In the last lesson, we saw God choosing to act in ways He has not promised to do so. In particular, we saw God the Holy Spirit coming to a new group of people only through the hands of the Apostles. It’s almost as if God was chastising the Apostles for not leading the way […]
Augsburg Confession, Article 24
August 4, 2014 by
AC XXIV: The Mass (Pt 1) Our churches are falsely accused of abolishing the Mass. In fact, the Mass is retained among us and is celebrated with the greatest reverence. Almost all the customary ceremonies are also retained, except that German hymns, added for the instruction of the people, are interspersed here and there among […]
Matthew 14:13-21: Jesus Can Provide
August 4, 2014 by
When you hear about Jesus’ disciples doubting His ability to do something, did you ever think, “Why didn’t they get it? Didn’t they know what Jesus could do?” After all, they lived with Him and saw Him conquer disease, defeat demons, and quiet wind and wave. Didn’t they realize that Jesus could provide–even in that […]
Deuteronomy 7:6-9: God Chooses You
August 4, 2014 by
God didn’t inspire the Old Testament so we could dare to be like Daniel, become a manly man like Moses, or lead like Joshua. Of course, when we see how those saints of old experienced God’s grace and how He strengthened them in faith that also encourages us (AC 21). But if we only see […]
Pastor Futrell will continue serving at SOTHLC
July 20, 2014 by
Our pastor has declined the call the serve at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Here is his letter that he read to our congregation on Sunday, July 20, 2014. Note: the specific reasons for him declining the call are excised from his letter below. He thought it was best not to list the specific reasons for […]
Roman 8:18-27:Prayers of groans too deep for words
July 20, 2014 by
On August 31, 1422, King Henry V of England died. Henry V’s one-and-only son, Henry VI, then became king. However, a problem then confronted that island nation in the sea: Henry VI was only eight months old! So, because of Henry’s young age and inexperience, the English Parliament appointed Humphrey, the Duke of Gloucester, to […]
Augsburg Confession, Articles 22-23
July 20, 2014 by
AC XXII: Reception of Christ’s Body and Blood in the Lord’s Supper The laity are given both forms of the Lord’s Supper because this practice is the Lord’s command, “Drink of it all of you (Matthew 26:27). Christ has clearly commanded that all should drink from the cup. So no one will quibble and say […]
Augsburg Confession, Article 21
July 20, 2014 by
AC XXI: Invocation of the Saints Our churches teach that we are to remember the history of the saints so that our faith may be strengthened when we see how they experienced grace and how they were sustained by faith. Even more, their good works are to be an example for us, each of us […]
Acts, Lesson 7: The Martyrdom of Deacon Stephen
July 15, 2014 by
The Church had just established the Office of Deacon to free pastors (at this time, the Apostles) to focus on Word and Sacrament ministry. Deacons assisted the pastor, primarily focusing on the physical needs of parishioners. Yet, we see they also did more, as we see evidences with Stephen, one of the ordained deacons. Read […]
