The Two Kingdoms
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Matthew 22:15–21
The two powers, God’s and Caesar’s, or spiritual and temporal kingdoms, must be kept apart, Christians especially rendering to each the honor due.
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Reading the Word with Luther
The Death of Sin
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Scripture Text: Romans 6:1–4
Christ Jesus was buried that he might, through forgiveness, cover up, mortify, and destroy our sin, whether actually committed or inherent in us.
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Strong Medicine
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Scripture Text: Romans 5:20–21
God provides strong medicine to cure the sinful condition but this gives no license to make oneself ill so that more medicine may be received.
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Blessed Eyes
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Scripture Text: Luke 10:21–24
You are blessed if your have heard and seen with your heart the Lord Jesus Christ, for there are those who have heard and seen without perception.
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Subject to Hope
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Scripture Text: Romans 8:20–23
Since man has fallen in sin, we all — the whole creation — must suffer the consequence and be subject to futility and vanity...and yet may have hope.
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Exercising Faith
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Scripture Text: John 10:1–4
Following Christ means that our whole life is a constant exercise of faith, whereby we are assured that we have favor with God because of him.
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The Rest of Conscience
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Scripture Text: John 3:17–18
My conscience must rest upon the foundation, the eternal, all-knowing truth that God alone is truth, and must rest upon him and nothing else.
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The Humble Fear of God
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Scripture Text: 1 Peter 5:5–6
God never lays his hand upon us in order that we would be damned but pursues a course that leads us to repentance, so we would seek his grace.
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God's Image in Our Neighbor
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Genesis 9:5–6
Man is made in God's image and God wills that we revere his image in our neighbor, doing all we can for him, protecting him and doing him good.
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Cain or Abel
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 1 John 3:10–12
In Cain, we see the hateful world, and on the other hand, that poor, abject Abel well represents the obscure little brotherhood: the Church of Christ.
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The Only and True Light
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 1:6–8
"All who preach the doctrines of men make man the light, lead men away from God to themselves, and set themselves up as the true Light."
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Our Rock and Anchor
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Scripture Text: John 3:16
"Come what will, let us say: Here is God’s Word; that is my rock and anchor; to that I cling and that abides; and where that abides, there I abide also."
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The Hope of Glory
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Romans 8:19–25
Christians are to be confident of eternal glory, to implore the Lord God to hasten the Day, for Jesus has taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come.”
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Christ’s Peace
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Scripture Text: John 14:27
We must be able to say that we know we have God’s pledge and the witness of the Holy Spirit, that he wants to be our Father through Christ, his Son.
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If You Love Me
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Scripture Text: John 14:15–17
Experience teaches how difficult it is to keep Christ's Word, but the Christian will love Christ, his Word, and his kingdom more than all things of the earth.
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The Dawn of Glory
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Scripture Text: Romans 8:18–19
The whole creation cries out for a speedy end of these injustices and abuses of the ungodly, and for the dawning of glory for the children of God!
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Just Passing Through
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Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:11–12
God would have us occupy this world as guests, striving after an eternal kingdom, abstaining from lusts, maintaining a godly life of good works.
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A Revelation
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Scripture Text: Genesis 2:20–24
The affection of the intended husband toward his betrothed spouse is of a particular and elevated kind, a knowledge and revelation of the Holy Spirit.
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Prayer in Love
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Scripture Text: Philippians 1:9–11
Christians should love and pray for the salvation of all, for the sanctification of God’s name, the coming of his kingdom, and the fulfilment of his will.
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Journey on in Joy
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Scripture Text: Psalm 55:12
Even in danger and death, you have a faithful Father and Savior, who has taken you into his own hand, and will preserve you. Journey on in joy.
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Christ in You
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Scripture Text: Jude 3–4
One may confess Christ but still deny him in deeds and works, by insisting he is his own lord through his religious observances being the way to salvation.
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Spirit Fall
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Scripture Text: Acts 10:44–48
It is not enough that Christ be preached; the Word must be believed. So, God sends the Holy Spirit to impress the preaching upon the heart.
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The Precondition of Kindness
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Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:5–6
It is impossible to love, where no faith exists, and impossible to believe, where there is no love. Love of neighbor depends upon the love of God.
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The Inner Person
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Scripture Text: Luke 16:19–31
We are not condemned because we have great riches, but because we are attached to them and trust in them, instead of in Jesus Christ the Lord.
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Anger Management
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Scripture Text: 1 Peter 3:10
An angry heart knows no moderation, fanning a tiny spark into a conflagration, retaliating and cursing, committing a greater wrong than suffered.
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The Importance of Sanity
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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.
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One Divine Majesty
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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."
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Be Watchful
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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.
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The Spirit's Work
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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.
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The Freed Heart
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.
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The Schoolmaster
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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.
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The House Companion
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.
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Where God Dwells
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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.
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Do Not Despair
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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.
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Teaching Our Hearts to Believe
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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.
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The True Church of Christ
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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.
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The Implanted Word
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Scripture Text: James 1:21
"Take heed to accept in purity and to maintain with patience the Word so graciously and richly given you by God without effort or merit on your part."
