The attention-grabbing words and phrases soaring from the messenger’s mouth. “Awake, awake,” are his first words flying out. “Listen!” follows eight verses later. What’s going on to demand such immediate attention? No doubt, something vital. So rouse to life and pay heed to what is happening! What’s going on? The sleep overtaking us needs to […]
Matthew 18:1-5: The Hidden Hero within our Lord’s Advent
December 10, 2017 by
This is a confessional address our pastor preached for our Confessional Service, which is a Service of Confession before receiving the Lord’s Supper. The Son of God humbled Himself to be the Son of Man so we, the children of men, might be exalted to become the children of God. So, from heaven, the […]
The Parables of Jesus, Lesson 9: The Parable of the Final Judgment
December 9, 2017 by
Intro In the last Lesson, we studied The Parable of the Ten Virgins and The Parable of the Talents, which all deal with being prepared to meet Jesus. They both dealt with our Lord’s return on the Last Day and its significance. Today, we learn what happens after Christ’s return—in a parable. We can understand […]
The Gospel According to Isaiah: Isaiah 4o:1-11
December 8, 2017 by
The moving descriptions of a foretold Messiah earned Isaiah his nickname: “The Fifth Evangelist.” Did our Old-Testament reading for today not confirm this? Still, what a contrast to the dispatch God earlier directed Isaiah to deliver, in chapter 6. Go and tell the people: “Be ever hearing, but never comprehending; always seeing, but never perceiving.” […]
The Gospel According to Isaiah: Isaiah 64:1-9
December 8, 2017 by
The poetry in Isaiah is striking. The turns of phrase and imagery amplify and repeat. The people are like grass, soon turning into flowers wilting in the intense, Middle-Eastern sun. Next, valleys are twisting upward, reaching for the sky, while mountains flatten as they become molten. Such power resonates in those well-crafted words. A Hebrew […]
Midweek Services: The Gospel According to Isaiah
November 26, 2017 by
This year, our Thanksgiving, midweek Advent, and New Year’s Eve services will have a common theme: The Gospel According to Isaiah. You’ve heard of the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. But have you heard of the Gospel according to Isaiah? This Old-Covenant Prophet pointed forward to Jesus and His redemptive work is many […]
The Parables of Jesus, Lesson 8: Matthew 25:1-13: The Parable of the Ten Virgins
November 26, 2017 by
With burning lamps, ten virgins await their Groom’s arrival. The waiting virgins are all dressed in white—but everything is not as the picture portrays. Some are wise; some, foolish. So, how can we tell which is which? For they are all wearing the proper garments. Each one uses the same hymnal and liturgy. Every maiden […]
The Parables of Jesus, Lesson 8: The Parable of the Ten Virgins and The Parable of the Talents
November 26, 2017 by
Intro Jesus is approaching the cross and those now following Him are reduced to His disciples. They came to him in private and asked, “Tell us, when will these things [the destruction of the Temple] be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus responds in […]
Matthew 22:1-10, Galatians 3:27, Isaiah 61:10-11: Thanksgiving in Robes of Righteousness
November 26, 2017 by
The Lord Jesus tells a tale of a wedding feast, to which a king invites others to attend. Earlier, those asked to take part agreed, confirming their attendance according to the custom of the day. First, the invitation goes out. Those who plan to be present respond, and when the feast is later ready, a […]
Philippians 3:17-21: Your Citizenship is in Heaven
November 26, 2017 by
The pastor is ready as he plans to proclaim Christ to the people. Born in 675 AD in Devon, England, Winfred, whose Latin name is “Boniface,” travels to Germany at age 44. Most of the Germanic tribes are still pagan, and he brings the Gospel with him. Through forests and valleys, he goes, starting several […]
