When a person has believed in Christ he has made a huge leap of faith! He has broken the iron fetters of mere earthly and human powers. Those who have not so believed are still bound by the strictest of limitations. And so Scripture says, "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.(presum...

In the famous hymn "A Mighty Fortress" that Lutherans love so dearly Luther writes this of the devil: "The old evil foe, now means deadly woe; deep guile and great might; are his dread arms in fight. On earth is not his equal." This picture shows in art what Luther pens in song. Namely that ourfirst parents, with all the marvelous powers that their Creator bestowed up...

Receiving ashes on the forehead is a sign of repentance and faith in Christ. They are administered to the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:19) The imposition of ashes is an ancient tradition of the church. In the Old Testament God's people rubbed ashes on their bodies, and wore clothing made of sackcloth as a sign of their repe...

The gospel for Epiphany 6 is Matthew 5:21-37. In this post I will comment on the section regarding adultery and divorce since I don't cover it in tomorrow's sermon; but is in need of comment. Jesus says:"You have heard it said "You shall not commit adultery." But I say toyou that any man that lays lustful eyes on a woman has alreadycommitted adultery with her in his heart...

What is the pastor's job? The answer is simple but few people seem to know it. In common Lutheran lingo the pastor is Called to "preach the Word and administer the Sacraments". While not untrue it is like saying that the organist's job is to push buttons. The organist's job is not simply to push buttons, or even to read music (though he does these things). But his job is ...

Do you want to do something good for the world? Go to church. Moral decline has rendered the United States of America, a once vibrant nation to which all the world flocked (and still does even in her wretched condition) little more than a moral junkyard. Nations across the world be they rich, poor, communist, Muslim, conservative, liberal, secularist and sexually permis...

The Collect for the upcoming Sunday is a beauty: O Lord, keep your family the church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by your mighty power " Take each element of it into consideration and meditate on it for a few moments. It is medicine for the soul! We ask God to "keep" us - for we cannot keep oursel...