More Than: Seven Times
How hard it is to forgive one another! When we are the wrongdoer we beg for mercy. We don’t want that debt looming over us. At the same time, like the unmerciful servant, when we are the wronged party, forgiving seems very wrong.
More Than: Once
Christians have responsibility to their fellow man. We are called to be faithful watchmen. In our reading from Ezekiel, we hear a prophecy of restoration.
More Than: The Whole World
We don’t always progress the way we hope or expect. Today, we have two examples of human spiritual frailty in Peter and Jeremiah. Both men knew their Lord and lived their faith. But as they encountered the cross, they blinked and bellyached.
More Than: A Prophet
Who is God? For some, God is a concept—a nondescript “higher power.” For others, God is a figment of the culture’s imagination. What about you? Who do you say that God is?
More Than: Israel
Who are God’s people? There are few questions of greater significance, and one we’d all get wrong if it weren’t for the Word of God. Relying on our own reason and sense of right and wrong leads us to believe that God’s people are the good people.
More Than: Conquerors
Do you ever have doubts? Do you grieve? Are you ever envious of those who chose the path of evil and seem to get away with it? Honest Christians admit having moments of each.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Is Planned
Faith is built for difficult times. From our point of view, it is easier to trust God when your job is great, your health isn’t a concern, and your relationships are humming along.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Is Hidden
Our personal priorities shape our lives—from the mundane minutiae to the most marvelous moments. Dinner plans tonight, vacations next year, and dreams for the future are formed by our values.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Contends Faithfully
God’s first command is short and to the point. You shall have no other gods. We think idolatry isn’t a threat to sophisticated, modern minds like ours.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Founded on Christ
Confessional Lutherans handle the Word of God with great reverence and concern. These are the eternal words of our living God. Today, God tells us that his Word is like the rain that falls from above, sustaining spiritual life across the face of the earth.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Provides Rest
For many, today is an important holiday—time off for recreation. But God intends every Sunday to be even more. From the beginning, God provided rest for his creation—especially his people.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Calls the Unworthy
Our Triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—is holy beyond our comprehension. Yet, he has chosen to not only redeem sinners, but also work through sinners.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Demands Valor
Throughout history, Christ’s Church has faced fierce opposition. At first glance, this is very strange. The people of God are proclaimers of good news.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Moved by Mercy
Every congregation wants to grow. Our Lord wants his church to be fruitful and multiply. But why? At times, our motivation is less than God-pleasing.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Includes Weeds
We expect the kingdom of heaven to be idyllic. Of course, this was God’s original design in the Garden of Eden. But since the fall into sin, we have had a wicked weed problem.
Come and See: The I AM
One plus one equals two. It’s a mathematical concept we have taken for granted since we learned arithmetic. But, today in our songs and readings, we celebrate what we cannot comprehend.
Come and See: The Spirit
Plenty of people reject the Christian church for what it stands for and does at its worst moments. But today, we see its foundation is not Christians but Christ.
Navigating Life Well: Gratitude
Gratitude is having its moment. Culturally speaking, gratitude has never been more popular. People from wildly different worldviews sing the praises of beginning each day with gratitude.
Navigating Life Well: Frightening Events
Not many people enjoy waiting—even when it’s for something really great. Waiting while in pain is even harder to stomach. So why does God make his people wait for the return of his Son?
Navigating Life Well: Ultimate Outcomes
Hope is as important for life as water. Like water, our idea of hope takes many forms.