The Large Catechism – part 22
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 13:33
When Luther was praised for the great work he had accomplished, he gave the praise to God. He replied, “I did nothing; the Word did everything.”
More
The Large Catechism – part 21
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 4:7–8
When I was in elementary school, I was always the fastest kid in my class. Although sometimes, Melony or Raymond gave me a run for my money. Mrs. Allen, our fourth grade teacher, tested us throughout the year, to determine the swiftest.
More
The Large Catechism – part 20
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Proverbs 17:3
A neighbor told me yesterday that she thinks, “this is a wake-up call for America.” Then she added, “I hope we're listening." She was referring to...
More
The Large Catechism – part 19
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Proverbs 15:30
When I was in high school, my grandma tried everything to fatten me up, as we say. I think skinny me was a slight on her good cooking.
More
The Large Catechism – part 18
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 1:3–4
The Revised Standard Version may not be the most literal English translation of 1 Timothy 1:4, but the idea of “divine training” has its appeal. Training does not seem too tempting, at first glance.
More
The Large Catechism – part 17
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 John 8–9
It is too easy to become a heretic. It is easier to stop believing. Perhaps the easiest thing is to be lazy. Church membership rolls are filled with all three, but probably more of the third class.
More
The Large Catechism – part 16
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 11:25–26
There are those who take no thought of the Bible, or even the Word in brief, speaking of the Catechism. They are either too dull or too brilliant.
More
The Large Catechism – part 15
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 5:3
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me (Psa 16:7–8). How can we keep God’s commandments if we do not know them, or worse, forget them?
More
The Large Catechism – part 14
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 4:15–16
The Catechism is a short discourse, packed with God’s Word. In it, the law accuses us, yet as we read on, we are reminded of the gospel, of God’s great love for us in Jesus Christ.
More
The Large Catechism – part 13
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 3:23–24
When we work in the Catechism, we are essentially learning one thing in different ways. And what is it that the Catechism, in all its parts, teaches us but the greatest commandment which is the sum of all of God’s commandments?
More
The Large Catechism – part 12
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 3:4–6
In many cases, Greek is difficult to translate into English in a way that makes sense. Today’s New Testament lection is such a case. Many English translations makes it sound like Christians do not sin.
More
The Large Catechism – part 11
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 2:24–25
What goes for the pastors and theologians, goes, of course, for the whole church. None of us should presume that we have learned the Catechism, the basics of the Christian faith.
More
The Large Catechism – part 10
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ezekiel 34:7
Who calls pastors and teachers? God, of course. He should be able to expect of those he has employed that they do their work as he intends. Yet, in our churches, too many have ignored the basic teachings of Scripture.
More
The Large Catechism – part 9
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 2:3
When I was a boy, I would walk down to Jeff’s house and he would join me on the walk to school. We would stop a few houses down the street to get Chris. Many mornings we had to wait on him to finish writing out the 50 states and their capital cities, before we could walk on together.
More
The Large Catechism – part 8
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 1:8
There are plenty of know-it-alls out there. They have all the answers for you, and are happy to let you know what they call “truth.” Sadly, some of these gasbags are in our congregations.
More
The Large Catechism – part 7
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Jeremiah 31:33
When my wife and I were dating, we would spend hours on the telephone. We did not have anything to say to each other for long stretches of time, but we would not hang up. We just wanted to be together, if only silently.
More
The Large Catechism – part 6
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:20–24
We need not lay this at the doorstep of the past. Let us look to ourselves. One has to wonder how much fruitless babbling occurs on Sunday mornings.
More
The Large Catechism – part 5
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:11–15
God provides everything we need for the ministry of his church. Now, we must use what he has provided. For example, if he has granted that one is a teacher of some kind, that person must teach truly, so that others may grow correctly.
More
The Large Catechism – part 4
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:14–19
What does it mean for Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith? It means that you have cast off all moorings to what you imagine brings security. You no longer depend upon those things; you trust in Christ alone.
More
The Large Catechism – part 3
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:8–9
Notice how the Catechism deals with both Law and Gospel. We see readily enough, how the Ten Commandments deal with God’s law, telling us what we must do and must not do. These are commands, or law. In the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Sacraments, we hear the word of grace, the Gospel.
