CHOSEN TO BELONG IN CHRIST
“Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient ‘the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,’ and ‘a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.’…
BOTH STRONGHOLD AND GARDEN
It is an elemental fact that the basic needs for physical life are water, food, and shelter. The various survival programs on TV clearly bear this out. David once found himself in a survival dilemma.…
THE SOWER
(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…
THE MEANS OF GRACE: GOD’S GOSPEL-BASED DELIVERY SYSTEM
This series offers an overview of the chief teachings of the Christian church. A previous “Pillars of Faith” article noted that justification by grace through faith is the central teaching of the Bible. This key…
THE COLLECT
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. This quiz is about the…
LIVING STONES BUILT UPON THE LIVING STONE
“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer…
THE LORD IS A SENDING GOD
“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah . . . saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city.’” (Jonah 1:1-2) Jesus calls all who follow Him to do this. Every believer is to share the Gospel of…
INTRODUCTION TO THE PARABLES
Charles Dickens called it “the finest short story ever told.” Whether he was referring to its literary quality or its theological message, it is true of both. The Prodigal Son is a masterpiece that is…
THE HOLY SPIRIT
This series offers an overview of the chief teachings of the Christian church. Jesus, just hours away from His suffering and death, promised to send to His disciples what He described as “the Comforter,” namely,…
The Salutation
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. My father was a pastor,…