Posts Posted in December 2024

Spiritual Blessings – Tuesday

Preparing for the Second Sunday after Christmas

Series: Lectio Concordia

Don't always look to the physical when counting your spiritual blessings.

The Small Catechism – part 23

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Exodus 20:4

If you knew what God looked like and made an image of that likeness, would you be able to fear the image? I suppose you could, but it would be irrational to do so.

Spiritual Blessings – Monday

Preparing for the Second Sunday after Christmas

Series: Lectio Concordia

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, having the word of Christ dwell in you richly, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

The Small Catechism – part 22

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Exodus 20:3

The command to have no other gods is packed with things to consider. Having another god means to own the god, as one could an idol. But we cannot own Yahweh, in that sense, unless we try to make him into an image that we would worship instead of Yahweh himself.

The Small Catechism – part 21

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Exodus 20:2

You may initially counter that God did not bring you out of Egypt. It was the Hebrew people whom God led out of slavery to pharaohs. They were enslaved for over four centuries in Egypt, waiting for God to send Moses to lead them out.

The Peace of Christ

The First Sunday after Christmas

Series: Lectio Concordia

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, having the word of Christ dwell in you richly, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

The Small Catechism – part 20

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Exodus 20:2

Exodus 20:2 does not simply say, “I am the Lord God.” It reads, “I am the Lord your God.” Without God revealing himself to the people of Israel, he may have been any deity, any one of the gods of the land.

The Peace of Christ – Saturday

Preparing for the First Sunday after Christmas

Series: Lectio Concordia

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

The Peace of Christ – Friday

Preparing for the First Sunday after Christmas

Series: Lectio Concordia

Peace, lasting peace even when conscience might be troubled, comes through justification with God through Christ.

The Small Catechism – part 19

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Exodus 20:2

The commandments bring God to the forefront of our hearts and minds; the actual commandments seem almost secondary. They are commanded because of the nature of God.

The Small Catechism – part 18

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Exodus 20:1–6

The commandments begin with a brief foreword that is the condition for the words to follow. Why should we do and not do these certain things? What is the condition for our obedience? God said so.

The Peace of Christ – Thursday

Preparing for the First Sunday after Christmas

Series: Lectio Concordia

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... Let the Word of God dwell in youi richly...

The Small Catechism – part 17

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 3:4–6

Gratitude from the world? Too often, it seems like there is not much gratitude even from the church. That is a reason why a minister’s sufficiency must come from God.

The Peace of Christ – Wednesday

Preparing for the First Sunday after Christmas

Series: Lectio Concordia

Faith in Christ produces the hope of salvation; this is the source of perfect peace.

The Small Catechism – part 16

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 26:26–28

The primary task of ministers is two-fold. First, they must teach the law so that people understand they are sinners in danger of God’s judgment.

The Peace of Christ – Tuesday

Preparing for the First Sunday after Christmas

Series: Lectio Concordia

Though Satan somewhat bound from and cannot destroy Christ's church, he can still cause trouble and tribulation for God's people. But Jesus promises to be with us, and in this word, we may have peace in the world.

The Peace of Christ – Monday

Preparing for the First Sunday after Christmas

Series: Lectio Concordia

One never has sustaining peace in self, in religion, in devotion. But when you trust in Christ alone for forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life, it will be well with your soul.

The Small Catechism – part 15

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 6:53–56

We have no life in ourselves. Nevertheless, our old, inborn natures want to keep trying to live. Though drowned and buried with Christ in baptism, we must be reassured of our death.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Preparing for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

The Shepherd Lord shall be their peace.

The Small Catechism – part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:22–26

Some people think of Holy Communion as a sort of magic act: a specific incantation recited by an approved class of people. Others think of it as a legal act, something one must do in order to be right with God.

The Signs of Immanuel – Saturday

Preparing for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

God uses his Word and Sacraments to speak peace to the nations.

The Small Catechism – part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:11–16

It is clear Luther consider the catechism part of the wider education of children. Further, he believed the catechism could instill in them a heart to serve both church and community.

The Small Catechism – part 12

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Proverbs 1:5–7

We should not simply learn God's commandments and acts, fearing, loving, and trusting God above all things, we should learn about God, his character, his inclination toward us.

The Signs of Immanuel – Friday

Preparing for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

Jesus is coming back and the name by which he will be called is "The LORD is our righteousness."

The Signs of Immanuel – Thursday

Preparing for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

To us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The Small Catechism – part 11

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 8:3

You will find different areas of emphasis in your ministry—whether it be a commandment, article, petition, or Sacrament that needs stressed in the lives of your flock, or in your own life.

The Signs of Immanuel – Wednesday

Preparing for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

The King, his kingdom, and throne will be established forever. The government shall be upon his shoulder.

