THE WICKED VINEDRESSERS
A sense of entitlement is a corrosive cancer which blinds the soul to the goodness of our Lord and leads to a wide range of sin. In the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (Mathew 21:33-46),…
KNOW THE SCRIPTURES
Let us assume that a teacher who lived a thousand years ago had written an “autograph” [that is, a document hand-written by the author himself.] He had some students who appreciated the value of their…
SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT: THE BENEDICAMUS
Ever wonder why we Lutherans use the form of worship we do? In this series we examine the depth and meaning of the various elements of our Lutheran worship service. Our lives in this fallen…
WHAT WILL THEIR END BE?
“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of…
WHEN TO PRAY, OR NOT
A visiting missionary to India recounted this prayer-experience. His mechanical pencil had run out of lead, and though he was in a large city, he had difficulty finding replacements. Shop after shop had none. He…
THE TWO SONS
[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…
SHEPHERD MY LAMBS
“. . . And these are our children,” we parents proudly say, as we introduce our children to guests in our home. And so right we are, for our children are flesh of our flesh…
THE LABORERS IN THE VINEYARD
Before reading on, take a moment to read the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard in its entirety (Matthew 20:1-16). Having done so, can you determine the singular truth that your Savior was communicating…
PROVOKE NOT YOUR CHILDREN
In May we celebrate Mother’s Day. In June, Father’s Day. On these holidays parents are to be remembered and honored, in particular by their children. Christians find this in keeping with the Fourth Commandment and…
SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT: THE THANKSGIVING
Ever wonder why we Lutherans use the form of worship we do? In this series we examine the depth and meaning of the various elements of our Lutheran worship service. Have you ever visited with…