This is our pastor’s newsletter article for April, 2015. It follows last month’s article, “How We Got the Old Testament,” which you can read by clicking here. ——— The Early Church Last month, we looked at how we got the Old Testament. The Church met in council to state which books were Scripture because three traditions […]
Isaiah 53:7-9: Where’s the Justice?
March 25, 2015 by
“Where’s the justice?” People have felt so slighted so often that we even have an experssion that has become part of our language: “Where’s the justice?” Part of it is true: we do live in a world where justice is, at best, imperfect. At worst, the “system” that’s supposed ensure justice even becomes the perpetrator […]
1 Corinthians, Lesson 13: Christian Freedom
March 25, 2015 by
Paul continues to deal with the issue of whether it’s okay to eat the meat that was earlier sacrificed to idols. Last week, we saw Paul deal directly with that issue. This week, he begins by using himself and other pastors as an example to help them learn to balance Christian freedom in light of […]
John 8:42-49: For you and because of you
March 25, 2015 by
For you—two words of supreme significance! Without them, a Christian veers away from Word and Sacrament, trying to find some assurance that he really is saved. He could look to his good works, thinking he must be saved because of what he has done. He could look to his emotions, trying to find in his […]
Isaiah 53:4-5, Wisdom 2:17-24, Matthew 27:41-43: Jesus eternally heals us
March 18, 2015 by
During these Lenten midweek services, we have pondered passages from the Prophet Isaiah. We considered the startling contrast between what Christ physically looked like in His suffering and how beautiful He is based on what He did, and does, to save us. Jesus had no stately form or majesty that we should look at Him, […]
1 Corinthians, Lesson 12: It’s Not About “Rights”
March 15, 2015 by
Paul is viewing life based on the reality that Christ could return at any time. Jesus’ birth, death, and ascension into heaven means that God has accomplished everything needed for Jesus’ return. That’s why Paul says, “The present form of this world is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:31). Paul now applies that same worldview to […]
John 6:1-15: Jesus calls into being what was earlier not there
March 15, 2015 by
Like the crowd in today’s Gospel reading, you have many worries. They were hurting. They started to follow Jesus because they had seen Him heal the sick. Like you, they were sick and tired of being sick and tired. And when they saw Jesus feed the crowd, when they saw Him multiply bread and feed […]
Isaiah 52:14, 53:2-3: No one is too ugly for Jesus
March 11, 2015 by
Let’s face it: we’ve all seen people who aren’t considered the height of beauty. Some of you may even look at yourselves in the morning and remember days gone by when your skin was smooth, glowing brightly with life and vigor. But now, you may feel as if your skin is sallow and dry, the […]
Matthew 15:21-28: Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table
March 8, 2015 by
Did you ever feel that God has ignored your prayers, not by answering “no,” but by taking no notice of them? If so, then today’s Gospel is for you. Have you ever felt that God has treated you in a cold or cruel way, allowing you to experience so much pain in this life? If […]
1 Corinthians, Lesson 11: Celibacy—More Than What You Think
February 28, 2015 by
Like last week, we still find ourselves within a flow of thought taking place within a chiasm: A 7:1-16 Sex relating to those who are or have been married . B 7:17-24 Being content in your callings A’ 7:25-40 Sex relating to those not now married This week, we look at remaining in […]
