Faith Is the Victory
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 1 John 5:4–5
We do not have to win any battles, but only to keep the victory that has already been won, by holding onto faith in Christ and his cross.
MoreWe do not have to win any battles, but only to keep the victory that has already been won, by holding onto faith in Christ and his cross.
MoreTo keep company with the "weak Christ" is the highest wisdom on earth, and a second is like it, to bear with his weak followers, the church.
MoreUnbelief is the greatest sin there is, for it cares not for God or at least, cares little for him who is to be loved with one's whole heart and entire being.
MoreThe true church is not known by its government or its name but because it is known by its Shepherd and knows him, having faith in him alone.
MoreScripture teaches that we cannot be saved by our own works, but through hearing and believing by the power of his Spirit that Jesus is the Christ .
MoreThere is a great Day coming when we will be raised bodily from the dead, but in the meantime, we are being raised spiritually into a better existence.
MoreChrist cannot remain in death — although he may suffer death by reason of his human nature — yet he must of his own power rise from the dead.
MoreThe world, seeing no wrong with itself, does not receive one part of Christ's word, reproval, and so, seeing no need of it, cannot receive his grace.
MoreChrist is the righteousness of Christians before God, going to the Father, that is, suffering and rising for us, and thereby reconciling us to the Father.
MoreThe role of the pastor or shepherd is to feed the sheep, and to protect them from all evil, which begins and ends with proper feeding from the Word.
MoreBe careful that what you hear from the pulpit is the sure Word of God instead of those doctrines that suit a pastor's or denomination's agenda.
MoreWe are not to trifle with the Scriptures, else there would then be no reliable and permanent foundation whereon the conscience may rely.
MoreOnly devout, childlike people may grasp and understand the Bible, those who say by God's grace that because he has said it, then they do believe it.
MoreIt is not enough to know the historical fact of Jesus, but to also know that he calls us dear brothers, infusing his own righteousness and glory into us who believe.
MoreIt is comforting to hear Jesus tell us that his Father is also our Father, for as Jesus returns to him, we too, will one day ascend to our God in heaven.
MoreChrist lay in the tomb for a part of three days, rising on the third, but what we should note is not so much the number but the fact that he truly died.
MoreJesus calls us his brothers, not because of anything we have done to merit this inclusion in his family, but because we believe on him for salvation.
MoreGod's Word and works in the Sacraments are not idle, but instead set people free from sin, death, the devil, and every sort of fear.
MoreYou may be a birthright Jew, or a birthright Quaker, but without being born again, a salvation through the Word of Christ, there can be no salvation.
MoreWhen we receive Holy Communion, we should be careful to increase love, to find our neighbor who is in need and reach out to him in Christ's name.
MoreIf you would be a Christian, then you must not be terribly alarmed or impatient at the the torments of the world and of the devil.
MoreWe have the clear Word of God as testimony for us who believe, that Christ gave himself as a grace to be received in the bread and wine of his table.
MoreMay you be a fresh lump with whom Christ Jesus being worked in, that the grace and power of the Spirit may continue to work out your salvation.
MoreThe one who desires Holy Communion should receive all of it, not the bread alone but the cup of the New Covenant in Christ's blood as well.
More"The baptized Christian is born a citizen of heaven through baptism. We should be mindful of this fact and walk here as if native there."
MoreWe may know the Lord's presence everywhere through the Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the blessed Sacraments.
MoreMay you have faith in God, believing the unbelievable, that sin and death are overcome for you, not because you earned it, but for Christ's sake.
MoreFaith must be of a character that excludes all works, personal devotion, piety, or holiness as the reason for salvation, and trusts in Christ alone — that through his death, resurrection, and ascension we are saved from sin and death.
MoreGod demands admission or confession of sin, and that people everywhere repent of their sins, turning away from self to God through his Savior.
MoreWe confess that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
MoreThe old saying that confession is good for the soul is not sufficiently correct; it is the absolute forgiveness of sins that is good for the souls of sinners.
MoreOne finds in Jesus strength and comfort against all vice and bad habits, as true Christians incorporate the life and name of Christ into their own lives.
MoreDo not try to work yourself up to a feeling of being forgiven and loved by God, but ask him for the faith to know Christ crucified, and the assurance of salvation.
MoreWhoever disregards the life of Christ on earth, wishing to find eternal life in some other way than he accomplished for us, fails to find salvation.
MoreIn order to keep our focus on God, instead of on self, we are sometimes given a gift: an affliction of the flesh that makes us rely upon God.
MoreIt is the sin of all who have ever lived — including you and me — that sent Christ Jesus to the cross to pay the ransom for of a whole world of sinners.
MoreLife is sometimes difficult, so we must hold firmly in faith to the word and promises of God in Jesus Christ found in the Scriptures, The Holy Bible.
MoreThis is our hope — our only hope: Christ Jesus — that we might believe in him, and having such faith, come to see him on that great and glorious Day.
MoreLike children imitating their parents, we should imitate God, especially in doing good things for our neighbors so that the Father is glorified in us.
MoreWe should fear, love, and trust in God above all things, trusting him through his Word, more than feelings, works, or even his good gifts.
MoreGod will keep his promise that the seed of the woman will bruise the head of the serpent, establishing Seth in that line that would herald the Savior.
MoreWe are to turn the other cheek, trusting in God above all things — even government, even ourselves — that he will avenge wrongdoing.
MoreLack of faith is what drives us East of Eden, away from the presence of God, the communion of saints, the church, Christ's kingdom, and eternal life.
MoreGod may show mercy even to the unjust so that they may have time to repent and know the full and certain assurance of his love and care.
MoreNothing would thwart God's plan, not even Adam's and Eve's disobedience — our our own. He has promised a Savior, and delivered on his promise.
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