The Lutheran Church has several prayer services, mostly meant for us to use during the week. We have a morning-prayer service, Matins, which begins with these words from Psalm 51. The pastor chants, “O Lord, open my lips.” In response, the congregation chants back, “And my mouth will declare Your praise.” With those words, God […]
Hebrews 10:19-22: Christ’s Blood Gives Us Access to God
February 27, 2013 by
In some way, each of us has unique blood. It isn’t your blood type since others share your blood type, even if your blood type is rare. But each person does have other proteins, which help distinguish his blood from someone else’s. And that’s not even going into the DNA within each cell of someone’s […]
Genesis 32:22-32: God’s Promise to You
February 24, 2013 by
From the beginning, Jacob was a thief, a cheat, and a momma’s boy. He grew up to be a man who played favorites with his wives and children. He was always looking out for number one. When Esau, Jacob’s twin brother was born, Jacob was holding onto his older brother’s heel, looking as if, even […]
Hebrews 9:15-22: His Pardoning Blood
February 20, 2013 by
We know what a last will and testament is. Most of us normally just call it a “will.” A will is a legal document someone uses to transfer title of his property or goods after his death. It’s a way of making sure that what you have is given to those you want it. But […]
Genesis 3:1-21: Addicted to Sin
February 18, 2013 by
We began our 40-day journey to Easter this past Wednesday. On that night, we heard solemn words from the Prophet Joel, calling all to repent. Joel said, “Sound the horn in Zion! Announce a sacred fast and call for a solemn assembly! Gather the people! Consecrate the congregation! Assemble the aged. Gather the children and […]
Hebrews 9:6-14: Not All the Blood of Beasts
February 14, 2013 by
During this Lenten season, our midweek sermons will focus on blood. The sight of blood can unnerve us. We shudder at its sight, and it can make us feel faint or queasy. Today, many of us are deathly afraid of blood, which we know can carry horrifying diseases. But our distaste for blood doesn’t just […]
The Transfiguration of Jesus: 2 Peter 1:16-21
February 11, 2013 by
We love lights. The glow of lights often points us to where the people are, where the conversations are flowing, and where merriment is to be had. And so by association, many of us like the glow of lights and the feelings they stir within us. Just think of people’s attraction for Las Vegas–it’s not […]
Matthew 8:23-27: The waves of fear and doubt are gone
February 3, 2013 by
A tempest, a storm is unleashing its fury on the Sea of Galilee. Waves are throwing themselves on to the boat. The stout fishermen keeping the boat afloat start to lose their confidence, even in their own skills and abilities. For they are no match against the raging sea. In an instant, it no longer […]
John 2:1-11: Washing Water into Glorious Wine
January 22, 2013 by
On the third day, a wedding was taking place at Cana in Galilee. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there with her Son, with His new disciples. And to us, the Gospel writer, John, makes the point, telling us that the wedding was on the third day. During creation, the third day was when God […]
