Posts Posted in May 2023

May 31

Esther 6–10

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Esther 6:1–10:3

Day 150 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Esther 6:1–10:3 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 39

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 1:12–17

He would have us do good and seek justice because he commands these righteous acts. However, the works themselves do not make us righteous

The Importance of Sanity

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 4:7

It is not becoming of Christians to lead heathenish lives, as they have something nobler to do. They are to be occupied with the Word of God.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 38

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 7:18–19

Honest people should be able to admit that they do not keep even the one, greatest commandment, let alone all of God’s law.

May 30

Esther 1–5

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Esther 1:1–5:14

Day 149 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Esther 1:1–5:14 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

One Divine Majesty

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Matthew 28:19–20

Those who would follow their reason in the things dealt with in the article of the Trinity, will reject the Word, and be defeated in their "wisdom."

May 29

Nehemiah 12–13

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Nehemiah 12:1–13:31

Day 148 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Nehemiah 12:1–13:31 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Be Watchful

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 5:8

The primitive church would assemble daily for prayer, morning and evening, and also at certain other appointed hours, and frequently entire nights.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 37

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 14:13–14

Imagining that extra works (supererogation) must be performed in payment for sin, casts aspersion on the character of Christ. Does Christ save — or not?

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 36

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hosea 13:14

Melancthon seems to depend upon the Vulgate (the Latin translation) here. The Old Testament of the Luther Bibel would not be available for three more years.

May 28

Nehemiah 10–11

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Nehemiah 10:1–11:36

Day 147 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Nehemiah 10:1–11:36 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

The Spirit's Work

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Acts 2:1–4

The Spirit, pouring into our hearts, makes us different beings, creatures who love and obey God. This is simply the manifestation of his work in the heart.

The Guide

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 16:13

The Holy Spirit has comes to enlighten your hearts, so that you will understand the truth, and will call to remembrance all things of Christ.

May 27

Nehemiah 8–9

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Nehemiah 8:1–9:38

Day 146 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Nehemiah 8:1–9:38 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 35

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 5:22–25

Do good works because God commands them to be done and because they bring him glory. But never hold the delusion that by doing good works, your sins will be forgiven or you will go to heaven.

May 26

Nehemiah 7

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Nehemiah 7:1–73

Day 145 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Nehemiah 7:1–73 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 34

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 16:19

The commands of God’s Word are not negotiable. We are obliged to obey God. To disobey is to sin. After sinning, we are unable to work off those sins by either deeds or devotion.

The Freed Heart

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 14:1

May the Holy Spirit working through the Word convince you that the Father would have your heart free, at peace with him through faith in his Son.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 33

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 2:22

Scrub and scrub; scour as much as you like. Invent cleansing agents, potions, and rituals. You will still be unclean. The stain of your guilt will remain before the Lord.

May 25

Nehemiah 4–6

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Nehemiah 4:1–6:19

Day 144 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Nehemiah 4:1–6:19 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

The Schoolmaster

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 14:25–26

Church is where it happens. What happens there but God's Spirit working through the read and preached Word? We avoid the assembly at our peril.

The House Companion

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 3:16

We are loved of God through Christ Jesus and enjoy his favor and grace, but also have the great promises of the Lord himself dwelling completely in us.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 32

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:9–10

Jesus Christ is so completely holy and meritorious before the Father that he is holy and worthy for me. God is so pleased with his Son that he is well-pleased with those who believe in him.

May 24

Nehemiah 1–3

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Nehemiah 1:1–3:32

Day 143 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Nehemiah 1:1–3:32 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Where God Dwells

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 14:23

Christ binds the church to his Word and dwells in the midst of those who gather for the teaching and preaching of it, and live under its rule.

May 23

Ezra 8–10

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Ezra 8:1–10:44

Day 142 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Ezra 8:1–10:44 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 31

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 3:16–18

If one may buy off the need for the satisfaction, what then really, is the point — that if we have enough money, we may buy God’s remission of temporal punishments?

