The Height of Faith and Love
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac…
“What do Roman Catholics mean when they say that salvation is by grace?”
“I’M GLAD YOU ASKED!” (THIRTY-SECOND IN A SERIES) Pastors Answer Frequently-Asked Questions Grace is a word that one will hear in almost any church that claims to be Christian. Even those denominations that deny Christ’s…
Life of Luther—1517 “Just leave me alone!”
The ROAD TO REFORMATION In preparing for the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, we have presented a brief survey of the life of Martin Luther leading up to the posting of the Ninety-Five Theses.…
I Could Never Do That!
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Publicly post ninety-five theses critical of the church’s money-making practice of indulgences. Question and eventually oppose the Pope himself. Stand before the Holy Roman Emperor and other powerful officials…
Christian Education—Hymn 630 “ Ye Parents, Hear What Jesus Taught”
A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (TWENTY-SECOND IN A SERIES)
Contrary to the oft-repeated cant1 of collectivists, it does not “take a village” to raise a child; it takes parents. God entrusts parents—not society in general, not educational or governmental institutions, and not villages—with the responsibility of the proper upbringing of children. This responsibility is frequently enjoined upon parents throughout both Old and New Testaments. For example, “You shall teach them [God’s Words] to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deuteronomy 11:19) and “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
The Gibeonite Deception
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “Then the men of Israel took some of their [the Gibeonites’] provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord.” (Joshua 9:14) After forty years of wilderness wanderings, the Israelites…
Faith’s Journey Ends in Our Homeland
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims…
“What is the proper way to apply water in Baptism?”
“I’M GLAD YOU ASKED!” (THIRTY-FIRST IN A SERIES) Pastors Answer Frequently-Asked Questions This question arises frequently, especially since there are certain denominations who teach that the only valid form of Baptism is by immersion—that is,…
CW Hymn 147, TLH Hymn 207 “For Your Baptism Which Has Saved Me”
What, would you say, is water worth?
There’s no question that, as an element necessary for life, it is of great value. And yet, its prevalence on earth makes it relatively inexpensive. On a rainy day it’s even free.
There are, however, versions which do fetch a higher price. The bottled variety, for example. A liter can sell for around a dollar. And, according to the bottlers, with good reason. Labels often identify it as water that has been “purified.”
So what about the value of water which is even more special? If a dollar is a fair price for water that is purified, what is the value of water that is purifying? Purification, after all, is something desperately needed by everyone, since every person is born impure and has sinned.
Who Alone Answers Prayers? The Lord, He is God!
Read: 1 Kings 18:1-39 From its inception, the nation of Israel was intended to be a people through whom God’s Covenant Promise was to shine forth. After they immigrated into Canaan, however, we read what…