Harmony
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Romans 12:16
As long as unity of faith and oneness of mind survive, the true Church of God abides, so we must be careful to cherish the virtue of harmony.
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Devotional About Teaching
Anger Management
Reading the Word with Luther
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
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.
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One Divine Majesty
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."
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Be Watchful
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.
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The Spirit's Work
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.
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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
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.
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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
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.
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Do Not Despair
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.
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Teaching Our Hearts to Believe
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.
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The True Church of Christ
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.
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The Implanted Word
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
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.
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Fellowship with the Weak
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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
Reading the Word with Luther
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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Good for the Soul
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Psalm 32:1–5
The 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.
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Consider Him
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Galatians 5:22–26
One 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.
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Faith over Feelings
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Isaiah 53:4–6
Do 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.
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The Light of Men
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 1:1–4
Whoever 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.
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A Thorn in the Flesh
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10
In 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.
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You Crucified Him
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Isaiah 53:4–7
It 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.
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Holding Faith
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 8:51
Life 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.
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Our Only Hope
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 6:40
This 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.
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Imitators of God
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:1–2
Like children imitating their parents, we should imitate God, especially in doing good things for our neighbors so that the Father is glorified in us.
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All Things
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 2 Peter 2:5
We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things, trusting him through his Word, more than feelings, works, or even his good gifts.
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Another Son
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Genesis 4:25
God 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.
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Who Do You Trust?
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Genesis 4:23–24
We are to turn the other cheek, trusting in God above all things — even government, even ourselves — that he will avenge wrongdoing.
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East of Eden
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Genesis 4:16
Lack 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.
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Uncovenanted Mercy
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Genesis 4:15
God 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.
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Unthwarted
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Genesis 4:10–11
Nothing 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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A Proper Response
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Genesis 4:8–9
Be careful how you respond to God when he confronts you with your sins, especially when it involves your neighbor, or family, your closest neighbors.
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The Blessed Dead
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Genesis 4:8–10
God has no desire to forget us and so, those who love the Lord will live on in his memory and in another, blessed life so that we may remain in his love.
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The Acceptable Time
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 6:1–2
Whatever day it is, the promise of the gospel abounds for you, making it the acceptable day for your salvation. Believe! and it will be a brand new day.
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The Office of Disgrace
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 8:48–49
The office of the ministry will always be disgraced by some, as Christ Jesus himself was dishonored, simply because his Word is proclaimed as truth.
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The Pious Pastor
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 8:45–47
The preacher must not present an obstacle to the Word that results from his life, and especially from his doctrine, so they refuse to believe because of him.
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All the More Reason
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:1–3
We are weak in the flesh, yes, but this is all the more reason to strive for purity and to live in holiness since Christ Jesus has made us holy.
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Suffering Fools
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 11:19–20
There have been and will always be those who would take advantage of your liberty in Christ, insisting you must do this and that to be saved.
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The Cleansed Conscience
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Hebrews 9:13–14
One needs more than purification of the body in order to be at peace with God. The conscience must be cleansed by faith in the shed blood of Jesus.
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More and More
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:1
There should be a grateful and increasing degree of perfection in the doctrines we have received, perceiving our errors and striving to mend our ways.
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The Beginning of Salvation
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Genesis 8:20–22
Everyone — even old Noah, your pastor, and your child — is a sinner who can do nothing without God's assistance. Admit it, and salvation begins.
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The Unbelieving Heart
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Luke 11:24–26
The wastelands of unclean spirits are nothing more than unbelieving hearts, Evil is anxious to return home, so keep believing and exercising your faith.
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Crumbs of Faith
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Matthew 15:21–28
The law condemns but the gospel takes away all despair, so that, even if one has only some crumbs of faith, she may believe and be a child of God.
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God's Bare Word
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Matthew 15:21–23a
The bare Word of God is what must make the difference for us — not disappointment or glee or any other feeling. Cling to the Word alone!
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The Same Submission
Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Galatians 5:13–14
All works of love, then, must be directed, as commanded, to our needy neighbors. In these lowly ones we are to find, love, serve, and honor God.
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