Long, long ago, God planted a Garden, that is, an earthly Paradise in the earth. That He would declare to be very good. It was a lush place that held everything needed to support the bodies and lives of God’s highest created beings. As you heard today, God then placed man (male and female God had created them), in that Garden. God had planted His Garden for the benefit of His people….For more, click on the title above.
Author: kyriss
Keeping God’s precepts?
Ruth’s powerful confession of the faith
Ruth’s powerful confession of the Faith, one which she uttered first some 3,025 years ago, we have heard repeated today. That is because her words and actions, as well as those of her mother-in-law, Naomi, and sister-in-law, Orpah present important teachings for every generation of the Church. These we will unpack as God’s Word continues to be proclaimed today….For more, click on the title above.
What are you doing here?
What an honor, what a privilege, what joy to be here today as my dear friend, Rev. James N.S. Kollie is installed as Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia!
When I was asked if I would preach for this installation service, there was no hesitation. How could I say no to such an opportunity? Immediately, I asked Pastor Kollie if they had decided on a theme text for the installation. He told me “No…we’re going to let you pick it.” …For more, click on the title above.
Wisdom calls her name
The readings for today are in commemoration of Saint Mary Magdalene. She is remembered for remaining faithful to Jesus while others flee, for standing at the foot of the cross as Jesus is crucified, as the first witness of the risen Christ, and the first to proclaim His resurrection.
Commemoration services like this give you the opportunity to remember the saints of old. In honoring them, your own faith is strengthened, and you’re encouraged by the truth that grace abounds more than sin. These saints serve as examples for you to imitate in their faith, their godly virtues, and the good works they carried out according to their callings. You are called to do the same in your own vocations and calls. …For more, click on the title above.
Last man standing
In our Old Testament reading for today, the voice of the Lord speaks to a despairing prophet in the desert wilderness of Egypt on Mount Sinai. But this isn’t where the story begins. It begins in the fertile highlands of northern Israel on Mount Carmel. It begins with the theological showdown for the ages….For more, click on the title above.
Living in grace and mercy
Freed to forgive from the heart
The Collect Prayer for this week gives direction for the emphases contained in the Word for this day. The weekly collect prayers often remind us of the ancient patterns in the readings that are followed, and rediscovered annually, through the various times of the Church year. That which we prayed before we heard today’s primary readings revealed to us first, that God is merciful and gracious. That is particularly shown whenever He calls His people to turn from their sins. With that in mind, in the prayer we reminded ourselves that God will graciously forgive us and provide for all our bodily and spiritual needs. …For more, click on the title above.
The Sacrament of the Altar
Hear Martin Luther’s Small Catechism lesson for the week.
As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.
VI. The Sacrament of the Altar
Second
What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?
These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation…For more, click on the title above.
Lost and Found
Before we explore the reading from Luke’s Gospel, we need to set the table for the parable Jesus tells. Throughout Luke’s account the Pharisees repeatedly test, challenge, and oppose Him. If Jesus is the protagonist or main character of the story, then the Pharisees clearly function as the antagonists, opposing His mission at every turn. They challenge His authority, they attempt to trap Him with Sabbath laws, and they test Him over purity practices.
That’s why when the ruler of the Pharisees invites Jesus to dine with him on the Sabbath, we should understand that their intentions are far from pure….For more, click on the title above.