The Cost: of the Battle
Lent is a time for reflection and repentance. Today in our readings and hymns, our great need of righteousness is driven home. The temptations of this world are alluring. The devil’s tricks have not changed.
He Saves: And Fulfills the Prophets
Today we celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord. That day, the big three of Jesus’ disciples, Peter, James, and John, were privileged to witness Jesus in his exalted glory.
He Saves: By Showing Mercy
On what is our entire faith life based? Without this, nothing can be known about God. Only our natural knowledge could give us a hint of what God is like or expects. The answer, of course, is the Bible.
He Saves: Through His Word
On what is our entire faith life based? Without this, nothing can be known about God. Only our natural knowledge could give us a hint of what God is like or expects. The answer, of course, is the Bible.
He Saves: Us From Wasting Our Lives
Many remark that we are living in dark days. By this, they mean that the present —and the future—are marked by sadness, hardship, afflictions, and breakdowns at every level.
He Saves: By Bringing Light
Look the Lamb of God! John the Baptist’s exclamation is well-known by many of us. But have you ever thought about how strange a thing this is to say?
He Saves: Through Baptism
Today’s focus is on God’s great love for the great gatherings of sinful people. God makes a habit of calling the unfit and the unworthy through his powerful Word and also Christ’s Baptism.
He Saves: The Nations
The star is a prominent symbol of the Christmas season. We make star-shaped cookies. We hang lighted stars outside our homes. We often adorn the tops of our Christmas trees with stars. The star is a distinctly Christmas symbol.
Christmas Day
Today we take a deeper look at the birth of Jesus. It is not just the details of his birth that are remarkable. Rather, the reason he was born—what he came to do and be—is most marvelous to the hearts and minds of sinners like us.
Hearts Longing: The Long Awaited One
Tonight is a special night. Any birth is an exciting event. This birth is out-of-this world wonderful. The candles are lit. Our hearts are warmed and joyful.
Hearts Longing: For God’s Love
Ahaz has a plan to rescue his people and save himself. The Lord comes to him with a different plan, an offer he shouldn’t refuse. I will rescue you. Ask me for any sign. Ahaz rejects this offer. God judges Ahaz, but provides the sign anyhow.
Hearts Longing: For Joy
Today, we meet a man who was disappointed with Jesus—John the Baptist. He had hoped that Jesus would usher in a righteousness revival. Instead, he found himself languishing alone in prison for preaching the truth.
Hearts Longing: For Peace
Are you ready? In exciting moments and nerve-racking ones, we are asked about our readiness. In the best of times, we respond with enthusiasm. But sometimes, we’re not really as ready as we’d hoped we’d be.
Hearts Longing: For Hope
Are you ready? In exciting moments and nerve-racking ones, we are asked about our readiness. In the best of times, we respond with enthusiasm. But sometimes, we’re not really as ready as we’d hoped we’d be.
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.
Navigating Life Well: Desires
We all play a game of hide and seek. We do our very best to hide all our offenses and failures, our guilt and our shame. But God sees through the charade.
Navigating Life Well: Freedom
Each year, we celebrate the Reformation, a watershed moment in the Church’s history. It began in 1517, with Martin Luther nailing 95 theses to the door of his church in Wittenberg, Germany.
Navigating Life Well: Conflict
What do you need in this life? Living in the comfort of modern society, we don’t immediately recognize the difference between needs and niceties.