More
The Large Catechism – part 2
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 2:2–3
God knows us through and through. He comprehends the underlying reasons for all our actions, even before we have performed them. Further, he understands our inaction too, our sloth, our interest in things other than his will.
More
The Large Catechism – part 1
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 28:19–20
How are we to go, unless we go with the whole Word of God: both his moral Law and his gracious Gospel? How are we to teach that Word of God, unless we know it? And how would we know it well and properly, unless we have a guide?
More
The Small Catechism – part 261
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Leviticus 26:27–28
Paul is famous for writing greetings like: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." How could he wish such abundance on the saints, if he did not love them and pray for them?
More
The Small Catechism – part 260
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Leviticus 26:11–12
What else is there for anyone to do but to love God and one’s neighbor? This is the greatest commandment. What better way is there for anyone to love God than to spend time with him?
More
The Small Catechism – part 259
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Leviticus 25:55
Young people are to learn humbleness and submissiveness to those who already know how to live before God. They learn, not simply by obeying the commandment but by observing the rest of us live in this godly manner.
More
The Small Catechism – part 258
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 7:12
It all goes back to the commandments. It always does, the greatest commandment encompassing them all. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
More
The Small Catechism – part 257
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12
There are over 40 million slaves in the world today. Far, far more feel enslaved by the workplace, though that is a far cry from any semblance of truth. Nonetheless, the same word goes for all.
More
The Small Catechism – part 256
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Leviticus 19:1–4
How many times have we heard it said to us by our parents? Who can say how much good those four little words have done for us? “Because I said so.”
More
The Small Catechism – part 255
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 6:8
Our heavenly Father knows of everything we need, but do earthly parents understand everything that their children need? We know the basics, yet some of the real necessities can go begging.
More
The Small Catechism – part 254
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18
When we do well, we should not be afraid of anything that might bring terror into this life. What is more right and holy, more acceptable to God, than to offer ourselves to him in the living worship of seeking his mercy and grace?
More
The Small Catechism – part 253
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:27–28
When marriage is rightly considered as a vocation, a calling for life, it is sobering. Would that more couples entered into the estate with a proper understanding of the gravity of what lies ahead.
More
The Small Catechism – part 252
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 34:8
See how Moses did not take matters into his own hands—perhaps as he had done when he emptied his hands of the tablets in a fit of exasperation and anger. He soon humbled himself under the Lord’s will, bowing in worship.
More
The Small Catechism – part 251
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 33:3
It can be difficult to obey the will of God when we are busy listening to our own voices. This was the case of the people of Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness.
More
The Small Catechism – part 250
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3
Those called to the ministry of the Word deserve their wages. It is written, but it does not say how much or how well. The closest we can come to an understanding of salary is that those who do so most ably deserve twice as much pay for their labors.
More
The Small Catechism – part 249
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:1–10
The Beatitudes provide us a sufficient test of those who would be teachers of the Word of God. The rest of Scripture makes it even clearer, but if we looked for evidence of the Beatitudes in the lives of those whom congregations are considering for pastoral call, we would do well.
More
The Small Catechism – part 248
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 24:11
Even when facing the fear of God’s wrath, the leaders of the people were able to go up into the mountain of God with Moses and Joshua. How is it that they were able to do such a fearsome act?
More
The Small Catechism – part 247
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 4:1–4
When at table, and we consider all of God’s benefits, we must not think only of those things that go into our mouths. We should also give thanks for what comes out of God’s mouth.
More
The Small Catechism – part 246
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Colossians 1:15–17
Once again this morning, I looked for Coronavirus news in the local paper. Specifically, I was looking for news about social isolation and stay-at-home orders.
More
The Small Catechism – part 245
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Colossians 1:9–14
When we return thanks to God, our gratitude should not be merely for the food and drink we have received from him. We should be thankful for all his benefits.
More
The Small Catechism – part 244
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Peter 5:6–7
What is your concern, perhaps even an anxiety? Your heavenly Father cares for you, so he shares your concern—though it is no cause for angst in him.
More
The Small Catechism – part 243
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 16:22
There are many lessons to be learned in this one verse. Let us learn one: that we may depend upon God for our daily bread, just as that wilderness congregation could.
