The Immediate Word

This is the Sunday when we celebrate Jesus’ baptism. This is not Pentecost. And yet, as we consider the scriptures assigned to us this day, we still observe that the Holy Spirit is central to all that we read. Neither is this Sunday the one we designate as Trinity Sunday, yet the reality of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is unmistakably woven through what we read and preach this day.

Contents
“Something New In Old Capernaum” by David O. Bales
“Spiritual Pride Evenly Distributed” by David O. Bales
“The Beginning of Wisdom” by Peter Andrew Smith


Something New In Old Capernaum
by David O. Bales
Mark 1:21-28

Objects: There are two pieces for this message; a simple magic trick and a badge or certificate you can print out and give to each child.

The Badge: Print the “Amazing” picture badge-size or certificate-size for each child and let them add their names and decorate it as they choose.

Yard sales are interesting to me. I don’t frequent them very often, but I am always fascinated by the fact that “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Someone can’t wait to get rid of old tapes and records — doesn’t want them cluttering up the house anymore. Along comes a complete stranger and he just can’t believe anyone would want to sell them. He buys them for a steal and drives home with a big smile thinking he just committed robbery. He brings the records home, clutters up his own house with them, and he’s as happy as can be. Human beings can be strange sometimes.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (v. 10). "Perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). These two powerful statements reveal for us the inadequacies of the translation process of the English language. These two juxtaposing passages reveal only a tiny fraction of the contradictions and conflicts found within our holy Word. No wonder people have trouble reading and understanding.

Being able to synthesize in such a way that harmony can be the outcome is among the many things the Apostle Paul does well. The often-pesky church at Corinth desperately needed such a skill, written and practiced in charity. To follow his inspired advice comes as a gift to all of us, 2,000 years ago or today.

One of the major ingredients in any kind of endeavor is load-management. A college student, for example, must have special permission from the dean to take more than a certain number of courses per semester. Past wisdom has taught that students experience inevitable time-management problems and personal stress when they overload a schedule.

Dominic Dragon lived in a cave in the Welsh hills. He lived alone, and rarely ventured out of his cave, except when he was hungry or wanted some fun. Both of those events revolved around fire.

When Dominic was hungry he would make for the valleys, and prowl until he found some likely prey for food. He was partial to roast lamb even without any mint sauce, and he quite enjoyed the odd baked cat. But his favourite meal was roast human.