Some days or years before our first parents bit into the forbidden tree’s fruit, God founded both Church and family. In a love unknown to us and a closeness beyond our imagining, Adam and Eve worshiped God. Though not like we do, to receive His forgiveness and salvation. No, they required none, yet. “Be fruitful […]
Ecclesiastes 9:7-10: Vocation
August 18, 2019 by
How did we find ourselves in such an unsatisfying and uncivil place? From our perspective of only a few decades, we realize the most basic of civilities are slinking away. Too many people drive like jerks and yell at others for being too slow. One person cries out against intolerance but is intolerant toward those […]
Ecclesiastes 5:10-20, Luke 12:13-21: Enjoy All in Christ
October 29, 2018 by
In the realm of wealth, we listen today to an expert. The teacher is Solomon, the wealthiest king of Israel. To put his life in modern terms—he owned cars, houses, yachts. Personal chefs, women, entertainment, the best food, an enormous wine cellar, gardens, and vineyards all occupied his life. In Ecclesiastes, he writes his report, […]
Acts 1:6-11: Christ’s Ascension Doesn’t Mean He’s Now Trapped in Heaven
May 10, 2018 by
This was our pastor’s sermon for the pastoral circuit meeting (winkel) on Tuesday, May 9, 2018. The book of Acts tells us of the first Christians as they brought Jesus to others in their words and deeds. The Scripture pictures for us the earliest Church, unfolding who the Church is and what she does, […]
Being Fully Human: Lesson 4
February 13, 2018 by
How Creation Shapes Our Understanding of Vocation In Lesson 1, we explored God creating us in His likeness and image. Today, we examine this again, but this time to understand how God’s creation of us shapes our vocations of service. Genesis 1:27-28: So God created mankind in his own image; in his own image God […]
Our Life with God, Lesson 5: Serving Your Neighbor: The Doctrine of Vocation
April 30, 2016 by
When we thank God for our food before a meal, we are right to do so. For He does provide our food, and He does so through vocation—regular people doing their everyday jobs. It’s Identity: You Serve Based on Who You Are Imagine you are a son, 14 years old, still living at home. […]
Augsburg Confession, Articles 15-16
June 18, 2014 by
AC XV: Church Ceremonies Our churches teach that those ceremonies should be observed that can be observed without sin. Also, ceremonies and other practices that contribute to peace and good order in the church, such as holy days, festivals, and the like, should be observed. Yet, the people are taught not to be burden consciences […]
