Sometimes, love itself gets disordered. There's a way of loving good gifts that gives God the glory for giving them. There's also a disordered love that elevates the gift above the Almighty Giver himself. That's idolatry, and we're all so inclined at times. But Glory to God in the Highest! We're visited by our Lord, … Continue reading Glory to God in the Church and in Christ
From Luther’s sermon on Eph. 3:13-21
"We admit we are not all strong, but it is also true that were there no weakness in our ranks, we would have no need of prayer, perseverance, exhortation and daily preaching. In condemning the Gospel because of our admitted weakness, something we ourselves confess, our enemies are themselves judged before God by their judging … Continue reading From Luther’s sermon on Eph. 3:13-21
Seeds of Gentle Restoration
The question is not WHETHER you will sow or reap. You certainly shall sow and reap something. The only question is WHAT will you sow and then reap. Sow boldly in good cheer and look forward to a good harvest, for your Father richly blesses birds who neither sow nor reap. How much more shall … Continue reading Seeds of Gentle Restoration
A Pastors’ Conference Homily for My Brothers of the Wayne Circuit LCMS (9.4.2018)
Serving the Servants of the Lord: We kicked off a new year with new laborers sent from the Lord of the Harvest, in answer to the prayers of His blood-bought people. Here is a fit Word from the occasion of our Wayne Circuit LCMS Pastors' Conference held yesterday, September 4, 2018. Hear the full audio … Continue reading A Pastors’ Conference Homily for My Brothers of the Wayne Circuit LCMS (9.4.2018)
A Deeper Dive into Luke 17:11-19 (Bible Study for 9.2.2018)
A Bible Study Guide on Luke 17:11-19 Part One: STOP Speeding; SLOW Down; YIELD Him the Right of Way!A.Basic Training: Part of our purpose during Bible Class time is to develop the discipline of a closer reading of Holy Scripture. Our first questions should almost always be the most basic sorts of questions. Too often, … Continue reading A Deeper Dive into Luke 17:11-19 (Bible Study for 9.2.2018)
Giving Thanks to Him Alone
Often we confess "we are by nature sinful and unclean." The Word may be familiar enough, but perhaps we underestimate the contagion of sin and the things that contaminate both body and soul. "Lord have mercy," these lepers teach us to pray! Thanks be to God that "the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us … Continue reading Giving Thanks to Him Alone
An Excerpt from “The Ten Lepers” by Martin Luther
From Luther’s 1521 sermon on Luke 17:11-19“34. Thus we see here that the lepers began to believe, and expected help from Christ, who then further awakens their faith and tries it, does not immediately make them well, but speaks a word to them, to show themselves to the priests. If there had been no faith … Continue reading An Excerpt from “The Ten Lepers” by Martin Luther
