Thesis XXI – In the seventeenth place, the Word of God is not rightly divided when men are taught that the Sacraments produce salutary effects ex opere operato, that is, by the mere outward performance of a sacramental act.” The topics addressed in Walther’s Thesis XXI occupied two evening lectures, the first of which came… Read More »We Receive the Benefits of the Sacraments by Faith Alone Read More

“Thesis XXIV–In the twentieth place, the Word of God is not rightly divided when the unforgivable sin against the Holy Ghost is described in a manner as if it could not be forgiven because of its magnitude.” I do not remember the first time I heard about the “sin against the Holy Ghost.” I am… Read More »The Unforgivable Sin Read More

(Matthew 13:3-23, Mark 4: 2-20, Luke 8:4-15) The “Sower” is found in three of the four Gospels. It is the longest of Jesus’ parables recorded in the Bible, in part because its meaning is explained by Jesus Himself. Jesus’ parables used everyday life pictures to convey deeper and more important spiritual truths. That Jesus chose… Read More »THE SOWER Read More

Jesus’ parable of the leaven is recorded in both the Gospels of Matthew (13:33) and Luke (13:20-21). It is one of many parables dealing with the “kingdom of heaven,” God’s rule in the hearts of people. As was typical of Jesus’ parables, He again uses something common to His audience to teach a spiritual lesson.… Read More »THE LEAVEN Read More

Simon was a Pharisee who asked Jesus to dine with him one day. A woman, known to be a “sinner,” interrupted the meal. She kissed Jesus’ feet, washed them with her tears, dried them with her hair, and anointed them with fragrant oil. Simon was disturbed that Jesus allowed this “sinner” to behave in this… Read More »THE TWO DEBTORS Read More

“Whoever has the most toys, wins.” Perhaps you too have heard this expression. Unfortunately, its sentiment is too often the prevailing worldview of our society. The acquisition of temporal wealth is the most prominent false god of our day, leading many away from the lasting treasure of the Gospel. Covetousness and greed, however, are not… Read More »THE RICH FOOL – Luke 12:13-21 Read More

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46) It is no wonder that in Jesus’ parable He used the example of a pearl to demonstrate value. Good pearls were… Read More »THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE Read More

Every other month we get an update on what’s been happening recently at ourImmanuel Lutheran High School, College and Seminary in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. God has long blessed the CLC through teacher Mark Kranz, who is retiring after forty years of service in synod schools, including the last twenty-three at ILC. He reports having thoroughly… Read More »MARK KRANZ RETIREMENT Read More

[Jesus said,] “‘But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, “Son, go, work today in my vineyard.” He answered and said, “I will not,” but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said,… Read More »THE TWO SONS Read More