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The Spirit of a Lifetime
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Scripture Text: Genesis 6:3
The Lord suffers a lifetime with us, giving us the opportunity to repent and believe in his Savior. But he will suffer no longer than a limited lifetime.
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The Witness
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Scripture Text: 1 John 5:7
May you hear the Word of God and believe because the Spirit has born witness with your spirit that this word comes from God, and is for you.
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Asking Properly
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Scripture Text: John 16:23
May you know the will of the Father so that you may ask rightly in the Son's name, knowing that you receive for Christ's sake, not by your own merit.
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The Offense of the Gospel
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 16:2
The gospel is a teaching that gives the world nothing but offense — a thing unworthy to be heard or tolerated because it is not worldly, but spiritual.
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The Sign of a Christian
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Scripture Text: Mark 16:17–18
The great and powerful work of all true Christians is, by God’s grace, to keep the faith so that they may have a clear conscience and peace before God.
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The Mission of Faith
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Scripture Text: Mark 16:15
Those who would believe and preach the gospel, must cast aside all works supposed to make one just and holy , and allow nothing to remain but faith.
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Knowing Christ
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 2 Peter 3:18
Christ as a gift makes you a Christian and nourishes your faith, but Christ as an example moves your faith to do good works for your neighbor.
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Two Kingdoms
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Romans 13:1–2
In the gospel is an entirely different, a spiritual government, that exists alone in the Word, by which sinners are convicted and Christ proclaimed.
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Hidden Strength
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Scripture Text: Romans 14:1
Christ hung upon the cross that we might learn how deeply strength lies hidden under weakness, and learn to know his strength in our weakness.
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Christians by Birth
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Scripture Text: James 1:18
We are joint heirs with Christ by believing on the same Lord Jesus Christ alone and the promises of his word and the Father's grace are ours.
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Resurrection Blessings
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Scripture Text: James 1:17
Cling to the great and glorious gifts of the resurrection: the gospel, holy Baptism, the power of the Holy Spirit, and comfort in all adversity.
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Clinging Faith
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Scripture Text: 1 John 5:4
When despairing, our works must immediately sink out of sight, leaving no help or victory except the faith that clings to the word of Christ the Lord.
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Pure Grace and Mercy
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Scripture Text: Romans 11:33–36
Out of pure grace and mercy, God elects, as beneficiaries of his goodness, the poor, and wretched, and unworthy, who acknowledge themselves guilty.
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The Poor Man
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Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 9:15
We are to remember the poor, as the apostles urged, but there is another poor Man whom the whole world would forget, while Christians remember.
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The Shepherd Calls
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Scripture Text: John 10:11
Christ's kingdom abounds in grace and mercy for he is a comforting, friendly shepherd, who tenderly invites, and all people to come to him.
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The Risen Life
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Scripture Text: Colossians 3:1–5
Through Christ's death, you are redeemed from sin and death, raised to an imperishable life you cannot yet perceive in yourselves except through faith.
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Faith Is the Victory
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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.
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Fellowship with the Weak
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Scripture Text: Matthew 22:14
To 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.
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The Gentle Rebuke of the Greatest Sin
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Mark 16:9–14
Unbelief 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.
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Known by the Shepherd
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 10:14
The 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.
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Believing through the Spirit
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Scripture Text: 1 John 5:1
Scripture 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 .
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Raised to New Life
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Colossians 3:1–4
There 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.
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An Everlasting Covenant
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Isaiah 55:3
Christ 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.
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Believing the Judgment
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 16:8–11
The 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.
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The Righteousness of Christians
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 16:8–10
Christ 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.
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Contending for the Sheep
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Scripture Text: Ezekiel 34:1–2
The 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.
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Be Certain
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Scripture Text: 1 Peter 4:10–11
Be 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.
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No Trifling Matter
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Luke 24:36
We are not to trifle with the Scriptures, else there would then be no reliable and permanent foundation whereon the conscience may rely.
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The Mind of Faith
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Scripture Text: Luke 24:26–27
Only 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.
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Dear Brothers
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 20:17
It 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.
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My Father and Your Father
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Scripture Text: John 20:16–17
It 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.
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On the Third Day
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Christ 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.
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Mercy, Not Merit
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Matthew 28:10
Jesus 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.
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Freedom through Word and Sacraments
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:27–31
God'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.
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The Word of Salvation
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Acts 13:26
You 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.
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Bread for Your Neighbor
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:16–17
When 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.
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Enduring Witness
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Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:20–21
If 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.
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A Testimony
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Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23–25
We 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.
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A Fresh Lump
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 5:1–7
May 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.
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Drinking the Word
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:1–4
The 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.
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Expatriates
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Scripture Text: Philippians 3:20–21
"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."
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Call on Him
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Scripture Text: Isaiah 55:6–7
We may know the Lord's presence everywhere through the Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the blessed Sacraments.
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Believing the Unbelievable
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Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:5
May 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.
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Faithful Dependence
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Scripture Text: Acts 10:42–43
Faith 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.
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Just Condemnation
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 16:8–9
God demands admission or confession of sin, and that people everywhere repent of their sins, turning away from self to God through his Savior.
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Confess and Believe
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Scripture Text: Romans 10:8–10
We 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.
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