took place in the wilderness for forty days and nights. The Deceiver of the World tempted Christ to serve himself, to test himself, and to pursue earthly pleasures and treasures for himself (Mt 4:1-11). These temptations were designed to silence Jesus. But the Word promptly routed the Ancient Serpent (Gen 3:15).  Last week, we heard about the time a Canaanite woman sought out Christ to liberate her daughter, who had been possessed by a demon (Mt 15:21-28). In that encounter, the disciples tried to silence the woman’s faithful confession. But with only a Word from the Word of Life, the woman’s great faith that Jesus is the Son of David, and therefore the Christ, the Son of the Living God, was vindicated, and h...

Then the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, each took his censer, put fire in them, set incense upon it, and presented before YHWH foreign fire, which He had not commanded them. And fire went out from YHWH and consumed them (vv 1-2a). [Prayer] *Holy God, You have provided all that is necessary for us to draw near to you and find your mercy. Grant us to trust in your ways that we come forward according to your command and receive the mercy you provide in the presentation of your Son. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen. * 5. After erecting the Tabernacle and prescribing the various offerings, God separated Aaron and his sons, Nadab and Abihu, to serve as priests. Earlier, Nadab and Abihu were with Moses, Aaron, and the seventy elders who were called up the mountain by God in Exodus 24. They beheld God and ate and drank (Ex 24:11). They were called to be different from the different, given by God for the people! As we heard a couple of weeks ago, they announced God’s blessing over the people. Wh...