Do Not Despair

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 14:18

Do not judge things according to feelings but keep to the Word and the comfort of preaching which the Holy Spirit gives to distressed consciences.

May 22

Ezra 4–7

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Ezra 4:1–7:28

Day 141 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Ezra 4:1–7:28 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 30

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 3:16–17

When Scripture tells us to repent it is not speaking of something one may do beyond this life. All that goes with repentance is to be done in this life.

Teaching Our Hearts to Believe

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 15:26

The office of the Holy Spirit is, namely, to invest the treasure — Christ and all he has, to enfold him in your heart so that Christ Jesus may be your own.

May 21

Ezra 1–3

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Ezra 1:1–3:13

Day 140 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Ezra 1:1–3:13 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 29

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 5:6–7

Good works are mandatory. But they do not appease the wrath of God against sin. Repentance is required, as it is commanded by Christ. This requirement does not make one righteous...

May 20

2 Chronicles 35–36

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: 2 Chronicles 35:1–36:23

Day 139 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read 2 Chronicles 35:1–36:23 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 28

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 6:19–23

We are either slaves to the devil, sin, and death, or to God, righteousness, and life. Whichever we are bonded to will determine the fruit we get. The fruit or the wages of sin is death.

The True Church of Christ

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 16:1–3

The Church is not known by the name on the sign or external appearance but those who have real knowledge of Christ in his Word and promises.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 27

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 8:12–13

We are indebted to God in Christ to no longer live in the sin for which he died. This does not mean that we no longer sin, for as long as we are in this flesh, this mortal body, there is sin and death.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 26

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 4:5b–7

The only one who is able to heal you, restore your soul, and give you peace, is near you right now. He is “at hand.” So there is no need for anxiety.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 25

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 14:27

Political and civil peace would be nice. Family peace would be a true blessing for many people. And of course, better finances and health would afford to many a certain peace of mind.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 24

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 14:28–33

When I was a boy, I learned to carry a full cup of coffee to my father. I walked through the kitchen, down the carpeted hallway, and in to the living room, then handed it to him without having spilled a drop.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 23

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Jude 20–23

People doubt from time to time. Jesus said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” It is unrealistic to think that everyone will always be strong in faith.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 22

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 24:9–14

Life is hard enough without those in authority leading people astray. Scripture teaches us to have faith in Christ for forgiveness and justification.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 21

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 2:15–18

Misrepresentation of Holy Scripture will upset the faith of some, those who have itching ears, but also those who are unlearned. Such deception even leads people into lives of ungodliness.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 20

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 4:1–4

It is important for us to keep the faith —both in the sense continuing to believe in God, and in remaining true to the Word of God.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 19

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 33:14–16

It has already been stated here, more than a few times, that genuine faith is shown in its works. This is an entirely different matter than saying that forgiveness happens because of those works.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 18

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:6–8

Lutherans confess with Scripture that sinners are justified before God — that is, absolved of all sins and condemnation, without any worth or work of their own — through God’s pure grace.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 17

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 8:3–5

In the worldly kingdom, there are many disciplines we might bring to bear in order to make things more civil and orderly. Requiring certain satisfactions can even make folks feel better for a time.

Free Concert

Matthew Weaver & Clay Lunsford

Free concert with Matthew Weaver and Clay Lunsford on Friday, May 19th at 7pm in the fellowship hall

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 16

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Peter 1:19–21

We do well to appeal to the highest authority. The academics of scholastic theology turned to Peter Lombard, who wrote the standard medieval texts on theology, as their authority.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 15

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Zechariah 9:11–12

Guilt and punishment alike are borne by God in Christ alone. We are set free from all bondage — from waterless pits to the depths of hell — because God promised to do so.

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 4:9–10

It bears repeating: our love, devotion, good works, and religious activities do not satisfy God’s justice. Only God’s Son propitiates, appeases, or satisfies God’s just demand for holiness.