The Gloria in Excelsis
Gloria in Excelsis (Latin for “Glory in the highest”) is a magnificent hymn of praise and prayer that dates back to at least the fourth century. Luther said of this part of the liturgy that…
Incorruptible Seed Which Lives and Abides Forever
“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed…
The Great Preparer
“To Prepare: To make ready beforehand for some purpose, use or activity; to plan in advance, to implement a strategy.” (Merriam-Webster) We might think of an attorney who prepares a will or legal document, a…
The Unforgivable Sin
“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…
Justification: By Grace Alone Through Faith Alone
As we begin a new church year with Advent, it’s good to hear a Reformation echo in those comforting words that God has justified us; that is, He has declared us righteous by grace alone…
The Kyrie
In many of our churches, the customary order of worship includes a section known as the Kyrie (pronounced KEER- ee-eh ). In The Lutheran Hymnal, it can be found on page 7 (also pages 17,…
God’s Amazing Redemption Center
“And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible…
Everlasting Meaning Is Found Only in Jesus
“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) In the first two chapters of Ecclesiastes, Solomon relates how he examined the best that life had to offer, especially if one has unlimited resources. His conclusion?…
The Right Tool For The Job
“ Thesis XXIII–In the nineteenth place, the Word of God is not rightly divided when an attempt is made by means of the demands or the threats or the promise of the Law to induce…
The Vicarious Atonement
"The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6) When I was young, I saw a choir program that featured a woodcut by Reformation-era artist Albrecht Dürer. The stark black-and-white panel…