Heavenly Moon Signs
The inspired psalmist wrote that “the heavens declare the glory of God.” (Psalm 19:1) From Genesis 1 we know that God created two great heavenly lights, as well as other lights to “be for signs… Heavenly Moon Signs
Being Inside or Outside of the “In-Crowds”
“For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His… Being Inside or Outside of the “In-Crowds”
The Bahá’í Religion
UNDERSTANDING THE CULTS In this twelve-part series we are taking a brief look at some of the major cults, past and present, that have found adherents in the United States. Your pastor can help you… The Bahá’í Religion
The Apology to the Augsburg Confession
I used to work for a major corporation, responding on their behalf to customers’ social media complaints. My job was to engage customers and resolve online conflicts. We had strict standards: Never respond in haste.… The Apology to the Augsburg Confession
TLH 233 “Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest”
A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING “The King of kings, and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor… TLH 233 “Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest”
Praying in the Darkness
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Many prayers in the Psalms are offered by people going through difficult times; but most of them express a measure of confidence and end on a note of hope. That… Praying in the Darkness
No Substitute
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who… No Substitute
Unitarian Universalism
UNDERSTANDING THE CULTS In this twelve-part series we are taking a brief look at some of the major cults, past and present, that have found adherents in the United States. Your pastor can help you… Unitarian Universalism
The Augsburg Confession
“THIS WE BELIEVE” In ongoing observation of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, we are presenting a brief overview of those confessional documents that make up the Book of Concord. “I will speak of… The Augsburg Confession
The Lutheran Hymnal 51 “Now May He Who from the Dead”
A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING
Christ’s final act before He ascended into heaven was to lift up His hands and bless His assembled disciples. And it was while He was blessing them that He was parted from them and taken up into heaven (Luke 24:50-51).
This parting picture of Jesus with His hands raised in blessing is most meaningful, a perpetual reminder that He continues to bless His Church on earth and will do so until He comes again. As Victor over sin and death seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, Jesus gives the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Since God’s Word gives us this picture of Jesus with His hands raised in blessing, it is appropriate that we close our services with a benediction—a blessing. In this way we return to our daily lives assured of the Lord’s blessing, just as the disciples returned to Jerusalem with the memory of Jesus blessing them as He ascended.The Lutheran Hymnal 51 “Now May He Who from the Dead”