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Gospel Reinforcement

Gospel Reinforcement

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COVER STORY – CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The still, small voice of God.

The news today can seem exceedingly loud. Numerous sources fight to be the first to tell us about all the effects of sin in the world. Political turmoil and corruption throw countries into chaos. Mass tragedies happen so frequently that we can seldom fully sympathize with victims before another tragedy becomes the headline news. Amidst the chaotic “noise,” the world asks Christians, “Where is your God?” (Psalm 42:3)
God is not silenced
That constant noise and tragedy can lead even the strongest Christian to exasperation. It’s easy to feel alone in this evil world. But God is not silenced by the noise. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12) God’s Word cuts through the noise to show us His love for all people.
We are not the first people to feel discouraged by the world around us. After God’s resounding victory in a contest with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel as recorded in 1 Kings 18, we read in 1 Kings 19 about a depressed Elijah, praying that he might die. He hid in a cave and told God, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (1 Kings 19:10)

Back to School Joy

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DEVOTION – BACK TO SCHOOL

What do you remember about the first day of school? It’s always exciting, isn’t it? New clothes, new school supplies, possibly a new classroom, a new seating arrangement. If you struggled with your math last year, there’s good news! The new school year brings a fresh start. Even those of you who dreaded school must admit that you felt that certain spark the very first day. Now compare that with what you remember about the one-hundredth day. The feelings just aren’t the same. It’s not long until the excitement wears off, new clothes and supplies become old, frustration with classes builds up, and children begin making excuses to stay home.
I wonder if the disciples shared similar feelings the week after Easter. After Jesus died, confusion and dismay filled the disciples’ hearts. Fear was also present, as we know they had locked themselves in a room, afraid of the Jews. But all those feelings evaporated in an instant when their Lord appeared to them behind locked doors and announced, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19) What peace! What joy! Their teacher Who was dead was now alive! Their lives, which appeared to be ending, had been restored! They were given a fresh start.

“Oh, Blest the House, Whate’er Befall”

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A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING

What do you think of when you hear the term Christian Education? Many CLC members might answer, “Christian day schools,” or “Immanuel Lutheran High School, College, and Seminary.” Some might think of home schools where both the content and methods of education are governed by Christian parents instead of by the secular government.
All those responses most certainly are fine examples of Christian education. But they are incomplete. Indeed, in a society in which many elements are rapidly becoming antagonistic to Christianity and Christians, those responses may in some cases not even be adequate! It would be a dangerous mistake for Christian parents to assume that their responsibility for the Christian education of their children begins and ends with the above responses. Genuine Christian education involves the entire home and family life of the child.
Christoph Carl Ludwig von Pfeil’s 1782 hymn “Oh, Blest the House, Whate’er Befall” gives a more complete view of what constitutes Christian education.

Your Salvation Is The Lord’s Agenda

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GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Perhaps more than any other Old Testament Scripture, the New Testament writers quote Psalm 110. Jesus Himself quotes it in Matthew 22:44, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right… 

Obey Your Leaders?

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STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy… 

Unity Church

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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 Power and Primacy of the Pope

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“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. History Word was received… 

Gethsemane Lutheran Church Saginaw, Michigan

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A SLICE OF LIFE IN THE CLC Snapshots of congregations from around the Church of the Lutheran Confession. For many, Gethsemane is a name difficult both to spell and to pronounce. For those unfamiliar with… 

A New Professor—Daniel David Schierenbeck

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ILC Newsletter Every other month we get an update on what’s been happening recently at our Immanuel Lutheran High School, College and Seminary in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. “Run with endurance the race set before you.”… 

“BREAD OF LIFE” READINGS August 2019

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TLH = The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941; WS = Worship Supplement 2000; LSB = Lutheran Service Book, 2006

Date Hymns Reading Comments
Aug 1 TLH 512; LSB 839 Romans 11:25-36 In His great wisdom, God sent Jesus to die for all people. So let’s not adopt a condescending attitude toward others whom He wants to save.
Aug 2 TLH 440; LSB 747 Romans 12:9-21 We can’t always stop others from hurting us, but we can overcome their evil with good rather than retaliating.
Aug 3 TLH 417; LSB 857 Romans 13:8-14 If you just don’t know what to do, you can always love!
Aug 5 TLH 46; LSB 921 Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 If your hope and joy is only in this life, you will be disappointed; but if your hope is in the Lord and in the life to come, you will find meaning.
Aug 6 TLH 224; LSB 502 Romans 15:1-13 As you help build up another Christian, you will both benefit from the encouragement of the Scriptures and bring praise to God.
Aug 7 TLH 238; LSB 948 Romans 16:25-27 It is the Lord Who establishes us in the faith through the Gospel of Jesus Christ! All glory to Him!