Through prayer, through Bible reading, worship and fellowship in our church, we need to ascend through the murky turbulence of current events to the sunlit, eternal lands of heaven. It’s vital to remind ourselves that God reigns above the clouds of this life and, one day, will reign here. So be encouraged. But I must say... Continue Reading

Our trials are a tool that our loving Father uses to help us grow. Jesus suffered; you will too. But your suffering is purposeful. It’s evidence of his love and it’s designed to help you grow. So keep going. I never would have wanted the trail that we went through. You probably don’t want trials either.... Continue Reading

When they pick and choose what from God’s word they will apply and what they will put behind their back.  That’s true in Israel as Jesus faces trial.  It’s true in the church today.  Every leadership scandal in the church is not because God’s word fails, it’s because leaders fail to be godly by leading under God and... Continue Reading

The whole point of 2 Corinthians 8–9 is to galvanize the Corinthians to contribute to the collection. So how does Paul do it? He gives them the gospel. He gives them Christ—grace Himself (see Titus 2:11, 13), who “loved [us] and gave himself for [us]” (Gal. 2:20)—and anticipates the gospel’s powerfully transforming their apathy, greed, and self-preservation and advancing through... Continue Reading

The promises of the gospel are always yeah and amen in Jesus. When it comes to that inward work Baptism is only effectual when it is done in accordance with the commandment of God (John 14:15) and when the Holy Spirit by virtue of Christ’s call is exhibited. Our assurance then in the sacrament comes... Continue Reading

Apart from Christ our feet our cinder blocks when it comes to obedience, and jet packs when it comes to gratifying our lusts. So, God freely offers to you, through Christ, a new heart which transforms your entire moral framework. By faith then, your feet can plod away at faithfulness.   Millions of advertising dollars... Continue Reading

When I was a much younger Christian, v15 confused me. Here it is in theLSB, “Now the spiritual man discerns all things, but he is discerned by no one.” What does that mean? The regenerate are able to discern and examine all things in the wisdom and knowledge of God because that is part of... Continue Reading

Truly, our children are an undeserved gift from God. God could have chosen others to become parents of your children. Instead, God chose you to be a parent of your children. Let us then thank and praise God for our children. May we never regard them as a burden but as a blessing from God—from... Continue Reading

We all have our levels of discomfort we seem willing to bear and our levels of discomfort, what we even find uncomfortable, differs from person to person and all of us, at some level, will allow that lure of an easy life to overtake. When Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow... Continue Reading

Martha (of Bethany) and several other women who followed Jesus were hospitable—welcoming the Lord and his disciples into their homes and caring for them. These women served others with their hands and energy (Luke 8:1-3). Yet, they were not immune to pain and suffering. Martha, her sister Mary, and her brother Lazarus were close friends... Continue Reading