The Small Catechism – part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:10

It is inconceivable that a person would say of the one she loves, I’ve had enough of him; it’s time for a new stage of life.

The Signs of Immanuel – Tuesday

Preparing for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

The LORD said to me, You are my Son; today I have begotten you."

The Small Catechism – part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 119:130

God’s word opens the door of the mind. Yet it does far more since it is not merely that which opens, but is itself the gateway to a person’s spirit.

The Signs of Immanuel – Monday

Preparing for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

The Second Adam, the offspring of the first Adam, will crush the head of of that old serpent.

The Small Catechism – part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 11:18–19

Too often, we hear something along this line: We have decided to let our children make up their own minds. All the while, the rest of the world has free access to the minds of these same children.

The Small Catechism – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 8:36

The point here is that our people are to take the catechism seriously. But why?, one might object. It’s only some program Luther invented.

You Can't Make Some People Happy

A Sermon for the Third Sunday of Advent

Scripture Text: Luke 7:18–35

The Third Sunday of Advent

Preparing for the Third Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

The True Light has come into the world and is coming again.

The True Light – Saturday

Preparing for the Third Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

There will be no need of light there for the Lamb will be the lamp of the eternal city.

The Small Catechism – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 11:18–19

What does it mean to “impress” the word of God on your heart and soul but to memorize Scripture? Other translations use “place,” “deposit,” “lay up,” and “fix.”

The True Light – Friday

Preparing for the Third Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

The light that shines out of darkness has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

The Small Catechism – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 28:19–20

Walking to elementary school, I would stop by Chris’ house so we could walk together. Many mornings I had to wait for him to finish writing the 50 states and their capitals on yellow, lined paper.

The True Light – Thursday

Preparing for the Third Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

Walk with Jesus and be in his light.

The True Light – Wednesday

Preparing for the Third Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

God created the heavens and the earth from nothing.

The Small Catechism – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 9:23

Our culinary palates may develop, given experience, but the basics remain the same. The food groups used to make exotic dishes are the same as simple dishes.

The Small Catechism – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 25:23

This is a charge that may be leveled at all pastors, not merely bishops. How can pastors avoid God’s disapproval (to put it mildly) of neglecting their calls?

The True Light – Tuesday

Preparing for the Third Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

God created the heavens and the earth from nothing.

The Small Catechism – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 6:5–7

Luther visited the parishes of Saxony and Meissen from October 22, 1528, through January 9, 1529. Years before this visitation, he had spoken of writing a catechism for the instruction of children.

The True Light – Monday

Preparing for the Third Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

God created the heavens and the earth from nothing.

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 68

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:1

There is something more to these articles than doctrine; there is an attitude expressed at number 32 below that would serve the Church of Christ well.

Preparing the Way – Sunday

The Second Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

God will send his messenger to prepare the way of the Lord. Look up and see!

Preparing the Way – Saturday

Preparing for the Second Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

God will send Elijah before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 67

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: James 5:1–6

It is bad enough when the person outside the church swindles people so that he may live in excess. When leaders of the church of God do this to the very ones whom the Lord has called them to serve, it is nothing short of an obscene blotch on the character of the whole church.

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 66

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 3:1–7

Those who oversee the affairs of the church are not to be loathed because of their office, whether it be called overseer, bishop, president, or otherwise.

Preparing the Way – Friday

Preparing for the Second Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

If you abide in Christ Jesus and his word lives in you, you will bear much fruit and glorify his Father.

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 65

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 10:5–9

Scripture provides abundant comfort and assistance on the specific subject as well as on general topics that are helpful to a marriage.

Preparing the Way – Thursday

Preparing for the Second Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

God liberates sinners and calls them to walk through the gates of the land that once held them captive.

Preparing the Way – Wednesday

Preparing for the Second Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

God promises peace to the humble but not to the proud.

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 64

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 20:25–28

While pastors should be concerned that the Word of God is upheld in the church, they should do so only from the position of the Word’s authority. Otherwise, they have no authority.

Preparing the Way – Tuesday

Preparing for the Second Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

Paul relates his conversion and calling to King Agrippa

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 63

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 5:1–5

When the institutional church acts like the world system, there is only one answer: faith in Christ — complete trust in the truth of his gospel. Christ alone will see you through.

Preparing the Way – Monday

Preparing for the Second Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

Zechariah, John the Baptist's father, sings about the fulfillment of prophecy, the advent of salvation through his Son.

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 62

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Proverbs 29:2

The story of Haman in the Old Testament book of Esther may not be as well known as it should be. Haman was that sort of dishonorable civil official who purchases position and favor.

Waiting for Salvation – Sunday

The First Sunday of Advent

Series: Lectio Concordia

There will be signs in sun and moon and stars...then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 61

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15

If anyone does not obey the apostolic word, it is the responsibility of pastors to offer a biblical corrective to that sister or brother —even if that correction goes so far as terminating church ties with those who are not faithful