More
The Small Catechism – part 242
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 16:10
It seems, these days, that I am looking forward to going to bed as soon as I wake up each morning. When I was a young man and earlier, a teenager, going to bed was the last thing on my mind
More
The Small Catechism – part 241
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 15:9
Jesus wants us to do more than follow him. Following Jesus is the starting point, from which eventually, there must be something more, lest following becomes stiff habit and we hang dead upon the vine.
More
The Small Catechism – part 240
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 14:31
“Go to your work with joy” does not mean that you love your work. It means you love the one you work for, and who is with you while you work.
More
The Small Catechism – part 239
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 14:1
I used to sing quite softly, especially in worship. Because I was unsure of my voice, I held back for fear of sounding worse to others than I did to myself.
More
The Small Catechism – part 238
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:51–52
We entrust ourselves this day to the care of the one who will bring us into everlasting day. As eyelids flutter into wakefulness, our sleeping eyes will be instantly awakened.
More
The Small Catechism – part 237
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:49
Luther encourages us to give thanks for making it through the night. That idea has a little more gravity when there is a global pandemic. So, we should thank God for each new day.
More
The Small Catechism – part 236
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 12:42
The ordinance of the Passover provided a way for Jewish people to remember who and whose they are. In this observance, they remembered how the Lord delivered them from more than four centuries of slavery in Egypt.
More
The Small Catechism – part 235
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:28
I love that Richard Pryor line toward the end of the movie “Silver Streak” when a gunfight has broken out between the FBI and criminals. Bullets are flying everywhere and Pryor, hunkered down behind a 55-gallon drum, has had enough of the chaos.
More
The Small Catechism – part 234
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4
Belief is the key to readiness. Do you believe that you are a sinner? If you do, then you are almost ready for the table. Do you believe that Jesus died to save sinners?
More
The Small Catechism – part 233
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:18–19
All of our religious devices will never set us free from sin and death. Prayer will not do it, nor will Bible reading, Sunday School, or going to church.
More
The Small Catechism – part 232
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:27–29
I would sit in the pew, trying to decide if I had been good enough in the past week to receive the bread and the wine. Of course, I was not good at all, nor would I ever be good.
More
The Small Catechism – part 231
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 1:9
The struggle to be righteous is a desperate effort. There have been times when considering my life—my thoughts and actions—I nearly despaired.
More
The Small Catechism – part 230
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 1:5
How solitary sits the city, how lonely and desolate. This is the lament of Jeremiah over Israel. Jesus grieves similarly over the people because they are without a shepherd.
More
The Small Catechism – part 229
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 9:20–21
Be sure you do not get caught out in the field with your cattle. God’s forgiveness is abundantly available—even to pharaohs, even to sinners. Just come in from the storm.
More
The Small Catechism – part 228
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 3:18
Holy Communion is a turning to the Lord, and in it, we behold his glory. Furthermore, the table is a sort of mirror in which we may begin to behold ourselves as God sees us.
More
The Small Catechism – part 227
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 2:15–16
What a pleasing fragrance arises to God when his church believes the gospel by eating and drinking in remembrance of Christ Jesus. The aroma of our witness extends horizontally as well.
More
The Small Catechism – part 226
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 6:1
The Lord is still driving us out of the land of slavery, not a three-day journey, but a full six days into the wilderness, to feast with the Lord.
More
The Small Catechism – part 225
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 4:30–31
I remember so many Sundays about 40 years ago, when I remained in the pew, trying to decide if I was ready to receive Holy Communion. Was I penitent enough, devoted, pious, holy?
More
The Small Catechism – part 224
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 9:7
Oh, that we would listen to Jesus. I once knew a brother in a congregation who would walk straight out of church as soon as he had communed.
More
The Small Catechism – part 223
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 12:13
I do not intend for us to understand this verse as being about Holy Communion. Obviously, it is about Baptism. Yet, there is relationship between the Sacraments, at least in Spirit and Word.
More
The Small Catechism – part 222
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 8:14
One wonders if John Mark wrote this verse with tongue in cheek, or if Peter had told him the story with a wry tone at the memory. The disciples were worried about bread for their bellies, while they had the One Loaf to share as they sailed.
