Posts Posted in October 2023

October 31

Luke 17–18

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Luke 17:1–18:43

Day 303 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Luke 17:1–18:43 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Godly Pity

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Psalm 2:1–2

Don't take offense at people's rage against the Lord or his Church. Simply live your life in faith. Luther did the same. Even when those who called themselves Christians attacked, he commended them to God while he lived faithfully, proclaiming the eternal gospel.

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:16

Who is elevated or remembered in such a distinction between clergy and laity? Is it Christ? Or is it the clergy who are given the greater dignity?

The Way of Faith

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Psalm 1:1–6

God leads us, not in the way of sense or reason, but in the way of faith alone, even of that faith that sees in darkness and beholds things that are invisible.

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 24:30–35

When we speak of breaking bread, we mean that we take the time to enjoy a meal. In the Church, this may simply refer to a fellowship meal. Yet, in certain Scriptures it could be understood as being something more than a potluck.

October 30

Luke 14–16

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Luke 14:1–16:31

Day 302 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Luke 14:1–16:31 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

October 29

Luke 12–13

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Luke 12:1–13:35

Day 301 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Luke 12:1–13:35 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 22:19–20

In the institution of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus does not mention the bitter herbs or the sweet charoset or other elements of the Passover meal.

True Man and True God

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Matthew 22:41–46

"Christ was both David’s true natural son, of his blood and flesh, and also David’s Lord, whom David himself must worship and hold as God."

Unity of the Church

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Romans 15:1–6

Christian unity resists sin and everything opposed to the religion of Christ, so the apostle enjoins us to be likeminded according to Christ Jesus.

October 28

Luke 10–11

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Luke 10:1–11:54

Day 300 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Luke 10:1–11:54 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 14:22–24

The blood of Christ is “poured out for many.” This word “many” means for the multitude or for the whole gathering. This was the institution of Christ and the practice of the early Church.

The Sin of Ingratitude

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Proverbs 17:13–14

No sin is more abominable to human nature, and of none is human nature less tolerant than the sin of ingratitude, for returning love and friendship with hatred.

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:27–29

Everyone received bread; all received wine. Why? The simple reason Paul gives is, that is the way the Lord established it, so that is what the apostle passed on to the Church.

October 27

Luke 8–9

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Luke 8:1–9:62

Day 299 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Luke 8:1–9:62 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

October 26

Luke 6–7

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Luke 6:1–7:50

Day 298 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Luke 6:1–7:50 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

The Evils of Ingratitude

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:3–9

"The devil takes no respite, but whenever the gospel is preached in its purity he mixes with the children of God and sows his tares."

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

Lutherans do no alter Christ’s institution, for in so doing, we would change the very message of the gospel. Christ gave his body and shed his blood for all.

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 6:53–56

Jesus cannot be more clear. One must partake of both his body and blood in order to have new life in Christ. To eat and drink of the Sacrament is a holy communion with Christ himself.

October 25

Luke 4–5

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Luke 4:1–5:43

Day 297 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Luke 4:1–5:43 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

The Unity of the Church

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1–6

The unity of the Church does not consist in similarity of outward forms and customs but because it represents one plain, pure gospel doctrine.

Trunk ‘r Treat

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Our annual Trunk 'r Treat tradition provides Halloween candy, hotdogs, and hayrides in a safe environment for hundreds of local children. 

October 24

Luke 2–3

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Luke 2:1–3:38

Day 296 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Luke 2:1–3:38 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Showing Faith

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Matthew 5:14–16

This earthly life is not for our own sake but instead, our lives and everything we do, must contribute to the honor and glory of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 38

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Proverbs 20:28

The purpose of government is to maintain God’s will on earth. Specifically, our leaders are to do two things: maintain the faith and protect the people.

Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 37

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1–3

The unity of Christ’s Church depends upon the Holy Spirit — not our actions. However, individual congregations can be destroyed by both our deeds and an intolerance of biblical teaching.

Holding Fast in Faith

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Philippians 1:3–6

The apostle implores God that they may increase and persevere in faith. Such is the great value he places upon possessing and holding fast God’s Word.

October 23

Luke 1

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Luke 1:1–80

Day 295 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Luke 1:1–80 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

A Prosperity of Grace

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Psalm 1:1–6

Blessed are those persons who delight in God's Word, for they will prosper in the Lord's grace. Planted near this stream of truth, their spirits will grow in faith.

October 22

Mark 15–16

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Mark 15:1–16:20

Day 294 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Mark 15:1–16:20 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 36

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 14:17–19

The promise of the gospel is righteousness, peace, and joy — not religious and dietary laws. More rules and laws provide none of these benefits.

October 21

Mark 14

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Mark 14:1–72

Day 293 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Mark 14:1–72 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Freely Forgiven

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Matthew 18:23–27

The conscience knows its standing with God only through the merits of Christ Jesus. So long as we try to appease God, the conscience is troubled.

Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 35

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 6:3–6

Without “the words of faith” the Christian Church will cease to be. Traditions and myths bring no peace but the plain teaching of Scripture brings contentment.

Standing Firmly

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Ephesians 6:10–13

It is dangerous to live heedlessly, for the devil is likely to take you by surprise. When you think you stand securely, he is ready to strike you down.

Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 34

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Peter 1:16

“Well, I don’t know what art is but I like pink.” That opinion may be fine for my granddaughter but it will not fly at the Guggenheim. It does not work in Christian faith either.

October 20

Mark 12–13

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Mark 12:1–13:36

Day 292 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Mark 12:1–13:36 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 33

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

The office that Melancthon refers to is that Christ is our Propitiator and Mediator. Christ alone has atoned for our sin and it is he who stands between sinners and God.

October 19

Mark 10–11

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Mark 10:1–11:33

Day 291 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Mark 10:1–11:33 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

He Promised

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Psalm 34:19–22

"God has promised me through his Son, and confirmed it through my baptism, that he who hears and sees the Son shall be delivered from sin and death."

Enriched

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:4–9

"What Paul terms being enriched “in all utterance” ... is having the comfort of faith in Christ and of invocation and prayer ... the Word of God ... Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the Commandments and the Creed."

Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 32

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

The Scripture is not some pulp fiction, read for shallow thrills on an idle evening. Rather, the word permeates our whole lives, penetrating and informing us who we are before God.

October 18

Mark 8–9

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Mark 8:1–9:50

Day 290 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Mark 8:1–9:50 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

October 17

Mark 6–7

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Mark 6:1–7:37

Day 289 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Mark 6:1–7:37 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 31

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 18:21–22

The mercy of God knows no bounds. He even forgives us when we are unfaithful to him, as we see in his forgiveness of Peter’s denials.

Renewed

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:17–25

"Since Christians, by the grace and Spirit of God, are now renewed in this image of God, they are so to live that soul and spirit are righteous and pleasing to God through faith in Christ..."

The Old Man

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Luke 17:11–19

"True Christians so live that it is apparent from their lives that they keep God before their eyes and truly believe the gospel."

Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 30

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:17

The “Apostolic Fathers” inform us that Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John, and “the angel of the church in Smyrna.” Irenaeus was his disciple and tells of the bishop’s faithful life, teaching, stand against heresy, and martyrdom.

October 16

Mark 4–5

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Mark 4:1–5:43

Day 288 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Mark 4:1–5:43 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

One in Ten

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Luke 17:11–19

We are sufficiently warned in the gospel to follow Christ, not the doctrines of men, so that no excuse will help us if we allow ourselves to be deceived.

Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 29

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:9

God has done great things through his people, both in the Church and in the affairs of the world. There are so many examples in the lives of his peculiar people...