Posts Posted in November 2021

The Intervening Force

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:13–21

Our religious devotion and piety have nothing to do with it; it is the intervening power of Christ alone that will raise us to glory on that Day.

Rest Assured

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:5–12

Christians will suffer for the Faith, but they are promised eternal reward for their patient witness to Christ Jesus and his Word.

The Unexpected

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Luke 21:25–28

There have been signs and will always be signs, and so, the return of the Christ will be unexpected. Your redemption is drawing nearer.

Spiritual Knowledge

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:9–11

Spiritual knowledge is knowing the will of the Father is that everyone who sees his Son and believes in him will have eternal life.

Overcoming Unrest

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 21:20–25

Christians should be content with their own calling: mother or father, electrician or teacher, pastor or acolyte. Be content and follow Jesus.

Stand Firm

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 5:8–11

Be alert, eager every day to learn of God's Word and will, so that you may stand firm in your faith until the end.

A Kingdom...for You

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Matthew 25:31–34

We await Christ's coming, and with it, a kingdom prepared for those who believe in him. So, you may wait and pray confidently, expectantly.

Moving Words

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Matthew 25:31–33

If these thoughts and words do not move you, nothing else will.

Successful Failure

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 1 John 1:7–2:2

When we believe in Christ Jesus, we are forgiven our sins and through the Spirit of God, his grace and truth begin to grow in us, giving us the desire to keep God's law.

What the Gospel is

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Luke 24:44–48

The gospel is the announcement that God demands we turn from our sins and offers forgiveness only through Christ Jesus.

The Treasure

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Psalm 119:9–12

The Christian cannot rely upon reason or human wisdom but must always turn to God's Word and ask him to guide.

Time for the Word

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:15–21

The times would draw us away from God's Word and will, so we must make the time to hear him.

The Reassuring Promise

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Genesis 6:17–18

Noah is reassured of God's plan of an ark and flood, as baptism reassures us that God will carry us through the flood of sin and death.

Church Unity

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Romans 15:5–7

Taking up your neighbor's burdens, including his sins and imperfections, as if they were your own brings honor to God.

Proud Sin

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Ezekiel 16:48–50

May God preserve us and grant that we may escape from the temptation to willfulness and haughty sin.

The Righteousness of Faith

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:7–9

The righteousness of faith teaches us patience, the patience to wait until that Day, confident that Christ's further grace of eternal life awaits those who trust in him.

The Great Need

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Luke 22:17–20

Of course you are not worthy of God's grace, but do you need what he supplies? Do not deny your Lord his will to bless your need.

Standing Amid the Falling Ruins

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Psalm 5:3, 7–8, 11–12

Our trust is not in the prosperity of the world around us but of the hope within us. The righteous stand unruffled in the falling ruins.

Faith Requires Fear

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Matthew 22:8–14

We must not be sure of our faith, but be confident in the one who supplies us faith. We cannot instigate or maintain faith, so we must fear God and ask him daily to keep us in that faith.

The Small Catechism

of Martin Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 3:15

The Small Catechism of Martin Luther

The Small Catechism

of Martin Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 3:15

The Small Catechism of Martin Luther

How God Reigns

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Psalm 2:7–9

The rule of the nations will not be accomplished through warfare but by the will of the Father. We too, are ruled in the same manner, by the will of God.

The Saving Word

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 5:37–40

Without the working of God's Spirit through the Word of God—the revelation of who he is and what he has done for us—no one would come to saving faith.

Daily Use

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Romans 15:1–6

Christians should make daily use of this book, as the life to come is not evident.

A Higher Plane

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 4:46–50

"This is a pure and strong faith, that requires the individual to cast away all sense, understanding and reason, and sink himself into one little word, be satisfied with it and feel secure in it."

Storming the Devil’s Kingdom

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Luke 22:14–19

In Holy Communion, "the only agent at work is the spoken Word," so that Christ alone may be remembered and honored.

The Anchor of the Heart

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Psalm 2:1-6

While the world thinks itself the victor, God laughs, knowing the outcome. His King is triumphant.

Trust.

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Psalm 51:1–3

"The sum of the matter is this, that those persons are saved who place their trust solely in God, not in their works."

Are you covered?

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Matthew 22:7–14

Are you clothed in Christ? You better look like Jesus on that Day.

Remembering Them

The Church Triumphant

Scripture Text: 1 John 3:2

A list of all those who have died among us since last All Saints Day

Our Single Service

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Romans 15:1–6

What service can a Christian render that is acceptable to God? What service may be given by a Council president, pope, a pastor, a bishop, a laywoman? Thanksgiving and praise is all God expects, and we may all give him this gift. It does not require riches or education or station. We are one in the Body of Christ.

Parsonage Renovation

Thanks to Gina Barringer for taking photos and videos, then creating this presentation of all the hard work that went into transforming the parsonage at St. Paul's. 

The Comfort of Baptism

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Acts 22:14–16

Baptism is a comfort to Christians. It reminds us that God loves us and forgives us. Avail yourself of his promises daily, confessing your sin, and believing he forgives, for Christ's sake.

True Love

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Matthew 22:1–14

Christ Jesus does not desire your works, whether religion, devotion, Bible reading, vigils, tithes, service on committees, going to church—none of that. He desires you, as a groom desires his bride. True love desires its beloved and nothing else. True love then, issues forth all the rest.