More
The Small Catechism – part 221
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
This is how Jesus established his holy meal, and this is how we pass it down, like Paul, from generation to generation. We receive from the Lord himself, his body and blood—his own precious life—in the elements of bread and wine.
More
The Small Catechism – part 220
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:16
When we share in Holy Communion, we are receiving the true body and blood of Jesus Christ. We are not simply receiving bread and wine that we eat in memory of what Christ did for us.
More
The Small Catechism – part 219
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 6:48–50
Jesus reveals his divine power at times when those in need may apprehend. He speaks to peace of heart, saying, be not afraid, grab some courage. This word is always predicated on the fact that he is present.
More
The Small Catechism – part 218
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 6:34
Jesus fed people throughout his ministry. A have a feeling that he fed people far more often than Scripture chronicles. The recorded cases were miraculous in nature, a little going a long way.
More
The Small Catechism – part 217
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 8:9
Sometimes, it is when we imagine ourselves most right, that we may be very wrong. In today’s larger reading, Paul discusses Christian freedoms or rights, the liberties and privileges we have in Christ.
More
The Small Catechism – part 216
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 6:12
The old proclamation of the twelve disciples still has legs. Even now, they go from house to house, urging us to repent. Have we failed God in the light of any of his commandments?
More
The Small Catechism – part 215
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 5:33–34
Who was this woman, so afflicted that she hemorrhaged for a dozen years? She would have felt unclean and, no doubt, been considered unclean by others.
More
The Small Catechism – part 214
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 4:39–40
The storms of life howl upon us, and we are frightened. The obvious example, at the moment, is the coronavirus. We shrink before the tempest, yet muster enough courage to rush out and purchase more toilet paper, soap, and sanitizer than we could use in a month of Sundays.
More
The Small Catechism – part 213
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
We are united with the Lord, and by his grace made one spirit with him. Therefore, we should take special care not to sin, as our sins are really sins against the Lord, since we are one with him.
More
The Small Catechism – part 212
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 6:11
Like Joseph’s brothers, we must confess, “In truth we are guilty.” Ours may seem to us lesser or greater crimes. No matter. We are guilty.
More
The Small Catechism – part 211
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 3:28–29
Imagine a person who goes to church and thinks, I do not need to confess my sins because I am a good person. It is easy enough to imagine a person like this outside the church, but they exist inside the church too.
More
The Small Catechism – part 210
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 4:20
Is the power of God at work in you? God forbid that it is only talk, just religion. The power of God’s kingdom has accompanying signs. These are not the sort of signs one finds in the world; they are God signs, signals of an unfamiliar power.
More
The Small Catechism – part 209
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 3:18
Sometimes we think that if we try harder and work smarter, we will become good people. Then, a new day dawns and we discover we are still sinners.
More
The Small Catechism – part 208
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 2:5
Some people have a problem with one person forgiving the sins of another. This is largely because they do not understand whom it is who is actually doing the forgiving.
More
The Small Catechism – part 207
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Genesis 37:29
Perhaps we can see in Joseph’s escape from the pit, a foreshadowing of Christian baptism. In baptism, God snatches us from death and the evil intentions of the devil—though, indeed, we die in that pit.
More
The Small Catechism – part 206
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:30–31
Sanctification or holiness is not something we do. Instead, Christ has become our sanctification. His righteousness is ours through faith. So is his sanctification and redemption.
More
The Small Catechism – part 205
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 1:8
Paul remarked how thankful he was that he personally baptized only a few, so that personality cults could not rise up around him. I used to think it was Pastor Chu who baptized me at St. Luke’s back in 1955, but then I read his obituary and discovered he was pastor there from 1960 until 1966.
More
What the Church Is
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 23:1–10
Just as God does not need, nor does he use, a person's virtues to bring her to saving faith, he does not require so-called good men to deliver his grace or make it valid in a congregation.
More
Concerning the Church
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:25–27
Building on the confession of “the communion of saints” in the creed, and that God imputes righteousness through faith, Melancthon is emboldened to state that the Church is a “congregation of saints.”
More
Of New Obedience
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Galatians 5:18–25
The Lutherans also wished it to be known that justification by faith did not negate the command of God for his people to do good works. However, these acts of charity and obedience are a result of faith—not a requirement of justification.
