Our observation of the 500th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther’s publication of the Ninety-Five Theses took place a few months ago. However, this event only initiated the Lutheran Reformation. Luther’s rediscovery of the Gospel resulted from his study (and teaching … Continue reading
The Baptism of our Lord (Quinquagesima Sunday) February 11, 2018 “Baptism and Righteousness” St. Matthew 3: 13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I … Continue reading
Martin Luther published his edited lectures on Galatians in 1519. In these lectures, we may examine Dr. Luther’s new understanding of justification by faith alone in Christ’s promises. When he commented on Galatians 2:16-21, Luther discussed the difference between divine … Continue reading
“In human teachings the righteousness of man is revealed and taught, that is, who is and becomes righteous before himself and before other people and how this takes place. Only in the Gospel is the righteousness of God revealed (that … Continue reading
Good people go to heaven and bad people go to hell. Jesus told a story about a rich man and a poor man. The rich man ignored the poor man in his need. He ignored Lazarus and did not help … Continue reading
Christians are often accused of hypocrisy and intolerance. As sinners, we routinely fail to practice what we preach. However, hypocrisy is not synonymous with moral failure, Merriam-Webster notwithstanding. Hypocrisy is claiming to hold beliefs that you don’t actually hold. Samuel Johnson was right: … Continue reading
From the very beginning of St. Mark’s Gospel, things hadn’t been going particularly well for our Lord. In chapter 1 He’s tempted by Satan, opposed by demons, and disobeyed by even those He had healed. In chapter 2, the scribes … Continue reading
Sermon Text: Matthew 5:21-37 Audio of Sermon: CLICK HERE Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. You have heard it said, that we are to read the Bible daily and to follow Jesus’ … Continue reading
Behold, your king is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey (Matt 21:5). A donkey—it just doesn’t seem a fitting chariot for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And not only was he sitting on a lowly … Continue reading
Not all questions are good questions. Godly curiosity has limitations. The serpent’s question, “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1) resulted in the fall into sin. The question seemed innocent enough, which is exactly what Satan wanted. After all, the tree … Continue reading