More
Concerning the Ministry
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Romans 10:5–17
Real faith does not happen because one decides to believe, because one disciplines herself to be a holy person, or as the result of any other personal or religious preparation.
More
Concerning the Mass – part 74
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Colossians 2:13–14
Using the Sacrament in a way that Christ did not intend, abuses and profanes his Holy Supper. Offering his blessed promises to the dead and to those who do not believe makes it an occasion for sin and judgment.
More
The Small Catechism – part 204
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 3:2–3
Our hope is in Christ alone. His resurrection from the dead is the basis of that hope. Because we were baptized into his death, we will be resurrected like him too. The details of what comes next are a mystery but our hope is unwavering.
More
A Preface Toward Unity
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Peter 3:13-17
Christians ought to hope for unity, beginning to do so by considering how they agree on matters of the faith. After all, they are called to fellowship together in Jesus Christ our Lord (1Cor 1:9-10). Christians are also to be ready to defend the faith (1Per 3:15), even if it is in confessing it to one another.
More
Concerning the Mass – part 69
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 21:21–22
There are many fine collections of prayers available. If a person reads those prayers but does not believe in God, are they effective prayers?
More
“Likewise”
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 2:1–6
The Small Catechism also, even though teaching from the Apostles' Creed that does not deal explicitly with the dual nature, teaches us that the ascended Christ is “true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary.”
More
The Small Catechism – part 203
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 9:7
The blind man in John 9 went to a pool called “Sent,” and was blessed with sight. We have been dispatched to a fount called Christ, and have been given new life, lived forever before God in the righteousness and purity of Christ Jesus.
More
The Small Catechism – part 202
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Romans 12:1–2
Every day we must slay the old nature in us. By offering our doubts, temptations, and sins to God, we crucify the flesh. This is not a physical act like sacrificing an animal.
More
The Small Catechism – part 201
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Genesis 26:18
If we are not careful to seek the Father’s forgiveness and remember the promises of Baptism daily, the devil may slowly stop up the well.
More
The Small Catechism – part 200
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 7:38–39
In Christian Baptism, water does more than touch the outside of us, as though washing the skin. Because God’s Word is bound with the water, it cleanses and renews the whole person.
More
The Small Catechism – part 199
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:11
God’s discipline is a difficult thing, but the Father does not discipline us so severely that we die. His Son, however, was disciplined to the point of death for the sins the world.
More
The Small Catechism – part 198
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:1–2
Remember Jesus. Keep him in mind as the one who ran before you and is now waiting for you to cross the finish line. Now, if you believe and are baptized, you are in the race, but finishing the race requires the endurance of faith.
More
The Small Catechism – part 197
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Genesis 22:12
Obedient to God’s command, Abraham took his son up the mountain to sacrifice him to the Lord. But God spared the child’s life, and his parents untold grief.
More
The Small Catechism – part 196
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Genesis 21:17–19
Our lives are in the Lord’s hands. He has prepared a better place for us, a heavenly city, an excelling country. It was so for Abraham who with Sarah was made to wait in faith on God’s promise.
More
The Small Catechism – part 195
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:5–6
There is one thing that pleases God: faith in him—faith in his existence and faith in his grace. Abel brought an offering to the Lord, having faith in God instead of a confidence in his offering, and so, his offering was acceptable or pleasing.
More
The Small Catechism – part 194
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:17–18
Baptism is something God does to and for us. It is not our offering to God, as though God is a theatergoer soothed by our performance. It is not something we do in order to appease God.
More
The Small Catechism – part 193
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Genesis 17:11
The promise of God is for all people. Circumcision was a signal that there is something greater than the shedding of human blood. We are meant to look to something far greater.
More
The Small Catechism – part 192
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 9:15
All our sins are drowned in Christian baptism, for the “old man” was buried with Christ in his death (Rom 6:3). At first blush, this hardly seems fair.
More
The Small Catechism – part 191
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Genesis 15:6
Do we give up in our praying? Or do we persist and see the Lord’s will displayed in power and glory? Abram prayed and prayed, his petitions buttressed by Sarai’s pleas to the Lord for a child.
MoreClick Here For Devotional Archives - Table View